2 Timothy The end is near and Paul

2 Timothy The end is near, and Paul knows it. So he writes this, his last _____ and most moving letter. He addresses it to Timothy son ______, a young friend he thinks of as a ______. house Paul is not writing from the comfort of the _____ arrest _____ described at the end of Acts. Though he’s in Rome – as he was before – he now dungeon languishes in a cold ______, chained like a dangerous criminal.

Paul is lonely, having been abandoned by colleagues who apparently realized the hopelessness of his situation. He asks Timothy to come and be with him before his execution _______. He also warns his devoted friend that sufferings are bound to come his way, too. Paul is writing around A. D. 67, when Nero killed Emperor ____ is having Christians _____ throughout the empire – many in arenas, as blood-spectacle entertainment __________. But Paul urges Timothy to be brave and to cling to the hope _____ of spending eternity with Jesus.

Ab o 1, 0 ut 0 mi l 0 es

Historical Background Nero was born in 37 A. D. After his father’s death, his mother married his uncle and persuaded him to name Nero his successor. Nero took the throne at 17, rebuffed his mother’s attempts to control him, and had her killed.

The Roman emperor Nero had been slowly descending into madness since his ascent to the throne in AD 54, a process exacerbated by the great fire of Rome in AD 64 that burned half the city. The fire ravaged Rome for 10 days, decimating 75 percent of the city. Although accidental fires were common at the time, many Romans believed Nero started the fire to make room for his planned villa.

Whether or not Nero started the fire, he determined that a guilty party must be found, and he pointed the finger at the Christians, still a new and underground religion. With this accusation, persecution and torture of the Christians began in Rome. Paul was one of those caught up in this persecution and was beheaded by Roman officials soon after writing this letter. In AD 68, Nero committed suicide when the empire revolted.

The Mamertine Prison in Rome, with an altar commemorating the legendary tradition that Saints Peter and Paul were imprisoned there. 2 Timothy 1: 15 -18 (Living Bible) 15 As you know, all the Christians who came here from Asia have deserted me; even Phygellus and Hermogenes are gone. 16 May the Lord bless Onesiphorus and all his family because he visited me and encouraged me often. His visits revived me like a breath of fresh air, and he was never ashamed of my being in jail. 17 In fact, when he came to Rome, he searched everywhere trying to find me, and finally did. 18 May the Lord give him a special blessing at the day of Christ’s return. And you know better than I can tell you how much he helped me at Ephesus.

Paul’s First Imprisonment (Acts 28) Paul’s Second Imprisonment Accused of heresy Held in a hired house Accused of a crime Held in prison Expected acquittal Several friends Expected death Few friends left

The Book of 1 Timothy ends with Paul writing: 20 O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge— 21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy, his “beloved son” (1: 2), because of false teaching in the church.

Several purposes for writing 2 Timothy stand out: 1. Paul desired to express his concern that Timothy preserve sound doctrine as he faced false teachers (1: 13 -14). 2. He wished to emphasize the importance of the Word of God in the ministry of Christ. 3. Paul needed his cloak for the cold prison and his books and parchments for study and writing (4: 13). 4. He expressed his desire for fellowship in his lonesome condition (vv. 16 -18).

Outline of 2 Timothy I. Affliction in Ministry: Hold Fast to Sound Words (chapter 1) A. Tears in the ministry (vv. 3 -7) B. Testimony in the ministry (vv. 8 -14) C. Traitors to the ministry (vv. 15 -18) II. Activity in the Ministry: Be Diligent in the True Word (chapter 2) A. Training – son (vv. 1 -2) B. Triumph – soldier (vv. 3 -4) C. Testing – athlete (v. 5) D. Toil – farmer (v. 6) E. Traits – servant (vv. 20 -26) III. The Command to Guard the Gospel The Command to Suffer for the Gospel Apostasy in Ministry: Continue in the Holy Word (chapter 3) A. “Times” of apostasy (vv. 1 -9) B. Trials and apostasy (vv. 10 -13) C. Triumph over apostasy (vv. 14 -17) The Command to Endure for the Gospel IV. Allegiance in Ministry: Preach the Only Word (chapter 4) A. The task of ministry (vv. 1 -4) B. The true Judge of ministry (vv. 5 -8) C. The tragedy of ministry (vv. 9 -18) The Command to Preach the Gospel

