Review:
Paul's Second Letter to Timothy
Last week we finished Paul’s instructions on how Timothy was to direct the way that the members of the church in Ephesus should deal with specific groups of people. Two weeks ago we discussed how the church was to deal with widows, and elders. We finished up that part of our study last week with how slaves should respect their masters. Then last week in chapter 6 Paul addressed money and the rich, in other words, find your riches in Christ. We learned that the motivation of the false teachers in Ephesus was money, and that they thought and taught that godliness was a way to riches. What they taught resulted in envy and constant quarreling. Godliness does bring great gain but that gain is in contentment not material wealth. Paul didn’t say that wealth is a sin. It’s the wanting to be rich that's dangerous. When your desire is to gain wealth, that desire can tempt you. to do wrong things.
Those who want to be rich and make that their purpose in life will never be content. The desire to be rich will ruin and destroy them. The love of money is the strong desire to get wealth. It is greater than the desire to love and serve God. It becomes the main purpose in life. There are people who, because of their desire to get money, have gone away from the faith.
Paul told Timothy to tell no, to command the wealthy;
1 Timothy 6:17 (NKJV) Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NKJV)18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
We can end that discussion on finding your riches in Christ with this from Proverbs 11;
Proverbs 11:4 (NLT) Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death.
Introduction to 2 Timothy
At the end of the book of Acts, the apostle Paul was still in prison in Rome. When he came out of prison, he went to Macedonia.
1 Timothy 1:3 (HCSB) As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach different doctrine
After that, he traveled to other places. While on these journeys, he wrote the first letter to Timothy. Timothy was then in the city of Ephesus. Timothy was the leader of the church there. Later Paul was again in prison in Rome. It was from there that he wrote this second letter to Timothy. Timothy was still in Ephesus.
When and where he wrote
The first time that Paul was in prison in Rome was about AD 60. He was there for two years. Then he traveled again and he went to Macedonia. He may have traveled as far as Spain before he went back to Rome. He was in prison again and soon after that the Emperor Nero had him killed.
Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy from prison just before he died. Paul knew that the time of his death had come.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (HCSB) 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.
The Emperor Nero killed himself in the month of June AD 68. Paul asked Timothy to come to him before winter. So, the date of the letter could not be later than AD 67.
2 Timothy 4:21 (HCSB) Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.
This letter to Timothy are the last words found from the Paul.
Why he wrote
Paul wanted to see Timothy again. He thinks about him as his own son.
2 Timothy 1:4 (HCSB) Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy,
He also wants Timothy to bring his coat, books and papers.
2 Timothy 4:13 (HCSB) When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, as well as the scrolls, especially the parchments.
All his friends except Luke had left him.
2 Timothy 4:11 (HCSB) Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.
Paul writes to encourage Timothy. Timothy must use the gifts that God has given to him. He must preach the gospel and teach the truth which are some of the same things he wrote to Timothy in his first letter.
Contents of the letter
This letter is much more personal than the first one
- Paul urges him to be strong in his belief in the Lord
- He should not be ashamed of the Lord or of Paul
- He must be prepared to suffer for the gospel
- As he had done in the first letter, Paul warns against the false teachers
- Timothy must be a noble servant of Christ
- In the last days, people will do awful things but he must continue to do what he has learned and knows.
- He must do what the scriptures say
- He must preach the gospel because it is urgent that people hear it
- Paul then talks about his own life and what he expects to happen and he tells him about his situation
- He ends the letter with greetings to his friends and asks the Lord to bless Timothy
Now Let's Get Into Paul's Letter
What I hope that we see today is how tough circumstances call for us not to despair, but keep the big picture and fight for what is of the greatest value.
1. What did Paul do night and day, why did he long to see Timothy and what did Paul say about his mother and grandmother (1:1-5)?
2 Timothy 1:1-5 (HCSB)1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, for the promise of life in Christ Jesus:2 To Timothy, my dearly loved son. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day.4 Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy,5 clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also.
After his usual salutation, which is typical of all his letters, he tells Timothy that he remembers him and prays for him constantly. In praying for him he was thanking God even in his current situation in prison. He wanted to see Timothy because he considered him his son in the gospel and he really cared for him and seeing him would make him very happy. Remember he’s in prison and everybody but Luke had deserted him.
He reminds Timothy that he had wonderful examples in his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois and the result of him following their example, the faith in Jesus that they have he also has. You remember from our study in 1 Timothy that his mother and grandmother were Jews and his father was a Gentile.
Acts 16:1 (HCSB) Then he went on to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek.
Acts 16:3 (HCSB) Paul wanted Timothy to go with him, so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek.
2. What was Timothy reminded to do? (1:6-7)
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (HCSB)6 Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands.7 For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
Paul reminded Timothy to use with fervor the spiritual gift that the was given. The gift that Paul was
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1 Timothy 4:14 (HCSB) Do not neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.
