2 Timothy
🔎 INTRODUCTION
Second Timothy was Paul’s final epistle. Often we place special importance on people’s “famous last words.” These are the last recorded words of Paul. In 2 Timothy 4:6-9 he expresses his belief that he would die soon, that his journey as an apostle was almost over. Paul had been imprisoned in Rome before from around 61 to 63 AD. Most scholars believe he was temporarily released, and traveled on another missionary journey before being arrested and imprisoned again. We learn in Acts 28 that Paul’s first imprisonment was akin to house arrest and he still enjoyed some amount of freedom.
Now it is likely 66-67 AD and he is in prison again. We see in 2 Timothy 2:6 that Paul is in chains, showing his second imprisonment is much more severe than his first. We see his loneliness starting in 4:9 and his longing to see his brothers and friends again. He mentions that Luke alone is with him and asks that Timothy come quickly. At the end of his life Paul is no longer allowed to travel on long missionary journeys. But his service to the Lord continues.
His heart is in making disciples. This had been the core of his ministry for decades. Nearing his death, the importance of discipleship was magnified even more. Paul’s disciples would carry on the ministry of reproduction after he left. Because he had made disciples effectively and trained up men like Timothy the work could continue even without Paul.
Paul was concerned about the welfare of the churches during this time of persecution under Nero, and he admonishes Timothy to guard the gospel (1:14), to persevere in it (3:14), to keep on preaching it (4:2) and, if necessary, to suffer for it (1:8; 2:3).
Second Timothy is very personal. It is a final letter to a close friend and coworker. Paul encourages Timothy to continue in faithfulness and offers his own life as an example for Timothy to follow. What he calls on Timothy to do, he himself has done already.
Even in this short, practical epistle about godliness amid suffering, Paul presents his remarks against the background of what God has been doing down through history. The ancient promises of a coming Messiah find their fulfillment in Jesus. Hope has dawned in his appearing and kingdom (2 Timothy 4:1). It is as a result of this that Timothy is called to “share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:8).
Throughout the letter Paul reminds Timothy that suffering is part of the normal Christian life (2 Timothy 1:8; 2:3; 3:12; 4:5). The apostle reminds young Timothy that he is called to endure such suffering faithfully by God’s grace and power (2 Timothy 1:8–9; 2:1, 11–13). The adversity that comes in the normal course of Christian living is not abnormal (2 Timothy 3:12; Acts 14:22). As Christians around the world face different kinds of hardship due to their loyalty to Christ, they should remember that they are identifying with the Savior himself, who suffered faithfully on our behalf. Indeed, suffering for the sake of Christ is one of God’s primary ways of spreading the good news (2 Timothy 2:8–10).
Especially poignant are Paul’s repeated words about those who have forsaken him and those who have stood by him. Everyone in Asia has deserted Paul, as has Demas (2 Timothy 1:15; 4:10). Crescens and Titus have left (2 Timothy 4:10). Only Onesiphorus stood by Paul in Rome (2 Timothy 1:16–18), and now only Luke is with him (2 Timothy 4:11). The suffering of the Christian and especially the Christian leader includes the suffering of loneliness despite faithfulness.
Session 1 - Encouragement – 2 Timothy 1:1-5
🔎 TEXT -2 Timothy 1:1-5 (NLT)
Greetings from Paul
1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 I am writing to Timothy, my dear son.
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.
Encouragement to Be Faithful
3 Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.
5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.
🔎 CONSIDER
Paul wrote a letter to young Timothy to motivate him in his ministry. Paul openly expressed his positive feelings for Timothy by sharing fond memories of him.
Paul’s relationship to Timothy was like that of John Wesley to William Wilberforce. For years Wilberforce had worked to abolish the slave trade in England. The intensity of the struggle had so discouraged him that he was ready to give up. On his deathbed, Wesley heard of his friend’s weariness. With trembling hand he wrote, “Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be for you, who can be against you? Oh, be not weary of well-doing! Go on, in the name of God and in the power of his might, till even American slavery shall vanish away before it.” Wesley died six days later, but Wilberforce fought faithfully for forty-five more years till in 1833, only three days before his own death, he witnessed the abolition of slavery in Great Britain.
