The year was AD 67; persecution was rampant and false teachers saturated the church. Many believers no longer desired to hear sound doctrine and, therefore, heaped up teachers to simply itch their ears (2 Tim 4:2-4). Timothy, a pastor in the church of Ephesus, most likely, was discouraged (1:7, 2:1). With some of his last words, Paul writes from prison to encourage his disciple, Timothy, to complete his ministry (4:5). He commands him to be like a good soldier (2:3-4), a victorious athlete (2:5), and a hardworking farmer (2:6). Above all, Timothy needed to stay faithful to Scripture: he was to guard it (1:14) and teach it to others (2:2, 4:1). God’s Word was to be his chief priority.
Our times are not much different. Persecution towards Christians continues to grow, and many, from within the faith community, twist Scripture to fit the rapidly changing culture. Just like Timothy, we need to hear the apostle’s charge to guard the Good Deposit with the help of the Holy Spirit (1:14). As you consider Paul’s final letter, may our Lord sharpen, refresh, and encourage you for the task at hand and may you be found approved unto God (2:15).
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible ® copyright © 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.
All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.
BTG Publishing all rights reserved.
This book is also available for purchase here on Amazon.
And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well.
2 Timothy 2:2 (NET)
Paul’s words to Timothy still apply to us today. The church needs teachers who clearly and fearlessly teach the Word of God. With this in mind, The Bible Teacher’s Guide (BTG) series was created. This series includes both expositional and topical studies, with resources to help teachers lead small groups, pastors prepare sermons, and individuals increase their knowledge of God’s Word.
Each lesson is based around the hermeneutical principle that the original authors wrote in a similar manner as we do today—with the intention of being understood. Each paragraph and chapter of Scripture centers around one main thought, often called the Big Idea. After finding the Big Idea for each passage studied, students will discuss the Big Question, which will lead the small group (if applicable) through the entire text. Alongside the Big Question, note the added Observation, Interpretation, and Application Questions. The Observation Questions point out pivotal aspects of the text. The Interpretation Questions facilitate understanding through use of the context and other Scripture. The Application Questions lead to life principles coming out of the text. Not all questions will be used, but they have been given to help guide the teacher in preparing the lesson.
As the purpose of this guide is to make preparation easier for the teacher and study easier for the individual, many commentaries and sermons have been accessed in the development of each lesson. After meditating on the Scripture text and the lesson, the small group leader may wish to follow the suggested teaching outline:
On the other hand, the leader may prefer to teach the lesson in part or in whole, and then give the Application Questions. He may also choose to use a “study group” method, where each member prepares beforehand and shares teaching responsibility (see Appendices 1 and 2). Some leaders may find it most effective to first read the main section of the lesson corporately, then to follow with a brief discussion of the topic and an Application Question.
Again, The Bible Teacher’s Guide can be used as a manual to follow in teaching, a resource to use in preparation for teaching or preaching, or simply as an expositional devotional to enrich your own study. I pray that the Lord may bless your study, preparation, and teaching, and that in all of it you will find the fruit of the Holy Spirit abounding in your own life and in the lives of those you instruct.
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible ® copyright © 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.
All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.
BTG Publishing all rights reserved.
First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus have been called “the Pastoral Epistles” since the 1700’s.1 Paul wrote “1 Timothy and Titus shortly after his release from his first Roman imprisonment (ca. A.D. 62–64), and 2 Timothy from prison during his second Roman imprisonment (ca. A.D. 66–67), shortly before his death.”2 These letters are unlike Paul’s other letters in that they were written to individuals instead of churches. He writes to his apostolic representatives, Timothy and Titus, who are serving in Ephesus and Crete. He gives them instructions on how to care for the churches.
Internal and external evidence for 2 Timothy clearly points to Pauline authorship. Second Timothy 1:1 says, “From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.” Externally, 2 Timothy, and other pastoral epistles, are well attested for. William MacDonald comments,
Irenaeus is the first known author to quote these Epistles directly. Tertullian and Clement of Alexandria ascribed them to Paul, as did the Muratorian Canon. Earlier fathers who seem to have known the Letters include Polycarp and Clement of Rome.3
Ignoring internal and external evidence, critical scholars have attacked Pauline authorship. They declare that a second-century follower of Paul’s must have written the Pastoral Epistles.4 They offer five proofs for this:
(1) The historical references in the Pastoral Epistles cannot be harmonized with the chronology of Paul’s life given in Acts; (2) The false teaching described in the Pastoral Epistles is the fully-developed Gnosticism of the second century; (3) The church organizational structure in the Pastoral Epistles is that of the second century, and is too well developed for Paul’s day; (4)The Pastoral Epistles do not contain the great themes of Paul’s theology; (5) The Greek vocabulary of the Pastoral Epistles contains many words not found in Paul’s other letters, nor in the rest of the NT.5
How have these proofs been refuted? (1) As for the reasoning that the historical references in the Pastoral Epistles don’t match the Acts chronology, the book of Acts ends with Paul’s first Roman imprisonment; however, tradition says that Paul was eventually released. Philippians 1:19-26 and Philemon 22 support that this was Paul’s expectation. Therefore, the background to the pastorals happened after Acts. (2) While critics declare that the false teaching that Paul describes is full-blown Gnosticism of the second century, although it certainly contained elements of it, there were marked differences as well. The false teaching in Ephesus also included strong elements of Judaism, as Paul declared that the false teachers were abusing the law and forbidding certain foods (1 Tim 1:7, 4:2). The teaching seems to be very similar to that attacking Colosse. It had elements of Gnostic doctrine and that of the Judaizers (cf. Col 2:16). (3) The argument that the church structure in the pastoral epistles is too developed for the first century is simply not accurate. In the second century, bishops, or overseers, commonly had authority over a number of churches. That wasn’t true in the New Testament. Bishops, elders, and pastors are terms that Scripture uses synonymously for the same position (cf. Titus 1:5, 7; Acts 20:17, 28, 1 Peter 5:1-2). A plurality of elders served in churches, which is consistent with Paul’s teaching (Acts 14:23, Phil 1:1). (4) Why do the pastoral epistles lack many of the great theological themes in Paul’s other letters? First, they do contain many theological themes, but they are only mentioned and not elaborated on. This is most probably due to the personal nature of the letters. Timothy and Titus were discipled by Paul and, therefore, didn’t primarily need doctrinal instruction; they needed personal instruction. (5) Finally, the variation in Paul’s vocabulary is relative to his audience and purpose. A personal letter should look different from a doctrinal letter. We see similar differences in an academic paper versus a casual letter between friends.
As a background to 2 Timothy, one must begin with Paul’s visit with the Ephesian elders before his first Roman imprisonment. In Acts 20:28-31, he warns the elders that savage wolves would arise, even from among their number, to destroy the flock. It seems that after Paul was released from Rome and then visited Ephesus, this prophecy had already come to fruition. He returns to a cesspool of false teaching, and no doubt, some of the elders were propagating it. He disciplines two of these leaders, Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Tim 1:20). He then travels to Macedonia and leaves Timothy in Ephesus to complete the job of combating false teaching (1 Tim 1:3). At some point, Paul was again imprisoned in Rome. Radmacher comments, “Many believe that Paul was put in prison when Nero began his campaign of persecution, shortly after Rome burned in a.d. 64. Nero blamed the Christians for starting the fire, and executed many of them with extreme cruelty.”6 Paul writes 2 Timothy during his second imprisonment. Whereas in Paul’s first imprisonment, he was under house arrest, had many visitors, and expected to be released (Phil 1:19, 25, 26; 2:24; Philemon 22), in Paul’s second imprisonment, he had no such hopes. He tells Timothy that he was already being poured out like a drink offering and the time of his departure was at hand (2 Tim 4:6). Tradition says Paul was held in the Mamertine Prison in Rome, as he awaited trial and eventual execution. It was essentially a dark dungeon with a hole in the ceiling for light and to drop food. It would have gotten extremely cold in the winter, which is probably why Paul asks Timothy to bring his cloak (2 Tim 4:13). Since Paul was a Roman citizen, he could not be executed by crucifixion, burning, or being thrown to the lions, but he could be decapitated. Tradition says he was beheaded by Nero in AD 67. While in prison, Paul writes to encourage Timothy to continue faithfully guarding and preaching the Word after his death, amidst false teaching and persecution (2 Tim 1:13-14, 2:2-3, 3:1-9, 4:2). It is possible that Timothy was discouraged and in danger of weakening spiritually. Paul’s concern is evident in his his “encouragement to ‘stir up’ his gift (1:6), to replace fear with power, love, and a sound mind (1:7), to not be ashamed of Paul and the Lord, but willingly suffer for the gospel (1:8), and to hold on to the truth (1:13, 14).”7 He also writes to ask Timothy to visit him before winter—bringing his cloak, books, and Mark (2 Tim 4:9-13). Second Timothy is a highly personal letter, as Paul shares his last written words to his protégé.
Who was Timothy? Timothy was from Lystra (Acts 16:1–3), a city in Galatia (part of modern Turkey). His name means “honoring God” or “one who brings honor to God.” Timothy was raised in a Christian home. His mother was a Jewish Christian woman; his father was Greek and probably a pagan (cf. Acts 16:1, 2 Tim 1:5). He learned the Scriptures from his mother and grandmother as a child (2 Tim 1:5, 2 Tim 3:14-15). Some believe that Timothy was led to Christ by Paul on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:6, 7) since he always calls him his “genuine child in the faith” (1 Tim 1:2). Whether that happened or not, by Paul’s second missionary journey, Timothy had matured in the faith and was well spoken of by everyone, and therefore, Paul took him as his protégé in the ministry (Acts 16:1-3). Timothy was probably in his mid-thirties, as Paul told him to not let anyone look down on his youth (1 Tim 4:12). A man was considered a youth until his forties in the Greek world. He struggled with timidity—maybe a fear of incompetence in the ministry (2 Tim 1:7)—and he had reoccurring stomach issues. Paul told him to no longer only drink water but to have a little wine for the frequent infirmities (1 Tim 5:23). Timothy is seen throughout the NT narrative assisting Paul in various ministries, including being sent to other troubled churches (1 Thess 3:1, 1 Cor 4:16-17, 16:10-11, Phil 2:9-24).
Additionally, it is helpful to understand some of the historical background of Ephesus—the city Timothy ministered in. Ephesus was a port city located at the mouth of the Cayster River, on the east side of the Aegean Sea—making it rich for commercial trade. Emperor Augustus declared it the capital of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) in 27 BC8; therefore, it was also a political center. But it was probably best known for religion. The temple of Artemis (or Diana) was in Ephesus. The statue of Diana was a multi-breasted, crowned woman—symbolizing fertility. It had close links to local commerce and was a major tourist attraction.9 R. C. Sproul adds,
The temple of Diana was one of the seven wonders of the world. It was 425 feet in length and 220 feet in breadth. Architecturally it was composed of 127 white marble columns, each 62 feet high. It was opulently decorated with ornate carvings and priceless paintings. Its chief attraction, however, was an image of Diana said to have fallen directly from heaven to earth. The temple was so popular among pagans that Ephesus emerged as the religious centre of all Asia. 10
The temple employed hundreds of sacred prostitutes and was therefore a haven for deplorable and perverse sexual acts in honor of Diana. Worshipers believed that participating in profane intercourse ensured their increased financial prosperity.11 No doubt, this would have been a difficult city for Timothy to minister in. Not only did he have to deal with conflict within the church from false teachers, but also the constant pull of the city’s official religions.
What are the major themes of 2 Timothy? As mentioned, Paul’s focus is encouraging Timothy to faithfully continue his ministry, even after Paul dies, as well as encouraging Timothy to visit before winter (cf. 1:13-14, 2 Tim 4:2-6, 9). During the course of the letter, several themes arise:
The theme of enduring suffering for Christ. When Paul wrote this letter, he was in prison awaiting execution, and everyone had turned their backs on him in order to avoid implication (1:15, 4:16). Timothy would also be tempted to escape the cross of Christ. Paul challenges him multiple times both by command and example to faithfully endure: In 2 Timothy 1:8, Paul says, “So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God’s power accept your share of suffering for the gospel.” In 2 Timothy 2:3, Paul says, “Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” In 2 Timothy 2:10 and 12, Paul shares some of his motivations for suffering—that the elect may obtain salvation and that those who suffer with Christ will reign with him. It is important for us to understand that “all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (3:12); therefore, we must be willing to endure suffering for our Lord as well.
The theme of corruption in the church. Timothy is warned about vessels of dishonor in the house of God, which probably refers to false teachers and those with false professions (cf. 2:16-19). Timothy is encouraged to cleanse himself from the latter, so he could become a vessel of honor (2:20-21). Furthermore, he is warned to avoid foolish and ignorant controversies (2:23), and those with only an outward appearance of religion but deny the power thereof (3:5). It seems that the last days will be full of false teaching, false teachers, and false professions (3:1-9). People in the church will become treacherous like animals (3:1). They will be lovers of themselves and pleasure instead of God (3:2-4). It was not that Timothy was never to correct false teachers and those with false professions; rather, he was to gently instruct them and avoid quarreling with them—trusting that God is the one who brings repentance (2 Tim 2:24-26). As we get closer to the last days, corruption in the church will abound (1 Tim 3:1-9, cf. Matt 24); therefore, we must also be aware of it, avoid it, and correct it in order to help ourselves and others escape defilement.
The theme of guarding Scripture. Throughout 2 Timothy, there are over thirty-six references to God’s Word or an aspect of it.12 Paul continually emphasizes Timothy’s need to be faithful with Scripture. In 2 Timothy 1:13-14, Paul says, “Hold to the standard of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Protect that good thing entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.” Later, Paul encourages Timothy to teach this deposit to reliable people who will teach it to others (2:2) and to correctly handle it in order to be approved by God (2:15). In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul teaches the inspiration and usefulness of Scripture. God created Scripture, and Timothy was to use it to equip himself and others for every good work. He was to do this by focusing on preaching the Word, both in season and out of season, as the time would come when many would neglect or reject it (4:1-4). God’s Word was to be Timothy’s first priority in ministry. He was to protect it, by keeping it from decay and corruption and passing it on to the next generation of teachers, and we must do the same.
With both pastoral warmth and soberness, Paul wrote 2 Timothy to encourage and challenge Timothy during difficult times. This letter has continued to encourage and challenge distressed Christian workers throughout the centuries. It reminded them, as it reminds us today, that the godly will be persecuted, to not be surprised at corruption in the church, and that we must faithfully guard and teach God’s Word, as our primary endeavor. May God sharpen, refresh, and encourage you, as you drink deeply from Paul’s final letter.
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible ® copyright © 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.
All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.
BTG Publishing all rights reserved.
1 MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2069). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
2 MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Bible Handbook (Kindle Locations 10639-10640). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
3 MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2070). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
4 MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Bible Handbook (Kindle Locations 10613-10615). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
5 MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Bible Handbook (Kindle Locations 10613-10615). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
6 Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson’s new illustrated Bible commentary (2 Ti). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.
7 MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Bible Handbook (Kindle Locations 10845-10852). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
8 MacArthur, John (2003-08-19). The MacArthur Bible Handbook (Kindle Locations 9706-9708). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
9 Sproul, R. C. (1994). The Purpose of God: Ephesians (pp. 12–13). Scotland: Christian Focus Publications.
10 Sproul, R. C. (1994). The Purpose of God: Ephesians (p. 12). Scotland: Christian Focus Publications.
11 Accessed 1/25/2016 from http://www.cowart.info/Ephesus/ephesus.html
12 Guzik, D. (2013). 2 Timothy (2 Ti 4:2). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.
From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to further the promise of life in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my dear child. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord! I am thankful to God, whom I have served with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I remember you in my prayers as I do constantly night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I recall your sincere faith that was alive first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am sure is in you. Because of this I remind you to rekindle God’s gift that you possess through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:1-7 (NET)
What are your priorities? What are the main things that you focus on each week?
In 2 Timothy, Paul’s introduction and initial exhortations to Timothy reveal his priorities. In the same way that the first paragraph of an article or research paper often conveys a writer’s focus, this is true with Paul’s writing here. In the first verses, we see his apostolic priorities; however, these priorities are not restricted to the confines of this letter, but apply to Paul’s life as well.
Priorities are vital because they demonstrate what is important to us. Not only do they guide our decision-making, but they also represent our future. Consider Paul’s future in 2 Timothy 4:7-8:
I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day—and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing.
Our priorities affect our future. If we have the wrong priorities in life, we’ll make wrong decisions about family, career, and ministry and ultimately miss God’s best for our life and eternity. If we imitate Paul’s priorities, then it is possible to finish our life with the same outcome—that we fought the good fight, finished the race, and will be rewarded in heaven.
Paul writes this letter during his second imprisonment in Rome. Tradition tells us that after his first imprisonment, at the end of Acts, he was released for a short time, then imprisoned again and beheaded around AD 67 at the command of Nero.1 Unlike his first imprisonment where Paul was under house-arrest in Rome (Acts 28:16), Paul was located in a cold, damp, prison in the ground with a small opening for food to be dropped.2 It would have been especially cold in the winter, which is why Paul probably asked Timothy to bring a cloak before winter (2 Tim 4:13, 21). Paul knew he was about to die. At death, our priorities, or what should be our priorities, often become crystal clear.
As we study Paul’s apostolic priorities in 2 Timothy 1:1-7, we must ask ourselves: “What are my priorities, and do they line up with Paul’s?” Our priorities will affect where we will be in ten, twenty, or thirty years, and they will also affect our eternity.
Big Question: What apostolic priorities can be discerned from 2 Timothy 1:1-7, and how can we develop them in our lives?
From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to further the promise of life in Christ Jesus,
2 Timothy 1:1
Paul called himself an “apostle of Christ Jesus.” The word “apostle” literally means “sent one.” Paul was sent on orders from Christ.
What was Paul sent to do? Paul’s orders or apostolic mission was “to further the promise of life in Christ Jesus.” This means that he was called to share the promise of life—the gospel—with everyone. In fact, in Ephesians 3:7, Paul calls himself a “servant of this gospel.” He was a gospel servant in that he lived to share the message and defend it. The gospel should be our priority as well.
Application Question: How should the priority of the gospel affect our daily lives?
No matter whether we are a student, professor, businessman, lawyer, or homemaker, we should never forget our call to share the gospel. Paul’s official trade was tentmaking, but his identity and purpose were not tied to how he made a living. His purpose was his apostolic call to share the gospel, and it should be the same for us. The Great Commission is to “go and make disciples,” and we all must be faithful to this call.
In Romans 15:20, we see something of Paul’s gospel strategy. He comments, “And in this way I desire to preach where Christ has not been named, so as not to build on another person’s foundation.” His desire to preach where Christ was not known guided his mission endeavors. Similarly, in order to share the gospel, we must strategize as well. We must pray and consider how we can best reach those around us and people throughout the world.
Are you still seeking to share the gospel? Is that your priority?
The gospel is not only something we preach with words but with our actions as well. In Ephesians 5:25-26, Paul says: “Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her to sanctify her by cleansing her with the washing of the water by the word.”
Paul told husbands to live out the gospel in their marriages. They should sacrifice for their wives, just as Christ sacrificed for the church. They should serve their wives; just as Christ served the disciples when he washed their feet with water. Husbands should teach their wives the Word and lead them to Bible preaching churches, just as Christ instructs his church. Marriages should demonstrate the gospel message.
In addition, Christ said this to his disciples in John 13:34: “‘I give you a new commandment—to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” Believers should demonstrate the gospel by loving one another sacrificially. No doubt, when the early church sold all they had and gave to the poor, people saw the gospel (Acts 2:44-45).
Christians must demonstrate the gospel through their relationships. Saint Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel everywhere you go, and, if necessary, use words.” I think this would be better stated, “Preach the gospel everywhere you go with both words and actions!”
First Timothy 2:1-4 says,
First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. Such prayer for all is good and welcomed before God our Savior, since he wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
God is pleased when we pray for the salvation of others; therefore, we must give ourselves to this type of prayer often.
Is your priority the gospel—that all would know and experience it?
Application Question: What is your experience with evangelism? How would you encourage someone who struggles with sharing his faith? What has stopped you from sharing the gospel in the past?
To Timothy, my dear child. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord! I am thankful to God, whom I have served with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I remember you in my prayers as I do constantly night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I recall your sincere faith that was alive first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am sure is in you.
2 Timothy 1:2-5
Paul’s second priority was discipleship. While in prison awaiting a death sentence, it would have been most natural for him to be consumed with his impending death; however, his focus was on Timothy and his spiritual growth and ministry.
Paul calls him a “dear child” and prays for “grace, mercy and peace” over his life (v. 2). He departs from his usual greeting of “grace and peace” only when addressing individual pastors like Timothy and Titus (cf. 1 Timothy 1:4, Titus 1:4). Interestingly, “Spurgeon used this verse, along with 1 Timothy 1:2 and Titus 1:4 to show that ministers need more mercy than others do.”3 He said:
Did you ever notice this one thing about Christian ministers, that they need even more mercy than other people? Although everybody needs mercy, ministers need it more than anybody else; and so we do, for if we are not faithful, we shall be greater sinners even than our hearers, and it needs much grace for us always to be faithful, and much mercy will be required to cover our shortcomings. So I shall take those three things to myself: ‘Grace, mercy, and peace.’ You may have the two, ‘Grace and peace,’ but I need mercy more than any of you; so I take it from my Lord’s loving hand, and I will trust, and not be afraid, despite all my shortcomings, and feebleness, and blunders, and mistakes, in the course of my whole ministry.4
Certainly, this should remind us to continually pray for grace, mercy, and peace for our pastors.
After this greeting, Paul describes his thoughts and memories of Timothy and his family. Many believe that Paul led Timothy to Christ during his first visit to Lystra in Acts 14; but it seems most likely that Timothy was led to faith by his Jewish Christian mother and grandmother. (Timothy’s father was a Greek unbeliever). Paul met Timothy while on his second missionary journey in Acts 16. While visiting Lystra, the believers talked well about Timothy, and Paul took him as a disciple and gospel-partner. Paul later left Timothy in Ephesus as one of their pastors.
When Paul refers to remembering Timothy’s “tears,” it’s not clear what event Paul was referring to, but it possibly refers to the time Paul was dragged off to prison in Rome.5 Paul “longed” or “yearned” to see him like any good mentor. One commentator called it a “home-sick yearning,” which effectively demonstrates how much Paul loved and cared for Timothy.6
As Paul prays for grace, mercy, and peace over Timothy, it is clear that he wants the best for Timothy, just like any good father. This is what true discipleship is—wanting another to grow up into all the graces and callings of God.
This selfless mentorship is hard to find. We live in a competitive society where everybody wants to be first, get the promotion, and win the race, even at the cost of relationships. Many people, including Christians, get jealous when others do well; however, true discipleship means wanting God’s best for others and investing in them so they can achieve it. It means thinking about them often, praying for them, and pouring our lives into theirs.
As Paul focuses on discipleship right before his death, we are reminded of how Christ prioritized his disciples in his last hours. In John 17:9, he prays, “I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours” (paraphrase). Christ continues with prayers for their sanctification through the Word, for them to be kept from the world, for their protection from the devil, and their unity. Christ’s priority in life and death was discipleship—just as it was for Paul.
Application Question: What applications can we take from Paul’s priority of discipleship?
Christ was a discipler; Paul was a discipler, and we should prioritize discipleship as well. Who are you staying up late at night thinking about and praying for? Who are you investing in?
Second Timothy 2:2 says, “And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well.”
We all need mature believers who invest in our lives and help us grow. Where should we find such people? Sometimes in the Gospels, Christ approached people and said, “Follow me.” Other times, people approached him. We must take responsibility for getting around those we can learn from by watching and asking questions. Paul said this in Philippians 3:17: “Be imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and watch carefully those who are living this way, just as you have us as an example.”
Who are you keeping your eyes on and listening to in order to grow? Is your priority discipleship—your own and the discipleship of others?
Application Question: Who is your Paul and Timothy? Who has made the most impact in your spiritual life?
I am thankful to God, whom I have served with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I remember you in my prayers as I do constantly night and day.
2 Timothy 1:3
Next, we see Paul’s thankfulness. Paul said he thanked God in his prayers for Timothy all the time (night and day). This might not seem shocking to you, but it should. Again, remember the context: Paul was in prison about to die. Most people aren’t thankful when going through difficulty; typically, we complain, get angry at God and others, and maybe even become depressed.
Being thankful must be a priority—a deliberate pursuit—because if it isn’t, it won’t happen. Often, we take God’s blessings for granted and therefore never give him thanks. We don’t thank him for food, shelter, family, church, etc. And because we don’t thank him when things are good, we certainly don’t thank him when things are bad. We naturally default to whining and complaining.
Paul taught the Thessalonians who were experiencing a host of problems—persecution for their faith, false teaching in the church, and conflict among its members—to “in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:18). This is necessary for us as well and, therefore, must be our priority.
Application Question: How can we practice giving thanks in all situations?
Paul remembered Timothy and was grateful for him. No doubt part of the reason we often lack thankfulness is because we rarely take time to contemplate God’s blessings. Life is so fast-paced and busy, we often have little time to reflect on God’s goodness. Or, we address the urgent instead of the important.
Application Question: How can we practice remembering our blessings so we can give God thanks for them?
A great deal of Scripture consists of people writing down God’s acts of faithfulness such as delivering his people, conquering evil, doing various miracles, and ultimately making himself known. If we write down our blessings and answers to prayer, and occasionally revisit them, it helps us to remember God’s grace.
Psalm 105:1-2 says, “Give thanks to the Lord! Call on his name! Make known his accomplishments among the nations! Sing to him! Make music to him! Tell about all his miraculous deeds!” Personally, I have noticed that when sharing my testimony with others, I am often tremendously blessed (probably more than the people listening). It helps me remember God’s hand over various events of my life and how he’s brought me to where I am now. It renews my focus on his grace, even over my many failures. Often, singing songs of thanks helps us do the same thing.
Romans 5:3-4 says, “Not only this, but we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope.”
James 1:2-3 says, “My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”
As a discipline, we must give God thanks even in difficult times, because we understand God’s purpose in them. God allows waiting seasons to develop our patience. He allows us to encounter difficult people so we can develop kindness and deepen our love. God is always developing our faith and character through hardships. And because we understand this, we can give thanks in faith.
Are you thanking God daily for both your blessings and your trials? Is it your priority? Is it your discipline?
Application Question: Why is it difficult to live a life of thanksgiving? What are you thankful for now?