We’re not sure of what that gift was other than it was from the Holy Spirit. He was to use this gift without fear. He was to be bold in proclaiming the gospel because along with the gift he was given a spirit of boldness. Remember in 1 Timothy Paul told him to not let anybody intimidate him because he was young?
1 Timothy 4:12 (HCSB) Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
God by his Spirit gives power to all who need it. He gives them the power to do what he asks them to do. Timothy, and we, can be the leaders that God wants. With the gift of God provides the strength of character that we need. Paul also says that the gift of the Spirit brings with it the control of our minds.
3. What is Paul's situation and why is he in it (2 Tim. 1:8-12)?
2 Timothy 1:8-12 (HCSB)8 So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me His prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God.9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.10 This has now been made evident through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.11 For this ⌊gospel⌋ I was appointed a herald, apostle, and teacher,12 and that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know the One I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day.
Paul says that he says that he is in prison because of the gospel and he describes the gospel in verses 9 and 10.
2 Timothy 1:9-10 (HCSB) 9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. 10 This has now been made evident through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
God had appointed him to preach this gospel (holy calling). He doesn’t say he’s having a good time, in fact he says that he’s suffering but he’s not ashamed of it. He tells Timothy that he shouldn’t be ashamed of the gospel or or him because he’s in prison.
You know how sometimes we are ashamed of something that a friend or a relative has done. They may or may not be in jail but we are ashamed. Paul tells Timothy don’t be ashamed because of him.
It is remarkable but true that when Paul was imprisoned the church in Rome did not come to Paul's defense. Only one believer came looking for him. The rest probably held back from fear or considered the imprisonment something shameful. But although he has been rejected, Paul tells us he is not ashamed. This could also be a warning to Timothy that he could be abandoned in the future too.
2 Timothy 1:15-18 (HCSB)15 This you know: All those in Asia have turned away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he diligently searched for me and found me.18 May the Lord grant that he obtain mercy from Him on that day. And you know very well how much he ministered at Ephesus.
Describe a situation in which non-Christian friends or pressures from the world have caused you to feel ashamed of the gospel.
4. What did Paul tell Timothy to do with his training and what to guard? (1:13-14)
2 Timothy 1:13-14 (HCSB)13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who lives in us, that good thing entrusted to you.
Paul had taught Timothy the truth about God and the Jesus. He had told Timothy how Christians should behave. He had shown him what Christians ought to believe. All that Paul taught was true. All of this was a pattern for Timothy to follow. He shouldn't just repeat what Paul said but his life should also reflect it with faith and love.
Timothy had to defend and teach the truth and not let the false teachers to change it. He would not be able to do it in his own strength but he could do it with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Consider Timothy's situation: his mentor has been disgraced; many of his associates have deserted the ministry; many of his church's members are drifting from the faith or cowed by the threat of persecution. How have you struggled or are you struggling with similar situations?
Chapter 2:1-13
5. What did Paul encourage Timothy to do with what he had been taught? (2:1-2)
2 Timothy 2:1-2 (NKJV)1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Paul tells Timothy to be strong but not with just natural strength. This grace is the kindness of Christ. He gives strength to those who ask him for it. With the help of Christ, Timothy will be strong.
Timothy’s task was to preach the gospel and to teach the truth in the church at Ephesus. He tells Timothy to pick some people that he could trust and train them.
6. How was Timothy to do this? (3-6)
2 Timothy 2:3-6 (NKJV)3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.6 The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops.
Like a soldier. A soldier accepts orders from his superior, which in Timothy’s case is Jesus. As a soldier all your physical needs are met, especially when you have been deployed, you have food, shelter, transportation, etc.
The Christian is in a war. There are enemies who fight against us and against Christ but this fight isn't against people.
Ephesians 6:10-17 (HCSB)10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength.11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil.12 For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.13 This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest,15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.16 In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.
Paul gives two other examples what it’s like to live as a Christian, and athlete and a farmer.
The athlete is working for a prize and not just any prize but for the first prize, the gold medal.
In order to compete and to win and athlete has to train hard. To have a chance of winning they need to be very fit and strong. They must obey the rules. The winner receives the gold medal, blue ribbon whatever the prize is for first place. which is the prize. The prize in this case is the crown of life to all who love and trust him to the end of their lives.
James 1:12 (HCSB) A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
Revelation 2:10 (HCSB) Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will have affliction for 10 days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
The farmer is the first one to benefit from his hard work.
A good farmer has to work hard. He has to prepare the ground and sow the seed. He has to make sure that the plants have enough water. And he has to clear the weeds. Then the harvest comes when he gathers the crops. As his reward, he should have the first share of the crop.
Christians, like the farmer, should work hard to do what the Lord wants. The results of that good work will be like a harvest. The Lord will bless those who have worked well for him. This may be in this life but there are also eternal rewards.