Everyone needs an encourager. Paul encouraged Timothy as he wrote: “I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.”
Today we have opportunity to motivate others to give their all to God. Encouragement lights a fire in our soul and inspires us to work with our whole heart. So tell those around you today how much they mean to you!
🔎 THINK
"Timothy was called by God to take on the role of pastor. He was not endowed with a powerful body and iron constitution-he was frail. He was not bold but reticent. And he was not a natural leader. If the job was to get done, he would have to rely upon God. Everything would have to be the result of Timothy's profound dependence upon God's power and grace. Timothy was surely heartened by Paul's introductory remarks in which the apostle reminded him that he was in the apostle's constant prayers and of his longing affection for his young disciple and of his confidence in the sincerity of Timothy's faith. And Timothy undoubtedly took further heart from Paul's reminder of the giftedness for ministry that he was to "fan into flame" and of the Holy Spirit's gifts of "power" and "love" and "self-control" for ministry. These bracing realities primed Timothy for the solemn charges to stand tall, suffer, and keep the faith..."
Who is the most inspiring Christian you've ever known or seen, and how did they inspire you?
Paul kept praying for Timothy. How do our prayers for others make a difference in their lives and ours?
Can you think of a time the Holy Spirit has helped you move beyond fear in serving God? Do you have any examples in which the Holy Spirit has given you a supernatural love for someone you'd otherwise find hard?
How might focusing on God's call on our lives help us persevere when times are hard?
Paul encouraged Timothy to be loyal to God's Word. what might that loyalty look like today?
Paul encouraged the people who had helped him. How can we provide encouragement and support for others in our church family?
🔎 SIMILAR
1 Peter 2:9 – But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Romans 10:14-15 – How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Luke 10:1-3 – After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
Mark 1:17 – “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Ephesians 6:13 – Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
1 Peter 1:13 – Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.
James 4:4 – You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Session 2 – Not Ashamed to Show My Faith – 2 Timothy 1:6-18
🔎 TEXT - 2 Timothy 1:6-18 (NLT)
6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. 9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 10 And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. 11 And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.
12 That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.
13 Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. 14 Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.
15 As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted me—even Phygelus and Hermogenes.
16 May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his
family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never
ashamed of me because I was in chains. 17 When he came to
Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me. 18 May the
Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return. And
you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.
🔎 CONSIDER
Here Paul reminds Timothy that he stands on the shoulders of faithful Christians in the past. We should never underestimate the value of supportive people in our lives. Behind the heroes of history stand individuals who enabled those heroes to succeed.
Take Johan von Stopitz, the friend and adviser to Martin Luther. Von Stopitz introduced Luther to biblical studies, taught him the value of grace, and defended Luther when he was widely criticized. Luther credited von Stopitz with helping him to keep going through the most challenging times he faced.
In 1536 William Farrell challenged John Calvin to remain in Geneva. That decision directly affected the course of the Protestant Reformation and the spread of Reformed theology.
The apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to practice his God-given spiritual gifts. Like supportive people today, Paul focused on the positive dimensions of life, reminding Timothy that God has given us “a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
God calls us to recognize and thank those who have supported and encouraged us, and to reach out and encourage others. You never know what might become of a life that you touch with the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
🔎 THINK
Do not be ashamed of God or Paul – Paul was a prisoner in Rome. We see in verse 15 that a number of believers had turned away from him. It wasn’t beneficial to be known as a friend of Paul’s. It was dangerous. Paul was going to be executed soon. It is similar to the night of Jesus’ arrest. When Jesus was arrested, most of the disciples fled in fear. Peter himself denied Jesus. They were afraid of being caught up in the same net as Jesus and being punished alongside him.
It is the same thing that some of the people around Paul were afraid of. Paul encourages Timothy not to be like them. He encourages Timothy to be brave and stand up for God and also not be ashamed of his relationship with Paul. What is the link between these two things?
Jesus said that a light on a hill cannot be hidden. He also said that whatever we do to the “least of these” we do also for Him. In 1 John 4:20 we learn that if we do not love the brother whom we see, we cannot love God whom we don’t see. The way to serve God is to serve the people around us. The way to love God is to love the people around us. The way to be bold for God is to boldly identify with other believers around us.