I am thankful to God, whom I have served with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I remember you in my prayers as I do constantly night and day.
2 Timothy 1:3
In conjunction with being thankful, Paul was prayerful. The word “constantly” simply means “unceasing.” It is amplified by the phrase “night and day,” again meaning all the time.
This is a common theme in many of Paul’s letters. Consider what he says to other churches:
For God, whom I serve in my spirit by preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness that I continually remember you and I always ask in my prayers, if perhaps now at last I may succeed in visiting you according to the will of God.
Romans 1:9-10
We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
Colossians 1:3
From Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to you! We thank God always for all of you as we mention you constantly in our prayers,
1 Thessalonians 1:1-2
Timothy was one of Paul’s prayer partners in praying for grace over the Thessalonian churches and others. No doubt, when Timothy read of Paul’s unceasing prayer, he remembered their day and night prayer sessions. He may have even shed a tear thinking about his faithful mentor’s intercession.
But again, what we must gain from this is how Paul prioritized prayer. He lifted up Timothy and the churches before God the Father. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17, Paul said, “Always rejoice, constantly pray”.
The word “constantly” in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 was used of a hacking cough in ancient Greek. It’s not that a person coughs every moment of the day; it’s that the cough is persistent, occurring again and again. It must be the same with prayer; we must go back to it throughout the day.
Application Question: How can we prioritize prayer?
To prioritize prayer, we must give up other things (including good things) to practice it. A good example of this is the apostles in Acts 6. The Greek widows were being neglected but, instead of the apostles allotting time to oversee this ministry, they had seven men selected to oversee it. The apostles gave up a great ministry opportunity to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word. They prioritized prayer over other good things. In Acts 6:3-4, they said this:
But carefully select from among you, brothers, seven men who are well-attested, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this necessary task. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
If we are going to prioritize prayer, we may need to give up some good things as well, such as: extra sleep, entertainment, fellowship, and even ministry opportunities.
Application Question: What are some disciplines that have helped your prayer life? What are some good things you may need to give up to focus on prayer?
I am thankful to God, whom I have served with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I remember you in my prayers as I do constantly night and day.
2 Timothy 1:3
Paul also prioritized his conscience. He mentions this often in his epistles. Consider the following:
This is the reason I do my best to always have a clear conscience toward God and toward people.
Acts 24:16
For our reason for confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that with pure motives and sincerity which are from God—not by human wisdom but by the grace of God—we conducted ourselves in the world, and all the more toward you.
2 Corinthians 1:12
Interpretation Question: What is the conscience and what is its function?
Our conscience is a God-given faculty in man that accuses us of sin and affirms us of righteousness. This remains in mankind from being made in the image of God. God will use it to judge people at Christ’s coming (Rom 2:14-16).
Application Question: Why is it important to keep a clear conscience?
If we neglect our conscience, then it will cease to work properly. When that happens, it becomes easier for us to sin and even fall away from God. Paul said this in 1 Timothy 1:18-19:
I put this charge before you, Timothy my child, in keeping with the prophecies once spoken about you, in order that with such encouragement you may fight the good fight. To do this you must hold firmly to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck in regard to the faith.
Timothy was called to hold on to the faith and a good conscience so that he would not “shipwreck” his faith, as others did. “Faith” probably referred both to his doctrine and trust in God. To be “shipwrecked” means that one stops progressing spiritually or falls away all together.
There are many Christians who are shipwrecked. They stopped listening to the Holy Spirit, as he spoke to their conscience, and instead practiced sin. They started to use ungodly language, watch unhealthy entertainment, practice immorality, and now their conscience doesn’t even bother them about it—it has become hardened. They are shipwrecked and not progressing in their faith. Many may never return—proving that they’re not truly saved (Matt 7:23).
In fact, Paul says that when we start to live hypocritical lives—accepting and condoning sin—it hardens our conscience in such a way that it opens doors for demonic deception. Consider 1 Timothy 4:1-2:
Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the later times some will desert the faith and occupy themselves with deceiving spirits and demonic teachings, influenced by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared.
These former Christians lived hypocritical lives for so long that their conscience completely stopped working and demons deceived them into promoting and teaching false doctrine.
Are there any ways that you have ceased listening to your conscience? Are you allowing your language, relationships, entertainment, and goals to become worldly? When you do that, it puts your faith in a dangerous place. It is like driving a boat near high rocks—you could find yourself stranded and never get back on course.
Application Question: How can we keep a clear conscience?
God not only uses our conscience to condemn sin, but also to challenge us to do what is right. If your conscience is challenging you to get involved with church, start serving, share the gospel, or challenge someone in sin, don’t neglect or ignore it; submit to it. By doing this, we develop a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance (Phil 2:13).
If we feel convicted about some sin, we should confess it and turn away from it.
In 1 Corinthians 8:12-13, Paul said:
If you sin against your brothers or sisters in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. For this reason, if food causes my brother or sister to sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I may not cause one of them to sin.
Certainly, this applies to freedoms like enjoying entertainment, drinking, smoking, etc. If the use of our freedoms, might encourage others towards excess or bondage, then we should turn away from them. If people stumble because of us, our Lord will not hold us guiltless. Paul not only strove to keep his conscience clear, but also that of others.
Our conscience is not a pure moral guide. It has been affected by both our sin nature and sin we’ve been exposed to. For that reason, it still needs to be informed by God’s Word. The more we saturate ourselves with God’s Word, the sharper and more reliable our conscience will be.
As believers, we must prioritize keeping a clear conscience.
Application Question: Why is it important to keep a clear conscience? Share a time when your conscience was pricked or challenged over some issue.
I recall your sincere faith that was alive first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am sure is in you. Because of this I remind you to rekindle God’s gift that you possess through the laying on of my hands.
2 Timothy 1:5-6
Interpretation Question: What does “Because of this” refer to, as Paul encourages Timothy to fan into flame his gift?
Paul says, “Because of this” rekindle God’s gift. What is this reason? He seems to be describing the sincere faith Timothy had which originally was in his mother and grandmother (v. 5). Essentially, Paul tells Timothy to serve and use his gift because he is saved. God did not save us just to go to heaven; he saved us to serve (Eph 2:10). Because of this, he gave each believer a spiritual gift (if not many “gifts”) to faithfully deploy in serving Christ and others.
“Rekindle” can also be translated “fan into flame” or “to keep the fire alive.”7 It is very possible that Timothy was neglecting his spiritual gift and not using it as he should. This could have been because of fear or timidity as implied by the passages below or simply because of spiritual apathy.
For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7
Do not neglect the spiritual gift you have, given to you and confirmed by prophetic words when the elders laid hands on you.
1 Timothy 4:14
We don’t know what Timothy’s specific gift was, but most likely it was preaching, as Paul emphasizes his need to preach and teach throughout 1 and 2 Timothy (cf. 1 Tim 4:13-14, 2 Tim 2:2, 2 Tim 2:15, 2 Tim 4:2-3).
Sadly, many Christians don’t serve and therefore neglect their gifts. Often, this happens because of fear as well. Like the servant with one talent in Matthew 25:25, they declare, “I was afraid” and therefore hide their gift in the ground. For others, spiritual laziness keeps them from serving (cf. Matt 25:26). They are more interested in other things and, therefore, never fulfill God’s will to serve and fan their gifts into flame.
Application Question: How do we find our spiritual gifts?
Spiritual gifts are given for the purpose of serving and edifying the body (1 Cor 12:7). Therefore, we commonly discover these gifts in the midst of serving. As you get involved with various ministries, you will find out what areas you have an aptitude in and the ones you don’t. Typically, your spiritual gift will both edify yourself and others (cf. 1 Cor 14:3-4). Because of this, the affirmation of others is important in the discernment process. If we think that we’re gifted in a certain area but others don’t affirm it, then we might not be gifted in that area.
Interpretation Question: What does it mean to rekindle or fan one’s gift into flame?
Obviously, in keeping with the analogy of a fire getting stronger as one adds oxygen and wood, we must do the same with our gifts. Each person has a spiritual gift which was received at spiritual birth (1 Cor 12:7, 13) or, in exceptional cases, later. It seems that Timothy received this gift later, through the laying on of hands by Paul and the church elders, at his ordination (2 Tim 1:6, 1 Tim 4:14). Whatever way we receive our gifts, it is our responsibility to find them, use them, and develop them.
I remember while interviewing for my first pastoral position, I was asked if I was a good preacher. I said, “Preaching is my spiritual gift, but I still need to make it a skill.” A spiritual gift is like an athlete’s natural ability; the athlete must practice and be trained to develop that ability. It’s the same with our gifts; we must develop them to their full potential.
How do we develop them? We do this by continually using them. As we faithfully use them, they naturally get stronger. Also, we strengthen them by being trained and coached by mature believers. As they instruct and at times correct us, our gifts become stronger—they are fanned into flame.
The metaphor of fire might also symbolize zeal. Each Christian must be zealous in the use of his or her gifts, instead of neglecting them. Romans 12:11 says, “Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord.”
Are you zealous to serve God with your gift or content to stay on the sideline? Are you cultivating your gifts into skills—maximizing their potential? One of our priorities as disciples must be cultivating our spiritual gifts.
Application Question: What are your spiritual gifts and how do you feel God has called you to use them for the kingdom of God? How can you help other believers discover their spiritual gifts? How can believers keep up their zeal?
For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7
David Guzik said, “In 1 and 2 Timothy there are no less than 25 different places where Paul encouraged Timothy to be bold, to not shy away from confrontation, to stand up where he needs to stand up and be strong.”8 Second Timothy 1:7 is one of those places. Timothy probably had a timid personality—dealing with false teachers, difficult church members, and undergoing persecution for the faith was not natural for his disposition. Therefore, Paul encouraged him with God’s resources. We must encourage ourselves and others with these same resources.
Observation Question: What resources do believers have because of God’s Spirit?
In Ephesians 1:18-21, Paul prays for the believers to know the great power in them. It’s the same power that raised Christ from the dead, conquered powers and principalities, and seated Christ in the heavenlies. Often believers live below the power that is available to us. Therefore, we need to be awakened to God’s power working in us as well.
God has given us his power—power to serve, encourage others, conquer sin, and persevere through difficulties. However, we must recognize it, seek it, and walk in it by faith.
Are you walking in God’s power? Are you encouraging and praying for others to walk in it?
Romans 5:5 says that the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. The same love that enabled God to send his Son to die on the cross, the love that cared for us while we were God’s enemies, and the love lavished on believers and unbelievers alike through common grace (cf. Matt 5:44-45) abides in us. Therefore, when God calls us to love our neighbor and bless our enemies, we are able to do so because God’s love is inside us.
No doubt, there were people in Timothy’s congregation who were unlovable and difficult; however, Paul encouraged him to love them through God’s Spirit.
Are you loving God and others?
“Self-control” is sometimes translated as a “sound mind” or “self-discipline.” It means self-mastery—the ability to control one’s mind, emotions, and body. In order to complete whatever God has called us to, we must have discipline, which God graciously provides through his Spirit. One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control (Gal 5:23).
Maybe Timothy, like many Christians before and after him, had many reasons for not being faithful in serving God: “But God, I’m not a morning person!”, “But God, I am afraid!”, “But God, that person and I just don’t get along!” Yes, and those reasons might be valid, but God has given us discipline to be faithful despite those realities.
We need to hear these encouragements often, and we need to share them with others. Second Peter 1:3 says, “I can pray this because his divine power has bestowed on us everything necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence.” God has given us everything we need for life and godliness. His children lack nothing. Are you walking in his power? Are you encouraging others to do so? Encouragement must be one of our priorities, since his children are so prone to discouragement and sin.
Application Question: Why is it important to make encouragement a priority as we serve the Lord and others? How can we better encourage others?
Do we have apostolic priorities? Our priorities help us make decisions about career, family, and ministry. If we have wrong priorities, we’ll make wrong decisions and ultimately miss God’s best for our lives and eternity.
What were Paul’s apostolic priorities and are we imitating them? He had:
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
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1 Guzik, D. (2013). 2 Timothy (2 Ti 1:1). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.
2 Guzik, D. (2013). 2 Timothy (2 Ti 1:1). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.
3 Guzik, D. (2013). 2 Timothy (2 Ti 1:2–5). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.
4 Guzik, D. (2013). 2 Timothy (2 Ti 1:2–5). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.
5 MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2109). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
6 MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2109). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
7 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 13). Chicago: Moody Press.
8 Guzik, D. (2013). 2 Timothy (2 Ti 1:6). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God’s power accept your share of suffering for the gospel. He is the one who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made visible through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. He has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel! For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher. Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom my faith is set and I am convinced that he is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day. Hold to the standard of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Protect that good thing entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.
2 Timothy 1:8–14 (NET)
How can we be unashamed of our faith in Christ?
When Paul wrote this letter, the persecution of Christians was widespread. They were mocked for their morality and for believing in a crucified man. They were imprisoned and killed for their beliefs. Paul himself was in prison awaiting a death sentence.
In 2 Timothy 1:8, Paul urges Timothy to be unashamed of Christ, Paul and his sufferings, and the gospel, and to join with him in suffering for the faith. Everyone in Asia had already deserted Paul (v. 15). To be associated with the apostle could lead to further persecution—so many denied him.
Temptations to shame are still prominent today. In fact, all of us have probably felt shame about Christ, other believers, or God’s Word at some point. It may be shame about Scriptures’ teachings on homosexuality, abortion, or creation. With the growing antagonism on these topics, many feel a great social pressure to compromise biblical views. Proverbs 29:25 says the “fear of people becomes a snare.” Fear (or shame) traps and stops believers from progressing spiritually. For some, it ultimately pulls them away from Christ; Matthew 13:21 describes how some will fall away because of trouble or persecution over the Word.
The fact that believers are vulnerable to shame is implied by Christ’s declaration in Mark 8:38: “For if anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” To truly follow Christ, we must be unashamed of him and his teachings. Those who are ashamed, Christ will be ashamed of them at his coming. Most likely this means that their shame will prove their lack of true salvation. In Matthew 7:22-23, many professing believers in the last days will declare, “Lord, Lord,” and Christ will reply, “I never knew you.”
This call to be unashamed is especially important as Christ taught that persecution towards believers would increase in the last days. Believers will be hated by all nations because of Christ and consequently many will fall away (Matt 24:9-13). Certainly, we can see this growing animosity happening around the world.
How can we be unashamed of our faith in an antagonistic world? In 2 Timothy 1:8-14, Paul encourages Timothy, and us, to be unashamed of our faith.
Big Question: According to 2 Timothy 1:8-14, how can believers be unashamed of their faith in a world that is antagonistic towards Christ, his people, and his words?
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God’s power accept your share of suffering for the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:8
The conjunction “So” can be translated “Therefore”—referring back to the believer’s divine resources given through the Spirit, as mentioned in the preceding verse. There, Paul says, “For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Tim 1:7). The Spirit gives us power to be bold with our words, to love those who mock and persecute us, and to discipline our lives unto holiness. We have the same Spirit that filled Christ from the womb, anointed him at his baptism, led him into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, filled him with power after forty days of fasting, and worked miracles through him. It’s the same Spirit that enabled him to suffer persecution and die on the cross. Through the Spirit, we can stand against temptation and persecution.
Paul says because you have the Spirit, you must not give up, quit, or quiet your witness. The Spirit of God will empower you. Certainly, we see this throughout the book of Acts. Acts 4:31 says, “When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God courageously.” In Acts 7, the Spirit enabled Stephen to speak boldly and die as the church’s first martyr.
Warren Wiersbe tells the story of an imprisoned Christian about to be burned at the stake. He was afraid that he could not endure the suffering and that he would deny Christ. Wiersbe shares:
One night, he experimented with pain by putting his little finger into the candle flame. It hurt, and he immediately withdrew it. “I will disgrace my Lord,” he said to himself. “I cannot bear the pain.” But when the hour came for him to die, he praised God and gave a noble witness for Jesus Christ. God gave him the power when he needed it, and not before.1
Are you allowing the Spirit to empower you to stand firm in a contentious and ungodly world? He does this as we abide in him through God’s Word, worship, prayer, and obedience (Gal 5:16).
Application Question: In what ways have you seen the persecution of Christians or their beliefs increase?
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God’s power accept your share of suffering for the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:8
It must be noted that Paul does not call himself a prisoner of Rome but a prisoner for Christ’s sake. Paul saw his imprisonment as under God’s sovereign control. Rome could do nothing apart from God’s permission. This was similar to Christ’s declaration to Pilate, when he said that Pilate could have no power over him unless it had been given from above (John 19:11). He saw his suffering as part of God’s sovereign plan.
For another example, consider David’s response to his mighty men who wanted to kill Shimei for cursing David, after he lost the kingdom to Absalom. “What do we have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? If he curses because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David!’, who can say to him, ‘Why have you done this?’” (2 Sam 16:10). David saw God as in control of even this cursing, which enabled him to endure it faithfully without shame, and this is true for us as well. If we only see Satan, evil people, or a corrupt government, then we won’t faithfully endure. We may become overwhelmed with anger, remorse, fear, or shame—not allowing us to endure the trial faithfully.
To be unashamed, we must accept suffering as from the Lord. This means our sufferings are not random but purposeful—coming from the gracious hand of our God. Philippians 1:29 says, “For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him.” The word “granted” can also be translated “graced.” In the same way that faith is a gracious gift from God (Eph 2:8-9) so is suffering. It makes us depend on God more and grow in our faith (Rom 5:3-4, James 1:2-3).30
Are you recognizing God’s hand over the difficulties of life, including persecution? That is how Paul, Jesus, and David endured suffering without shame or some other ungodly response.
Application Question: Why is it important to see God as sovereign over evil, including persecution? In what other Scriptures do we see this reality taught (cf. Heb 10:32-34, 12:6-7)? How does this encourage you?
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God’s power accept your share of suffering for the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:8
After Paul mentions his imprisonment, he calls Timothy to accept his share of suffering for the gospel (v. 8). Paul’s mention of his suffering was meant to encourage Timothy to also willingly accept suffering. This is true for us as well. Our sufferings are not unique to us; they are also experienced by Christians throughout the world—many times in a greater way than us.
Have we been rejected by friends for the faith? Have we lost family? Have we been mocked? This is not uncommon. For many throughout the world, being a Christian means to be skipped over for a promotion, to lose a job, to have one’s possessions taken, to be imprisoned, or even to lose one’s life. Over 400 Christians die for the faith every day. This reality must encourage us to be faithful and willing to join in with their sufferings.
First Corinthians 10:13 says,
No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.
First Peter 5:8–9 says,
Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering.
Peter reasons that we should resist the devil “because” we know that other believers are going through the same sufferings. Remembering this should encourage us to suffer and not be ashamed.
As a further application, this reality reminds us of the importance of being transparent and vulnerable. One result of the fall was a lack of transparency. After Adam and Eve sinned, they hid from one another and God. Now mankind has a tendency to hide their sin or struggles out of shame. However, many times we need to share our struggles, not only so we can get help but so we can help others. In 2 Corinthians 1:6, Paul said: “But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort that you experience in your patient endurance of the same sufferings that we also suffer.” When others hear about our struggles, often, it encourages them to be faithful in their own.
Are you being vulnerable with others? Or do you keep your trials and struggles to yourself? It’s important for you to share, not just to get help, but also to help others endure.
Application Question: Does the fact that others are suffering for Christ motivate you to be faithful? Why or why not? Why is it important to share our struggles with others?
He is the one who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made visible through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. He has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel!
2 Timothy 1:9-10
Paul reminds Timothy of the greatness of the gospel in order to encourage him to suffer for it. This thought is similar to Romans 1:16 where Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” The gospel is so wonderful that we should never be afraid to share it or explain it to others. We should never try to change it, manipulate it, or hide it. It is too great!
Observation Question: What aspects of the gospel’s greatness does Paul focus on in 2 Timothy 1:9-10?
Paul states that God “saved us” (v. 9). Saved us from what? Through the gospel we are saved from eternal death—meaning eternal punishment in hell. We are also saved from slavery to sin, the world, and Satan. We are now slaves of Christ and righteousness. The gospel is the message of salvation. Thank you, Lord!
Paul said we were “called” with a “holy calling” (v. 9). Sometimes with the gospel, we only focus on what we’ve been saved from and not saved to. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.” God has called us to holiness—a life of righteous deeds done in the name of Christ to build God’s kingdom. In 1 Thessalonians 4:7, Paul said, “For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness.”
Paul says, “not based on our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made visible through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus” (v. 9). All other religions say, “Do!” Man is saved by good works—giving, going to church, serving the poor, etc. However, the gospel says, “Done!” Christ did everything, and we can do nothing to be saved except believe (John 3:16). The fact that we can do nothing for our salvation is reiterated by the fact this grace was given to us before time began. Ephesians 1:4-5 says, “For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished in his sight in love. He did this by predestining us to adoption as his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the pleasure of his will.”
In referring to our calling to salvation before time, Paul said, “but now made visible through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus” (v. 10). This gospel was fully revealed 2000 years ago when the Son of God came to the earth as a baby. He lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and resurrected from the dead. This gospel is a historical reality; it is not a myth. We have more historical proof of Christ’s resurrection than for the life of Julius Caesar.
Paul said that Christ “broke” the power of death (v. 10). Other versions say Christ “destroyed” or “abolished” death (v. 10). How did Christ destroy death? Obviously, people still die today including Christians. MacArthur’s comments are helpful:
Katargeō (abolish) literally means to render inoperative. It is not that death no longer exists or that believers are promised escape from it, unless they are raptured. But for believers, death is no longer a threat, no longer an enemy, no longer the end.2
For Christians, death has lost its sting (1 Cor 15:55); it is called gain (Phil 1:21). It is simply putting off our temporary tent to go to our eternal home (2 Cor 5:1). To be absent from the body means to be present with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8). Christ, through his death, delivered believers from the fear of death (Heb 2:15) and broke the power of death over us. Now death is just a passing through. This is an amazing gospel!
Some see “life” and “immortality” as synonymous—referring to eternal life in heaven with God and Christ. However, it possibly refers to abundant “life” on the earth and “immortality” in heaven. Christ said, “I came that you might have life and life more abundantly” (John 10:10, paraphrase). This includes knowing God (John 17:3) and having his peace in all situations (John 14:27).
When Christ came, he brought to “light” life and immortality—meaning this wasn’t fully understood in the Old Testament. They knew of heaven and the place of the dead, but not in the clarity that we understand it now. In the Old Testament, these realities were in the shadows, but in the New Testament they were brought into the light. The gospel teaches about abundant life on earth and eternal life in heaven.
One of the reasons that we should be unashamed of our faith, in an antagonistic world, is because of how wonderful the gospel is. It is the message of salvation, holiness, grace, Jesus, the destruction of death, and the offer of life and immortality.
Application Question: Why is the gospel needed for believers to continually hear and not just unbelievers? How does the gospel encourage you to be unashamed?
For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher. Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom my faith is set and I am convinced that he is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day.
2 Timothy 1:11-12
Paul shares how God uniquely called him to proclaim the gospel as a herald (or preacher), an apostle, and a teacher. This description of Paul’s divine duty was a reminder to both Timothy and us of our duty to faithfully proclaim the gospel. If we don’t share it, nobody else will. Stott said this about Paul’s various roles in relation to the gospel:
Perhaps we can relate the three offices of ‘apostle’, ‘preacher’ and ‘teacher’ by saying that the apostles formulated the gospel, preachers proclaim it like heralds, and teachers instruct people systematically in its doctrines and in its ethical implications.3
Heralds were sent by a king to proclaim his message with his authority. We do the same every time we share the gospel. As teachers, we explain the applications and implications of the gospel. We may not be apostles, in that we are not a part of the historical group who saw the resurrected Christ and proclaimed his resurrection with signs and wonders (cf. 1 Cor 15:7-9, 2 Cor 12:12); however, the word “apostle” literally means “sent one”, and we’ve all been sent by our Lord to proclaim the gospel. In the Great Commission, Christ said:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
We must be unashamed of our faith because it is our duty to proclaim it. If we don’t proclaim it, nobody else will. We are heralds, teachers, and “sent ones.” Christ sends us out like sheep among wolves (Matt 10:16), and yet we must faithfully discharge our duty.
Application Question: Why is the gospel so offensive to people? What is your experience with sharing the gospel?
Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom my faith is set and I am convinced that he is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day.
2 Timothy 1:12
Paul said that his suffering for the gospel was no cause for shame because he knew that God was able to protect what he had entrusted with him until that day—the day of Christ’s coming. The word “know” Paul uses “carries the idea of knowing with certainty.”4 The word “entrusted” can be translated “deposited.” It was a banking term. Paul knew with certainty that God was the best person to trust and invest in. He therefore would never suffer ultimate loss or shame, and neither will we.
Interpretation Question: What had Paul entrusted with God and why?
It could refer to several things:
When people put money in a bank, their hope is to not only protect the money but also to make a profit. Paul may be referring to that here. Christ was the best person to entrust his life with. Yes, other places were safer in one sense, but by investing in Christ, he would experience God’s best. Even if he died, God would resurrect him. If he didn’t die, God would continue to use his life. For these reasons, Paul could say, “For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain” (Phil 1:21). To live means to serve and know Christ and to die is to serve and know him more. It is gain.
This is true for us as well. There is nothing better than living for Christ even if it leads to persecution and earthly loss. God is able to make up that loss either on earth or in heaven. The wisely invested life will be a life full of earthly and heavenly rewards.
Christ said this to Peter who wondered what the disciples would receive for leaving all to follow Christ. In Mark 10:29–30, Christ replied,
”I tell you the truth, there is no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive in this age a hundred times as much—homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, fields, all with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.
The reward for investing our lives in Christ includes open homes, new family members, new lands to serve, persecution, and eternal life. But with these persecutions for the faith, there will be great heavenly reward as taught in the Beatitudes (Matt 5:10-12).
Obviously, Paul had given his life to preaching and teaching the gospel, founding churches, disciplining believers, and correcting false teachers. However, none of this work would be loss. Even when the gospel was rejected, false teaching prospered, and persecutions came, he could trust the fruit of his ministry to God. In 1 Corinthians 3:6, Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused it to grow.” Fruitfulness comes from God.
We can entrust our work to the Lord as well. He will draw people to himself in his time, set them free from strongholds, and deliver them from spiritual lethargy. God makes things grow. Therefore, we should not be ashamed when things seem fruitless. When Christ died, there were only 120 devoted followers waiting and praying in a room. However, after the Spirit fell at Pentecost, 3000 repented and were saved. We must deposit our work in the bank of Christ and leave the results to God.
