2 Timothy

Chapters 1-4

Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy while once again in a Roman prison.  This prison stay was to be the last for the apostle and he had no hope of delivery.  Aware that the end was near, Paul passed the non-apostolic mantle of ministry to Timothy and exhorted him to continue faithful in his duties, hold on to sound doctrine, avoid error, accept persecution for the gospel, put his confidence in the Scriptures, and preach it continually.  This was to be the last of Paul’s letters.

Chapter 1- Encouragement To Be Faithful

Paul isn’t simply writing this to Timothy as a close friend and associate, but as an apostle by the will of God.  He varies somewhat from His usual salutation by saying, “sent out to tell others about the life He has promised (eternal life promised to those who are spiritually dead) through faith in Jesus Christ.”  Paul, while sitting in chains in a cold, wet, miserable dungeon still has the heart to “give thanks to God” for Timothy.  Paul does not simply fill the role of evangelist/teacher/pastor, but he “serves God with a clear conscience.”

In some way or another, Paul must have been reminded of Tim’s genuine faith and that he sincerely trusted the Lord.  He remembers Tim’s grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice who both set a great Christian example for the young man.  Tim is now on his own and Paul seems to be unsatisfied with his current level of faithfulness.  He encourages him to “fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you”(v.6).  Paul reminds him that as a steward of his God-given gift for preaching, teaching, and evangelizing, he could not let it fall into disuse.

1. Timothy is under terrific pressure as the young pastor at Ephesus.  What pressures might pull at Timothy to be ashamed of the Gospel or of Paul?  How would Paul’s reminding Tim of the content of the Gospel (vv.9-10) help Tim not to be ashamed?  (A) The church and Timothy are under ever increasing persecution from Rome, from those in Ephesus hostile to Timothy’s leadership, and the constant assault from the false teachers may have been overwhelming him.  Paul did not want Timothy to be ashamed of the name of Jesus because he was afraid of the potential persecution.  Paul reminds him in v.9 that it is God who saves us and calls us with a holy calling.  He didn’t do it because we deserved it, but because that was His plan all along –to show His love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus.  He reminds him of the Gospel and it’s message of Christ’s coming as Savior to break the power of death caused by sin and who showed us the way to eternal life.
2. What kept Paul from being ashamed himself?  (A) Paul had no fear of persecution and death from preaching the Gospel because he was so confident God had sealed his future and blessing.  What keeps you from being ashamed of the Gospel?
3. Paul is saying that he trusts in God to “guard what I have entrusted to Him until the day of His return.”  What has he entrusted to God?  (A) He trusted God with His very life here and in eternity until that day when Paul stands before the judgment seat (the Bema Seat) for reward.
4. VV. 13,14 – Paul encourages Tim to “hold on to the very pattern of right teaching you learned from me.”  Maybe Paul was suggesting that his words be a model for Tim and that everything Tim taught should be in harmony with Paul’s own message, which he received from the Lord.

Chapter 2 –A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ

Great words of encouragement for Timothy and for all believers –“Timothy, my dear Son, be strong with the special favor (grace) God gives you in Christ Jesus (v.1).”  This is the main theme of the letter, Paul encouraging young Timothy to overcome his drift toward weakness under the trials and persecution in Ephesus.  Timothy (and we all) cannot do it on our own; we don’t have too – we have all the strength and power that is in Christ Jesus given to us through the Holy Spirit.  Timothy was fortunate to have a spiritual mentor in Paul, who taught him the great truths of the faith.  Because of this firm foundation, he is called to stand strong against the many false teachers and is told to teach others so that they, in turn, can pass it on.  How else will the lost hear the message of truth?