Doing these things could result in suffering. Their is no guarantee in life that you will not suffer for Christ. In fact, persecution is one of the things promised in the Bible to believers. Let us join together in standing together for Christ in a dark world and not compromising or hiding no matter what.
Verse 9 – God is worthy of our complete faith and commitment. He chose us. He called us. He saved us. He did all of these things for a reason. He wants us to be holy. He wants us to use our lives for Him as a "priest" (Exodus 19:4-6, 1 Peter 2:9). Hiding or running when things become difficult is a waste of the gift God has given to us.
Verse 10 – In the Old Testament salvation was largely a mystery. God planned it before the beginning of the world. But He did not fully reveal that plan until the time of Christ who showed us clearly just what the gospel is.
For which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher – Paul knew what he was called to do. He knew whom he served. His ministry was Christ focused because Christ is the central figure in God’s entire plan. The Bible is important, but the Bible doesn’t save us. The Holy Spirit is God, but He didn’t die on the cross. Church was established by God, but it is a means to draw closer to Christ. We are not followers of a religion. We are not followers of a set of creeds or doctrines. We are followers of Christ.
When people ask you what denomination you are we should not answer “Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian…” We should answer, “I am a follower of Christ.” The greatest news on earth is that Christ “abolished death and brought life and immorality to light through the gospel.” Telling people this was the whole purpose of Paul’s ministry.
We should not walk around with an agenda to win people to other than Christ. We should not be distracted by controversies or silly arguments. We too are called by Christ and appointed to serve Him. We have been appointed as ambassadors, heralds, evangelists, teachers, etc.
Application:
Are you doing your job? Are you introducing people to Christ? Is Christ the center of your life or is something else taking the priority. All of us call ourselves Christians. Does Christ come first or do you come first?
What can we learn from his challenge to “not be ashamed of our Lord or of me His prisoner?”
Is it possible for a believer to shirk away from identifying with other believers publicly, while still being bold for Christ? Why or why not?
For what purpose has God saved us?
For what reason does Paul suffer these things?
How can you also retain the standard of sound words?
What treasure had been entrusted to Timothy (14)?
How had other brothers reacted to Paul’s imprisonment?
🔎 SIMILAR
Acts 28:31 – He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
Proverbs 28:1 – The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 Corinthians 3:12 – Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
Acts 4:13 – When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
Romans 8:37-39 – No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Timothy 4:6 – If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.
Session 3 – Endure and Be Strong – 2 Timothy 2:1-7
🔎 TEXT - 2 Timothy 2:1-7 (NLT)
A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus
1 Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
🔎 CONSIDER
An old saying about mentoring and apprenticeships goes something like this: “I do, you watch; I do, you help; You do, I help; You do, I watch.”
Jesus trained his disciples in a way like this, and they passed along to others what they learned from him. An apprentice commits to learning from a master and then becomes experienced and able to teach others.
In 2 Timothy 2, Paul urges Timothy to remember his training and to pass it along to reliable people who can teach others. By his grace, God wants to be in relationship with us in Christ, to fill us with his Holy Spirit, and to show us how to live fully so that we share all this with others. God wants us to be his apprentices.
A powerful image in The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis illustrates this well. This unusual book is written from the perspective of a demon (or devil) who is attempting to explain God’s great plan for humankind: “One must face the fact that all the talk about God’s love for men, and His service being perfect freedom, is not (as one would gladly believe) mere propaganda, but an appalling truth. God really does want to fill the universe with a lot of loathsome little replicas of Himself—creatures whose life, on its miniature scale, will be qualitatively like His own . . . because their wills freely conform to His.”
🔎 THINK
In 2:1-7 the apostle enlarges on what Timothy must do to guard the gospel deposit as he was charged in 1:14.
What would you say are the most important characteristics for someone with a Christian ministry (not just full-time/paid/leadership ministry but all types)?
What is this treasure that Timothy is to steward and why is it so precious?
What does Paul think can be learned from a good soldier?
How can we 'stay in training' like an athlete in our faith?