There is no need to be ashamed of our investment in the Lord. If we give our life and work to the Lord, he will maximize them. We will be rewarded both on earth and heaven. He will produce fruit for his name’s sake.
Some believe that Paul was referring specifically to the gospel. In 2 Timothy 1:14, Paul challenges Timothy, “Protect that good thing entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.” Paul sought to guard and protect the gospel, and he challenged Timothy to continue that work. However, even if it was God’s will for Paul and Timothy to die because of persecution, the gospel would still go forward. God was trustworthy (v. 12). And certainly, we see this fruit today. The Roman Empire that killed Paul disintegrated, but the gospel didn’t, and it never will. It is still moving triumphantly throughout the earth today. Though each of our lives will one day end (at least in its present state), the message we share is eternal and will never cease.
William MacDonald said this about the various views concerning the “deposit”:
Perhaps it is best to take the expression in its broadest sense. Paul was persuaded that his entire case was in the best of hands. Even as he faced death, he had no misgivings. Jesus Christ was his Almighty Lord, and with Him there could be no defeat or failure. There was nothing to worry about. Paul’s salvation was sure, and so was the ultimate success of his service for Christ here on earth.5
Have you invested your life, your work, and the gospel in God’s hands? If so, God will use your investment for his glory. In God’s eyes, it is the invested life that is the successful life.
Application Question: What keeps people from fully investing their lives with God? Was there a certain point in your life when you decided to go “all in” with God? Describe that time and the effects of that decision.
Hold to the standard of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Protect that good thing entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.
2 Timothy 1:13-14
Finally, Paul instructs Timothy to “hold” to sound words (or teaching) with faith and love. It can also be translated “hold fast” or “keep.” The word “sound” means “healthy.” We must hold fast to healthy teaching, as it’s possible to lose it or allow it to be corrupted. We must guard it as a deposit with the help of the Holy Spirit. In Matthew 5:19, Christ said that those who disobeyed his teaching and taught others to disobey it would ultimately be called least in the kingdom of heaven. Believing and teaching unhealthy doctrine ultimately leads to shame before God and others. Therefore, to be unashamed on earth and in heaven, we must keep sound teaching.
Interpretation Question: What does Paul mean by challenging Timothy to keep the pattern of sound teaching?
In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul says, “Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.” Many who profess Christ don’t really know what God’s Word teaches. For others, they are lazy in their study and therefore mishandle God’s Word—causing others to stumble. This will lead to shame before others and ultimately God.
If we are going to be unashamed, we must understand God’s Word through disciplined study.
One of the main reasons people are ashamed of God and his words is because they don’t obey them. They feel hypocritical, and are often viewed as such, because their lifestyle doesn’t match their professed belief. If we are to be unashamed, we must practice what God’s Word says.
Paul told Timothy to keep Paul’s instruction as “the standard of sound words” (v. 13). The Greek word for “standard,” or it can be translated “pattern,” was used of “a writer’s outline or an artist’s rough sketch, which set the guidelines and standards for the finished work. The Christian’s standard is God’s Word, which encompasses the sound words” which Paul taught.6 God’s Word equips the man of God for all righteousness (2 Tim 3:17). Therefore, we should test parenting strategies, marriage customs, work norms, and cultural expectations against it—less we be led astray. In addition, we must test all teaching in the church against God’s Word. In Acts 17:11 (ESV), the Bereans were called “noble” because they tested Paul’s teachings against Scripture day and night. We must do the same. This will protect us from being ashamed about accepting unhealthy teaching, promoting it, or living it out.
Paul says to keep the pattern of sound teaching with “faith” and “love” (v. 13). “Faith” means both to believe God’s Word and to be faithful to it. “Love” means that we must love God’s Word. David said, “O, how I love your law!
All day long I meditate on it” (Psalm 119:97). First Peter 2:2 says that we must “yearn” for it like infants yearn for milk. If we love it, then we’ll study it, meditate on it, and share it. In addition, we must speak the truth to others in love (Eph 4:15). If we have faith without love, we become harsh Pharisees. But if we have love and no faith, then we become antinomians—touting freedom to sin.
Are you keeping the standard with faith and love?
When Paul says to “protect that good thing entrusted to you” (v. 14), he further clarifies what it means to “hold” or “keep” the standard of sound teaching (v. 13). Since false teaching abounds around the world, as it did in Ephesus, we must contend for the truth by exposing bad doctrine in order to protect others from it. By doing this, we protect sound doctrine from either decay or being lost. In addition, we protect sound teaching by sharing it with others, so they can obey it and also be kept from lies.
In verse 14, Paul adds that we must protect sound teaching “through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.” Only God’s Spirit can enable us to keep the pattern of sound words. We must depend on the Holy Spirit through prayer and a deepening relationship with Christ and his body. Like David, we must cry out for God to turn our eyes from worthless things and to preserve us by God’s Word (Psalm 119:37). We must rely on the Holy Spirit to help us discern what is false (1 John 2:27). We must rely on him to enable us to teach God’s Word and correct misinterpretations of it.
Are you keeping the pattern of sound teaching? Only by keeping God’s Word can we be unashamed before God and others. To accept and promote what is false always leads to shame.
Application Question: Why is it so difficult to keep the pattern of sound teaching in our lives, churches, and Christian organizations? How have you seen this pattern lost in many of our churches and Christian organizations? How do you feel God is calling you specifically to contribute to keeping the standard of sound teaching?
How can we be unashamed of our faith in a world that is increasingly antagonistic to Christ, his people, and his Word?
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible ® copyright © 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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1 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 241–242). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
2 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 22). Chicago: Moody Press.
3 Stott, J. R. W. (1973). Guard the Gospel the message of 2 Timothy (p. 41). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
4 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 25). Chicago: Moody Press.
5 MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2112). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
6 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 29). Chicago: Moody Press.
You know that everyone in the province of Asia deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my imprisonment. But when he arrived in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me. May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day! And you know very well all the ways he served me in Ephesus.
2 Timothy 1:15–18 (NET)
How should we perform the ministry of refreshment?
Paul has just been challenging Timothy to stand firm, to be unashamed, and to be willing to suffer with him for the gospel (1:8-14). Paul was imprisoned in Rome awaiting a death sentence, and the majority of believers in Asia, who previously supported him, deserted him, including two men named Phygelus and Hermogenes (v. 15). We don’t know who these men were. What seems clear is that they were professing believers who deserted Paul and probably encouraged others to do so as well. Maybe, like Job’s friends, they declared that his sufferings proved that he was not right with God and probably not an apostle.
However, in the midst of Paul’s darkness was a bright light—a man named Onesiphorus. His name means “profit bearing”1 or “help bringer.”2 This man lived out his name. When Paul was deserted by others, Onesiphorus sought him out and refreshed him (v. 16). The word “refreshed” means “to cool again.”3 The Amplified version translates it “Bracing me like fresh air”.
Living in a world with sin and the consequences of it, means that we will always need refreshment. We all are negatively affected by trials, our sin, or the sin of others and therefore need refreshment. Paul was a great apostle and yet still needed to be refreshed. Similarly, in Christ’s last hours, when he was ‘weary unto death’, he called upon his three closest disciples to pray with him—to provide support and refreshment. We all need this type of ministry, and we all need to offer it to others.
By mentioning Phygelus and Hermogenes and then Onesiphorus, Paul essentially calls Timothy to be like Onesiphorus—a refresher—and not like Hermogenes and Phygelus—deserters. How can we perform the ministry of refreshment? We will learn six principles from the example of Onesiphorus.
Big Question: What principles can we learn from the example of Onesiphorus about refreshing others?
You know that everyone in the province of Asia deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my imprisonment.
2 Timothy 1:15-16
Again, when everyone in Asia deserted Paul, Onesiphorus went to see him. People were deserting Paul because associating with him could lead to imprisonment or execution. Christians in Rome were being burned at the stake by Nero and offered to lions in the Colosseum. One author said this about Onesiphorus, “He went to Rome at a time when every Christian was trying to get out of it.”4
Someone said this about friendships: “In times of prosperity, our friends know us, but in times of difficulty, we know our friends.” When all deserted Paul, Onesiphorus faithfully reached out to him—even risking his life to minister to him. We must do the same to practice the ministry of refreshment.
It’s hard to reach out to people in pain. We often feel like we don’t know what to say. We’re afraid talking with them will be awkward. Sometimes we’re even afraid to make things worse. It’s good to remember that often the best thing we can do when people are suffering is simply minister through our presence. Like Job’s friends did initially, as they simply sat and mourned with him, we should do the same.
Ecclesiastes 7:4 says, “The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of merrymaking.” The fool only wants to laugh and have pleasure, but the wise is drawn to the house of mourning—both to minister and to learn.
Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a relative is born to help in adversity.” The author of the proverb is using parallelism—reinforcing the first phrase with the second. A real friend is like family—they are there at all times, even in adversity, just as Onesiphorus was. In order to practice the ministry of refreshment, we must reach out to others in need.
Are you reaching out to those around you in need?
Application Question: Why is it difficult to meet with others in times of adversity? Describe a time when someone faithfully ministered to you in a time of adversity.
May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my imprisonment.
2 Timothy 1:16
When Paul first mentions Onesiphorus, he does so in a prayer for his family. This implies that his family suffered in some way through Onesiphorus’ ministry to Paul. No doubt, they suffered by his being away perhaps for months. Some commentators even believe that Onesiphorus was captured and killed in Rome. They come to this conclusion because of Paul’s present tense prayer for the family in verse 16 and his future tense prayer for Oneshiphorus in verse 18. He prays for him to receive mercy on the day of judgment. It seems clear that, at minimum, Onesiphorus was currently not with them. They were either separated by distance or by death.
If Onesiphorus was dead, it would appear that Paul is praying for the dead. Catholic commentators use this verse to support the need for believers to pray the dead into heaven. However, Scripture does not support belief in purgatory. Nor does it support the belief that we can contribute to salvation (ours or anyone else’s) by works. Christ did everything needed for one to be saved. All we are called to do is put our faith in his work and follow him as Lord and Savior (John 3:16, Rom 10:9-13).
With that said, the point is that there was some amount of suffering Onesiphorus’ family experienced because of his ministry to Paul. This is common in ministry. There is strain when a husband or wife is absent. There is extra spiritual warfare on families who serve in ministry. However, having parents who serve is healthy for children: it helps them develop a ministry mindset, delivers them from selfishness, and often leads them to a lifetime of ministry. But, it is important to understand that we should never sacrifice our families for ministry. Sadly, this happens too often. Paul said our first ministry is our family (1 Tim 5:4), and he required potential elders to run their households well in order to be selected for ministry (1 Tim 3:4). To neglect one’s family means to be disqualified from serving in other ministries.
Application Question: How do we prepare and protect our families and yet maintain a healthy balance with ministry?
(1) One way we prepare our families is by having honest conversations: That means asking them about how the balance between ministry and family is going. Do they feel neglected? Are the children getting enough attention? (2) Also, we prepare them for busy seasons by talking with them beforehand and committing to make up missed time. (3) In addition, we prepare and protect them by constantly praying for them, even as Paul did for Onesiphorus’ household. We should ask the Lord for special mercy and protection over them. (4) Finally, we protect our families by always prioritizing them. Family members should always know that they are first. Yes, there will be times of sacrifice in serving God and others; when those times come, families must work together to best navigate those periods.
Edith Schaeffer gives wise counsel on balancing family and ministry in the book “What is Family?” (Revell, 1975), as shared by Steven Cole:
As you may know, the Schaeffers raised their children at L’Abri in an open home, where many people came at all hours. In one chapter, Mrs. Schaeffer describes the family as a door with hinges and a lock. The hinges open to welcome those in need, but the lock gives the family time to grow and be refreshed for ministry. They did not damage their family by over-commitment to ministry, and yet they instilled in their children a ministry-mindset.5
To prepare and protect our families, we must do the same. We must open the door of our home for ministry and lock it to protect and refresh our family.
Are you preparing and protecting your family?
Application Question: Why is it important for ministers to prepare and protect their families? In what ways have you seen those in ministry (or in other occupations) damage their families through over-commitment? What are some other wise principles for protecting our families?
May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my imprisonment... And you know very well all the ways he served me in Ephesus.
2 Timothy 1:16, 18
In verse 16, Paul says that Onesiphorus “often refreshed” him, and in verse 18, he comments that while in Ephesus, Onesiphorus “served” him in many ways. The word “served” comes from the same Greek word we get “deacon” from. Therefore, some think Onesiphorus was a deacon (servant) in Ephesus.6
Onesiphorus certainly served Paul in many ways and often. When Paul was hungry, he brought food. When thirsty, he brought drink. When discouraged, he prayed with him. When rejoicing, he sang with him. No doubt, Onesiphorus refreshed Paul physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We should do the same with others.
It is especially important to minister persistently to people in seasons of adversity. This is necessary because difficulties often come in packs and take a while to dissipate, as seen in the story of Job. This means we need to meet up with them often. It means listening, listening, and listening again. It means lending a helping hand often. To refresh people, we need to minister persistently and practically.
Application Question: How can we faithfully serve others, especially in times of difficulty?
We gain great insight by considering the Macedonian churches’ ministry to the Jerusalem churches in 2 Corinthians. Consider what Paul said about them:
For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily, begging us with great earnestness for the blessing and fellowship of helping the saints. And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God.
2 Corinthians 8:3-5
The Macedonians gave themselves first to the Lord and then to others. Ministry to others always comes from an overflow. If we are not abiding in Christ, we cannot effectively minister to others (John 15:5). To serve persistently and practically, we must first give ourselves to God, then, look for others with needs and go meet those needs.
In considering this, we must recognize that another hindrance to the ministry of refreshment is selfishness. For many their life and ministry is all about themselves. They come to church to get encouragement, to learn about the Bible, for a good children’s program, and when their needs aren’t met, they complain and leave the church. For many, their focus is always, “Me! Me! Me!” instead of God and others. When God is not first, we will be increasingly prone to selfishness, discouragement, and burn out. To serve persistently and practically, we must give ourselves first to God and then to others.
Are you willing to refresh others by serving them persistently and practically?
Application Question: How can we find the balance of putting God first before ministry to others? How do we keep from burning out when seeking to refresh others? How can we set up appropriate boundaries?
May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my imprisonment.
2 Timothy 1:16
Paul also said Onesiphorus was “not ashamed” of his chains. This means that when Onesiphorus visited Paul, he didn’t condemn him. He didn’t say, “If you just had more faith, God would set you free!” He just accepted Paul as he was. This is where Job’s friends failed. Initially, they just remained with Job and mourned with him. When they did that, they did well. But eventually, their true colors were revealed; instead of accepting Job and his suffering, they poured condemnation on him. They said he was suffering from sin and called him to repent. Like the Asian Christians who deserted Paul, Job’s friends were ashamed of him and his suffering.
In contrast, we must accept people where they are, just as Onesiphorus did. Yes, there are times to rebuke and correct, but we must wisely discern those times. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” When refreshing others, many times those hurting are primarily looking for empathy—someone who understands them emotionally and who will stand beside them. They need someone to say, “It’s OK to cry,” “It’s OK to feel betrayed,” and “Yes, that wasn’t fair.” That’s what we see in many of the Psalms—honest sharing of a person or community. However, they also need the balance presented in the Psalms where the writer ultimately says, “But God.”
Are you willing to accept and empathize with others in order to refresh them?
Application Question: Why is empathy so important to refreshing others? What are some helpful tips for developing and practicing empathy? How can we help people see God in their trials without condemning them or disregarding their pain?
But when he arrived in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me.
2 Timothy 1:17
When Onesiphorus went to Rome to minister to Paul, he experienced various inconveniences. Even the trip from Ephesus to Rome was difficult in those days. It covered a distance of over 2000 kilometers. Most likely, he traveled by boat and foot. However, his journey wasn’t done when he got to Rome. It seems that Onesiphorus initially couldn’t find Paul. Maybe, there were many prisons, and it was difficult to find the right one. Maybe, the Roman officials weren’t helpful and probably rude. Maybe, since Christians had gone into hiding because of persecution, they were skeptical of a person searching for a state prisoner. In order to minister to Paul, Onesiphorus experienced various inconveniences.
It’s the same for us. If we are going to practice the ministry of refreshment, we must be willing to accept inconvenience. At times, it means tossing our original plans for the day to minister to someone in pain. It means going to bed at a later time or getting up earlier. At times, it means caring for a person who won’t listen and who makes bad decisions. There are various inconveniences that come with the ministry of refreshment. It’s always easier just to do nothing, as it would have been for Onesiphorus.
However, if we’re going to perform this ministry, we must accept inconvenience, including, at times, being unappreciated. When people experience trials, they tend to become self-focused and selfish. This extreme self-focus can at times blur the lines between those who are trying to help them and hurt them. For this reason, genuine ministers are often unappreciated or even hated.
Obviously, Paul was tremendously appreciative of Onesiphorus’ ministry; however, that is not always the case. Christ gave his life for the world and the majority of the world rejects him, and even Christians often take him for granted. To do the ministry of refreshment, we must accept inconvenience.
Are you willing to be inconvenienced, and maybe even unappreciated?
Application Question: How can we be prepared for the various inconveniences that often come with ministering to those in need? How have you experienced inconvenience in ministry, including being unappreciated?
May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day! And you know very well all the ways he served me in Ephesus.
2 Timothy 1:18
Finally, Paul speaks a blessing over Onesiphorus for his faithful ministry. He says, “May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!” Mercy in this context seems to refer to receiving rewards from God at the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10).7 It reflects the promise in Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” God’s favor is on the merciful both in this life and the life to come. God will be gracious to them.
This blessing is seen in how Christ responds to the merciful in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. At Christ’s coming, he says to those who fed, clothed, and visited his brothers in prison, “Take your inheritance in the Kingdom, for what you did to the least of these, you did to me” (Matt 25:34-40, paraphrase). There is a reciprocal blessing with the ministry of refreshment. Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says, “Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” In the context of washing the feet of others, Christ said “blessed will you be if you do this” (John 13:17, paraphrased).
If we are going to perform the ministry of refreshment, we must focus on God’s reward. Focusing on God’s reward is especially important when our ministry is rejected, demonized, or appears to be unfruitful. God sees, and he will faithfully reward. Hebrews 6:10 says, “For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name, in having served and continuing to serve the saints.”
Are you focusing on God’s reward, especially in times of discouragement? If not, it will be easy to become depressed and give up.
Application Question: Why is it important to focus on God’s reward when performing the ministry of refreshment? Is serving God for reward wrong? Why or why not?
We’ve talked about how to perform the ministry of refreshment; now, we’ll briefly consider how to respond when we are the ones being refreshed.
We would never know about Onesiphorus if Paul hadn’t mentioned him here in 2 Timothy. He is memorialized by Paul for his faithful ministry. Paul demonstrates his pleasure and thanksgiving before Timothy, the churches in Ephesus, and the world through this letter.
It’s important to be thankful for a refresher’s ministry because it’s so easy to take it for granted. It’s kind of like most children’s relationships with their parents. They birth, raise, and educate us, and yet we easily forget and neglect them. This often happens with people who refresh us without requiring our appreciation or remuneration.
Do you often thank those who refresh you? Refreshers at times feel awkward when receiving appreciation, but they’re always thankful for it.
Paul prays for Onesiphorus and his family. We should do the same. Galatians 6:6 says, “Now the one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with the one who teaches it.” One of the good things we should share with those who refresh us is prayer. Pray for protection from the enemy, encouragement, intimacy with God, knowing of his Word, and bearing fruit. We must bless our refreshers through prayer, even as Paul did.
Do you often pray for those who refresh you? Let us lift them up often.
Application Question: Paul often started his letters with prayer and thanksgiving for those he served or served with (cf. Phil 1:3, Col 1:3). How can we be more effective at praying and thanking our refreshers? Who is God specifically calling you to pray for and give thanks to?
How can we perform the ministry of refreshment? How can we embrace people in need like a breath of fresh air?
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible ® copyright © 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
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Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
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1 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 243–244). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
2 Guzik, D. (2013). 2 Timothy (2 Tim 1:16–18). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.
3 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 244). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
4 Albert MacKinnon, cited by Guy King, To My Son [Christian Literature Crusade, 1976], p. 34 (as cited by Steven Cole in his sermon on 2 Timothy 1:15-18 at https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-7-ministry-refreshment-2-timothy-115-18)
5 Accessed 10/15/16, from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-7-ministry-refreshment-2-timothy-115-18
6 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 243–244). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
7 MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2114). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well. Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please the one who recruited him. Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner unless he competes according to the rules. The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share of the crops. Think about what I am saying and the Lord will give you understanding of all this.
2 Timothy 2:1–7 (NET)
What are the disciplines of a strong minister of Christ?
Remember that when 2 Timothy was written, the persecution of Christians was widespread; Paul, himself, was in prison. Because of this, everyone in Asia had deserted him (1:15)—some had, no doubt, even deserted Christ. In view of the surrounding persecution, Paul calls Timothy to use his spiritual gift, to be unashamed of Christ and the gospel, and to guard the apostolic deposit (2 Tim 1:6, 8, 13-14). Second Timothy 2:1 unfolds on this backdrop; Paul says, “So you, my child be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
“Strong” means to be “‘inwardly strengthened,’ suggesting strength in soul and purpose.”1 When many were falling away or compromising the faith, Paul wanted Timothy to stand strong. This was important for Timothy to hear as his natural disposition seemed to be timidity (2 Tim 1:7). He needed to hear this exhortation and so do we.
Similarly, when God called Joshua to lead Israel, he said, “Be strong and brave.” He repeats this twice in Joshua 1:7 and 1:9. When talking about spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6, Paul calls for the Ephesians to be “strengthened in the Lord” (v. 10). If we are going to be faithful ministers of Christ, we must be strong. Why? Because we are constantly under spiritual attack from demons, principalities, and rulers of the darkness. Because we are in a world that is antagonistic toward Christ, his teachings, and his people. And also, because of our tendency to sin, get discouraged, and wander away from Christ. In the midst of all this, we must be strong to complete what God has called us to do.
How can we become strong ministers of Christ—ones who faithfully complete our God-given work, instead of quitting or falling away? We learn the disciplines of a strong minister in 2 Timothy 2:1-7.
Big Question: What disciplines of a strong minister can be discerned from 2 Timothy 2:1-7?
So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:1
“Be strong” is passive “indicating that the source of Timothy’s strength was not in himself but in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”2 The NEB translates this “Take strength from the grace of God which is ours in Christ Jesus.” As we study Scripture, it is clear that in our salvation Christ gave us abundant grace—grace to believe, grace to serve, grace to stand, grace to overcome our weaknesses, etc. Consider the following verses: John 1:16 says this in the ESV, “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast.” First Peter 4:10 says, “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.” Ephesians 6:10–11 says, “Finally, be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” In addition, 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me.”
Grace has been abundantly given to believers, and therefore, we must stand and not quit. Kent Hughes comments on this passage nicely sum up Paul’s words to Timothy:
Nothing would come Timothy’s way as he guarded the gospel that he would not have the graced strength to handle—no person, no pain, no problem, no responsibility, no tragedy. There would be no time when he could not stand tall. And that is true for all who are in Christ and thus under his grace. If he calls you to do something, he will supply sufficient strength through his grace. If he calls you to step forward, he will give you the power. If he calls you to step up, he will give you the fortitude. If he calls you to endure, the strength you need will be found in “the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”3
Application Question: How can we rely on God’s grace in our ministry?
Philippians 3:3 says, “For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, exult in Christ Jesus, and do not rely on human credentials.” We put no confidence in our abilities. It is when we feel confident in our counseling, serving, or teaching that we lose God’s power. God’s power is made perfect in our weakness—not our strength.
If we are confident, we must repent. If we feel weak, we must thank God as Paul did. He said that he boasted in his weakness so that Christ’s power could rest on him (2 Cor 12:9-10). Are you recognizing your weakness before God? It is the secret to experiencing his grace.
In John 15:5, Christ said, “‘I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing.” We must daily abide in God’s Word, prayer, and worship in order to be strengthened by God’s grace. If not, all our work and ministry will be done in the flesh and only produce fleshly results.
Are you abiding in Christ?
Yes, God has given us much grace in our salvation. However, there is more that he would like to give. James 4:6 says he gives more grace. Are you asking for more grace over your parenting, your work, your service, your relationships, etc.? In James 4:2, the author says we have not because we ask not. Are you asking?
Though the phrase “be strong” is passive, it does not suggest passivity. Relying on God is more a matter of the heart than an action. However, to rely on his grace, we must, in fact, work. As we pray and trust God, we must work in accordance with his grace. In 1 Corinthians 15:10, Paul said, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been in vain. In fact, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God with me.”
Some trust in God but don’t work. Others work but don’t trust. Neither is a proper balance. To not work and simply claim it by faith is to have no faith at all. Because God gave grace, Paul worked harder than everyone else, and therefore, God’s grace was not without effect.
Is God’s grace effective in you? Are you trusting and working? Strong ministers rely on God’s grace, and it prompts them to faithfully work hard.
Application Question: Why is it important to rely on God’s grace in order to be a strong minister? What is the balance of relying on God and working?
And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well.
2 Timothy 2:2
Paul called Timothy to faithfully teach others what he originally learned from Paul. The word “entrust” “carries the idea of depositing something valuable for safekeeping.”4 Timothy was part of a long train of people who had been entrusted with God’s Word with the purpose of them teaching it to others. There are four generations of teachers in this passage: Paul, Timothy, faithful people, and those the faithful people teach.
William Barclay expands on this concept, “The teacher is a link in the living chain which stretches unbroken from this present moment back to Jesus Christ. The glory of teaching is that it links the present with the earthly life of Jesus Christ.”5 The apostles, including Paul, received from Christ and taught the message to faithful men like Timothy, and they passed it on to us through a long line of faithful teachers.
It is like a relay race where individuals keep passing the baton from one person to another. Sadly, in this race, there are people who for some reason feel tired or distracted and therefore drop the baton or quit the race all together. Maybe they say, “I don’t feel like reading the Bible!” “I don’t feel like going to church!” or “I don’t feel like sharing God’s Word with others!”, and therefore, they break the link. There is nothing more selfish than this. This baton saves and changes lives. Plus, when we drop it, we neglect the work of Christ, the apostles, pastors, teachers, small group leaders, youth leaders, and parents who faithfully passed it on to us. We must be faithful students and teachers of God’s Word. We are living links in the chain, and therefore, we must pass it on to others. First Corinthians 4:1-2 says, “This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”
Are you being a faithful link in the chain—a faithful teacher of God’s Word? Don’t neglect the stewardship passed on to you—share it with others.