2 Timothy Guard the Treasure! Suffer Hardship! Continue! Preach the Word! - Paul’s greeting - Timothy’s life - God’s Treasure - Our Responsibility - Passing on the truth - Illustrations of the truth (soldier, - Last days - Evil days - Standing firm - Biblical basis -Spiritual examples - Solemn charge - Reason for the charge -Personal conclusion Chapter 3 Chapter 4 athlete, farmer, workman, vessel, servant) -Suffering for the truth Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Perspective The past The present Tone Gratitude Compassion Theme(s) Key Verses Christ in 2 Timothy The future Warning Command Guard the treasure of the Gospel; remain steadfast in Christ; carry on the ministry that has been passed on. 1: 14 2: 3 3: 14 4: 2 Jesus is the Judge of the living and the dead, who strengthens us in times of weakness and rescues us in times of danger (3: 11; 4: 1; 1: 7). EACH CHAPTER HAS AN EMPHASIS ON THE WORD OF GOD!

2 Timothy 1: 2 -7 2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Notice how personal the letter is. Paul writes, “You are like a dear (beloved) child to me, ” in chapter 1, verse 2. In verses 5 and 6, he recalls Timothy’s spiritual heritage and encourages him to serve the Lord in light of that heritage. In verses 7 -8, Timothy is charged to continue ministering the Gospel with zeal and to witness and preach without fear of persecution, ridicule, difficulties, or trials.

2 Timothy 1: 8 -10 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who 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 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, Verse 8 charges Timothy to not shrink from identifying with the Gospel and the Lord of the Gospel, and from identifying with strong believers who are living for and sharing Christ. Verses 8 -10 charge Timothy to share in the sufferings of the Gospel. Three strong reasons why we are to stand up for Christ and the Gospel: 1. He has delivered us from sin and the bondages of the flesh. 2. He has delivered us from death. 3. He has saved us from judgment, condemnation, and hell.

2 Timothy 1: 11 -12 11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. Paul endured abuse for the Gospel. He says two significant things about himself: 1. He has been appointed and called to serve the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Three appointments are mentioned: appointed to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Lord Jesus Christ. ) 2. Paul was not ashamed to suffer for the Gospel. 3. Paul was sure that judgment was coming.

2 Timothy 1: 13 -18 13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. 15 This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17 but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. 18 The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus. Paul’s charge here is to HOLD FAST! 1. Hold fast to the “sound” words of the Gospel (v. 13) 2. Hold fast to one’s trust – by the power of the Holy Spirit (v. 14) 3. Hold fast without turning away, for many turn away (v. 15) 4. Hold fast following the example of those who have proven faithful: Onesiphorous (v. 16 -18)

Chapter 2: 1 -7 The Charge: Be Strong in the Lord as A Son, Soldier, Athlete, Farmer, Student, Vessel, and a Servant A Son: 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. ” Follow the example: receive the truth and teach the truth to others.

A Soldier: 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. ” Stand with other believers; be willing to suffer hardships of the struggle with other believers; sacrifice all for and His cause and desire to please your Commander – Jesus Christ.

An Athlete: 5 ”And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules, ” Discipline yourself; contend for the reward (prize) and abide by the rules. A Farmer: 6 ”The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. ” Toil and work hard before partaking of the fruit (the harvest).

A Student: 15 ”Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ” Diligently study, correctly analyze, rightly handle, and without embarrassment skillfully teach the truth – the Word of God.

A Vessel: 20 “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. ” A vessel must be clean (honorable) to be usable: believers must be uncontaminated by false teaching, pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace.

A Servant: 24 ”And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, ” A believer is a servant, gentle, apt to teach, patient, and not argumentative.

2 Timothy 2: 8 -13 8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 This is a faithful saying: Paul’s charge here is to remember For if we died with Him, Jesus Christ is the We shall also live with Him. 12 If we endure, Resurrected Lord! We shall also reign with Him. Verse 8: The Gospel proclaims the If we deny Him, humanity and deity of Christ He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, Verse 9: The Gospel carries one through He remains faithful; suffering and assures the victory of He cannot deny Himself. one’s purpose: the spread of God’s Word. Verse 10: The Gospel stirs endurance Verses 11 -13: The Gospel assures eternal glory and eternal judgment