🔎 SIMILAR
1 Peter 2:9 – But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Romans 10:14-15 – How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Luke 10:1-3 – After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
Mark 1:17 – “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Ephesians 6:13 – Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
1 Peter 1:13 – Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.
James 4:4 – You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
Hebrews
12:1-2 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud
of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin
that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race
marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and
perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,
scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of
God.
Session 4 – Stop Fighting over Words - 2 Timothy 2:8-13
🔎 TEXT - 2 Timothy 2:8-13 (NLT)
8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. 9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.
11 This is a trustworthy saying:
If we die with him,
we will also live with him.
12 If we endure hardship,
we will reign with him.
If we deny him,
he will deny us.
13 If we are unfaithful,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny who he is.
🔎 CONSIDER
Growing up, I had a neighbor a few years older than me. If I fell off my bike, Bruno would be there to help me get home and fix my bike. If I was having trouble building a fort, Bruno would appear and help secure a few walls. And if a group of older boys started harassing me, Bruno would step in as my bodyguard. I was always on the receiving end of that relationship; Bruno was big, strong, and tough as nails, and I was just a little nine-year-old.
Sometimes I wonder why Bruno was so faithful to me. Why did he look after the little kid next door without fail, even though there was never anything in it for him?
The psalmist asked that same question of God. He prayed, “LORD, our Lord … what are mere mortals that you are mindful of them … ?” (Psalm 8:1, 4). Why does the God of heaven care for us?
According to 2 Timothy 2:13, God is faithful to his tiny creatures because it’s in his nature to do so. If God were ever to be unfaithful, he would first have to disown himself, because in his very nature God is faithful. Even though we can give God only a little in return, he remains forever faithful to all whom he loves. And amazingly, by his Spirit, God wants to grow that same faithfulness in us.
🔎 THINK
Jesus is your inspiration (8-9) – Remembering Jesus’ example, could encourage Timothy to face suffering without fear or giving up. Jesus’ suffering and His sacrifice for us should also motivate us to face persecution boldly without thought of compromise. Jesus gave His life for us even though we had done nothing for Him and had done everything against Him. We should be willing to give our lives for Him who has done everything for us.
The Word of God is not imprisoned – No matter what happens to you, God’s enemies cannot stop the spread of His Word. Many times God even uses the death of His saints to begin revivals. There was once many soldiers in a Roman legion who become believers. The commander was ordered to take the out on a frozen lake, strip them, and wait for them to die of cold. Out on the lake, they prayed and sang hymns of praise to God, who they knew were with them in the face of persecution. Their example of devotion and joy in the midst of suffering was so great that the commander himself became a believer, joined them, and died with them out on the ice.
In a more recent example there was a guard in a Muslim country who was instructed to torture his Christian prisoner. The love and forgiveness he saw in that prisoner melted his heart and he too became a believer.
Application: Knowing that the enemies of the cross can never stop the gospel from spreading should give you boldness to stand firm in the faith.
The lost motivate us – Jesus is our inspiration. Yet He is not the only reason Paul (and we) must endure. Another thing driving Paul was the necessity to keep sharing the gospel so that all of God’s elect would hear and believe. We should have the same drive to share the gospel with the lost. Like Paul did, do you also say “woe is me” if I don’t share the gospel?
Verses 11-13 – We die with him figuratively when we die to our sins and are “baptized” into His death. We must die to live. If we die to ourselves, we can live for Christ. But we won’t only live with Him. We will also reign with Him. (1 Corinthians 6:3. Mark 8:38.)
God’s character doesn’t change. God will not break His promises even when we do. God will not abandon us even when we sin. In Deuteronomy 31:6 we learn that God will never leave us or forsake us. But yet verse 12 also has a warning. If we publicly deny our belief in Christ, then He too will be ashamed of us. God is willing to forgive as we see in the example of Peter. At the same time we should remember that true believers will repent as Peter also did.
How does God give us understanding? How can we increase our understanding?
What was the reason Paul was willing to suffer so much?
How can remembering Christ help encourage us to face suffering without giving up?
What fact encouraged Paul even in the midst of his imprisonment?
What does it mean, “if we deny Him, He will deny us?”