Observation Question: What type of people is Timothy called to share God’s Word with?
In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul uses the phrase “faithful people” or it can be translated “reliable people.” What does he mean by this? Shouldn’t we share it with everybody? Yes, we should. However, there are some that we should invest the most energy in. Who are they? They are people who faithfully attend church and small group. They use their spiritual gifts to serve others. They faithfully study the Word individually and corporately. They are disciplined with their spiritual life, work, ministry, and family. They are not letting entertainment and activities drown out their spiritual life. When you invest in these types of people, you multiply your ministry because they are going to share it with others.
This is what Christ did with his ministry: He ministered to the multitudes and ate with tax collectors and sinners. He had the seventy-two who he sent out to minister and preach the gospel. He had the twelve apostles, and even within the twelve, he had the three—his inner circle of Peter, James, and John. Though he ministered to everybody, he especially invested in the faithful. We must do the same.
When you’re looking for people to disciple, find the faithful. Reach out to unbelievers, go after the lost sheep, encourage the nominal, but invest the majority of your time in the faithful.
As we consider this, we certainly must ask ourselves, “Are we faithful?” If not, we will miss out on God’s best. With the faithful, he expands their stewardship of both the Word and souls. Are you being faithful?
Application Question: What person or persons had the most effect on your spiritual life? Who was the greatest depositor of God’s Word in you?
Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please the one who recruited him.
2 Timothy 2:3-4
When every believer was born again, they were enlisted in a war. They are in a war with their flesh, as they fight against sin (1 Pet 2:11). They are in a war with the devil, as they fight against powers and principalities and rulers of the darkness (Eph 6:10-13). And they are in a war against the world, as they fight against being conformed to its pattern (Rom 12:2). We are all soldiers in a war whether we recognize it or not. The question is, “Are we good soldiers?” Charles Spurgeon said it this way:
Paul does not exhort Timothy to be a common, or ordinary soldier, but to be a ‘good soldier of Jesus Christ;’ for all soldiers, and all true soldiers, may not be good soldiers. There are men who are but just soldiers and nothing more; they only need sufficient temptation and they readily become cowardly, idle, useless and worthless; but he is the good soldier who is bravest of the brave, courageous at all times, who is zealous, does his duty with heart and earnestness.6
Observation Question: What aspects of a good soldier’s attitude does Paul focus on in 2 Timothy 2:3-4?
Again, Paul says, “Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (v. 3). As Christians were being persecuted throughout the Roman Empire, many deserted Paul, and probably Christ. Paul calls Timothy to be a good soldier who does not shrink from suffering. People enlist in the military knowing that they may have to suffer and even give their life for their country. This should be true of Christians as well.
Christ said this in Matthew 16:24–25, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” To take up our cross refers to the daily battle with our flesh. We must die daily to our affections for sin. But it also means being willing to suffer for Christ in a world that hates him and his Word. Timothy needed this attitude and so does every Christian.
Are you willing to suffer for Christ?
When Paul said, “take your share of suffering,” it not only was a call to suffer but to stand with fellow suffering soldiers—for Timothy to take his share of the whole. One of the goals of the military is to take individuals and form them into a community willing to suffer for both their country and one another. I remember when I enlisted and went through basic training in the Air Force. After eight weeks of following our training instructor, I felt a supreme amount of trust and affection for him and that I could even die for him, as well as for others in my unit. It should be the same for believers with the church.
Though we are individuals, one of the aims of the New Testament is to teach us that we are a body and that we are dependent upon one another (cf. 1 Cor 12). We may not feel this instinctively, but we must learn it and live it out. In the same way that the eyes need the hands and the feet, we need one another. When one part of the body suffers, we suffer. And when another part of the body excels, we excel. We must learn this as members of one body, but also as soldiers in Gods army. We do this, in part, by sharing our problems and joys with one another, carrying one another’s burdens, and protecting one another. Many never experience this reality because they never share their burdens, never carry others’ burdens, and never seek to protect their brothers and sisters. Therefore, they know nothing of the ‘experience’ of being part of the army of Christ and part of his body.
Are you committed to the body of Christ—the army of God? Or are you a lone-ranger?
Paul says, “No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life” (v. 4). What does he mean by this? When a person enlists, he often leaves friends, family, and other career ambitions to focus on serving his country. It is not that he never talks to his friends and family, it’s just that in certain seasons of military service, like a deployment, they cannot be his primary focus.
Macdonald said this about verse 4:
The emphasis is on the word entangles. The soldier must not allow ordinary affairs of life to become the main object of existence. For instance, he must not make acquiring food and clothing the main aim of life. Rather, the service of Christ must always occupy the prominent place, while the things of this life are kept in the background.7
John MacArthur adds,
I recall a story about a Civil War soldier who happened to be a watchmaker. One day the bugle sounded and the men were told to break camp. “But I can’t go now!” the soldier complained. “I have a dozen watches to repair!”8
Sadly, many Christians are like this: career, family, friends, entertainment, and many other things come before God and his mission. They may be soldiers; however, they are not good ones. They are distracted and entangled in affairs that often keep them out of church, God’s Word, and prayer, and therefore, they can’t faithfully serve in God’s army.
What is entangling and distracting you from faithfully serving in God’s army?
Sadly, many are more focused on pleasing friends, family, professors, or bosses. Proverbs 29:25 says, “the fear of people becomes a snare.” Many, including those serving in pastoral ministry, are ensnared by the expectations of others which keeps them from fully committing to Christ and doing his will. They become people pleasers instead of God pleasers. In Galatians 1:10, Paul said, “Am I now trying to gain the approval of people, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ!”
Are you a slave of Christ or a people pleaser? You can’t have two masters; you will always hate one and love the other.
Timothy was timid and not naturally disposed to the attitudes of a soldier. However, Scripture seems to indicate that by God’s grace he in fact developed these attitudes and faithfully discharged his duties. Hebrews 13:23 says, “You should know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes soon, he will be with me when I see you.” At some point, he was imprisoned for his faith and eventually released. By God’s grace, Timothy was a good soldier of Christ, and by God’s grace, we can be as well. We can be soldiers that are willing to suffer, partner with other soldiers, avoid distractions, and please our Commanding Officer—Christ.
Are you a good soldier of Christ or just a soldier? Christ has given grace to be faithful, even amidst hardships and temptations.
Application Question: What are some other important qualities of a good soldier that are necessary in the Christian life?
Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner unless he competes according to the rules.
2 Timothy 2:5
Paul often used athletic illustrations in his letters. He mentions track and field (1 Cor 9:24), boxing (1 Cor 9:26), and wrestling (Eph 6:12). Here in 2 Timothy 2:5, he refers generally to sports and particularly to the Greek games. In these games, there were three rules that each athlete had to keep:
First, he had to be a trueborn Greek. Second, he had to prepare at least ten months for the games and swear to that before a statue of Zeus. Third, he had to compete within the specific rules for a given event. To fail in any of those requirements meant automatic disqualification.9
Though the Christian life is often compared with an athletic competition, we are not competing against each other, but to complete the race God has given us and be rewarded (cf. 1 Cor 9:24-26, Heb 12:1). For this reason, we must keep the rules, lest we become disqualified (v. 27).
Application Question: How can Christians follow God’s rules like an athlete?
Every athlete, often from a young age, spends time learning the rules of a sport. A basketball player knows that he can’t carry the basketball while running—that’s a travel. He can’t slap somebody on the wrist while playing—that’s a foul. In the same way, Christians must strive to know the entire revelation of Scripture so that we may be approved by God (2 Tim 2:15) and not disqualified for the prize—eternal reward.
Ephesians 5:8b-10 says, “Walk as children of the light—for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth—trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” We learn what pleases God by knowing his Word, discerning his will through prayer, his work in our hearts, the counsel of godly saints, and his sovereignty over the events of life. Our ultimate desire must be to please God, our Commanding Officer.
Sadly, many Christians don’t know the rules, or they simply try to make up their own. Some even talk as though they have some special relationship with God which allows them to break the rules. I’ve met Christians who say things like, “God understands where I’m at right now, and I feel like I’m OK with him.” Then they go on to describe why it’s OK for them to date an unbeliever, to live with their boyfriend, to not go to church, or to participate in some other form of rebellion. If we are going to be rewarded, we must, like athletes, compete according to the rules.
Are you competing like an athlete—according to God’s revealed will?
Application Question: How can we discern God’s will concerning things not clearly taught in Scripture like what job to take, who to marry, etc.? What other disciplines of an athlete are important in our Christian life?
The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share of the crops.
2 Timothy 2:6
Paul switches metaphors here, from sports to agriculture. He exhorts Timothy to be a strong minister by modeling a hardworking farmer. The phrase “works hard” means “to toil intensely, to sweat and strain to the point of exhaustion if necessary.”10 Sadly, many Christians think they don’t have to work hard—they just need to wait and trust God. Maybe, they’re in a spiritual rut—they don’t enjoy their spiritual disciplines and are struggling with some sin. But instead of disciplining themselves to get out of it, they are apathetic and lazy. They think it’s God responsibility to change them with no effort on their own. Therefore, they fold their hands, and their hearts, and get mad at God. Essentially, they say, “Why won’t God change me? Why won’t he give me a heart for his Word or to serve? Why won’t he set me free from this sin?” However, Scripture says, “continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence, for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort—for the sake of his good pleasure—is God” (Phil 2:12-13). We should work because God is working in us. We need to faithfully do our part.
First Corinthians 15: 58 says, “…Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” If we are going to be strong ministers, we must be willing to work hard. Our emotions can’t control us, our faith in God must. Just as farmers get up early to work the field and, at times, go to bed late after working all day, we must demonstrate that same faithfulness in our labor. If we’re going to be strong and not weak, we must work hard.
With that said, more characteristics are implied by Paul’s illustration of a hardworking farmer that partakes in the harvest.
Application Question: What are some other characteristics of a hardworking farmer that should be applied to our spiritual lives?
The farmer works hard but waits on God to make the fruit grow; ministers must do the same. If we are not patient, we will become frustrated with the spiritual growth of others or even ourselves. Paul said this in Philippians 1:6, “For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Are you confident in God or frustrated at yourself and others? We never see a farmer yelling at the field. He simply works, while patiently trusting in God.
John MacArthur adds:
The teacher often finds exhilaration in the aspiring minds of his students, the soldier often has the excitement of battle, and the athlete the thrill of competing. But most of a farmer’s working hours are tedious, humdrum, and unexciting… Many Christians’ lives are like the farmer’s. Although there may be occasional times of excitement and special satisfaction, the daily routine is often, in itself, unattractive and unrewarding.11
Most of the Christian life is being faithful in the mundane—the everyday, ordinary tasks. We don’t always experience harvest seasons or times of revival. Most times life includes hard labor with little fruit and little encouragement. However, it is probably in those seasons where our true faith shows. It’s easy to have faith on the mountain top, but what about while in the valley or climbing the mountain? If we’re going to be hardworking farmers, we have to be faithful in the mundane seasons of breaking up hard ground, sowing seed, and waiting.
Are you faithful in the mundane?
Again 2 Timothy 2:6 says, “The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share of the crops.” However, MacDonald suggests a different translation, as originally shared by Darby. He says,
While Darby agrees that the above is a possible rendering, he suggests that the sense of the passage is that the farmer must work in order to enjoy a share of the harvest. Therefore, he translates, “The husbandman must labour before partaking of the fruits.” This preserves the thought of necessity: The soldier must endure; the athlete must keep the rules; the farmer must work hard.12
Either way, it is clear that Christians, as do farmers, must work hard to receive a harvest. It is hope in seeing the harvest that inspires both the hardworking farmer and the hardworking Christian. Without hope, we’ll get discouraged and give up. Are you laboring in hope?
Interpretation Question: What type of harvest is Paul referring to?
Two types of harvest most naturally come to mind: Obviously, we should work for the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, self-control, etc. (Gal 5:22-23)—to be born in our lives and others. These fruits should motivate us as we labor. Initially, all we may see is the opposite of these fruits—anger, unforgiveness, lack of discipline, etc., but as we sow the truth with love into hearts, fruit may in fact grow.
Secondly, harvest also refers to the salvation of souls. Christ said the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few (Matt 9:37). We should labor in prayer, share the gospel, and live holy lives with the hope of seeing the fruit of salvation.
If we are going to be strong ministers who last and don’t give up, we must be hardworking farmers. We must demonstrate patience, faithfulness in the mundane, and also hope in a harvest.
Application Question: Which characteristic of a hardworking farmer do you feel most challenged to grow in and why?
Think about what I am saying and the Lord will give you understanding of all this.
2 Timothy 2:7
Paul tells Timothy to “think about” what he said and the Lord would give “understanding.” The word “think” means “to consider carefully,” “to ponder,” or “to mull over.” The form of the verb is “an imperative, indicating that Paul was giving a strong admonition, not mere advice.”13 With all this said, Paul’s instructions in verse 7 has applications for understanding not just 2 Timothy 2:1-6 but all of Scripture. Therefore, to be a strong minister, Timothy would need to be a faithful Bible student, and this is true for us as well.
Application Question: How does Paul’s instruction apply to understanding Scripture?
As mentioned above, to “think” means to “consider carefully.” One of the reasons many aren’t growing in knowledge of Scripture is because they never carefully consider it. They quickly look over a few verses in the morning or at night, if they do it at all, then wonder why they don’t get anything from it and are not growing. They passively listen to a sermon on Sunday, and expect the Holy Spirit to saturate them with understanding and fruit. However, he doesn’t. And the reason is because they are not “carefully considering” it. They are not studying.
Psalm 1 talks about the blessing on the man that “meditates” day and night on God’s law. The word “meditates” is used of a cow chewing his cud. He chews, swallows, regurgitates, and then chews, swallows, and regurgitates again, and so on. God blesses those who study Scripture like that. He gives them more understanding and blesses them in many other ways. He makes them like trees that bear fruit in season (1:3). One application of the tree metaphor is the strength of a tree. Because of their root system, they can stand amidst great storms. That’s what Paul wanted of Timothy. He wanted him to grow strong in God’s grace through meditating on God’s Word.
Do you faithfully study God’s Word?
Studying, by itself, will not unlock the truths of Scripture or produce fruit. God must give us understanding. Therefore, like David, we must always pray, “Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your law… Teach me, O Lord, the lifestyle prescribed by your statutes, so that I might observe it continually” (Ps 119:18, 33).
Whereas some rely on God but don’t carefully consider, others carefully consider but don’t rely on God. They pull out their commentaries, biblical encyclopedias, and Greek and Hebrew lexicons and yet still don’t gain understanding or fruit. We must do both. We must study, and we must rely. We must do our part, and God will do his part—he will give us both understanding and fruit.
Are you a faithful Bible student? If not, you won’t be a strong minister of Christ.
Application Question: What disciplines have you found helpful in studying Scripture? Do you tend to rely on God and not study or to study and not rely on God? How should we maintain this delicate balance?
In an ungodly and antagonistic world, we must be strong ministers who faithfully serve God and others. What are the disciplines of a strong minister of Christ, and how can we become one?
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible ® copyright © 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.
All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.
BTG Publishing all rights reserved.
1 Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W., Jr. (1996). Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Vol. 2, p. 198). Nashville, TN: T. Nelson.
2 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 37). Chicago: Moody Press.
3 Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. (2000). 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (p. 193). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
4 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 40). Chicago: Moody Press.
5 The Letters to Timothy, Titus and Philemon [Philadelphia: Westminster, 1957], 182.
6 Guzik, D. (2013). 2 Timothy (2 Ti 2:3–4). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.
7 MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2114). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
8 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 245). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
9 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 44). Chicago: Moody Press.
10 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 47). Chicago: Moody Press.
11 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 47). Chicago: Moody Press.
12 MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2115). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
13 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 47). Chicago: Moody Press.
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David; such is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment as a criminal, but God’s message is not imprisoned! So I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: If we died with him, we will also live with him. If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself.
2 Timothy 2:8-13 (NET)
How can we faithfully endure suffering?
In the context of 2 Timothy, Christians are being persecuted throughout the Roman Empire. Paul himself is in prison awaiting a death sentence. Many throughout Asia deserted Paul (2 Tim 1:15). Throughout this letter, Paul has been encouraging Timothy to faithfully endure suffering: In 2 Timothy 1:8, Paul calls for Timothy to accept his share in “suffering for the gospel.” In 2 Timothy 2:3, he calls for Timothy to endure suffering with him like a “good soldier” of Jesus Christ, and in 2 Timothy 2:10 and 12, Paul describes how he endures everything for the sake of the elect and also adds, “if we endure, we will also reign with him.” Timothy needed to be encouraged again and again to endure suffering, and so do we.
Today’s world is not much different than Timothy’s; if anything, it is growing worse. More Christians have died for the faith in the last century than all the previous combined. An estimated 400 believers die every day for faith. The encouragements that Paul gives Timothy, we must listen to well. How can we faithfully endure suffering? In 2 Timothy 2:8-13, Paul gives six encouragements. These encouragements are helpful not just for faithfully enduring sufferings for Christ but any types of sufferings.
Big Question: In 2 Timothy 2:8-13, what encouragements does Paul give Timothy to help him endure suffering and how can we encourage ourselves and others with them, when experiencing trials?
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David; such is my gospel,
2 Timothy 2:8
Paul calls for Timothy to remember Jesus in order to help him endure. In fact, “remember” is an imperative1—a command—which shows us how important it is. While Timothy could never literally forget Christ, it was possible for him to live in such a way that Christ was not affecting his daily decisions. And this is true for us as well. Christ must be at the forefront of our thoughts if we are going to faithfully endure. In Hebrews 12:2-3, the author of Hebrews similarly encourages suffering Christians. He says,
keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up.
A mind fixed on Christ, not our trials or difficulties, is essential for endurance. When Peter walked on water, it was when he shifted his focus from Christ to the storm that he began to sink. As long as he focused on his Savior, he was able to walk in faith. We must do the same.
Observation Question: What aspects about Jesus does Paul call Timothy to remember?
Interpretation Question: Why is remembering the resurrection so important?
There are many reasons that Christ’s resurrection is important to continually remember:
The resurrection was the ultimate proof that Christ was not just a good man or a prophet. He was the Son of God. He was the first to ultimately rise from the dead. Lazarus and others were only raised to die again, but Jesus continues to live. In fact, the verb “raised” is in the perfect tense—meaning that Christ is still alive today.2 Romans 1:3-4 says, “concerning his Son who was a descendant of David with reference to the flesh, who was appointed the Son-of-God-in-power according to the Holy Spirit by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Being appointed the Son of God by his resurrection, means that his resurrection proved his deity. Christ is God!
Scripture teaches that Christ was the firstfruits of the resurrection. First Corinthians 15:20-22 says,
But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also came through a man. For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.
Firstfruits were used by farmers to discern the future harvest: Was the harvest going to be good or bad? In the same way, Christ’s resurrection is proof of our future resurrection. This was extremely important for Paul to remember as he faced his own death. And it was important for Timothy if he was going to continue to be faithful, even to death. He had to remember Christ’s resurrection and his own future one.
Interpretation Question: Why is remembering that Christ descended from David so important?
While the resurrection confirms Christ’s deity, his descent from David confirms his humanity. Christ had to be human in order to die for us, but he needed to be God to pay for the sins of the entire world. His humanity also means that Christ understands us—he knows what it is to be hungry, thirsty, and sleepy. He knows what it means to be hated by others, lied about, betrayed by friends, tempted, and ultimately killed because of his profession. Timothy needed to remember this, as he walked the same path of Christ. Christ walked it first, and Christ would walk beside him to give strength to faithfully endure. Hebrews 4:15-16 says,
For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.
The first prophecy about Christ was in Genesis 3:15 where God promised Eve a male seed that would conquer Satan and reverse the results of the fall. In Genesis 22:18, God promised Abraham a seed that would be a blessing to all the nations. To Judah, the son of Jacob and Abraham’s great grandson, God promised that a king would come from his lineage that all the nations would submit to—a world ruler (Gen 49:10). Then this prophecy was narrowed to the lineage of David, as God promised that David’s seed would have an everlasting kingdom (1 Chr 17:11-14). In Luke 1:31-33, the angel said this to Mary:
Listen: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.”
Christ is the reigning King and at the same time the future King. When he returns, he will punish the rebellious and reward the faithful. We must remember our King and his coming kingdom if we are going to endure suffering.
In our ministry, if we focus primarily on people, what people say, our trials, or what seems to be a lack of fruit, we’ll get discouraged and give up. Our focus must be on our King; it is this mindset that will enable us to endure.
Remembering Christ is not only important for us, but it is also important for how we minister to others, as demonstrated by Paul’s exhortation to Timothy. Some may think challenging people to remember Christ in the midst of their trials might be unsympathetic or shallow, but it’s not. It’s the most important thing we can do. In our relationship with Christ lies everything needed for a godly life (2 Peter 1:3). As we abide in him, we will produce much fruit (John 15:5).
Are you remembering Christ in your trials? Are you encouraging others to?
Application Question: Why are we so prone to forget Christ in the sense that his presence does not affect our daily decision-making, especially during trials? How can we faithfully remember him so we can endure suffering with integrity? Also, how can we help others remember him, without seeming insensitive and unloving?
such is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment as a criminal, but God’s message is not imprisoned!
2 Timothy 2:8b-9
Paul was suffering in prison—restricted like a criminal; however, the Word he taught could not be chained. It was triumphantly moving around the world and, no doubt, even affecting those in prison with him. We saw this dramatically happen in his first imprisonment in Rome. In Philippians 1:12-14, Paul says,
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my situation has actually turned out to advance the gospel: The whole imperial guard and everyone else knows that I am in prison for the sake of Christ, and most of the brothers and sisters, having confidence in the Lord because of my imprisonment, now more than ever dare to speak the word fearlessly.
In Paul’s first imprisonment, the prison guards were hearing the gospel, and other saints were being encouraged to proclaim God’s Word boldly because of his suffering. In fact, Paul spoke the loudest in prison as he penned several epistles—Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. No doubt, the gospel was also advancing in Paul’s final imprisonment.
Similarly, John Bunyan who wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress also spoke the loudest in his suffering. John MacArthur shares:
John Bunyan’s preaching was so popular and powerful, and so unacceptable to leaders in the seventeenth-century Church of England, that he was jailed in order to silence him. Refusing to be silent, he began to preach in the jail courtyard. He not only had a large audience of prisoners, but also hundreds of the citizens of Bedford and the surrounding area would come to the prison daily and stand outside to hear him expound Scripture. He was silenced verbally by being placed deep inside the jail and forbidden to preach at all. Yet in that silence, he spoke loudest of all and to more people than he could have imagined. It was during that time that he wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress, the great Christian classic that has ministered the gospel to tens of millions throughout the world. For several centuries, it was the most widely read and translated book in the world after the Bible. Bunyan’s opponents were able to stop his preaching for a few years, but they were not able to stop his ministry. Instead, they provided opportunity for it to be extended from deep within a jail in the small town of Bedford to the ends of the earth.3
This has been a common experience throughout church history. Wherever the church has been persecuted, the Word of God has gone forth triumphantly. The early church father, Tertullian said, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” In fact, Paul taught that Christians boldly suffering for Christ is a necessary witness to unbelievers. Consider what he says in Philippians 1:27b-28:
… by contending side by side for the faith of the gospel, and by not being intimidated in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of their destruction, but of your salvation—a sign which is from God.
Therefore, Paul could endure confidently because even his suffering was a witness of the truth of the gospel. His gospel was unchained.
David Guzik adds,
The Bible has been attacked more than any other book through history. It has been burned, banned, mocked, twisted, and ignored—but the word of God still stands forever… The Word of God is not chained. No government, no religious authorities, no skeptics, no scientists, no philosophers, or no book burners have ever been able to stop the work of the Word of God.4
Isaiah 55:11 says that God’s Word never returns void; it always accomplishes God’s purpose. First Peter 1:25 says, “the word of Lord endures forever.” No matter if people imprison us, as they attempt to shut our mouths, God’s Word will go forth. Timothy needed to take encouragement from that, and we must as well. We have an unstoppable message.
Application Question: In what ways does the fact that God’s Word, the Bible, is unstoppable encourage you to endure trials, especially sufferings for Christ?
So I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory.
2 Timothy 2:10
Interpretation Question: What is election?
Paul says he endures everything for the sake of the “chosen,” sometimes translated “elect”—referring to the lost who God chose for salvation before the foundations of the earth. Ephesians 1:4 says, “For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished in his sight in love.” Election is a controversial doctrine; however, it should be noted that all believe in election. It is taught throughout Scripture (cf. Rom 8:29-30, 9:10-13, 1 Peter 1:1-2). The question is, “Why did God elect?” Did God elect because he knew who would choose him? Or did he elect out of his sovereign choice alone?
Scripture teaches that man cannot choose God apart from God’s grace. Romans 8:7-8 says, “because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to the law of God, nor is it able to do so. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” When man sinned in the garden, it so corrupted him, that he would always turn away from God. Adam’s first response after the fall was to hide from the Lord’s voice. Therefore, God chose because, if he didn’t, no one would come to him. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast.”
The very faith we have in salvation is a work of grace. Since our corrupted will cannot choose God, God gave us the will to seek him and turn to him. Those God chose before time, he gave faith to receive him. This is a great mystery; a righteous God punishes sinners, but a loving and merciful God saves a remnant.
With this said, Paul says election motivated him to suffer for the elect so they could hear the gospel. This is important to consider because many feel as if the doctrine of election hinders gospel preaching. They reason, “If God chose people to be saved, then we don’t need to evangelize. God will ultimately save them.” Therefore, they ask, “Why preach the gospel?” However, Paul had a different reasoning. The doctrine of election motivated him both to suffer and preach. Consider again, “So I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory” (v. 10).
The God who chose the outcome—election to salvation—also chose the means—the preaching of the gospel. The elect are saved as believers unashamedly preach the gospel, even amidst suffering. Election, correctly understood, is a tremendous motivation for gospel preaching. We can preach because we know some will respond to the message. We see this throughout the book of Acts. Acts 13:48 says, “When the Gentiles heard this, they began to rejoice and praise the word of the Lord, and all who had been appointed for eternal life believed.”
To endure suffering, we must remember that the elect need to hear the gospel to be saved. Romans 10:14 says, “How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them?” For people to hear the gospel and be saved, there must be a messenger. Who the elect are is a mystery we must leave to God. We are just called to preach his Word, even if our suffering is necessary to do it.