1. Paul calls Tim to “endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier…(v.3).”  In what way is the Christian walk like that of a good soldier’s?  (A) Paul and Tim are dealing with a hostile world and severe persecution.  We are in battle with the evil world system, our own sinful human nature, and Satan.  As a good soldier is called to distance himself from the normal civilian life he once lead, so also must the good soldier of Jesus Christ refuse to allow the things of the world to distract him.  We tend to take this Christian walk for granted, often given nothing more than lip service and some spare moments to following Christ Jesus.  We forget that the battle is already on and we are in the thick of it.  The battle rages all around us – in our society, with our children and spouses, with material things that draw us away from the important things of a life with Christ.  A soldier must always be ready and on guard, willing to give his life.
2. What are the other two examples Paul gives of this Christian struggle?  (A) He gives the example of an athlete who competes to win the award; in order to receive the award, he must obey the rules.  How many fall away before they cross the finish line because they failed to maintain unquestionable obedience to His Word?  We are speaking here about those nominal “Christians,” ones who maintain they are saved but in their hearts never embrace Christ as Lord and Savior.  The other example is that of the farmer who must first work hard before he enjoys the fruit of his labor.  Ask yourself the question, “Am I willing to work that hard, fight the good fight, to bring honor and glory to His name and ultimately, to receive the promised reward?” 
3. Was Paul asking Timmy to follow his teaching or that of Christ?  (A) V. 8 begins, “Never forget that Christ Jesus was a man…”  As the supreme God/man, He is the ultimate teacher, soldier, athlete, and farmer.  Timothy was to follow His example in teaching, suffering, pursuing the prize, and planting the seeds of truth for a spiritual harvest.
4. The rest of v.8 reads, “and that He was raised from the dead.”  Why did Paul make this point?  (A) In remembering Christ Jesus, the believer is always drawn to the central truth of the Christian faith, that is, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It is everything to the believer and by it, God affirmed the perfect redemptive work of Christ Jesus.  This is the reason we witness and teach, to bring the lost into the fold to share in His redemptive work.  This is the Good News!
5. In v.11-13, we find another of the “true sayings.”  What truths do you find listed here?  (A) V.11, “if we die with Him, we will also live with Him.”  This refers to the believer’s spiritual participation in Christ’s death and Resurrection (Rom. 6:4-8).  “If we endure hardship, we will reign with Him.”  Believers who persevere give evidence of their genuine faith.  “If we deny Him, He will also deny us.”  This is the final, permanent denial, not the temporary failure of a true Christian like Peter (Matt. 26:69-75).  Those who so deny Christ give evidence that they never truly belonged to Him.  “If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”  The unfaithful refers to those who lack saving faith, not to weak or struggling faith.  As faithful as Jesus is to save those who believe in Him, He is equally faithful to judge those who do not.
6. You know those guys in white shirts and skinny black ties that knock on your door and ask you to listen to their message and then feel “the burning in your bosom”?  – Paul says to stop arguing with them (false teachers), because it is foolish, futile, and dangerous (v.14).  Because it replaces truth with lies, false teaching brings spiritual ruin to those who embrace it.
7. In v.18, we find the heretical doctrine of the false teachers.  They taught that the “resurrection of the dead has already occurred.”  Why is this such a big issue?  (A) These teachers did not believe in the final resurrection of the body and that when a person was saved and raised to a newness of life with Christ, they reached their final condition while still here on earth.  Peggy Lee sang the famous song, “Is that all there is,” but Christ promises so much more.  If this were the believer’s final condition, we would stop looking for the Lord, we would lose the truth of our heavenly destiny and our hope for the heavenly state of perfection.
8. VV. 20,21 are self-explanatory.  Just as the best vessels are used for the best purposes, so to does God use those who keep themselves free from sin, and faithful to do His will.  V.22 urges believers to “run from anything that stimulates youthful lust.”  Is Paul talking about sexual lust?  (A)  Yes but included are the lust of pride, desire for wealth and power, jealousy, self-assertiveness, and an argumentative spirit.  Instead, Paul calls for believers to pursue faith, love, and peace (v22).
9. Here’s a tough one.  V. 24 command “The Lord’s servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone.  They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people.  They should gently teach those who oppose the truth.”  WOW!  I don’t know too many Christians who can boast of being worthy of these commands from Paul.  These are not suggestions – he uses the imperative words “must” and “be” to stress his point.  The point is to be Christ like in all we do, especially in regard to the unbeliever.