🔎 SIMILAR
Joshua 1:8 – Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Psalm 1:2 – But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
Proverbs 4:20-22 – My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.
Psalms 119: 97 – I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.
Session 5 – Be a Good Worker – 2 Timothy 2:14-19
🔎 TEXT - 2 Timothy 2:15-19 (NLT)
An Approved Worker
14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.
15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.
19 But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”
🔎 CONSIDER
We are motivated when reaching toward a goal. Our adrenaline flows, our creative juices churn, and our mind works overtime at solving the problems that stand in the way of achieving God’s vision for our life.
In the United States, where I live, there has recently been an unhealthy trend toward mediocrity. Consider recent sales of tee shirts; the most widely distributed logo in the United States is now “Underachiever and Proud of It.” At the same time, in Japan, the most popular tee shirt reads, “We’re Number One.” In the church as well we can become satisfied with less than our best.
Paul instructs Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed.” Paul was not content with anything but the best. He valued repetition, instructing Timothy to “keep reminding” his listeners.
Repetition really works for me. There are certain messages I must hear over and over again. The saying “the early bird gets the worm” nudges me out of bed each morning to feast on God’s manna. A card in my wallet, “Prayer changes things,” moves me to pray before I attempt to fix a problem in my own strength. A sign on my wall, “People are forever,” calls me to put people before projects no matter how inconvenient that may seem at times. Repetition produces excellence.
🔎 THINK
"Now from verse 14, Paul leaves off his appeal to Timothy to stand tall and suffer, and turns to his overarching concern of countering false teachers who subvert the Word, he commands Timothy to "Remind them of these things" (v. 14a)-that is, to remind the Ephesian church of the faithful saying, of both its comfort to believers and its warning to those who deliberately walk away. "Keep reminding the church of what is at stake…"
What sort of unnecessary quarrels can we sometimes find ourselves involved in?
If godless chatter is mostly gossip, why is Paul so strongly opposed to it?
What does it mean to be created like a vessel used for serving?
Do you think of yourself as something with 'special purpose' (v20) and how can we make sure we are? Do you have any practical suggestions for how we can 'pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace' day to day?
In what ways does a good pastor, minister, teacher. volunteer etc. show their servant spirit, and what type of person does Paul envisage in v. 24-26?
🔎 SIMILAR
Matthew 12:36-37 – But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Proverbs 12:28 – In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.
James 1:26 – Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
Ephesians 5:6 – Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
Proverbs 10:19 – Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.
Session 6 – Don’t Get involved with Foolishness – 2 Timothy 2:20-26
🔎 TEXT - 2 Timothy 2:20-26 (NLT)
20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
🔎 CONSIDER
A recent blog I read celebrated the idea of a “never-ending vacation.” Faced with the prospects of an unfulfilling job and the constant demands of everyday life, many people dream of “leaving it all behind” and heading for a place with no responsibilities.
While it can be good to have a change of pace in life, the temptation to run away from all our responsibilities will lead to trouble and will damage the relationships in our lives.
In 2 Timothy 2 the apostle Paul mentions two individuals who ran away from home spiritually. Apparently they got caught up in false teachings about the resurrection and undermined the hope that believers had in Christ. The false teachers painted a picture that misled people to wander from the good news of Jesus—that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ, who died for our sins and rose again so that we can live forever with him.
No matter how much we might enjoy learning new things in life, we need the “solid foundation” of truth that we can depend on to provide us with our spiritual home. We need a place where we are known and accepted in grace. And that’s what God gives us in Christ.
Let’s be careful about the stories we tell and the “chatter” we might engage in. In all that we say and do, we should ask ourselves, “Does it point people to Christ?”
🔎 THINK
Stand firm – A major theme of the book of 2 Timothy is to stand firm. Paul encouraged Timothy to be strong in God’s grace. He reminded Paul to never give up, never compromise, and never be ashamed. In the past several verses we have seen Paul encourage Timothy not to be distracted. He wanted Timothy to keep his ministry goals clearly in front of him and not be sidetracked by worldly chatter or foolish talk. He was to focus on the Word of God and become equipped to handle it accurately.