Are you willing to suffer so others can hear the gospel—even if it means scorn, rejection, or imprisonment?
Application Question: What is your view on election? Did God choose based on his sovereign choice alone or based on his knowledge of who would choose him? How would you support your view?
This saying is trustworthy: If we died with him, we will also live with him. If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us.
2 Timothy 2:11-12a
As Paul considers reasons to endure, he recites what many believe to be a fragment of an ancient hymn in verses 11-14.5 As in Paul’s brief imprisonment in Philippi, maybe this was a hymn he was currently singing while behind bars (Acts 16:25).
Similarly, worship is an important discipline needed for us to endure suffering. If we don’t worship and give God thanks, we will succumb to pity, doubt, and depression, which all prompts us to give up rather than endure.
Application Question: How can we worship God in the midst of our trials?
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” We must believe what God’s Word says in order to “consider it nothing but joy” when we face trials of various kinds (James 1:2). We must remember that these trials create perseverance in us, character, and hope in God (Rom 5:3). If we don’t remember the purpose of our trials, then it will be impossible to worship God in them.
First Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” God commands us to both have joy and give thanks in all situations. It is in fact a sin to complain and grumble. Philippians 2:14-15 says, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perverse society, in which you shine as lights in the world.” God disciplined the Israelites when they complained in the wilderness. First Corinthians 10:10 says, “And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel.”
If every situation is used by God for our good, then we should, in acknowledgment of this, trust and praise him. Do you sing praises in your trials or do you complain? Paul praised God even during his imprisonment and before his death.
Application Question: Describe a time that you praised God in the midst of a trial instead of complaining. What were the results? What are some other tips that are helpful for praising God in the midst of a trial?
This saying is trustworthy: If we died with him, we will also live with him. If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us.
2 Timothy 2:11-12a
As mentioned, it is thought that Paul is reciting a fragment of an ancient hymn in verses 11-14. The hymn has four verses with two parallel couplets.6 The content of this hymn has rich theological insights that are important to understand in order to faithfully endure suffering.
Interpretation Question: What does the first couplet in 2 Timothy 2:11-12a mean and how was it meant to encourage Timothy to suffer well?
First, we’ll consider what it means to die “with him” (v. 11), as it unlocks the meaning of the rest of the couplet. There are two possible views:
Romans 6:5-8 says,
For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be united in the likeness of his resurrection. We know that our old man was crucified with him so that the body of sin would no longer dominate us, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. (For someone who has died has been freed from sin.) Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
At salvation, Christ’s death is applied to our account. Our sin nature died with him on the cross. It is not that we don’t have a sin nature anymore, but that Christ broke the power of sin on our lives. Therefore, we are no longer slaves of sin—having to obey its yearnings. We are now slaves of righteousness (Rom 6:19). What Christ did on the cross, we must apply daily by dying to our sinful desires and living for God. Those who died spiritually with Christ on the cross and demonstrate this daily by fighting against sin “will also live with him” eternally (v. 11).
If this is the correct interpretation, Paul is reminding Timothy to endure suffering because his sin nature died on the cross. The nature that wants to run and be afraid of suffering for Christ no longer has power over him; therefore, he should stand in the midst of suffering and so must we. We must stand because our sin nature died with Christ on the cross, and now we’re living a new life—a life in the Spirit. God has not given us a Spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Tim 1:7).
The surrounding context of suffering for Christ points to martyrdom as the best interpretation. Dying for Christ is proof that we will live with Christ eternally (v. 11). Matthew 5:10 says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” Suffering for Christ is the gold stamp on our salvation. It is proof that we are truly converted and that the kingdom of heaven is ours.
This also better fits the parallelism of the second verse: “if we endure with him, we will also reign with him” (v. 12a). Those who suffer for Christ will ultimately be rewarded not only with heaven but with heavenly rewards and various degrees of ruling. Many verses describe this reward and the believer’s ruling with Christ in his kingdom:
Matthew 5:11-12 says,
“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me. Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.
James 1:12 also describes the suffering believer’s reward. It says, “Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him.”
In the Parable of the Minas, Christ grants rulership of cities as a reward for faithfulness. In Luke 19:17-19, it says:
And the king said to him, ‘Well done, good slave! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you will have authority over ten cities.’ Then the second one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has made five minas.’ So the king said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’
To endure suffering, we must remember Christ’s reward. Those who suffer with him, as they die to sin and experience persecution for righteousness, will live and reign with Christ. God will reward them in the coming kingdom. This is a tremendous encouragement to help believers enduring suffering.
Application Question: Why does God give eternal rewards? How does the prospect of eternal rewards affect you?
If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself.
2 Timothy 2:12b-13
Finally, the last couplet describes God’s judgment on the unfaithful, as a motivation to endure suffering. To “deny him” (v. 12b), doesn’t refer to a temporary denial, as in the case of Peter just before Christ went to the cross. It refers to ultimate denial, as seen with unbelievers or apostates like Judas. They deny him by their words and actions. The third verse resembles what Christ said in Matthew 10:32-33: “Whoever, then, acknowledges me before people, I will acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever denies me before people, I will deny him also before my Father in heaven.”
Similarly, Christ said this in Mark 8:38: “For if anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” To deny Christ is to be ashamed of him and his words in this wicked generation. If we do this, he will declare, “Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!’,” as seen in Matthew 7:23.
Interpretation Question: What does Paul mean by “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself” (v. 13)?
Some have said this means that God will be faithful to us even if we, in moments of weakness, deny him. In this case, where verse 12 refers to permanent denial (as with an unbeliever or an apostate), verse 13 would refer to temporary denial as seen with Peter. If so, this would encourage Timothy who was timid and fearful about persecution—even if he failed, God would be faithful to him.
However, this interpretation is unlikely. It does not maintain the parallelism of the couplet—the first two stanzas being positive and the last two being negative. Most likely, this refers to God being faithful to judge the faithless, as he cannot deny his characteristics of being just, holy, and wrathful.
Dinsdale Young explains: “God cannot be inconsistent with Himself. It would be inconsistent with His character to treat the faithful and the unfaithful alike. He is evermore true to righteousness, whatever we are.”…Van Oosterzee says, “He is just as faithful in His threatenings as in His promises.”7
Certainly, this is a tremendous motivation to endure suffering. Christ calls for all to take up their cross to be his disciples (Lk 14:26-27). Therefore, we must endure suffering lest Christ deny us and God judge us.
Application Question: Which interpretation of verse 13 do you learn more towards and why? Which is more motivating to you—God’s mercy to the faithless or his judgment—and why? Do you ever use God’s discipline/judgment to motivate others towards righteousness? Why or why not?
As we conclude, let us consider this challenging story shared by David Guzik about a persecuted Christian in ancient Rome:
When one Christian in the days of the ancient Roman Empire was commanded to give money to the building of a pagan temple, he refused; and though he was old, they stripped him practically naked, and cut him all over his body with knives and spears. They started to feel sorry for him, so they said, “Just give one dollar to the building of the temple.” But he still would not. “Just burn one grain of incense to this pagan god,” they asked—but he would not. So he was smeared with honey, and while his wounds were still bleeding, they set bees and wasps upon him until he was stung to death. He could die; but he could not deny his Lord. The Lord can give you the same strength to live for Him, even as this man died for Him.8
How can we faithfully endure suffering for Christ?
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible ® copyright © 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.
All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.
BTG Publishing all rights reserved.
1 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 54). Chicago: Moody Press.
2 Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. (2000). 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (p. 201). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
3 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2001). Philippians (pp. 59–60). Chicago: Moody Press.
4 Guzik, D. (2013). 2 Timothy (2 Ti 2:9). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.
5 Stott, J. R. W. (1973). Guard the Gospel the message of 2 Timothy (p. 63). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
6 Stott, J. R. W. (1973). Guard the Gospel the message of 2 Timothy (p. 63). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
7 MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2116). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
8 Guzik, D. (2013). 2 Timothy (2 Ti 2:11–13). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.
Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen. Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately. But avoid profane chatter, because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness, and their message will spread its infection like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group. They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people’s faith. However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil.”
2 Timothy 2:14-19 (NET)
How can we become approved workers of God?
In 1 Corinthians 3:9, Paul calls believers co-workers with God. It is a tremendous privilege to participate in the work of building God’s kingdom on the earth by evangelizing the lost and discipling believers. However, soon after Paul calls us co-workers with God, he describes how one day there will be an inspection of our work. Some will be rewarded and some will experience loss of reward based on how they built (v. 12-15). First Corinthians 3:12-15 says,
If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, each builder’s work will be plainly seen, for the Day will make it clear, because it will be revealed by fire. And the fire will test what kind of work each has done. If what someone has built survives, he will receive a reward. If someone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
This inspection is called the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10). In 2 Timothy 2:15, when it says, “Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately,” the Greek word for “proven,” or it can be translated “approved,” was used of a metalsmith testing a metal to determine its quality or worth.1 In the same way, our faithfulness with God’s Word will be tested, and some will be approved and some will not be. Some will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and others will hear, “Wicked and lazy servant” (Matt 25:23, 26 NIV). They were unfaithful “co-workers.” They put other things before God and his work and, therefore, experienced loss of reward at the judgment.
The primary tool that we work with is God’s Word. Because it is God’s sword, it can cause great good or great damage (cf. Eph 6:17, Heb 4:12). It can protect believers, defeat the enemy, and heal—like a scalpel being used for surgery. But it also can be twisted in such a way that it harms and pushes people away from God.
In 2 Timothy 2:14-19, Paul challenges Timothy to be an approved worker and not an unapproved one like Hymenaeus and Philetus—two false teachers in Ephesus. In this study, we will consider six qualities of an approved worker.
Big Question: What qualities of an approved worker can be discerned from 2 Timothy 2:14-19?
Remind people of these things
2 Timothy 2:14a
Paul calls for Timothy to “Remind people of these things.” “These things” seem to refer to the essentials of the gospel mentioned in verse 8—Christ being raised from the dead and a descendant of David. Also in verses 11-13, Paul quoted an ancient hymn reminding Timothy of the importance of suffering for Christ. If we endure with him, we will reign with him, but if we deny him, we will receive God’s judgment (v. 11-13).
In ministry, there is often a temptation to be novel and fresh; however, there are some things God’s people need to hear again and again. We need to hear the essential doctrines of the gospel, Christ’s full humanity and deity, the Trinity, the atonement, and the importance of righteous living and spiritual disciplines. These are spiritual foundations that God’s co-workers must lay down again and again.
Consider the following verses: “Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! To write this again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you” (Phil 3:1). Paul said this in the context of reminding believers about the importance of rejoicing in the Lord and being aware of false teachers. Similarly, in 2 Peter 1:12-15, Peter reminds believers about the importance of assurance of salvation. He says,
Therefore, I intend to remind you constantly of these things even though you know them and are well established in the truth that you now have. Indeed, as long as I am in this tabernacle, I consider it right to stir you up by way of a reminder, since I know that my tabernacle will soon be removed, because our Lord Jesus Christ revealed this to me. Indeed, I will also make every effort that, after my departure, you have a testimony of these things.
God’s co-workers must constantly remind believers of foundational truths. Why? Because it is so easy for the church and individual Christians to forget and lose them, and then build our foundation on something else. David Guzik said,
The church is constantly tempted to get its focus off of the message that really matters, and is tempted to become an entertainment center, a social service agency, a mutual admiration society, or any number of other things. But this temptation must be resisted, and the church should constantly remember these things.
Are you reminding others of essential doctrines? Are you being reminded?
Application Question: What essential doctrines do believers constantly need to be reminded of and what are more peripheral doctrines or issues? What are the dangers of building on nonessentials?
Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen.
2 Timothy 2:14
Paul adds, “solemnly charge them before the Lord.” “Charge” is a command in Greek, and it is reinforced by Paul’s emphasis on the presence of God.2 God would be present when Timothy warned the Ephesians, and God would be present to watch their response to the command. In 2 Timothy 4:1-2, Paul similarly warns Timothy:
I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction.
If Timothy and the Ephesians were going to be faithful, they had to remember that God is always watching and that one day they would give an account to him. This is true of every approved worker. An approved worker is somebody who works with an eye towards pleasing his Master and has a healthy fear of his disapproval. Proverbs 9:10 says, “the beginning of wisdom is to fear the Lord.” Having a reverence for God enables a person to live a wise life—a life that honors God. It affects their career, family, friendships, thoughts, and hobbies, as they always are keenly aware of God’s presence.
Paul believed it was necessary for the Ephesians to be continually aware of God’s presence if they were going to be approved workers, and this is true for us as well.
Application Question: How can we grow in awareness of God’s presence?
Regular spiritual disciplines like morning and evening devotions, daily prayer, and corporate worship help believers continually think about God, his Word, and his pleasure (cf. 1 Tim 4:7). Those who don’t regularly meet with God, tend to live for their pleasure or the pleasure of others rather than God’s.
Do you faithfully practice spiritual disciplines?
Timothy was called to warn the Ephesians in the presence of God, and later, Paul warns Timothy in the presence of God. We need people to continually challenge us and help us focus on our Master’s will, instead of our will or that of others’. Who regularly holds you accountable through exhortation and prayer?
An awareness of God’s presence is essential to being an approved worker. His approval should guide everything that we do.
Application Question: Why are we so prone to forget or ignore God’s presence? What disciplines help you maintain an awareness of God’s presence?
Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen.
2 Timothy 2:14
Timothy was to warn the Ephesians to not “wrangle over words”—literally this means “word battles.” When the Ephesians participated in these quarrels, it only led to ruin. The Greek word for “ruin” is “katastrophe,” from which we get the transliterated English word “catastrophe”.3 Word battles only lead to spiritual ruin.
Interpretation Question: What types of word battles is Paul referring to?
The context seems to refer to false teachers, as Paul soon warns them about Hymenaeus and Philetus who taught that the resurrection had past (v. 16, 17). Certainly, believers should avoid arguing with false teachers as they twist Scripture (cf. 1 Tim 6:4-5), but also, there is no value in quarreling with people in general—it typically only pushes people away from God. Shortly after this, Paul says to Timothy:
But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting. And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captive to do his will.
2 Timothy 2:23-26
Of course, there is a place for correcting people and trying to convince them of the truth. Paul and Barnabas went to the Jerusalem church in Acts 15 to resolve some disputes over doctrine. In addition, Paul often went to the synagogues to try to convince Jews and Greeks that Christ was the messiah (Acts 18:4-5). However, our manner in correcting or persuading others must be a spirit of kindness and gentleness. We must be gentle and not harsh because God changes hearts and not us. He is the one who opens eyes and leads people to the truth. A co-worker of God must wisely recognize his part and God’s. God takes our seeds and makes them grow; however, we must plant them in the right way. When we plant with gentleness and kindness, it draws people to God instead of pushing them away from him. It leads to spiritual growth instead of spiritual ruin. Ephesians 4:15 (NIV) says, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Approved workers minister with a gentle spirit instead of a contentious spirit.
Application Question: When dealing with antagonistic people with different views, how can we minister with kindness and gentleness? Why is kindness and gentleness so important for a co-worker of God?
Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.
2 Timothy 2:15
In addition, approved workers teach “the message of truth accurately”—they are faithful Bible teachers. Those who don’t correctly teach the Word will be ashamed before God and others.
This does not just apply to pastors, but to every Christian. God has called each of us to teach his Word, as we make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19-20). However, as mentioned previously, not all will be approved by God. Some will in fact be ashamed. Matthew 5:19 says,
So anyone who breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever obeys them and teaches others to do so will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Shame awaits those who wrongly interpret and teach God’s Word. That is why James says that not many should strive to be teachers because teachers will receive a stricter judgment (James 3:1). They will be judged strictly both by God and people.
Observation Question: What are characteristics of faithful Bible teachers?
“Make every effort” can also be translated “be diligent.” It “carries the idea of having zealous persistence to accomplish a particular objective.”4 It refers to how a faithful teacher of God’s Word gives maximum effort to studying, interpreting, and teaching God’s Word to others.
The reason many misinterpret or misapply God’s Word is simply laziness. They don’t do their best when it comes to studying God’s Word—leading to negative consequences in their life and the lives of others. Their teaching brings more harm than good.
“Accurately,” also translated “correctly handles,” literally means “to cut a path or road in a straight direction, so that the traveler may go directly to his destination.”5 When we correctly teach God’s Word, we lead others to the right destination in the shortest time possible. This phrase was used of a craftsman, a farmer, a mason, or a construction worker.6 As with each of these jobs, certain skills are needed.
Application Question: What types of skills must a workman develop to effectively interpret Scripture?
There are many skills needed to properly interpret Scripture:
We need to develop the ability to notice things in a text that help lead to proper interpretation. One of the main things we must notice are conjunctions such as: and, but, or, for, since, because, therefore, etc. These small words help us understand how words and phrases connect—leading us to a better understanding of the original author’s thought. No doubt, because of the importance of this skill, David prayed, “Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your law!” (Ps 119:18). We must pray the same in order to develop this skill.
A good example of the need for observation skills is seen in Christ’s interaction with the Sadducees. The Sadducees did not believe in the after-life or resurrection, and one time, they concocted a far-fetched scenario to prove that there was no resurrection. Christ simply responded: “You are wrong. Have you not read how Moses said God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?” (Mk 12:26-27, paraphrase). Essentially, Christ said that the fact Moses used the present tense instead of the past tense proved the resurrection—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were still alive. Had the Sadducees read? Yes! Had they observed? No! We must develop observation skills to correctly handle Scripture.
We interpret Scripture by comparing Scripture with Scripture, including the surrounding context of a verse, the larger context of that specific Bible book, and finally the context of all of Scripture. If a person separates a verse from its context, one can make it mean almost anything; that’s essentially where most interpretation errors come from.
A good example of removing a verse from its context is Matthew 7:1, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.” This verse is often used by believers and nonbelievers alike to say that we can never judge someone by declaring that something is sin. However, even the surrounding context of the verse denies that, not to mention the rest of Scripture. In Matthew 7:5, Christ says to first take the plank out of our own eye, so we can see clearly to take the speck out of others. What Christ is condemning is unjust judging—not righteous judgment. We need to take the specks out of people’s eyes, but we must see clearly to do so. Faithful Bible teachers have good interpretation skills—they compare Scripture with Scripture.
Application may be the most difficult skill to develop. Application answers the question, “So what?” Often sermons leave hearers saying to themselves, “Now, what should I do with what I just heard?” Similarly, most people read the Bible in the morning and get stuck with the question, “What should I do with this?”
To properly apply Scripture, one must ask further questions of the text such as: “What was the original context of the verse?” and then “In what ways is my situation like theirs?” Was the original context war, persecution, or famine? Then, maybe this applies to trials in our life. Was the original recipient Israel? Maybe, this applies to our relationship to the church. In addition, we should look at the people in the text and discern similarities. When considering the story of David and Goliath, maybe, the Philistines in the story could have applications for spiritual warfare. Maybe, the unbelieving Israelites could have applications to doubting believers or worldly believers. Goliath might have applications for any seemingly insurmountable trial. David might have applications to faithful Christians. Then we might need to ask the questions, “Which one am I most like?” and “How should I respond to be more like David?”
In addition, to properly develop applications, one must discern the audience to whom a text was originally written. Everything in the Bible was written for us, but not everything was written to us. If you take many of the teachings in the Old Testament law and apply them directly to the church—like practicing the Sabbath day, forbidding the eating of certain foods—you will not correctly handle the text. Paul said that we are no longer under the law (cf. Rom 6:14, Gal 3:25). Those laws were written specifically to Israel and must be interpreted in that context.
In general, the closer to the original context we are, the stronger and clearer the application. “Do not lie” very easily applies to our context—we all struggle with lying. However, “Do not eat food offered to idols” would be a little harder to apply in many contexts. In considering Old Covenant promises originally written to Israel, many might not have direct applications to us. Prosperity gospel teachers commonly abuse these promises by misapplying them to the church. Again, the closer the ancient context to our contemporary context, the stronger and clearer the application.
Only those who work hard and are skillful with God’s Word shall be approved. Pastor Steve Cole shared this about Jim Elliott:
When Jim Elliot, who was later martyred in the jungles of Ecuador, was a student at Wheaton College, he wrote in his diary, “My grades came through this week, and were, as expected, lower than last semester. However, I make no apologies, and admit I’ve let them drag a bit to study of the Bible, in which I seek the degree A.U.G., ‘approved unto God’” (Shadow of the Almighty [Zondervan], p. 43).7
We must be diligent in the Word as well, so we can be approved by God.
Application Question: What are some other important skills for understanding and applying Scripture?
But avoid profane chatter, because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness, and their message will spread its infection like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group. They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people’s faith.
2 Timothy 2:16-18
Paul calls for Timothy to avoid “profane chatter”—referring to false teaching. The fact that Paul warns Timothy is very telling. Timothy, though a gifted teacher, was vulnerable to false teaching. We all are. There is a place for ministering to people stuck in false teaching. However, we must approach it like a doctor caring for someone with a contagious disease. We should only expose ourselves to false teaching enough to help the person, as we are vulnerable as well.
Observation Question: What are characteristics of false teaching as described in 2 Timothy 2:16-18?
When Paul says avoid “profane” chatter (v. 16), it can also be translated “godless” or “worldly” chatter. One of the characteristics of false teaching is that it is void of God’s Word or misrepresents it. It either adds or takes away from it. It is typically full of worldly wisdom. Much of the teaching in the church today is just psychology, self-help, new-age philosophy, or some form of legalism. This is why we must test everything with God’s Word.
Because false teaching is void of God and his Word, it only leads people “further and further into ungodliness” (v. 16). It has no power to restrain the sinful nature (cf. Col 2:23); therefore, it ultimately leads people into worse and worse sin. It is no surprise that many false teachers succumb to stealing money from the church, cheating on their spouses, or abusing their power. Their teaching has no power to produce godliness—only error.
Paul says it will spread like “gangrene” or cancer (v. 17). In the same way that cancer quickly spreads, as it attacks and destroys healthy cells, so does false teaching. This implies that false teaching is often popular. It is popular because it appeals to our sinful natures and therefore is easy to accept. It is for this reason members must constantly be warned of false teaching and of false teachers as Paul does with Hymenaeus and Philetus. It is not unloving to boldly name names. It is often the most loving thing one can do to protect believers from a life-threatening disease.
Paul describes how Hymenaeus and Philetus taught that the resurrection had passed (v. 17-18). This seemed to be a pretty common error in the early church. Many were influenced by Greek philosophy which taught that the body was bad and the spirit was good. Therefore, a resurrected body didn’t make sense to many in that day. They probably taught that there was only a spiritual resurrection, as believers died with Christ and rose with him (Rom 6:1-11). This was overthrowing the faith of some because it, by necessity, also attacked the reality of Christ’s resurrection. If our bodies won’t be raised, neither was Christ’s raised. Paul condemned this teaching in 1 Corinthians 15:12-14:
Now if Christ is being preached as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is futile and your faith is empty.
One of the things we must notice is that there was an element of truth with this teaching. Our spiritual resurrection has indeed passed. We died with Christ and rose from the dead with him (cf. Eph 2:1-6, Rom 6:1-11); however, there will also be a physical resurrection (cf. 1 Cor 15:35-58). This is what often makes false teaching so hard to discern—there are always verses that seem to support it. The problem is that it is truth out of balance or only partial truth. Satan told Eve that she would be like God if she ate of the tree. Was that true? Yes, to some extent. Eve became aware of both good and evil, just as God was. However, Satan meant to defame God’s character, as he was trying to deceive Eve. It’s been the same throughout history. For example, many cults teach that Christ is human but not God, or God and not human. There is always an element of truth with false teaching which makes us more susceptible to it. We must be aware of this danger.
Paul said that the teaching was “undermining some people’s faith” or had “destroyed the faith of some” as in the NIV (v. 18). This is Satan’s ultimate desire through all false teaching. He ultimately wants to turn people away from the faith all together. Even small deviances in doctrine are meant to lead to greater doctrinal error—eventually leading the person away from Christ. To again use the error of the prosperity gospel, it commonly leads professing believers away from God. For example, a person believes that they are never supposed to be sick or poor; however, they pray and pray and yet God doesn’t heal their family member or meet some other request. Therefore, they get mad at God, feel like he can’t be trusted, and ultimately fall away from him. Satan’s desire is to completely destroy the faith of believers through doctrinal error.
Application Question: In what ways do we see “truth out of balance” with many contemporary false teachings today?
However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil.”
2 Timothy 2:19
Finally, after sharing how some fell away from the faith because of false teaching (v. 18), Paul says, “God’s solid foundation remains standing”—meaning that the true church (cf. 1 Tim 3:15) will ultimately stand against false teaching and not fall away.
A seal in those days was both a sign of ownership and protection. People wouldn’t dare break a Roman seal because it could be punished with death. Each true believer has two seals as described in 2 Timothy 2:19.
Observation Question: What are the two seals and what do they refer to?
(1) “The Lord knows those who are his” seems to refer to election (cf. Eph 1:4, Rom 8:29). With Jeremiah, God said that before he was born, God “knew” him and set him apart as a prophet (Jer 1:5). Similarly, before time, God chose those who would follow him. They are his, and he knows them in an intimate manner. He puts them in his hand, and they shall never be snatched out (John 10:28-30). (2) However, the second seal, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil” refers to sanctification. The same God who elects to salvation, perfects his believers. In Philippians 1:6, Paul said, “For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
These inscriptions probably allude to the story of Moses and the sons of Korah in Numbers 16. The sons of Korah and 250 Israelites thought they had the right to lead as much as Moses did and therefore incited a rebellion. Moses replied, “the man whom the Lord chooses will be holy” (v. 6). He then set a test declaring that the following day, the Lord would draw near those who would lead. The next day God selected Moses and called for the rest of the camp to separate from the sons of Korah and the 250 Israelites. Then, the ground opened up and swallowed the rebels.
In the same way, God selected those who are saved, and he protects them from truly falling away from him. The proof that they are his is that they turn away both from sin and from those who rebel against God. Therefore, anyone who claims to follow Christ and still lives a lifestyle of sin should question the reality of their faith. In addition, those who follow cults and others false teachers should also question their faith. Christ said that my sheep know my voice and they will not follow the voice of another (John 10). In the last days, Christ will say to many professing believers, “I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!” (Matt 7:23). They lacked the dual seal of God.
Election and sanctification are the inscriptions on approved workers. Are you an approved worker? Are you daily fighting against sin to be holy? Are you turning away from those who would lead you away from God? On the day of Christ’s coming, he will say, “Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matt 25:23).