Chapter 3 –The Dangers of the Last Days

Some say we are already in our last days.  Are we?  Actually, we are, and we certainly are careening ever so quickly to that time in the history of man when everything changes.

1. Paul states the obvious, “in those last days there will be very difficult days (v.1).”  How does the list of sins in vv.1-5 sound like a commentary on our own society?  When is the last time you watched the evening news- does this list remind you of any of those segments? Watching television these days you see only these types of people, even in the so-called sitcoms.  Paul mentions the “last days” – when are the last days?  This refers to the present age, the time since the first coming of the Lord Jesus up until the appearing of Christ to set up His kingdom (after the Tribulation).
2. The apostle is the best mentor a young Christian could ever have, and we are fortunate to be able to read these words of truth and apply them to our own lives.  VV.10,11, display, in sharp contrast to the false teachers, the nine distinctive features that we identify Paul with.  His doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, his persecutions, and his suffering.  We might sum up his life in this manner:

q       His teaching (doctrine) was true to the Word of God and loyal to the Lord Jesus Christ (v.10).

q       He stayed with the Truth of the Bible –“remain faithful in the things which you have learned and been assured of…the holy scriptures…have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus” (vv.13-15).

q       He proclaimed the message of Christ, the Gospel (4:2).

q       He maintained an exemplary life (4:5).

He urged Timothy to follow his example.

3. Memorize v.16 and have it on the tip of your tongue and in your heart when you     encounter scoffers of the faith and false teachers.  “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.”  How often have you heard people say, “Well, I believe this part of the Bible, but I don’t believe that part?”  The verse says that ALL Scripture is inspired by God!  The chapter ends, “It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.”  It is God who prepares us and equips us for His purpose.  There can be no “well I’m just not ready” or “I’m not qualified to do this…”  God knows if and when you are.  All He asks is for you to say “Yes Lord” when He calls.

Chapter 4 – Preach the Word

Paul now begins his final charge to young Timothy.  He does so in sight of God and the Lord Jesus.  All we do should be carried out with the realization that it is watched by God’s all-seeing eye.

1.            Paul says in v.1 that the Lord Jesus Christ will “someday judge the living and the dead when He appears to set up His kingdom.”  Is this saying that Christ will judge everyone, believer and unbeliever at the same time?  (A) No!  Paul in these verses is emphasizing the unique accountability that all believers, and especially ministers of the Word of God, have to Christ as Judge.  As Judge He will someday judge the works of every believer (1 Cor. 3:12-15; 4:1-5; 2 Cor. 5:10) (not for condemnation!).  Therefore, we see that this is not about salvation.  Believers have been judged already and declared righteous –they are no longer subject to the condemnation of sin (Rom.8:1-4).  When Paul says that He will judge the “living and the dead” he means that Christ will ultimately judge all men in 3 distinct settings: 1) the judgment of believers after the Rapture (1 Cor. 3:12-15); 2) the sheep and goats judgment of the nations, in which believers will be separated from unbelievers (Matt. 25:31-33), for entrance into the millennial kingdom (note: these are new believers who have come to faith in Christ after the Rapture).  3) the Great White Throne Judgment of unbelievers only (Rev. 20:11-15).

2.            Paul is so clear in his admonitions to do good service for Christ.  He warns us to beware of those who no longer listen to right teaching.  These will follow their own path and look for teachers who tickle their fancy.  They will be rejecters of the truth and followers of strange myths.  Have you noticed the popularity of “spirit” focused shows on TV?  The Medium and Ghost Watcher are hugely popular and many movies are written around this same theme.  Paul warns us to keep a clear mind in every situation.  We have the Word to guide us!

3.            Can we do more than emulate the great apostle than to say of our lives, “I have fought a good fight.  I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.  And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that great day of His return  And the prize is for all who await His glorious return.”  Thank you Paul for your faithfulness.  Thank You Lord Jesus for Your sacrifice.  We look forward with great expectation to the day of Your return in glory!