Which of these 3 images (soldier, athlete, farmer) seems most applicable to your life right now? Why?
7. Why was Paul willing to endure all the suffering that he had gone through and was going through at the time that he wrote this letter? (2:8-10 )
2 Timothy 2:8-10 (HCSB)8 Keep your attention on Jesus Christ ⌊as⌋ risen from the dead and descended from David. ⌊This is⌋ according to my gospel. 9 I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God’s message is not bound. 10 This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Paul is willing to suffer for the gospel the good news. That good news is Jesus coming to provide forgiveness of sins for all who will believe
Romans 10:9 (HCSB) If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Colossians 1:14 (HCSB) We have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, in Him.
God saves by this gospel. So Paul is suffering for them so that they may believe in Christ Jesus. It is true that when we believe and accept the gospel, we choose Christ. But before we came to him, God chose us and when we agree with God confess and believe we become part of the elect.
Paul says that he endures all these things for the elect. The elect are those who will be saved by the preaching of the gospel.
Romans 10:17 (HCSB) So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.
As it stands, the concept of God electing those who will be saved isn’t controversial. What is controversial is how and in what manner God chooses those who will be saved. We are not going to talk about it today but just to give you and idea about the controversy.
One view, which we will call the prescient or foreknowledge view, teaches that God, through His omniscience, knows those who will in the course of time choose of their own free will to place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation. On the basis of this divine foreknowledge, God elects these individuals “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). This view is held by the majority of American evangelicals.
The second main view is the Augustinian view, which essentially teaches that God not only divinely elects those who will have faith in Jesus Christ, but also divinely elects to grant to these individuals the faith to believe in Christ. In other words, God’s election unto salvation is not based on a foreknowledge of an individual’s faith, but is based on the free, sovereign grace of Almighty God. God elects people to salvation, and in time these people will come to faith in Christ because God has elected them. http://www.gotquestions.org/elect-of-God.html#ixzz3VkR3pBdC
The only reason that I mention this today is that you may hear both views so I want to you know what they are. Remember that I have mentioned in the past that there are things that we as Christians can disagree about which are unessential in our salvation. There are some things that are essential and they are:
- Deity of Christ
- Salvation by grace
- Salvation through Jesus Christ alone
- The resurrection of Christ
- The gospel ( “That Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”)
- One God
- The Holy Trinity
8. How did Paul encourage Timothy? (2:11-13)
2 Timothy 2:11-13 (NKJV)11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
These words were from a Christian song or poem and Paul says that the message of these words is true.
There are four lines. Each one shows the actions of believers and the result or the reaction of Christ.
If we have died with him, we shall also live with him (verse 11)
Death with Christ will result in life with him. Death with Christ is death to sin even as Christ died to sin. It is in the death of Christ that Christians have died with him. The death of Christ has freed them from sin. As they believe in Christ, it is as if God has put their old life into his death.They receive a new life now. Christians should consider that they are dead to *sin. And they should consider that they are alive to God. The *Lord has also promised them that as Christ rose from the dead so they will rise. They will live with Christ and never die again.
If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. (verse 12)
The life of the Christians is not an easy one. They may have to suffer many things. There will always be problems that tempt them to give up. But they must remain loyal to Christ. Those who do remain loyal to Christ will rule with him. This looks forward beyond this present life to the life which is to come. Then those who have not given up will join with Christ as he rules as the king of heaven. There are those who did once claim to be Christians but then say that they are not. Now they refuse to admit that Jesus is the Christ. They did not really believe in the *Lord Jesus and they do not know him. They have turned away from him. The day will come when they will have to stand before God. Then Christ will deny them. He will say that He does not know them. They will not live with him in that day.
If we deny Him, He also will deny us. (verse 12)
The life of the Christians is not an easy one. They may have to suffer many things. There will always be problems that tempt them to give up. But they must remain loyal to Christ. Those who do remain loyal to Christ will rule with him. This looks forward beyond this present life to the life which is to come. Then those who have not given up will join with Christ as he rules as the king of heaven. There are those who did once claim to be Christians but then say that they are not. Now they refuse to admit that Jesus is the Christ. They did not really believe in the *Lord Jesus and they do not know him. They have turned away from him. The day will come when they will have to stand before God. Then Christ will deny them. He will say that He does not know them. They will not live with him in that day.
If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. (verse 13)
There are those who did believe in the *Lord Jesus but have turned away from him. Some Christians fail to trust him. But he will keep his promises to them. He will never turn away from them. He is the *Lord who does not change. He will do what he has promised to do. He is always true to his own nature. He is God. For those who do not trust in the *Lord Jesus at all, this is a serious warning. What God has said about the results of their *sins will happen. But some have believed but are weak. They may fail but this should encourage them. They may not always be true to him but he will always be true to them.
This week think about this "How should this trustworthy, or faithful saying". How can it motivate you?
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