The “firm foundation of God stands.” – In verse 20 we see that the lives of believers and their works are built on top of that firm foundation. Paul uses an illustration to show Timothy that he has a choice to make regarding whether or not he will be used by God. He gives an example of a house. In a typical house there would be some valuable items made out of gold and silver and some common items made out of cheap materials like wood or clay. Obviously the owner would place greater value on the expensive items made out of gold.
In our homes it is the same. Some “dishonorable” items are made out of cheap plastic (such as trash cans). We don’t care so much if they are broken. We don’t pay any special attention to take care of them. Paul is basically giving Timothy an implied question, “If you could choose, which type of item would you want to be?” Would you be the polished tool or would you be the dirty rag?
Verse 21 – Paul wanted Timothy to be a vessel of honor. He wanted Timothy to be a useful tool in God’s hands. He wanted Timothy to serve God. If Timothy allowed himself to be used by God (by not giving up and compromising, unlike Phygelus and Hermogenes in 1:15), then God would honor him.
What kind of vessels are for dishonor?
What do the gold/silver vessels represent?
What do the wooden and earthenware vessels represent?
How can you become an honorable vessel?
How would you go about cleansing yourself?
Who is the Master?
How can you be more useful to the Master?
How can you be more prepared for every good work?
🔎 SIMILAR
John 12:26 – Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
Matthew 25:21 – “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
Jeremiah 18:6 – He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.
Hebrews 13:16 – And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Hebrews 6:10 – God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
1 Corinthians 3:12 – If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw.
Philippians 2:3-10 – Read these verses for a description of Jesus’ qualities as the ultimate servant.
Session 7 – Very Difficult Times – 2 Timothy 3:1-9
🔎 TEXT - 2 Timothy 3:1-9 (NLT)
The Dangers of the Last Days
1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
6 They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. 7 (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) 8 These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. 9 But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.
🔎 CONSIDER
The biggest hand-dug hole in the world—more than a mile across—is in South Africa. It used to be a hill. But one day children at play unearthed an attractive stone that turned out to be one of the largest diamonds in the world. Eager treasure hunters came from everywhere to stake their claim on a square yard of property.
Our awareness of the end times should ignite that kind of fervor. The evils that Paul predicted are happening. Our news vividly describes brutality and violence in individuals and society. We’ve become captivated by money rather than concerned for people, abusive of family members rather than protective of the people we cherish, lovers of pleasure instead of lovers of God.
An ancient chronicle describes the fervor that happened on the last day of the first millennium. As midnight neared, masters and servants embraced. Bitter enemies forgave each other. In St. Peter’s Basilica Pope Sylvester II performed a midnight mass in silence. The worshipers lay face down in godly reverence. When the bell began to ring the midnight hour, many shrieked in fright, but Pope Sylvester raised his hands in blessing and the choir sang with joy, “To God Be the Glory.”
We need this kind of fervor for God. The devil whispers, “There’s no hurry,” but Christians know they need to live each day for the Lord as if it could be their last.
🔎 THINK
"Paul warned Timothy, "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty" (v. 1)-referring to the time period that had begun with the coming of Christ, continued in Timothy's day, and continues in our day as we await Christ's return. The "last days" and the "times of difficulty" have been in effect for 2,000 years. This is clear from the context because in verse 5, where Timothy is commanded in the present tense to "[a]void such people," the "people" is the false leaders of "the last days" whom Paul so scathingly describes in verses 2-4…"
Paul warned Timothy about how to spot dangers in the world around him. What are the indications of things that have gone wrong in the world that we still see?
Why might the most deceiving voices come from someone with a religious appearance?
One of the negative characteristics Paul listed was a lack of self-control. What are some examples of a lack of self-control in our society?
Is self-control something we can pray for and how can we best grow in it as a spiritual fruit?
Much of 2 Timothy 3 is about Paul telling Timothy who to listen to. How would you tell a younger Christian how to know which voices to listen to?
How do we know who are helpful to listen to, especially in the age of so much information?
🔎 SIMILAR
Matthew 24:14 – And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
2 Peter 3:3-4 – Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”
Matthew 24:22 – If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.
