Paul is in prison and his main concern is about the future of his Gospel message in the face of the heresies and false teachers of the day. Compounding his concern is that many believers have deserted him. In the face of all this, Paul looks to Timothy, his “dear son.” He writes encouraging Timothy in his faith, but also charging Timothy to “guard the gospel.” This letter is a passing of the torch, as the faithful “keeper of the flame” (who has “finished the race”) now hands it off to his disciple to keep the message going. 
Scripture:  2 Timothy 1:1-14; 3:10-17