Application Question: How can a person have assurance of salvation? What are other indicators of true salvation (cf. 2 Peter 1:5-11, Matt 5:3-10, 1 John ff.)?
Steve Cole gives a fitting illustration of an approved worker of God:
A young man once studied violin under a world-renowned master. When his first big recital came, the crowd cheered after each number, but the young performer seemed dissatisfied. Even after the final number, despite the applause, the musician seemed unhappy. As he took his bows, he was watching an elderly man in the balcony. Finally, the elderly one smiled and nodded in approval. Immediately, the young man beamed with joy. He was not looking for the approval of the crowd. He was waiting for the approval of his master.
Christians should be living for God’s approval. We will be approved unto Him as we use the Bible to grow in godliness. Are you growing as a craftsman who uses God’s Word of truth accurately and skillfully to grow in godliness? The misuse of the Bible will lead you to ruin. The proper use will lead you to godliness.8
What are qualities of approved workers of God?
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
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Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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1 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 247). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
2 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 70). Chicago: Moody Press.
3 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 72). Chicago: Moody Press.
4 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (pp. 72–74). Chicago: Moody Press.
5 Accessed 11/5/16, from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-12-using-bible-properly-2-timothy-214-19
6 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 75). Chicago: Moody Press.
7 Accessed 11/5/16, from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-12-using-bible-properly-2-timothy-214-19
8 Accessed 11/5/16, from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-12-using-bible-properly-2-timothy-214-19
Now in a wealthy home there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also ones made of wood and of clay, and some are for honorable use, but others for ignoble use. So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting. And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captive to do his will.
2 Timothy 2:20-26 (NET)
How can we be greatly used by God?
In 2 Timothy 2:20-26, Paul uses the illustration of a master with a great household. In this household, there are many vessels both for special purposes and common ones; there are also servants (v. 24). However, not all vessels and servants have the same usefulness. In 2 Timothy 2:21, Paul says, “So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” There are various aspects to our usefulness including God’s sovereign choice; Romans 9:20-21 describes how God is the potter and he makes one vessel for special purposes and another for common purposes, simply out of his sovereign choice—based on no merit of the person. But in this text, the opportunity to be used or not used is based on our actions. We can all be used by God; however, the extent is up to us.
When we look at Scripture, we see many vessels that God used for special purposes: We have the likes of Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Hannah, David, Mary, the disciples, and Paul. Yes, God divinely chose them for a special ministry, but they also made decisions that enabled them to be special vessels.
What are qualities of the people God uses greatly? Paul challenges Timothy, and us, to be someone God can use for special or noble purposes. In this text, we will learn five qualities of people greatly used by God.
Big Question: What are qualities of someone that God can use greatly, as discerned from 2 Timothy 2:20-26?
Now in a wealthy home there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also ones made of wood and of clay, and some are for honorable use, but others for ignoble use. So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
2 Timothy 2:20-21
Interpretation Question: What is this large house? Who are the various articles/vessels?
The metaphor of the large house clearly refers to God’s church, as it is called God’s building and the temple of God in other places (1 Cor 3:9, 16). However, who the various articles are is more difficult to discern.
In the context, Paul has been challenging Timothy to be an approved worker who correctly handles the truth (2 Timothy 2:15), and not an unapproved one like the two false teachers—Hymenaeus and Philetus (v. 17-18). Therefore, many believe the vessels represent true teachers and false teachers.
Those who make this argument point to the preceding verses in 2 Timothy 2:18-19 where Paul says:
They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people’s faith. However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil.”
Here in this context Paul refers to the faith of some being ruined by the message of the false teachers. However, even though some fell away, true believers—the solid foundation sealed with inscription—stand firm. The true church does not fall away; in fact, they flee wickedness including all false teaching. Therefore, the vessels in the house would be all true believers, but they would have varying usefulness based on the character of their lives.
Those who take this view refer to 3:1-9 in the following chapter (cf. 2:17-18). Paul warns Timothy that in the last days, Christendom will be especially godless. They will be lovers of themselves, money, and pleasure instead of lovers of God. They will be boastful, proud, and abusive. They will have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof (3:5)—meaning they practice the outward forms of Christianity but aren’t really saved. Timothy should have nothing to do with these professing believers (3:5). He should particularly stay away from the false teachers among them that tend to focus their ministry on trapping gullible women and leading them astray (3:6-9). Timothy and other believers should cleanse themselves from these dishonorable vessels in God’s house.
Since the primary context is about false teachers (2:17, 3:6), their message (2:16-17), and those who follow them who are kept from true faith (2:19, 3:5-9), the third view seems to be the strongest, as it’s the most inclusive.
Observation Question: How can one become a special vessel—one that is useful and prepared for every good work (v. 21)?
Paul says, “So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use.” The NIV translates it, “those who cleanse themselves from the latter.” The NASB says, “if anyone cleanses himself from these things.” Since “the latter” and “these things” refer to the vessels of “ignoble” or dishonorable use, it probably refers to ungodly people (cf. 2:17-18), instead of their ungodly behavior as interpreted by the NET. The word “cleanse” means “to clean out thoroughly, to completely purge.”4 Our relationships affect how much God can use us. If our relationships are primarily with “professing believers” who compromise with the world, love sin, and/or are caught in false doctrine, it will hinder our usefulness. I heard it said that where we will be in the next ten years is largely affected by the people we associate with and the books we read. Certainly, this aligns with Scripture. Proverbs 13:20 says he who “The one who associates with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” First Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’” Partnering with those who live compromised lives always negatively affects us. It affects our character and usefulness to God.
Again, this is not referring to relationships with unbelievers—though it has applications for such relationships. We are called to witness to the world and be salt and light to them, but we must never be in yoking relationships that pull us away from God. These yoking relationships include intimate friendships, dating, marriage, business partnerships, and even the types of entertainment we watch, listen to, and read (cf. 2 Cor 6:14). As mentioned, Paul is referring to vessels in the house of God—the church. We must avoid intimate relationships with professing believers who live compromised lives.
No doubt, when God called Abraham to leave his father’s household and go to Canaan (Gen 12:1), part of the reason was because of their compromise, as his family members were idolaters (Josh 24:2). Abraham had to leave his family to be used. In Genesis 11, we see that he didn’t leave his family—he brought his father, Terah, and his nephew, Lot. On their way to Canaan, they stopped in Haran and stayed there (Gen 11:31)—delaying the promise. Scholars believe they stayed there around fifteen years.5 When Abraham’s father died, Abraham resumed his travel to Canaan. Then, eventually, he separated from Lot in Genesis 13. He needed to separate from ungodly relationships to be fully used by God, and so must we. When we do, God prepares us to be vessels suitable for every good work. These good works are not limited to serving in church but in various arenas, including family, friendships, business, government, and even with nations. Sadly, many Christians are like Abraham in his infant faith; relationships keep them back from full obedience to God, full blessing, and full usefulness.
Are any relationships keeping you back from being greatly used by God?
Application Question: Why is it so important to separate from dishonorable vessels? What makes this separation so hard to do? What should the process of separation look like (cf. Matt 18:15-17, 2 Cor 5:9-13)?
But keep away from youthful passions
2 Timothy 2:22a
Interpretation Question: What are the youthful passions that Timothy was commanded to flee?
The word “keep away,” also translated “flee,” comes from the Greek word “phuego,” from which we get the English word “fugitive”. It is in the present tense, meaning that we must ‘continually flee’ so that we won’t get caught in these sins.6 The passions of youth refer to evil desires that are especially prominent in adolescence or young adulthood. Paul does not tell us what they are, and therefore, we are left to discern them. Several passions come to mind both from the context and experience. What are the evil passions of youth?
In verse 23, he calls for Timothy to avoid foolish and stupid arguments that lead to quarrels. He then tells Timothy that the Lord’s servant doesn’t quarrel (v. 24). Arguing and fighting over doctrine or ministry methods is very common for a young believer who is growing in their knowledge of Scripture. They are right to be passionate about truth, but the manner that they demonstrate their passion can often be harmful. It’s common to find them fighting over doctrines like Arminianism and Calvinism, the use of spiritual gifts, male and female roles in the church, etc. There is nothing wrong with discussing doctrine with the hope of coming to the truth; in fact, that is good. However, we must be careful of a contentious spirit that wants to prove oneself right at all cost, even if it means fighting. We must flee the tendency to be argumentative. It ruins the faith of the hearers (v. 14) and hinders our own usefulness (v. 21).
Are you argumentative? Do you always have to win arguments?
Youth are known for their impatience. They want everything now and have problems waiting. This lack of patience often leads them into various sins: They can’t wait for a godly spouse, so they compromise in their dating. They can’t wait for God to show them their next steps or open doors, so they get mad at God. They can’t wait for others to change, and therefore they complain, argue, and stay in a state of frustration.
Impatience is a characteristic of youth, but patience is a characteristic of the aged. If we are going to be used greatly by God, we must flee impatience and learn how to wait on God and others. Every person God used greatly had to wait: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Jesus, and even Paul.
The young are commonly focused on making themselves great. From a young age, we had to be first in line and the first chosen for our sports. We had to be the cutest, the smartest, and the most successful. This often transitions into our spiritual life as well; Christ’s young disciples often argued about who would be the greatest in the kingdom. Sadly, this is all too common among ministers today—leading to competitiveness and worldliness. Selfish ambition also leads to insecurity, jealousy, and even depression when our ambitions are unfulfilled. It leads to pride if we become successful.
Christ said that if we want to be first, we must be last and the servant of all (Mk 9:35). If we are going to be greatly used by God, we must flee selfish ambition. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul says: “Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.”
Spiritual immaturity manifests itself in trying to make our name great; while spiritual maturity manifests itself in trying to make God’s name great and edify others. Are you fleeing selfish ambition?
In 1 Corinthians 6:18, Paul says: “Flee sexual immorality! ‘Every sin a person commits is outside of the body’—but the immoral person sins against his own body.” Obviously, sexual immorality is an especially dangerous sin, as it is a sin against our own bodies. It causes emotional scars, spiritual bondage, and at times physical disease. This is something that all believers must avoid because of its consequences. It is especially hard to break free from, and it hinders our usefulness. If God is going to greatly use us, we must flee from the evil passion of lust.
Many of these passions decrease with age, but they never totally leave us. Therefore, we must constantly flee from them. We must flee being argumentative, impatient, selfish, and lustful. As we flee these, and other sinful desires, God can use us in a greater way; we become vessels for special purposes.
Are you fleeing sinful passions?
Application Question: Which of these passions are the greatest battle for you? What are some general principles to help us flee and stay free from sinful passions?
But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace,
2 Timothy 2:22
The word “pursue” can also be translated “to run after” or even “to persecute.” When one persecutes another, it means that he keeps attacking that person. In the same way, no matter how many times we fall, we must keep getting up and pursuing godly character. Proverbs 24:16 says, “Although a righteous person may fall seven times, he gets up again.”
Observation Question: What aspects of godly character must a person pursue, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 2:22?
Righteousness refers to right behavior in conformity with God’s Word. It includes various deeds that both honor God and others like giving, sharing the gospel, ministering to the hurting, teaching God’s Word, etc. It also includes right thinking which ultimately leads to right action. If we are going to be used by God, we must pursue righteousness.
Faith refers both to being faithful and to trusting God. We must become people who are dependable—our yes must mean yes, and our no must mean no. Those who are faithful with little can be trusted with much. God will give them more responsibility. However, we must also constantly pursue greater faith in God. Hebrews 11:6 says without faith it is impossible to please God. We must believe his Word and trust his promises to both please him and accomplish his works. Steve Cole recounts a challenging story about a professor from Princeton who taught Donald Barnhouse. He shares,
Many years ago, there was a learned Hebrew professor at Princeton Seminary named Robert Dick Wilson. He could read, as I remember, more than 30 Semitic languages! One time about twelve years after Donald Grey Barnhouse had graduated, he went back to the seminary to preach to the students. Dr. Wilson sat down near the front. After the message, he went forward and shook Barnhouse’s hand. He said, “When my boys come back, I come to see if they are big-godders or little-godders, and then I know what their ministry will be.”
Barnhouse asked him to explain and he replied, “Well, some men have a little god and they are always in trouble with him. He can’t do any miracles. He can’t take care of the inspiration and transmission of the Scripture to us. He doesn’t intervene on behalf of His people. They have a little god and I call them little-godders. Then there are those who have a great God. He speaks and it is done. He commands and it stands fast. He knows how to show Himself strong on behalf of them that fear Him.” He went on to tell Barnhouse that he could see that he had a great God and that God would bless his ministry (Donald Grey Barnhouse, Let Me Illustrate [Revell, 1967], pp. 132-133).7
What about you? Are you a big-godder or a little-godder? We must pursue faith in order to be used by God.
Love is the Greek word “agape”—referring to God’s love. This is not a love hindered by the limits of our emotions. It is a decisive love—an act of the will. This is how we can love those who are unlovable and those who hurt us. It is a love based on our choice to obey God. We should daily pursue loving God and loving others more. This includes practicing loving actions like listening, serving, and caring for others.
As much as depends on us, we must seek to live at peace with others (Rom 12:18). This means humbling ourselves, confessing our failures, and forgiving. Unforgiveness is a tremendous stronghold that hinders our ability to be used by God. Christ says if we don’t forgive others, God cannot forgive us (Matt 6:15) and also that if we don’t forgive from the heart, God will hand us over to torturers—referring to God’s discipline (Matt 18:21-35, cf. 1 Cor 5:5).
Are you pursuing peace or holding grudges? If we are going to be greatly used by God, we must pursue godly character.
Application Question: Which godly character trait is the most difficult one for you to develop and why?
But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22
Paul says we should pursue godly character “in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (v. 22). “The term pure comes from the same root word as ‘cleanses’ in verse 21 and takes us back to where Paul’s line of thought began—to the truth that a clean vessel is a useful one.”8 Those with pure hearts aren’t perfect, but they faithfully pursue a right relationship with God.
Certainly, we see this reality throughout Scripture: Moses had Joshua; David had Jonathan and Nathan; Elijah had Elisha; Hezekiah had Isaiah; Daniel had Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; Christ had the twelve disciples and within them he had Peter, James, and John; Paul had Barnabas and Timothy. In order to be greatly used by God, we must surround ourselves with godly people. Again, Proverbs 13:20 says, “The one who associates with the wise grows wise.” Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a person sharpens his friend.”
We can’t become godly on our own; we need to be surrounded by brothers and sisters who are fighting to be pure as well. They pray for us, hold us accountable, encourage us, and even help train us. Elisha received an impartation from Elijah. Timothy received a gift through the laying on of Paul’s hands (2 Tim 1:6). Similarly, walking with godly brothers and sisters, especially those more mature than us, will help us grow and further equip us for service.
Sadly, many Christians can’t be greatly used by God because they are isolationists; they walk on their own and fail on their own, with no one to help them get up. We must partner with others by getting involved in small groups, ministries, and mentoring and accountability relationships. If we are going to be used greatly by God, we must pursue relationships with godly people.
Application Question: How should we pursue relationships with godly people? What steps should we take? How have you grown spiritually and in usefulness through relationships with other mature believers?
But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting. And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captive to do his will.
2 Timothy 2:23-26
In continuing the household metaphor, Paul refers to the “Lord’s slave,” also translated the “Lord’s servant” (v. 24). The Greek word for “servant” is “doulos”; it can be translated “bond slave.” Paul often called himself a slave or servant of Christ (Rom 1:1, Phil 1:1). Bond slaves had no will of their own and were totally under the command of their master.9
The type of person God uses is a servant. He is totally committed to serving God and others. It’s interesting to consider that many of the people God used greatly, he called while they were serving. David and Moses were caring for sheep. Gideon was threshing grain. Many of the disciples were fishing or working other jobs. When God looks for a person to use, he finds somebody who serves. Selfish people focus on serving their own needs and not that of God or others and therefore can’t be used.
Observation Question: What characteristics of a servant does Paul mention in 2 Timothy 2:23-26?
The “Lord’s servant” is possessive (v. 24); God owns this person—he faithfully submits to the Lord. One of the reasons people don’t serve is that God really isn’t their master. They live for their own pleasure or somebody else’s instead of God’s. Servants know their master.
The word “kind” can also be translated “mild” or “gentle” (v. 24). A great example of this is Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:7, when he says, “But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children” (ESV). In the same way a mother cares for her child—providing food, emotional support, and training—the Lord’s servant must do the same for others.
Are you serving others like a mother—thinking about them, reaching out to them, and bearing their pain? God cares for us that way, and he uses those who care for others in a like manner.
Paul said the Lord’s servant must be “an apt teacher” (v. 24). Therefore, the primary tool of the Lord’s servant is God’s Word. He uses it to teach, rebuke, correct, and train others to look like Christ (2 Tim 3:16-17). Are you serving others by teaching them Scripture?
The word “patient” actually means “to bear evil without resentment” (v. 24).10 Servants are often unappreciated and sometimes even treated harshly. In those moments, the Lord’s servant must not return evil for evil or hold grudges. He must bear people’s unkindness in a patient manner. Again, he does this because his life is not primarily about himself, but serving God and others.
The word “gentle” can be translated “meek.” It was used of a wild horse that had been tamed. It doesn’t refer to weakness but carries the sense of ‘power under control.’ Instead of responding with pride or anger when offended, the Lord’s servant responds with humility and courtesy. Christ called himself meek and lowly (Matt 11:29). The person God uses serves others with gentleness instead of harshness, just like Christ.
Again in 2 Timothy 2:24-26, Paul says:
And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captive to do his will.
In the NIV, 2 Timothy 2:25 is translated this way, “Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.” Paul gives us a picture of the spiritual war that the Lord’s servant is engaged in. He describes a person, probably a believer, who is taken captive by Satan to do his will. He is trapped and drugged. “Come to their senses” literally means “to become sober” or to “come to one’s senses again.”11 Satan drugs people through worldliness, lust, fear, self-pity, the desire of money, false teaching, etc., in order to keep them from knowing God and fulfilling his will. There are many believers who are ensnared and caught in the strongholds of Satan. The Lord’s servant reaches out to them in hope—hope that God will set them free.
Because of this servant’s hope in God, he doesn’t fight or argue (v. 23-24). He doesn’t believe that he changes hearts; he knows that only God can do that. His hope in God causes him to minister through God’s Word. His hope leads him to minister through the body of Christ, since God works through his people. He also relies strongly on prayer, as he believes that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective (James 5:16). His hope in God drives him to the Lord’s resources. Secular ministers hope in the world and therefore rely on secular resources. To them, God’s resources are not enough.
Is your service founded on a hope in God?
When God looks for a person to use, he seeks a servant. They know their Master; they are kind; they teach God’s Word; they are not resentful; they are gentle, and they hope in God—not themselves or this world.
Application Question: What are other important qualities of a servant? How is God calling you to grow in servanthood?
How can we be greatly used by God?
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible ® copyright © 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.
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1 Stott, J. R. W. (1973). Guard the Gospel the message of 2 Timothy (p. 72). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
2 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (pp. 86–87). Chicago: Moody Press.
3 MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2120). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
4 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 87). Chicago: Moody Press.
5 Getz, Gene (1996-01-15). Men of Character: Abraham: Holding Fast to the Will of God (Kindle Locations 410-413). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
6 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 90). Chicago: Moody Press.
7 Accessed 11/12/16 from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-13-person-god-uses-2-timothy-220-22
8 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 94). Chicago: Moody Press.
9 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 248). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
10 Stott, J. R. W. (1973). Guard the Gospel the message of 2 Timothy (pp. 77–78). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
11 Stott, J. R. W. (1973). Guard the Gospel the message of 2 Timothy (pp. 79–80). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
But understand this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God. They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these. For some of these insinuate themselves into households and captivate weak women who are overwhelmed with sins and led along by various passions. Such women are always seeking instruction, yet never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. And just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these people—who have warped minds and are disqualified in the faith—also oppose the truth. But they will not go much further, for their foolishness will be obvious to everyone, just like it was with Jannes and Jambres.
2 Timothy 3:1-9 (NET)
What are characteristics of the church in the last days?
In 2 Timothy, one of the major themes is suffering for Christ. Paul is in prison for his faith awaiting a death sentence, and he calls Timothy to suffer with him as a good soldier of Christ (2 Tim 2:3). Christians are being persecuted throughout the Roman Empire. However, in this passage, Paul is not talking about suffering from without but suffering from within. Some of our greatest sufferings, as Christians, often come from people within God’s church.
Paul says, “But understand this,” or it can be translated, “But realize this” (NASB). There are some things we must realize about the church, and if we don’t, we may become disillusioned or even fall away. Sadly, many have fallen away because they didn’t recognize the state or condition of the times.
In describing the state of the church in the last days, Paul says it will be “difficult” times. This word can be translated “terrible, “perilous,” or “violent.” It was used one other time in the New Testament to describe the two demoniacs in the region of the Gadarenes; they were so violent that nobody could pass by them (Matt 8:28). This may imply that these terrible times will be inspired by demons.1
The word “times” is not the Greek word “chronos”, referring to chronological time, but “kairos”, referring to seasons. There will be seasons of heightened peril in the church and other times of relative peace.2
However, the scary thing about the last days is that it not only refers to the time right before Christ’s return, but it also applies to the very age Timothy ministered in. This is clear as Paul warns Timothy to “So avoid people like these” (v. 5). The present tense of this phrase means that the difficult times had already begun. In fact, on God’s eschatological timeline, the ‘last days’ began when Christ came to the earth. Hebrews 1:1-2 says,
After God spoke long ago in various portions and in various ways to our ancestors through the prophets, in these last days he has spoken to us in a son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he created the world.
Why is Paul informing Timothy about the last days? It is because Timothy needed to understand the nature of them so he wouldn’t get discouraged and fall away. Similarly, in warning the disciples about coming persecutions, Christ said, “I have told you all these things so that you will not fall away” (John 16:1). When you know something difficult is coming, it is easier to persevere and be faithful when it happens. We need to understand this reality as well. Difficulties are already around us and ahead of us. What are characteristics of the church in the last days?
Big Question: What characteristics of the church in the last days can be discerned from 2 Timothy 3:1-9, and how should we respond to this reality?
For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God. They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these.
2 Timothy 3:2-5
Observation Question: What are characteristics of the people in the last days?
As we continue to read Paul’s words, we find that the terrible times will not be bad because of difficult events but because of evil people. This is what will make these last days so terrible. There will be many in the church who profess Christianity but look nothing like their Lord and Savior. In verse 5, Paul says that they had an “outward appearance of religion” but “repudiated its power.” This means that they had the outer trappings of Christianity—they went to church, sang hymns, gave their tithes, went on mission trips—but lived ungodly lives that proved they had never experienced Christ’s saving power.
This is exactly what Christ warned the disciples of in the parables of the kingdom in Matthew 13. Christ said the kingdom of heaven is tares and wheat (v. 36-43), and good and bad fish (v. 47-50)—essentially true and false believers. He also describes the kingdom as yeast hidden in flour, which spreads throughout the lump (v. 33). Yeast typically refers to false doctrine (Matt 16:11-12) or sin (1 Cor 5:6); therefore, Christ described how evil would spread and saturate the church at various stages of history. The current state of the kingdom is a mixture of good and evil. It is scary!
This reality often leads to disillusionment and apostasy—Satan’s very intent in planting tares, bad fish, and leaven. No doubt, this is the reason that Paul warned Timothy. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul gives nineteen negative characteristics of many professing believers during these difficult times:
MacDonald said this about these people:
Outwardly these people seem religious. They make a profession of Christianity, but their actions speak louder than their words. By their ungodly behavior, they show that they are living a lie. There is no evidence of the power of God in their lives. While there might have been reformation, there never was regeneration. Weymouth translates: “They will keep up a make-believe of piety and yet exclude its power.” Likewise Moffatt: “Though they keep up a form of religion, they will have nothing to do with it as a force.” Phillips puts it: “They will maintain a façade of ‘religion’ but their conduct will deny its validity.” They want to be religious and to have their sins at the same time (cf. Rev. 3:14–22). Hiebert warns: “It is the fearful portrayal of an apostate Christendom, a new paganism masquerading under the name of Christianity.”3
Certainly, we’ve seen some of the worst examples of this throughout history: In the name of Christianity, people have slaughtered Jews, Muslims, and one another! The believers in the letter of James were fighting, oppressing, and murdering one another (James 4:1-2, 5:1-6). The Corinthians were taking one another to court (1 Cor 6:1-6). Terrible times indeed!
Observation Question: How should we respond to these people in the church?
Paul says to Timothy, “So avoid people like these” (v 5). This means that there should be a complete healthy separation from individuals who profess Christ but live lives that deny that reality. Consider what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 5:9-13:
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. In no way did I mean the immoral people of this world, or the greedy and swindlers and idolaters, since you would then have to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who calls himself a Christian who is sexually immoral, or greedy, or an idolater, or verbally abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person. For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Are you not to judge those inside? But God will judge those outside. Remove the evil person from among you.
We must separate from believers who practice lifestyles like this. Yes, we must first lovingly challenge them to repent—even multiple times (Matt 18:15-17). But if they continue in rebellious lifestyles, we must separate. We separate in order to protect ourselves from corrupt habits (1 Cor 15:33), but we also do it so that they can be shamed and hopefully repent. Second Thessalonians 3:14-15 says,
But if anyone does not obey our message through this letter, take note of him and do not associate closely with him, so that he may be ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Application Question: Which characteristic that Paul shared stood out to you most and why? Why is it important to understand the common reality of false believers in churches? How should we respond to this reality? How have you experienced this?
For some of these insinuate themselves into households and captivate weak women who are overwhelmed with sins and led along by various passions. Such women are always seeking instruction, yet never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. And just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these people—who have warped minds and are disqualified in the faith—also oppose the truth. But they will not go much further, for their foolishness will be obvious to everyone, just like it was with Jannes and Jambres.
2 Timothy 3:6-9
Paul next describes many of the teachers in these churches and ministries. When he says, they “insinuate themselves into households” in the Greek, it is actually “the households” with a definite article (v. 6). This means these homes were obviously well-known. He probably was referring to the house churches where people gathered for worship.4 These were typically the homes of wealthy church members (cf. Col 4:15, Rom 16:5, Acts 16:40).
Observation Question: What are characteristics of these false teachers (2 Timothy 3:6-9)?
Paul says they “insinuate” their way into homes, or it can be translated “creep” or “worm” (v. 6). These teachers are crafty like the serpent in the garden. Often, they are great communicators and very charismatic; however, their intentions are not godly.
Be careful of the deceptive influence of false teachers. There is a reason that crowds often follow them.