Chapter 2: 22 -26 The Charges (Reminders): 1. Flee youthful lusts (verse 22) a. The desires of the eye (can lead to the lust for b. c. d. e. f. possessions and people) The desires of the flesh (can lead to illicit and immoral behaviors) The desire of acceptance (may lead to rebellion against authority) The desire to achieve (may lead to seeking authority and power over people and to the manipulation and using of people for one’s own ends) The desire for recognition (can lead to either pride and arrogance or to a sense of inferiority and low self-image) The desire to act and to act now (can lead to impatience and the mistreatment of others)

Chapter 2: 22 -26 (continued) The Charges (Reminders): 1. Follow after the Lord (v. 22) 2. Avoid foolish discussions (v. 23) a. Ignoring the Word of God for the speculations of theology b. Neglecting the study of God’s Word for a discussion of theory c. Rejection of God’s Word for the ideas of man d. Taking the easier road of theological discussion over the more difficult road of studying God’s Word 3. Do not argue or fight with others (vv. 24 -26)

Chapter 3: 1 -9 The Predictions of the Last Days Godless Marks of the Last Days 1. Perilous times will come (v. 1) 2. A godless world; people will be… (vv. 2 -4) a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. l. lovers of their own selves covetous boasters Proud Blasphemers Disobedient to parents Unthankful Unholy Without natural affection Trucebreakers False accusers Incontinent (undisciplined; uncontrolled)

Chapter 3: 1 -9 (continued) 2. A godless world; people will be… (vv. 2 -4) m. n. o. p. q. r. Fierce Despisers of those who are good Traitors Heady Highminded Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God 3. A powerless religion; they will deny the power of God BUT they will… (v. 5) a. b. c. d. e. f. Profess God and Christ Be baptized in the Christian faith Attend worship services Participate in the rituals and ceremonies Recite the creeds Sometimes talk to God 4. A corrupt ministry (vv. 6 -9) a. Leads gullible followers astray b. Resists the truth c. Will be exposed

Chapter 3: 10 -13 The Predictions of the Last Days The Contrasting Marks of Godly Believers 1. Follow a Godly example (v. 10) a. b. c. d. e. f. g. There is doctrine or teaching There is Godly behavior and conduct There is purpose There is faith There is longsuffering There is love There is patience 2. Endure persecution (vv. 11 -12) 3. Guard against evil men (v. 13)

Chapter 3: 14 -17 The Predictions of the Last Days The Godly Mark of Living in the Scripture 1. A believer must live in the Scripture (v. 14) 2. Scripture makes a person wise unto salvation (v. 15) 3. Scripture is inspired by God (v. 16) 4. Scripture is profitable to man (v. 16) 5. Scripture perfects a man and equips him for every good work (v. 17)

Chapter 4: 1 -5 The Triumph of Preaching The Awesome Charge to Preach the Word and to Minister 1. Preach the Word, for the eye of the God and of Christ watch you (v. 1) a. Christ will judge b. Christ will appear c. Christ will set up His kingdom 2. Preach the Word, the Word of God is to preached (v. 2) 3. Preach the Word, for the great apostasy is coming (v. 3 -4) a. People will reject b. People will turn away 4. Preach the Word, for you must completely fulfill your ministry (v. 16) a. Watch and endure b. Work and prove

Chapter 4: 6 -8 The Triumph of Preaching The Triumphal Testimony of Paul 1. His death (v. 6) a. Is being offered and sacrificed to God in one last act - death b. The time for his departure from this world is at hand 2. His testimony (v. 7) a. He has lived life like a faithful soldier b. He has run and finished the course of his life c. He has kept the faith 3. His reward: a crown of righteousness (v. 8) a. Will be given by the Lord, the righteous Judge b. Will be given to all who love and look for the Lord’s appearing

Chapter 4: 9 -22 The Final Farewell of Paul to the World 1. A personal message – needing help (vv. 9 -18) a. There are special times when believers need help b. There is the experience of God helping the believer c. There is the assurance of God’s eternal deliverance 2. A personal greeting – showing personal interest (vv. 1922) a. Paul greeted other believers 1. Prisca and Aquila 2. Onesiphorous) b. Paul supplied information about others (Erastus and Trophimus) c. Paul passed on the greetings about others (Eubulus, Pudens, Claudia, and Linus) d. Paul gave the benediction of Christ and of grace 1. That the Lord Jesus Christ might be with their spirit 2. That the grace of God be with all