Session 8 – Remain Faithful to Honorable Teaching - 2 Timothy 3:10-17
🔎 TEXT - 2 Timothy 3:10-17 (NLT)
Paul’s Charge to Timothy
10 But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. 12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.
14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 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. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
🔎 CONSIDER
The apostle Paul tells Timothy, a young pastor, that God expresses himself in Scripture to show us eternal life and teach us how to live with him today. The apostle wanted this young minister to know not only how he should follow Christ but also how to mentor others.
These verses reveal three essential truths: (1) Scripture—the Old Testament that Paul and Timothy knew and the New Testament we know today—reveals Christ and is God's message to us from his heart; (2) Scripture teaches us who God is, rebukes us for our sin, corrects us, and trains us in the right way to live; and (3) Scripture equips disciples to do the good works God has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10).
But this good news comes with a caution. Richard J. Foster (Celebration of Discipline) writes, "We come to the Scripture to be changed." At this point we should hear echoes of Hebrews' warning: "sharp edges!" Transformation is never painless.
We'd like God to transform us instantaneously, but that's not the way it happens. He totally involves us in his project to make us his disciples. Like athletes who must stay in shape, studying God's Word requires daily discipline. Don't speed-read today's passage and message. God has personally expressed himself to give us eternal life through his Son and to tell us how to live righteously. Shouldn't we listen very carefully?
🔎 THINK
Verses 10-11 are in start contrast to 2-3. These two verses show the things we should be pursuing. Timothy had learned these character qualities from Paul. Let’s look at each of these one by one.
Persecutions and sufferings – Jews from Antioch and Iconium chased Paul down and stoned him, leaving him for dead at Lystra. Timothy was supposed to “follow” these persecutions. As he followed Paul’s teaching, conduct, and purpose it would inevitably lead him to persecution (as we learn in verse 12). Timothy was not to let this sway him.
In fact, this is the overarching theme of the entire book of 2 Timothy. Paul reminds Timothy to be strong in God’s grace and that he was not given a spirit of fear, but of power and love and faith. He wasn’t to be ashamed of Paul or afraid that he would face a similar fate. Instead he was to continue on the path God had prepared for him. He was to persevere. He was to stand firm. He must never give up, never compromise, never quit.
The godly in Christ will be persecuted. This says will be. Do not be surprised when persecution comes. We should expect it. Since we expect it, we should prepare for it. We should be ready. Like Paul told Timothy, we should be strong in grace. We should not be ashamed of the Lord or of His people.
Are we ready to give our lives for Christ? Are we ready to give our freedoms?
🔎 SIMILAR
Matthew 24:14 – And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
2 Peter 3:3-4 – Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”
Matthew 24:22 – If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.
Session 9 – Be Prepared – 2 Timothy 4:1-8
🔎 TEXT - 2 Timothy 4:1-8 (NLT)
1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
🔎 CONSIDER
Are you at peace when you reflect on your own mortality? Though our life with Christ will never end, we know that our journey on this earth is not going to last forever. One day we will stand in our Creator’s presence.
In 2 Timothy 4 the apostle Paul reflects on this important meeting. His thoughts about the end of his life on earth are filled with stirring emotion and striking imagery. He is honest with us in his sadness, just as he is strong in his Christian hope.
As Paul reflects on his years as an apostle of Christ, he uses language from the sports world. Paul says he has successfully finished the race and has observed all the rules—the teachings of Christ. He has kept the faith, and now he is ready to accept his award—the crown of righteousness.
Throughout his ministry Paul has trusted in his Savior. He is doing the same now as he nears the end of his life on earth and looks forward to a new adventure in God’s presence.
When our life on this earth runs its course, will we be able to say we have fought the good fight and kept the faith? Will we receive the crown of righteousness? Only by God’s grace can we be faithful, credited with Jesus’ righteousness and crowned to live in his presence forever.
🔎 THINK
"Paul warned Timothy, "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty" (v. 1)-referring to the time period that had begun with the coming of Christ, continued in Timothy's day, and continues in our day as we await Christ's return. The "last days" and the "times of difficulty" have been in effect for 2,000 years. This is clear from the context because in verse 5, where Timothy is commanded in the present tense to "avoid such people," the "people" is the false leaders of "the last days" whom Paul so scathingly describes in verses 2-4…"
Paul warned Timothy about how to spot dangers in the world around him. What are the indications of things that have gone wrong in the world that we still see?