“Captivate weak women” can also be translated “gain control over gullible women” (NIV). Be careful when you see too much power given to a spiritual leader. These teachers often gain control over people’s money, marriages, and future. As seen in cults, spiritual abuse is common.
Remember Jesus said he came to serve and not be served. Servant leadership should be the model in our churches (Matt 20:25-28). Be careful of abusive ministries and ministers.
This mirrors Satan’s initial temptation of Eve, and God’s prophecy of Satan’s continued enmity with women (Gen 3:15). Often the majority of cult members are women. Many times, these women are abused mentally, spiritually, and physically.
Paul says these women “are overwhelmed with sins and led along by various passions” (v. 6). The false teachers prey on these women’s vulnerabilities—promising healing, restoration of their family, financial prosperity, etc. In an attempt to heal their hurts and meet their felt-needs, these women are led into captivity.
Paul describes these victims as “Such women are always seeking instruction, yet never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth” (v. 7). Often, you’ll find cult followers jumping from one perceived truth to another. They have tried this and that. They have a desire to know the truth but have not fully accepted the message of the Bible. Therefore, they are vulnerable to teachers that say they have found “new revelation.”
In verse 8, Paul says, “And just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these people—who have warped minds and are disqualified in the faith—also oppose the truth.” The names Jannes and Jambres are never mentioned in the Old Testament. However, according to tradition, these were the sorcerers who opposed Moses when he went to Pharaoh’s court. They went with Israel to Mt. Sinai and instigated the rebellion of worshiping the golden calves. John MacArthur shares,
Jewish tradition holds that they pretended to convert to Judaism in order to subvert Moses’ divine assignment to liberate Israel from Egypt, that they led in making and worshiping the golden calf while Moses was on Mt. Sinai receiving the Law from God, and that they were slaughtered by the Levites along with the other idolaters (See Ex. 32). That possibility is consistent with Paul’s warning about false leaders who corrupt the church from within. Just as those two men opposed Moses in his teaching and leading ancient Israel, so these men in Ephesus also opposed the truth of the gospel.5
In the same way, false teachers often accuse and oppose godly teachers and try to create rebellion in churches and ministries.
This is implied by the fact that Paul refers to the two sorcerers that mimicked the miracles Moses performed. They turned their staffs into serpents, turned water into blood, and brought forth frogs. But when it came to the miracle of the gnats and the subsequent miracles, the magicians failed to imitate them (Ex. 8:16–19). Similarly, false teachers often deceive through lying miracles that fall woefully short of God’s glory. Consider the following verses,
For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Remember, I have told you ahead of time.
Matthew 24:24-25
The arrival of the lawless one will be by Satan’s working with all kinds of miracles and signs and false wonders, and with every kind of evil deception directed against those who are perishing, because they found no place in their hearts for the truth so as to be saved.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10
Jesus and Paul both said signs and wonders would follow false teachers in the last days. They perform these miracles to “deceive.” Even now, we have all kinds of phenomena happening in the church with no biblical support: stigmata (people experiencing marks of the crucifixion), statues and paintings with tears of blood, floating gold dust during services, people gaining gold teeth, people barking like dogs and roaring like lions, etc.
If we reject Scripture as our rule and standard of faith and practice (2 Tim 3:17), then we can accept anything and be led astray. This is what many have done in the church. They accept things that have no affirmation in Scripture, and therefore make themselves and those they teach vulnerable to deception.
Paul says these men “have warped minds and are disqualified in the faith—also oppose the truth” (v. 8). MacArthur gives telling insight about the word “disqualified”—also translated “rejected”:
Adokimos (Rejected) was used of metals that did not pass the test of purity and were discarded. The word also was used of counterfeits of various sorts. The fact that the men were rejected as regards the faith makes clear that Paul was speaking of individuals within the church who claimed to be Christians but were not.
As with those in the church who have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof, these false teachers are not born again. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing. They are either deceived about their salvation or are intentionally deceiving others for their own gain.
Since they are not born again, they cannot truly understand Scripture. Paul said the natural man cannot understand the things of God for they are foolishness to him (1 Cor 2:14). Therefore, these false teachers can only pervert true doctrine. They deny the inerrancy of Scripture; they deny the creation of the world through God’s spoken word; they deny the deity of Christ; they deny a literal resurrection and the miracles of Scripture. They accept and teach revelation outside of Scripture—denying Scripture’s sufficiency. They are men and women of depraved thinking.
Paul says, “But they will not go much further, for their foolishness will be obvious to everyone, just like it was with Jannes and Jambres” (v. 9).
They can only hide their hypocrisy for a while because false teaching provides no power to live a holy life; therefore, they will eventually be exposed. It is very common to, at some point, hear how these teachers embezzled money, had multiple affairs, committed spiritual abuse, etc. Like Jannes and Jambres, their inability to produce the true works of God—a holy life, lasting freedom for their followers, etc.—eventually becomes clear to everyone.
In Matthew 7:16-17, Christ said, “You will recognize them by their fruit. Grapes are not gathered from thorns or figs from thistles, are they? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.”
Paul’s comments about them not getting “very far” probably refer to their false teaching and not just the false teachers. Their error doesn’t get very far. John Stott said,
Error may spread and be popular for a time. But it ‘will not get very far’. In the end it is bound to be exposed, and the truth is sure to be vindicated. This is a clear lesson of church history. Numerous heresies have arisen, and some have seemed likely to triumph. But today they are largely of antiquarian interest. God has preserved his truth in the church.6
In these last days, false teachers and false teaching will be common. We must be aware of this.
Application Question: What experience/exposure do you have with cults, false teachers, and false teachings? What are some of the common dangers you have noticed?
As we consider the characteristics of the church in the last days, there are many applications we can make.
Second Corinthians 13:5 says, “Put yourselves to the test to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize regarding yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless, indeed, you fail the test!” Christ said in the last days many will say to him, “Lord, Lord” but he will respond, “Depart from me, you workers of iniquity, I never knew you” (Matt 7:21-23). That type of false faith will be increasingly common in the church, as we get closer to Christ’s coming. It will be religion without relationship, form without power, a shell without life. We must test ourselves to see if we are saved.
How do we know if we’re born again? Certainly, we must ask ourselves discerning questions such as: Are we demonstrating new life and new spiritual affections? Do we love God? Do we love his people? Do we love his Word? Are we obeying him? Are we decreasing in sin and growing in righteousness? Has our profession changed our life or is it just a profession? If our profession hasn’t changed our life, then maybe we just have the form of faith without its saving power in our lives.
The book of 1 John is a book of many tests of salvation (cf. 1 John 5:13). First John 3:9-10 says,
Everyone who has been fathered by God does not practice sin, because God’s seed resides in him, and thus he is not able to sin, because he has been fathered by God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are revealed: Everyone who does not practice righteousness—the one who does not love his fellow Christian—is not of God.
A true believer will fail and fall into sin, but he will not practice a lifestyle of unrepentant sin; the general direction of his life is very different from the world. A true believer practices righteousness and loves God’s people.
Do you bear the marks of true salvation?
The root problem of the end-time church is self-love. They love themselves more than God, which results in many other sins—love of money, love of pleasure, lack of family love, pride, abusiveness, etc. This can happen to us as well if we don’t love God first. In Revelation 2:4-5, Christ rebuked the church of Ephesus for this sin. He said,
But I have this against you: You have departed from your first love! Therefore, remember from what high state you have fallen and repent! Do the deeds you did at the first; if not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place—that is, if you do not repent.
Christ promised them judgment if they didn’t repent for their lack of love for God. No doubt, this lack of love was causing other sins in their lives, as it does with ours. If we’ve lost it, we must repent and turn back to God. We must put him first as an act of love and obedience. As we love God first, we will love others and grow in righteousness.
Is Christ still your first love? If not, what is taking first place in your life?
Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, we must test everything through Scripture to see if it’s of God: Is the Bible being preached or is Scripture simply a launching point for worldly anecdotes? Are my experiences biblical or just something that feels good? The Word of God equips the man of God for “every good work” (2 Tim 3:16-17). If it doesn’t pass the biblical test, it should be discarded. If we hold onto Scripture, we’ll be kept from the waves of false doctrine and lying miracles in the church.
Many have given up on the church because they have experienced hurt, betrayal, and abuse during these terrible times. However, Christ said the gates of Hades will not prevail against the church (Matt 16:18)—Satan’s works will not ultimately prevail against her. Also, Christ loved the church and gave his life for her—knowing her imperfections (Eph 5:25-27). We must love her as well and be faithful to her, even when she is unfaithful. In this season, there are tares, bad fish, and leaven within her, but God will ultimately purify and restore her. And in this season, we are part of that restoration. We must persevere in, love, and minister to the church, even as our Lord does.
Do you still love her? Are you faithfully ministering to her? Or are you disillusioned and fed-up with her?
Application Question: What other applications can we take from the reality that terrible seasons will plague the end-time church? How will you apply these truths to your life?
What are characteristics of the church in the last days?
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible ® copyright © 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.
All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.
BTG Publishing all rights reserved.
1 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 249). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
2 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 106). Chicago: Moody Press.
3 MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2120). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
4 Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. (2000). 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (p. 225). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
5 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 119). Chicago: Moody Press.
6 Stott, J. R. W. (1973). Guard the Gospel the message of 2 Timothy (p. 91). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
You, however, have followed my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, as well as the persecutions and sufferings that happened to me in Antioch, in Iconium, and in Lystra. I endured these persecutions and the Lord delivered me from them all. Now in fact all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves. You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, …
2 Timothy 3:10-15a (NET)
How can we stand firm in difficult times?
In 2 Timothy 3:1-9, Paul warned Timothy of the difficult (also translated “terrible”) times that would happen throughout church history. People would be lovers of themselves, lovers of pleasure instead of God; they would be abusive, unforgiving, and having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof. There would be many false teachers that would lead people astray. Just as Paul warned Timothy, Christ warned his disciples as well. Satan would plant tares among the wheat and yeast in the flour (Matt 13)—the church would be full of false believers and false doctrine.
Because of this reality, many have become angry at God, bitter at the church, and some have fallen away from Christ all together. These are very important realities to be aware of in order to protect ourselves and persevere. How can we stand in these times?
Paul says to Timothy, “You, however,” or “But, you” (v. 10) and he calls him to “continue” in what he had learned (v. 14). Timothy was to be different from those with an empty religion. He was called to “continue” being faithful, even while others went from “bad to worse” (v. 13). In this text, we will see four principles about standing firm in difficult times—not only do these apply to difficult seasons in the church but ultimately bad times in our lives.
Big Question: What principles can we discern about standing firm in terrible times from 2 Timothy 3:10-15?
You, however, have followed my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, as well as the persecutions and sufferings that happened to me in Antioch, in Iconium, and in Lystra. I endured these persecutions and the Lord delivered me from them all.
2 Timothy 3:10-11
After sharing with Timothy about the ungodly people and the false teachers in the church (v. 1-9), Paul encourages Timothy with his example. He says, “You, however, have followed my teaching, my way of life …” It can also be translated “you ‘know’ all about my teaching, way of life…,” as in the NIV. Though there were dark times and evil people in the church, Paul was faithful and his faithfulness was meant to encourage Timothy. Similarly, when Elijah was depressed and no longer wanted to live, he cried out to God, “I’m the only one left!” However, God reminded him that he had preserved a remnant that would not bow down to Baal (1 Kings 19), and God has done the same today. Satan often tempts us to feel alone and hopeless, but we are not, because God has faithfully preserved his saints, even in these dark times. We need to recognize this to stand firm.
First Peter 5:8-9 says,
Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering.
We should resist and stand firm against Satan’s attacks because we have a family of believers around the world enduring suffering as well. Though many in the church possess only a form of Christianity but no reality in their lives (2 Tim 3:5), there are many who follow God faithfully. And if we are going to stand in terrible times, we must remember them.
In Hebrews 12:1, the author says something similar to persecuted Hebrew Christians: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us.”
The “therefore” points back to chapter 11 where the author describes many heroes of the faith—Abraham, Noah, Moses, David, and others. He essentially says that remembering these witnesses helps us get rid of sin and run with “endurance” the race before us. “Endurance” means “to bear up under a heavy weight.” When we feel like giving up during terrible times in the church or life in general, we must remember godly examples. We must remember how God allowed Joseph to suffer betrayal from his family, slavery, and prison before God exalted him to second in command over Egypt. We must remember how God allowed Job to suffer various tragedies, but how God’s ultimate purpose was to bless him.
We need to remember the faithful if we are going to persevere during hard times. Hebrews 12:1 explicitly reminds us of the importance of reading the accounts of the Old Testament. These are not just stories for children; they are for us. They help us get rid of sin and persevere in difficult times.
But, also, it reminds us to look at the faithful around us. We must watch them—how they maintain their integrity and faith during hard times. Their example will help us to stand. Like Timothy, we need to intimately “know” other faithful believers so we can draw strength from them.
Who are you watching to draw strength from in times of difficulty? Often in times of difficulty, we tend to focus on the storms of unfortunate circumstances or difficult people, which only further discourage us. However, we need to focus both on God’s faithfulness and his faithful ones so we can persevere.
Application Question: Why is it so important to remember the example of the faithful when going through difficult times? Who are the faithful around you that you can watch during the storms of life?
You, however, have followed my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, as well as the persecutions and sufferings that happened to me in Antioch, in Iconium, and in Lystra. I endured these persecutions and the Lord delivered me from them all... You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you
2 Timothy 3:10-11, 14
Not only must we remember the faithful to stand in difficult seasons, we must follow and imitate them. Kenneth Wuest says the word “followed” in verse 10 means “to follow a person so closely that you are always by the person’s side, conforming your life to the person.”1 It was literally used of “following a person as he goes somewhere and of walking in his footsteps.”2 Timothy wasn’t just aware of Paul’s example, he had been imitating it for decades.3 In addition, other teachers imparted into Timothy’s life—enabling him to stand. This is clear from verse 14, as he calls Timothy to continue in what he had learned because he knew “who” he learned it from. “Who” is plural meaning that Timothy owed a great deal to many teachers who imparted into him (v. 14).
This is true for us as well. If we are going to stand in terrible times, we need to follow the godly examples of the faithful. In Philippians 3:17, Paul said: “Be imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and watch carefully those who are living this way, just as you have us as an example.” In 1 Corinthians 11:1, he said: “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” We must keep our eyes on godly people and imitate them if we are going to stand in difficult times.
Often Satan uses the same technique of holding up an example, as he seeks to corrupt the world and the church. But instead of godly examples, he parades and promotes ungodly examples in the media. If you look at those who get the most attention in our cultures, it’s usually ungodly TV stars and actors, musicians and athletes—with no morality or conscience—or TV preachers who focus on money and prosperity but don’t preach the Word. They are paraded and promoted to affect the culture in a negative manner—leading others into similar pathways.
If we are going to stand in difficult times, we must walk closely with the faithful and follow their footsteps as Timothy did Paul’s. Proverbs 13:20 says, “The one who associates with the wise grows wise.” We must allow them to invest in our lives through their examples and their teaching.
Observation Question: What are characteristics of the faithful as demonstrated through Paul’s characteristics?
Again, Paul said to Timothy, “You, however, have followed my teaching and my way of life…” (v. 10). As mentioned, it can also be translated to “know” Paul’s teaching, way of life, etc. (NIV). The implication is that Paul lived a life of transparency and invited others to watch. This wasn’t because Paul was perfect; he wasn’t. He said, “The things I wouldn’t do, I do, and the things I would do, I don’t do. Who can save me from this body of death?” (Rom 7, paraphrase). He wasn’t perfect, but he was pursuing perfection, and we need examples like that.
One of the results of sin is the loss of transparency. When Adam and Eve sinned, their first response was to hide from one another and from God. However, the more that we come to know Christ—the more we begin to live in the light and walk in the light with others. First John 1:7 says, “But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
We are far from perfect, but we follow a perfect God who can use even our imperfections to encourage others who are similarly imperfect. While an ungodly example practices hypocrisy and puts on a charade to appear holy, a godly example lives a transparent life, which includes both his successes and failures. Christ said this, “‘I have spoken publicly to the world’.… I have said nothing in secret” (John 18:20).
Are you living a transparent life or practicing a secret life?
Paul points out that Timothy knew his “teaching” (v. 10). One of Paul’s goals was to teach “the whole purpose of God” (Acts 20:27). He didn’t avoid difficult texts, soften their tone, or change them to not offend the church or the culture. He preached the Word of God whether it was popular or unpopular. Paul soon warns Timothy of how many in the last days, instead of preaching the whole counsel of God, will ‘itch people’s ears’—trying to make them feel good (2 Tim 4:3 ESV).
This faithful teaching doesn’t only refer to public teaching but also private teaching. These godly models challenge us with God’s Word when we’re in sin. They encourage us with it when we are down, and they affirm us with it when we are doing right. We must follow these kinds of people; we must become these kinds of people.
Are you studying God’s Word so as to teach it to others?
Paul said Timothy knows his “way of life” (v. 10). There are many who are orthodox in their doctrine but unorthodox with their life—they don’t practice what they preach. This visible hypocrisy only serves to push people away from God. Timothy was keenly aware of how Paul used his time, his recreation, his work life, his devotion, his prayer life, and his ministry. All of that was open before Timothy and all of it matched Paul’s teaching. We must model these types of people to stand in terrible times.
Are you practicing what you preach?
Paul said Timothy knew his “purpose” (v. 10). In Philippians 3:8 Paul said that he ‘counted everything a loss’ to know Christ (paraphrase). That was his primary goal in life. Even his ministry was driven by this unflinching goal of knowing Christ and pleasing him by completing the mission the Lord gave him. Philippians 3:12-14 says,
Not that I have already attained this—that is, I have not already been perfected—but I strive to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have attained this. Instead I am single-minded: Forgetting the things that are behind and reaching out for the things that are ahead, with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
The faithful are not driven by money or the applause of men, but only knowing and pleasing God. Is your goal to know Christ and please him?
Paul then names several fruits of the Spirit that were prominent in his life (v. 10): faith, patience, love, and endurance. These were divine characteristics that were born out of his relationship with God (cf. Gal 5:22-23).
Paul was a man of character worth modeling. We must model those who are clearly filled with the Spirit and demonstrating it through their lives. Are the fruits of the Spirit evident in our own lives?
In verse 11, Paul adds various sufferings he endured of which Timothy was aware: “persecutions and sufferings that happened to me in Antioch, in Iconium, and in Lystra. I endured these persecutions and the Lord delivered me from them all.” He mentions three specific sufferings in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra:
It must be noted that in those specific cases, it wasn’t God’s will to keep him from those persecutions. Instead, God gave him grace to endure them, and it’s often similar for us. There are many things that God keeps us from. As in the story of Job, there are many ways that Satan desires to attack us, but God says, “No!” and sets the limits. He says to the tempter, “You can only go this far.” God knows what we can bear and what we can’t. He also knows what trials we need to experience to know and glorify him more. Trials are part of the Lord’s sanctifying process in our lives, and we must humbly accept them (cf. Rom 5:3-4). Those who are godly examples typically have been through various trials that God used to build them up and help them to know Christ more.
Paul willingly accepted these trials without being angry at God or others. How do you respond when you go through trials? Do they draw you closer to God or away from him?
If we are going to stand in terrible times, we must not only remember the faithful, we must walk close beside them in order to imitate them. We must step in the same steps that they did, as we follow the Lord.
Application Question: Which characteristics of the faithful stood out to you most and why? What godly examples have made the most impact on your life? In what ways have you followed their steps?
Now in fact all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.
2 Timothy 3:12-13
Interpretation Question: What types of sufferings will godly believers experience?
Paul not only shares his experience of persecutions, but warns Timothy that everyone living a godly life will experience them (v. 12). These persecutions come from outside the church as seen through Paul’s experiences in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, but they also come from inside the church. This is implied by Paul’s reference to evil-doers and impostors going from bad to worse, immediately after mentioning his persecutions (v. 13). People in the church attacked Paul. In fact, 2 Corinthians is essentially a defense of his apostleship to a church he founded. Similarly, Christ was criticized (and killed) by the religious establishment of his day, and we’ll experience this in the contemporary church as well. There will always be people in the church without true faith who oppose the truth (2 Tim 3:5-9).
Not only will there be persecution from without and from within, but also spiritual warfare. We must remember that Job’s trials were attacks from Satan which came simply because he was righteous (Job 1:8-9, 2:3-4). He suffered financial loss, family loss, and physical suffering, which were all demonic in origin. Let us consider Paul’s words again, “all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (v. 12).
Interpretation Question: Why will believers be persecuted and what causes this animosity?
In short, John 3:19-20 says:
Now this is the basis for judging: that the light has come into the world and people loved the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil deeds hates the light and does not come to the light, so that their deeds will not be exposed.
MacDonald explains it this way:
The reason for this persecution is simple. A godly life exposes the wickedness of others. People do not like to be thus exposed. Instead of repenting of their ungodliness and turning to Christ, they seek to destroy the one who has shown them up for what they really are. It is totally irrational behavior, of course, but that is characteristic of fallen man.4
Calvin adds: “they who wish to be exempt from persecutions must necessarily renounce Christ.”5
Timothy needed to hear this, and we need to hear it as well: If we are going to stand in this evil age, we should expect persecution. It is coming, and it will only get worse, as we get closer to Christ’s return (cf. Matt 24). This doesn’t mean that we will be beaten, stoned, and crucified. It may be as simple as being thought strange or hated for our belief system (cf. 1 Peter 4:3-4). We must expect it, so we won’t become disillusioned and fall away (cf. Matt 13:20-21).
Application Question: In what ways is Christian persecution growing in the world and why is it growing?
You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you and how from infancy you have known the holy writings…
2 Timothy 3:14-15a
Paul calls Timothy to “continue” in what he had “learned” and become confident about, because he knew “who” taught him (v. 14). The word “continue” can also be translated “abide.”6 Timothy needed to make his home in Scripture to stand firm. As mentioned, “who” is plural; it probably refers not only to Paul (v. 14) but also to Timothy’s mother and grandmother who are mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:5. They were believers who taught Timothy the Holy Scriptures from infancy (v. 15). “Holy writings” can literally be translated “The sacred letters.” This might suggest that Timothy learned the Hebrew alphabet through studying the Old Testament.7
As a side application, this is important for Christian parents to consider. The word for “infancy” literally refers to a “newborn child.”8 Parents should read the Bible to their children from birth. They may not be able to fully grasp it yet, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t hear it. Right after birth, parents should begin to saturate their infants with Scripture. Throughout early childhood, children are like sponges. It is then that they can most easily pick up languages and memorize things; it often becomes harder as they get older. Therefore, Christian parents should saturate those early years with reading God’s Word to them and helping them memorize it. When they are fed God’s Word as children, it will be easier for them to continue in it as they get older. Just like learning a language, it won’t be foreign to them. The Word will be their native tongue.
With that said, Timothy needed to continue in what he had learned from infancy if he was going to stand firm in terrible times, and this is true for us as well. God’s primary way to make us holy, encourage us when we are down, and protect us is through God’s Word. It both makes us wise for salvation and trains us for every good work (2 Tim 3:15-17).
After Paul warned the Ephesian elders of these difficult times and how many of them would fall away into cults and become false teachers, he said this in Acts 20:32: “And now I entrust you to God and to the message of his grace. This message is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” It was the Word of God’s grace that would make them strong during those difficult times.
The Psalmist said, “In my heart I store up your words, so I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). Christ said, “Set them apart in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). Apart from daily continuing in God’s Word, we won’t be able to stand in terrible times. Evil character will replace godly character; we’ll slip further and further away from the truth, and take others with us.
Application Question: How can we continue in God’s Word?
Apart from continuing in God’s Word, we won’t stand in difficult times. Our house will be built on the sand of the world, and it will be destroyed when the storm comes (Matt 7:24-27). Are you building on the rock of God’s Word? Any other foundation won’t last.
Application Question: What are some major threats to Christians continuing in God’s Word? What disciplines have you found helpful in studying the Bible?
How can we stand firm in difficult times, especially those within the church (cf. 2 Tim 3:1-9)?
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible ® copyright © 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.
All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.
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1 Teacher’s Outline and Study Bible - Commentary - Teacher’s Outline and Study Bible – 2 Timothy: The Teacher’s Outline and Study Bible
2 Stott, J. R. W. (1973). Guard the Gospel the message of 2 Timothy (p. 93). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
3 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 125). Chicago: Moody Press.
4 MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2122). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
5 Accessed 11/26/2016, from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-16-spiritual-faithfulness-2-timothy-310-15
6 Guzik, D. (2013). 2 Timothy (2 Ti 3:13–15). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.
7 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 252). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
8 Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W., Jr. (1996). Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Vol. 2, p. 48). Nashville, TN: T. Nelson.
You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NET)
Why should we abide in God’s Word?
In 2 Timothy 3:1-9, Paul warns Timothy about the last days. The church would be full of those who love themselves and love pleasure more than God. They would be unforgiving, abusive, lacking natural love—having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof (v. 1-5). Essentially, the church would be full of professing believers who are not truly saved. In addition, it would be full of false teachers who take advantage of the flock (v. 6-9). These realities will cause many to become disillusioned with the church and, ultimately, turn away from God.
However, instead of being like those who profess but are not truly following God, Timothy was called to continue to imitate Paul—a man who was faithful during these dark times (v. 10, 14). He also was to continue in what he had learned in Scripture (v. 14-15). The word “continue” can also be translated “abide.”1 If Timothy would make his home in Scripture, he would be able to stand in these terrible times. After calling Timothy to continue in what he learned, he gives him reasons to continue in the Word (v. 15-17).
In Timothy’s time, many were falling away from God’s Word. Earlier, Paul described how some teachers were denying the resurrection (2 Tim 2:17-18). Maybe, like many liberal believers today, they were teaching that Scripture could not be trusted or that it referred to some type of spiritual resurrection and that no physical resurrection awaited believers. Paul denied that possibility in 1 Corinthians 15:14, as he said, “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is futile and your faith is empty.”
These types of attacks were not new to early believers: in fact, Satan began these attacks in the Garden of Eden. He said to Eve, “Did God really say…?” Satan knew if he could get her to doubt God’s Word, he could get her to disobey it. Therefore, these attacks have continued throughout history and are very alive today. Many attack God’s Word by saying that it is full of errors and cannot be trusted. Some say it cannot be properly interpreted. Others say that since it’s an ancient manuscript it cannot be relied on for contemporary issues like human sexuality, marriage, parenting, science, or government. Through such lies, Satan hinders or overthrows the faith of many.
