Grace Institute: The Pauline Epistles: 2 Timothy

2 Timothy Survey of the New Testament: The Pauline Epistles Winter 2006

• Download as a PDF file
• 2 Timothy (March 22, 2006- Part 2)

Introduction

For the purpose and context of this letter see notes on 1 Timothy.

I. Salutation 2 Timothy 1:1-2

Notice the similarities and differences between the salutation in the first letter to Timothy. This time Paul address Timothy as his “dear” son.

II. A call to loyalty 2 Timothy 1:3-18

A. 2 Timothy 1:3-7

Paul recalls his deep affection for Timothy and reminds him of his heritage. This reminder is meant to give Timothy confidence which he may have lacked.

• Eunice and Lois
• Fanning the flame

B. 2 Timothy 1:8-14

Timothy has nothing to be ashamed of or to fear. Proclaiming the gospel may result in suffering. However, the believer can trust God because salvation comes with power through grace. Sound teaching must be guarded to protect the church. Good doctrine has been entrusted to Timothy and he must protect it.

• Ashamed (inclusio)
• Suffering
• Grace
• Gospel

C. 2 Timothy 1:15-18

Paul informed Timothy that everyone had deserted him. Even though Paul was alone God provided people like Onesiphorus.

III. A call to endurance 2 Timothy 2:1-13

A. 2 Tim. 2:1-2

Timothy must stand strong by relying on God's grace. Sound doctrine has been entrusted to him and his responsibility is to teach capable leaders.

B. 2 Tim. 2:3-6

Enduring hardship for the sake of Christ produces rewards. Timothy will be rewarded one day for his efforts. In the mean time, he should not be distracted by minor issues.

• Example of a soldier
• Example of an athlete
• Example of a farmer

C. 2 Tim. 2:7-13

Paul declared that he is chained but the gospel is not!

• Remember the resurrection for it produces endurance
• Trustworthy saying

IV. A call to Good Teaching 2 Timothy 2:14-3:17

A. 2 Tim. 2:14-19

Timothy is to warn people against quarreling over words. Jews often debated minor issues that gave rise to heated debates. This must have been a serious problem as Paul names two of the trouble makers.

• Good leaders teach good doctrine
• False teachers spread heresy like a cancer
• They taught the resurrection had already occurred

B. 2 Tim. 2:20-26

Walking in holiness allows believers to be used of God. False doctrine causes people to be trapped in sin which is the devil's plan.

• Illustration of Golden utensils
• Flee from lust
• Quarreling
• False teaches and Satan's will

C. 2 Tim. 3:1-17

This is a strong warning from the Apostle. The church is to have nothing to do with those who cause trouble and teach false doctrine.

• Last Days:
• Example of Jannes and Jambres
• The relationship between godliness and persecution

Important Note : 1 Timothy 3:16 is an important verse in this book and in all of scripture. Let's take a close look.

NIV: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

NKJV: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

NLT: 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 straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.

V. A call to serving 2 Timothy 4:1-22

A. 2 Tim. 4:1-5

Timothy must preach God's word so that believers will not be carried away by deceptive teachers.

• I give you this charge
• Do the work of evangelism

B. 2 Tim. 4:6-8

Paul expects his death at any time.

C. 2 Tim. 4:9-18

Personal matters and Timothy's return

• Did Timothy make it?
• Demas
• Luke

2 Tim. 4:19-22

Final Remarks