Why might the most deceiving voices come from someone with a religious appearance?
One of the negative characteristics Paul listed was a lack of self- control. What are some examples of a lack of self-control in our society?
Is self-control something we can pray for and how can we best grow in it as a spiritual fruit?
Much of 2 Timothy 3 is about Paul telling Timothy who to listen to. How would you tell a younger Christian how to know which voices to listen to?
How do we know who are helpful to listen to, especially in the age of so much information?
🔎 SIMILAR
On Being Ready
1 Peter 3:15 – But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Proverbs 20:4 – Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.
2 Timothy 3:17 – So that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Exodus 4:10-12 – Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”
The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
2 Timothy 2:15 – Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
1 Corinthians 2:4 – My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.
Session 10 – See to the Needs of Others -2 Timothy 4:9-22
🔎 TEXT - 2 Timothy 4:9-22 (NLT)
Paul’s Final Words
9 Timothy, please come as soon as you can. 10 Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm, but the Lord will judge him for what he has done. 15 Be careful of him, for he fought against everything we said.
16 The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. 18 Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
Paul’s Final Greetings
19 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and those living in the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed at Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.
21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.
22 May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you.
🔎 CONSIDER
Servitude is not a glamorous concept. Who in their right mind would sign up for a life of servitude? And yet that is what God has in mind for his people. God knows how service to others will bless us as well as the community around us.
Service is a great way to put aside our self-centeredness and notice how we are connected, even indebted, to others. When we start seeing the genuine needs of others, it deters our own sense of entitlement. None of us became the people we are alone, but by the sacrifice and investment of many others from our earliest years. And that doesn’t take into account what Christ has done for us.
Serving others not only reveals the bonds between us; it reflects the love of God. When we notice service to us, and when we serve others, we experience God’s grace. It points people to Christ. Jesus modeled grace that goes way beyond our understanding. He emptied himself for us, though we deserved nothing. His example calls us to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21). In our “me-first” culture, God calls us to put others first. What a challenge!
Are we looking out for others the way we look out for ourselves? Can we put their needs ahead of our own? How are you serving in your community?
🔎 THINK
Verse 9 – Paul desired to see Timothy again before the end. It is evidence of the close relationship they had.
Give one example of how you can love God instead of the world this week.
Paul takes comfort in the fact that God was with Him. God strengthened him. People deserted him, but God did not. God had a task for him at the trial. He wanted Paul to be a witness in front of the Gentiles present. You see, God is not primarily interested in our short-term comfort. But God always looks at the eternal. He had an eternal purpose He wanted to accomplish through Paul’s legal case.
Verse 18 – We see clearly that being rescued didn’t mean Paul would be saved from the trial. It didn’t mean God would save him from death. Instead God would bring him through the trial safely to his final place of rest in God’s presence in heaven.
Verse 22 – The Lord be with your spirit. Paul was far apart from his closest disciple. But he entrusted Timothy to the Lord, knowing that the Lord loved and cared for Timothy even more than he did. We too should have the same attitude of prayer toward those we seek to minister to and with.
Why was Paul’s request to Timothy to come soon so urgent?
What are signs or symptoms of loving the world?
Why does Paul mention Alexander the copper smith to Timothy?
Who was with him when no one else was?
What can we learn from Paul about the fact that he was still witnessing at his trial?
What did he believe God would rescue him from?
What can we learn from Paul about relationships from this passage?
🔎 SIMILAR
Exodus 29:40-41 – With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil from pressed olives, and a quarter of a hin of wine as a drink offering. Sacrifice the other lamb at twilight with the same grain offering and its drink offering as in the morning—a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the Lord.
1 Timothy 6:12 – Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 – Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
1 Thessalonians 2:19 – For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?
2 Timothy 4:8 – Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
1 Peter 5:4 – And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Revelation 2:10 – Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
Revelation 4:10 – The twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne.
1 John 2:15-16 – Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
James 4:4 – You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
Colossians 4:12-14 – Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.
Philemon
24 – And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow
workers.
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