After traveling 15, 000 miles (8700 by land), enduring four shipwrecks, starting churches in seven or eight people groups (perhaps as many as ten), writing 15 letters that we know of (13 of which are in the New Testament), enduring multiple imprisonments and uncounted beatings, he ended his life almost alone. According to 2 Timothy, his last days were spent short on time (4: 9), cold (4: 13), lonely (4: 11), rejected by his own spiritual children (1: 15), abandoned by his sons in the faith (4: 10) and betrayed by someone he trusted (4: 14). Nevertheless, in spite of so few that stood with him in the end, he was a success (4: 6 -8).

The Books of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus Topics 3 4 6 1 2 3 Christian Leadership Christian Fellowship Titus Proclaim the Word Protect the Word Public Worship Divisions 1 2 Timothy Prophetic Warnings 1 Timothy Focus 4 1 2 3 3 Faithful Leaders Faithful Service Faithful Conduct “Be On Guard!” “Be Diligent!” “Be Careful!” Place Written in Macedonia Written in Rome Written in Corinth Time About A. D. 62 -63 About A. D. 67 About A. D. 63 Author Apostle Paul

How to Respond to Critics 2 Timothy 1: 10 (NKJV) – “but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, ” If Jesus abolished death, why do we still die? Problem: Paul affirms in this text that Christ “has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. ” But death is not abolished, since “death spread to all men” (Romans 5: 12), and “it is appointed for men to die once” (Hebrews 9: 27). Solution: First of all, Christ did not abolish physical death immediately, but by His death and resurrection, it will be abolished eventually. Christ is the first one to experience resurrection in an immortal body (1 Cor. 15: 20) – the rest of the human race will experience this later, at His 2 nd coming (vv. 50 -56). Second, Christ abolished death officially when He personally defeated it by His resurrection. However, physical death will not be completely destroyed actually until he returns again and “death is swallowed up in victory” (v. 54). For Paul tells us: “The last enemy that will be destroyed is death” (v. 26).

How to Respond to Critics 2 Timothy 2: 14, 23 (NKJV) – “ 14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers; ” 23 ”But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife” Is it wrong for Christians to argue about theological matters? Problem: Paul seemed to forbid theological arguments when he instructed Timothy “not to strive about words to no profit” and to “avoid foolish and ignorant disputes. ” On the other hand, Paul himself argued with the Jews in their synagogues (Acts 17: 2, 17) and disputed with the philosophers on Mars Hill (vv. 18 -23). And, Jude exhorts us “to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Solution: A distinction must be made between the two senses of what it means to argue or to contend. Arguing is not necessarily wrong, but being “argumentative” is. We should “contend” for the faith, but we should not be “contentious” in so doing. Marking an earnest effort to defend the faith is good (Philippians 1: 1617; 1 Peter 3: 15), but engaging in fruitless quarrels is not.

How to Respond to Critics 2 Timothy 2: 24 -25 (NKJV) – “ 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth” Is repentance a gift of God or an act of man? Problem: Paul writes here: “If God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, ” but in other places, repentance is considered a person’s own act. In Mark 1: 15, Jesus calls on people to “Repent, and believe in the Gospel. ” Paul tells us that God “commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17: 30). But repentance cannot be both an act of God an act of the individual believer, can it? Solution: There are 2 possible answers here, neither of which negates a person’s Godgiven responsibility to exercise fee choice. First, repentance could be an actual gift of God, but like other gifts, we must receive it to enjoy it. On this view, God offers the gift of repentance to eternal life to all who are willing. Those who are not willing do not get repentance. In this way, God is impartial in His offer, but man is still responsible to accept or reject the gift of repentance necessary for salvation.

Solution (continued): This fits with God’s call on all men to repent (Acts 17: 30; 20: 20 -21; 2 Peter 3: 9). A second view simply notes the two different senses in which repentance is used in these seemingly opposed verses. One set of verses is speaking of repentance as an “opportunity” and the other as an “act. ” The former is simply a “disposition” given by God, leaving the actual “action” of repenting to human beings. The former is a God-given “provision, ” while the latter is a manmade “decision. ” This view can be summarized in the following chart: Two Different Senses of Repentance As God-given opportunity As a free human act As a disposition from God As an action of man As a provision of God As a decision of man