However, in the midst of the difficult times and various attacks on Scripture, Paul gave reasons why Timothy should continue in God’s Word. Second Timothy 3:14-17 tells us why we should continue to abide in God’s Word and not cast it off, like many back then and many now.
Big Question: According to 2 Timothy 3:14-17, why should believers abide in God’s Word?
You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:14-15
Interpretation Question: In what ways does the Bible make people wise for salvation?
Man was originally made in the image of God (Gen 1:27)—to be righteous just like God. However, man continually fails at this. Romans 3:23 says, “For all fall short of the glory of God.” This means we fail to be like God in our actions, thoughts, and emotions. Scripture not only commands our actions but our heart. The greatest command is to love God with all our heart, mind and soul, and the second is to love our neighbor as ourselves. The reality is that we have never loved God with all our heart and mind, and we often, if not always, fail to love others as ourselves. Man continually falls short of God’s glory—both in action and heart.
This failure has tragic consequences: Romans 6:23 says, “For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Our God is righteous and just, and the just punishment for sin is eternal judgment. This is the state of all mankind—under the wrath of God (John 3:36) and therefore in need of salvation.
After the sin of the first humans—Adam and Eve—God initiated a plan to save man. When Adam and Eve sinned, instead of immediately killing them, God clothed them with animal skin—implying that he killed an animal (Gen 3:21). From the beginning, we see the doctrine of substitution. Someone else could take man’s just punishment for sin. We saw that with the death of the first animal, and then, later God explicitly institutes animal sacrifice. For the nation of Israel, a perfect lamb would be sacrificed once a year on the Day of Atonement; the lamb took the death that ever person in Israel deserved for their sins. However, this lamb was only a picture of the perfect Lamb that would one day come and take away the sins of the world.
In the Gospels, John the Baptist sees Jesus Christ—God’s Son, who took on flesh—and says, “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Christ lived the perfect life that we couldn’t live, and he died on the cross for our sins. Then he rose from the dead—proving that God accepted his sacrifice for the sins of the world (Rom 4:25).
In order for a person to be saved, he must put his faith in Christ (2 Tim 4:15). John 3:16 says, “For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:13 says, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Scripture teaches the plan of salvation so that all can come to Christ and be saved. One day Christ is coming again, and those who have rejected him shall be judged eternally in a real place called hell, and those who have followed him, shall dwell eternally with him (John 3:18).
Why should we continue in Scripture? We should abide in it because it teaches the way of salvation—no other book does. How can we neglect or despise it?
Are you abiding in it?
Application Question: Share your conversion experience. How did the Word of God make you wise for salvation?
You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you… Every scripture is inspired by God
2 Timothy 3:14, 16
Secondly, Timothy should continue in God’s Word because it is inspired by God. “Inspired” can also be translated “God-breathed” (v. 16 NIV). It means that every word of the Bible literally comes out of God’s mouth.
When Paul said “scripture,” he refers both to the Old Testament and the New Testament books that were already complete (cf. 1 Tim 5:18, 2 Peter 3:15-16). At that point, the only NT books not completed were 2 Peter, Hebrews, Jude, and John’s writings.2 However, we are correct to now apply it to the completed Canon.
Interpretation Question: How did inspiration work in referring to the writing of Scripture?
The Bible obviously has two authors—both man and God. When Paul says, “continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you” (v. 14), there is some controversy over whether the “who” is plural or singular. The earliest, and therefore, best manuscripts translate it as plural; “who” would then refer to Paul, Timothy’s mother and grandmother, and possibly others. However, the majority of manuscripts translate it as a singular, referring to Paul. If the singular is correct, as many commentators believe (because of internal evidence, cf. 1:13-14, 2:2, 3:10)3, Paul would be referring to his apostolic authority as a reason Timothy should be convinced of the Scripture’s reliability.4 The apostles were especially called to give God’s revelation (cf. John 14:26, 16:12-13). Either way (plural or singular) would include the apostle Paul. He was a divinely chosen, apostolic author, as were the prophets, other apostles and their associates. These divinely chosen authors, like Paul, convinced Timothy of the reliability of Scripture. In addition, when the Canon was recognized by the church, apostolic or prophetic authorship and/or acknowledgment was one of the primary considerations. It helped convince them of which books were part of Scripture (cf. v. 14).
Secondly, when Paul says all Scripture is “God-breathed” or “inspired by God,” he is referring to God’s authorship. In fact, God actually began writing the Bible himself; he wrote the Ten Commandments with his own hand. We see this in Exodus 31:18: “He gave Moses two tablets of testimony when he had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, tablets of stone written by the finger of God.”
But not only did he write the Ten Commandments, 2 Timothy 3:16 teaches that every word of Scripture is “inspired by God”—even though it was written by human authors as well. Wayne Grudem provides insight:
All the words in the Bible are God’s words. Therefore, to disbelieve or disobey them is to disbelieve or disobey God himself. Oftentimes, passages in the Old Testament are introduced with the phrase, “Thus says the LORD” (see Ex. 4:22; Josh. 24:2; 1 Sam. 10:18; Isa. 10:24; also Deut. 18:18 – 20; Jer. 1:9). This phrase, understood to be like the command of a king, indicated that what followed was to be obeyed without challenge or question. Even the words in the Old Testament not attributed as direct quotes from God are considered to be God’s words… The New Testament also affirms that its words are the very words of God. In 2 Peter 3:16, Peter refers to all of Paul’s letters as one part of the “Scriptures.” This means that Peter, and the early church, considered Paul’s writings to be in the same category as the Old Testament writings. Therefore, they considered Paul’s writings to be the very words of God. In addition, Paul, in 1 Timothy 5:18, writes that “the Scripture says” two things: “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain” and “The laborer deserves his wages.” The first quote regarding an ox comes from the Old Testament; it is found in Deuteronomy 25:4. The second comes from the New Testament; it is found in Luke 10:7. Paul, without any hesitation, quotes from both the Old and New Testaments, calling them both “Scripture.” Therefore, again, the words of the New Testament are considered to be the very words of God. That is why Paul could write, “the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37).5
Interpretation Question: How can it be possible that Scripture has two authors—both God and man? What was the process?
Peter gives us a hint in 2 Peter 1:20-21:
Above all, you do well if you recognize this: No prophecy of scripture ever comes about by the prophet’s own imagination, for no prophecy was ever borne of human impulse; rather, men carried along by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
Peter says the prophecies of Scripture did not come about by a prophet’s imagination or human impulse, but men were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
What does it mean to be carried along by the Holy Spirit?
In Acts 27:15, the writer, Luke, uses the same phrase to describe a ship being carried by a storm. Look at what he says: “When the ship was caught in it and could not head into the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along.”
In the same way the ship was “driven” by the storm, so the authors of the Bible were “carried” by the Holy Spirit in the writing of Scripture. The Holy Spirit drove them along in the writing of the content and also kept them from error. The writers were there; they were thinking and writing, but they were being moved by the Spirit.
In John 16:12-13, Christ said:
“I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak on his own authority, but will speak whatever he hears, and will tell you what is to come.
God sent the Holy Spirit to inspire and bring to remembrance all the words that Jesus said. The Holy Spirit would not only bring things to remembrance, but he would teach the writers of Scripture further revelation. This is how the New Testament and the Old Testament were written: the Holy Spirit moved upon men to write the actual words of God. Timothy was to continue in God’s Word because it is inspired by God. We should also continue in it.
Application Question: What does the inspiration of Scripture mean? Why is the inspiration of Scripture so important?
Every scripture is inspired by God…
2 Timothy 3:16a
The primary implication of Paul reminding Timothy of those who taught him God’s Word and how God is the ultimate author of Scripture is to emphasize the Scripture’s reliability or inerrancy.
What does “inerrancy” mean? “Inerrancy” has many definitions: Wayne Grudem said, “The inerrancy of Scripture means that Scripture in the original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact.”6 Millard Erickson said it this way: “Inerrancy is the doctrine that the Bible is fully truthful in all of its teachings.”7 Warren Wiersbe adds:
Whatever the Bible says about itself, man, God, life, death, history, science, and every other subject is true. This does not mean that every statement in the Bible is true, because the Bible records the lies of men and of Satan. But the record is true.8
Inerrancy simply means that the Bible is true and without error in the original manuscripts, and for that reason, we can trust its copies.
Why should we believe in its inerrancy? What are some evidences for the inerrancy of Scripture?
God cannot lie. Titus1:2 says, “in hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the ages began.”
Paul encourages Titus with the fact that God cannot tell a lie. That’s why we can trust the Scripture and everything said in it. Numbers 23:19 says: “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a human being, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not make it happen?”
In fact, Christ called himself “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Jesus is the truth because there is nothing false in him. Everything he says and does is true because he is God and that is his consistent, faithful, and unchanging character.
Another proof of the truthfulness of God, and therefore the truthfulness of Scripture, is seen in how God instructs Israel to test prophets. Deuteronomy 18:21–22 says,
Now if you say to yourselves, ‘How can we tell that a message is not from the Lord?’— whenever a prophet speaks in my name and the prediction is not fulfilled, then I have not spoken it; the prophet has presumed to speak it, so you need not fear him.”
The way God tells Israel to test prophets also teaches the truthfulness of God. If a prophet made an error in his prophecy, he wasn’t speaking for God because God cannot make errors. He knows all things and cannot lie or be tempted (cf. James 1:13). Since the Bible is literally God’s Word, it cannot have errors.
This is important because some liberal theologians teach against this: they would say that the ideas of the Bible are true but not necessarily every detail or event, such as Jonah being swallowed by a big fish or the virgin birth of Jesus, and also that it is not always accurate when it comes to topics like science or history.
However, this teaching contradicts what the Bible says about itself. Look at what Christ taught in Matthew 4:4: “It is written, ‘Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Jesus said that man lives on “every word” that comes from the mouth of God, not SOME words or SOME events. Similarly, the Psalmist said this about Scripture:
The law of the Lord is perfect and preserves one’s life.
Psalm 19:7b
Your instructions are totally reliable; all your just regulations endure.
Psalm 119:160
The Lord’s words are absolutely reliable. They are as untainted as silver purified in a furnace on the ground, where it is thoroughly refined.
Psalm 12:6
Scripture teaches that every part of it is true, not just some parts or the main ideas of Scripture.
Jesus said this, “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth pass away not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter will pass from the law until everything takes place” (Matt 5:18).
This is important because some liberal theologians say that the Scriptures we have today are not the same as the original writings. Essentially, they are saying that God did not preserve his Word. However, Jesus declared that even the smallest letter, the least stroke of a pen will not disappear from the Law until all is accomplished. We can believe that the Word of God is inerrant because God has preserved it.
The historical reliability of the Bible supports the perseverance of Scripture. Historians use two standards in order to evaluate the textual reliability of ancient literature:
When you consider the Bible’s textual reliability against other ancient literature, it far surpasses them all. For example, the most reliable ancient book, outside of the Bible, according to textual criticism is the Iliad. It was written in 900 BC, and there are 643 remaining copies from around 400 BC. This makes a time gap of 500 years. The New Testament was written from 40-100 AD. The earliest existing copy is from 125 AD, which is only a 25 year time gap, and there are over 24,000 copies.9 “The Bible, compared with other ancient writings, has more manuscript evidence than any 10 pieces of classical literature combined.”10
Josh McDowell, in Evidence that Demands a Verdict, gives further evidence of the preservation of God’s Word by quoting John Lea, the author of The Greatest Book in the World, as John considered the Bible in comparison with Shakespeare’s writings:
“In an article in the North American Review, a writer made some interesting comparisons between the writings of Shakespeare and the Scriptures, which show that much greater care must have been bestowed upon the biblical manuscripts than upon other writings, even when there was so much more opportunity of preserving the correct text by means of printed copies than when all the copies had to be made by hand. He said:
“‘It seems strange that the text of Shakespeare, which has been in existence less than two hundred and eight years, should be far more uncertain and corrupt than that of the New Testament, now over eighteen centuries old, during nearly fifteen of which it existed only in manuscript. ... With perhaps a dozen or twenty exceptions, the text of every verse in the New Testament may be said to be so far settled by general consent of scholars, that any dispute as to its readings must relate rather to the interpretation of the words than to any doubts respecting the words themselves. But in every one of Shakespeare’s thirty-seven plays there are probably a hundred readings still in dispute, a large portion of which materially affects the meaning of the passages in which they occur.’”11
God has miraculously preserved his Word, and therefore we can trust it.
In the Bible, at times an entire argument rests on a single word (e.g., John 10:34–35 and “God” in Psalm 82:6), the tense of a verb (e.g., the present tense in Matt 22:32), and the difference between a singular and a plural noun (e.g., “seed” in Gal 3:16).
For example, in Matthew 22:30–32, the entire argument rests on a single word. The Sadducees were the liberal theologians of Christ’s day; they did not believe in miracles, the resurrection, or even an afterlife. So one day, they tested Christ on his belief in the resurrection. They concocted a scenario where a woman’s husband dies and then she marries his brother. The brother dies and she marries another brother. He dies and she marries another and so on until the seventh died. Then she eventually died. “Basically, they argued that the idea of resurrection posed insuperable difficulties, hence it was not reasonable, therefore it was not true.”12 After presenting this scenario, the Sadducees asked Christ, “At the resurrection whose wife will she be?” Consider how Christ responded in Matthew 22:30–32:
For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. Now as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living!
Here, Christ’s argument rests on the tense of the word “am.” Essentially, Christ says, “Didn’t you notice that ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’ was written in the present tense?” Christ was saying that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are still alive, and therefore, would one-day be resurrected. This confronted their lack of belief in the afterlife and the resurrection, as well as their lack of understanding the literal inspiration of Scripture. Every word has been chosen by God, even down to the tense.
We also see this in how Paul handled the words of Scripture. In Galatians 3:16, Paul says: “Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his descendant. Scripture does not say, ‘and to the descendants,’ referring to many, but ‘and to your descendant,’ referring to one, who is Christ.”
When looking at the promise of Abraham, Paul argues that the promise was not just to Israel specifically, but that it was to Christ and therefore, everybody in Christ. He says in Genesis the promise was to Abraham’s “descendant,” singular, and not “descendants,” plural. Here the argument rests on the word “descendant” being singular.
The Bible is inspired and inerrant even down to the tense and plurality of the words. Every word is inspired by God, and not just the ideas. This gives credence to the importance of studying and meditating on each word of the Bible since we believe God chose every one of them for a purpose. This is one of the reasons many Bible students study the original languages of Scripture. They do this because they are convinced of the validity of each word. Jesus said, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4).
This is true, and because of this reality, the Bible must be clearly recognized as a miracle. Man is sinful and prone to error; however, God is perfect and cannot err. The Holy Spirit inspired the authors in such a way that they were kept from error in the writing of Scripture.
When we look at the way that the apostles and the early church handled the copies of Scripture, we see their belief in the reliability of the copies.
In the early church, the copies of the originals were passed around from church to church, and yet, the copies were always still considered authoritative. We see this in several ways:
Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written:’This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. They worship me in vain, teaching as doctrine the commandments of men.’
Again, this is a quote from a copy, but it was still inspired by God. The apostles primarily used Greek translated verses of the OT in the quotes placed in the New Testament. If Jesus and the apostles used copies, then, similarly, we can trust the copies we have.
Here is a contemporary argument: If I apply for a job, the company will most likely take a photocopy of my driver’s license and keep it for their records. They know the copy is not perfect. It may have a smudge here or there, but in general, the copy is considered accurate and acceptable.
This is how the early church handled the copies of Scripture and so do we. God has preserved his words, and it is still authoritative. In fact, when we compare the thousands of copies of Scripture, they are 95 to 99 percent the same.14 The copies of the OT and NT manuscripts contain no significant variances. The errors are typically copyist errors such as an undotted “i,” an uncrossed “t,” or an occasional scribal addition, but nothing that affects any doctrine in the Bible. By comparing the thousands of manuscripts, we can with great certainty discern what the original said. God has preserved his Word.
Any errors are in our understanding of the text, the copy of the manuscript itself, or the translation. But the Bible cannot have error because God is without error. If we cannot trust the Bible on one thing, then the whole Bible comes into question.
What does all this mean for us?
We should not doubt even spectacular stories in the Scripture, such as Jonah being swallowed by a big fish, Moses parting the Red Sea, or the earth being destroyed by a flood. God cannot tell a lie, and therefore, you can trust his Word.
It also means you can trust his word for salvation. You can trust his word on how to raise your children or run a God-honoring business. The Scripture holds the very words of God and is trustworthy.
It is good to, at times, meditate on single words, noting every detail down to their tenses and their pluralities, because each word was chosen by God. They are God-inspired and every aspect of them has meaning for us.
With the Sadducees, Jesus asked, “Have you not read?” Sure, they had read, but they really didn’t study and meditate on each word as given. Many times, we miss a great deal in our study of the Bible because we forget that every word was chosen by God and that man shall live ‘by every word’ (Matt 4:4). This type of study will greatly enrich our devotional time.
Application Question: Why is the inerrancy of Scripture such an important doctrine? In what ways is it being attacked in Christendom?
Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Observation Question: In what ways is every Scripture useful or profitable?
Another reason Timothy, and ourselves, should continue to abide in God’s Word is because all Scripture is “useful,” also translated “profitable.” This includes all aspects of Scripture including the genealogies and obscure passages. We must study them with this understanding—that they’re profitable!
In what ways is Scripture profitable? Paul gives four ways:
One of the things that makes Christianity unique among religions is that it is full of doctrine. It has the doctrine of God, the doctrine of humanity, the doctrine of Christ, the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, the doctrine of the end times. This is because what we believe affects how we walk, and therefore, God informs us about himself and many other important doctrines to guide our day-to-day actions and lives.
Timothy needed to continue in the doctrines of the Word of God, and not the new doctrines that the false teachers professed or that were popular in secular culture. This is also true for us.
If teaching or doctrine shows us what is right, rebuking shows us what is wrong. Scripture rebukes us when we are wrong in thought or action. It exposes error.
Doctrine shows us what is right; rebuke shows us what is wrong; and correction shows us how to make things right. The word “correcting” “refers to the restoration of something to its original and proper condition. In secular Greek literature it was used of setting upright an object that had fallen down and of helping a person back on his feet after stumbling.”15 After Scripture exposes our sin, it then shows us how to correct it by getting right with God and others.
For example, Ephesians 4:28 says, “The one who steals must steal no longer, rather he must labor, doing good with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with the one who has need.” This is rebuke and then correction.
Scripture instructs us on how to live a godly life. It provides God’s wisdom for marriages, parenting, work, decision-making, etc. If it is righteous, Scripture trains us in it; we just have to take advantage of it.
Ultimately, the Word of God is profitable for all these things (teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness) “that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work” (v. 17). If we are going to be used by God, we must be equipped—made strong for the task—through the Word of God. It gives us wisdom and empowerment for God’s tasks. Apart from God’s Word, we’ll be unequipped—like walking into a desert without water.
Warren Wiersbe said, “The better we know the Word, the better we are able to live and work for God.”16 William Barclay adds:
“…Here is the essential conclusion. The study of the Scriptures must never be selfish; it must never be simply for the good of a man’s own soul. … He must study the Scriptures to make himself useful to God and useful to his fellow men. He must study, not simply and solely to save his own soul, but that he may make himself such that God will use him to help to save the souls and comfort the lives of others...”17
If we don’t abide in God’s Word, we’ll be unequipped. Are you allowing God to equip you for all righteousness? This is why we eagerly listen to God’s Word in Sunday service and in small groups. This is why we daily study it. We do this so God can train and equip us for righteousness. God can’t use someone greatly who neglects his Word.
Are you abiding?
Application Question: If the Word of God is so profitable, why do so many Christians struggle with reading/studying it? What are some helpful disciplines to aid a person with daily Bible study?
From the beginning, Satan tried to attack God’s Word. He said to Eve, “Did God really say?” In the same way, Scripture is always being attacked today, as people are tempted to doubt it or turn away from it. However, God’s Word is trustworthy and necessary.
Why should we continue to abide in it?
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible ® copyright © 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
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Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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1 Guzik, D. (2013). 2 Timothy (2 Ti 3:13–15). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.
2 Accessed 12/3/16 from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-17-why-you-need-bible-2-timothy-316-17
3 Stott, J. R. W. (1973). Guard the Gospel the message of 2 Timothy (p. 99). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
4 Calvin, J. (1998). 1, 2 Timothy and Titus (p. 154). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
5 Wayne A. Grudem; Elliot Grudem. Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know. (Grand Rapids: MI: Zondervan, 2009), Kindle Edition.
6 Wayne A. Grudem, W. A. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House, 2004), 90.
7 Millard J. Erickson. Christian Theology (2nd ed). (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1998), 246.
8 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 252–253). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
9 McDowell, Josh. Evidence That Demands a Verdict, 1: 001 (p. 43). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
10 McDowell, Josh. Evidence That Demands a Verdict, 1: 001 (p. 19). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
11 McDowell, Josh. Evidence That Demands a Verdict, 1: 001 (p. 19-20). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
12 MacDonald, William. Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.). Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1287.
13 Gleason Archer and Gregory C. Chirichigno, Old Testament Quotations in the New Testament: A Complete Survey. (Eugene, Oregon: Wipf & Stock Pub, 2005), Kindle edition.
14 Josh Mcdowell. New Evidence that Demands a Verdict. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1999), Kindle edition.
15 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 159). Chicago: Moody Press.
16 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 253). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
17 Teacher’s Outline and Study Bible - Commentary - Teacher’s Outline and Study Bible – 2 Timothy: The Teacher’s Outline and Study Bible.
I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction. For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths. You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist’s work, fulfill your ministry.
2 Timothy 4:1-5 (NET)
How should we perform the ministry of preaching?
One of the major themes of 2 Timothy has been faithfulness with God’s Word. There are over thirty-six references to God’s Word or an aspect of it in the book.1 In 2 Timothy 1:8, Paul said, “So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord.” In 2 Timothy 1:13 he said, “Hold to the standard of sound words.” In 2 Timothy 2:2, he said, “And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well. Second Timothy 2:15 (NIV) talks about correctly handling the “Word of truth.” Second Timothy 2:24 describes how the Lord’s servant must be an “apt teacher.” And in 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul said, “Every scripture is inspired by God.” As Paul is soon to be executed, his primary focus was to exhort Timothy to be faithful with God’s Word, and this should be our goal, both for ourselves and those we disciple.
Here Paul calls for Timothy to preach God’s Word “whether it is convenient or not,” other versions say, “in season and out of season” (v. 2). It is easy to look at this passage and think it applies only to pastors; however, it doesn’t. God has called each of us to teach God’s Word. In the Great Commission, we are called to make disciples of all nations, teaching them everything that Christ commanded (Matt 28:19-20). We are all called to preach and teach Scripture. The only difference is the forum and the pay; some will teach from pulpits to large crowds and others will teach to individuals and small groups; some will be paid and others won’t. Either way, we are all called to preach and teach God’s Word.
This passage answers the question, “How should we preach God’s Word? How can we faithfully discharge the ministry of proclamation?” This is important to consider as we select churches to join in the future. We should ask: “Do these churches faithfully proclaim God’s Word?” But it’s also important for our teaching ministry, whether that be in public or private.
In this text, we’ll consider six principles about performing the ministry of preaching.
Big Question: According to 2 Timothy 4:1-5, how should we perform the ministry of preaching?
I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:
2 Timothy 4:1
When Paul says, “before God and Christ Jesus,” he uses ancient courtroom terminology. Typically, court documents of the time would say something like, “In the presence of honorable judge ‘so and so.’”2 God and Christ would be watching Timothy to see if he faithfully discharged his duties, and this is true for each of us. God is watching and one day he will judge us based on our faithfulness. Did we faithfully study and interpret his Word? Did we share it with others? Faithful workmen will be approved by God (2 Tim 2:15).
The term “appearing” was used of a Roman Emperor’s visit to a province or a town. Before he came, everybody would labor to put everything in perfect order.3 It should be the same for us with Christ. At Christ’s coming, he will inspect our works, and we should labor to be prepared for this inspection (cf. 2 Cor 5:10). Those who have been faithful will be rewarded and those who are unfaithful will experience loss of reward (1 Cor 3:10-15). Rewards seems to have specific reference to both ruling and serving in Christ’s coming kingdom. In the Parable of the Minas, the faithful stewards are given cities to rule over (Lk 19:17, 19).
As we live for Christ, it is prudent to minister with an eye towards our Lord’s coming—his future judgment and his kingdom. Are we being faithful stewards of all God has given us? Are we prepared for his coming? It is interesting to consider that at the time of 2 Timothy’s writing, Paul had been preaching for over thirty years and his earliest letters, like 1 and 2 Thessalonians, mention Christ’s second coming. Over thirty years later, Paul still believed in Christ’s second coming and was anxiously waiting for it.4 Are you?
Those who are no longer motivated by Christ’s coming and his kingdom will not be faithful when he comes. Luke 12:45-46 describes a servant that says to himself that the master delays his return home. He then begins to eat and drink, get drunk, and beat the other servants. The master comes when this servant isn’t expecting and cuts him in two. When we lose an urgency for Christ’s coming, wasteful living, discord with others, and various sins await us. We’ll also be unfaithful with God’s Word.
Are you living in view of Christ’s coming, his judgment, and his kingdom?
Application Question: How can we keep a watchful eye towards Christ’s coming, his judgment, and his kingdom so that we can be motivated by them?
Preach the message…
2 Timothy 4:2a
The term “preach” actually means to “preach like a herald.”5 In ancient times, kings had official messengers called heralds. They would go into cities and towns to proclaim the king’s coming or present official laws and decrees of the king. The herald spoke with the king’s authority. He didn’t have the ability to negotiate or change the decrees. He just proclaimed it in a loud, clear voice for all to hear, and that is true of faithful preachers. They should speak as the very oracles of God—his mouth piece (1 Pet 4:11).
They are not allowed to manipulate the message, change it, or simply preach what they want. They must say what God says. Sadly, many preachers no longer do that today. The sermon starts with a verse and everybody leans in to hear what it means; then the preacher launches into stories about his dog, his wife, his kids, and everything else other than God’s Word. Many preachers simply preach themselves instead of God’s Word. Paul said this about his preaching ministry in 2 Corinthians 4:5: “For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake.” No doubt, this was, in part, a swipe at those who proclaimed themselves—their religious thoughts and spiritual experiences. Paul did not preach himself. In 1 Corinthians 2:2, Paul said, “For I decided to be concerned about nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” We must resolve to do the same. We are heralds of the King, and therefore, we must speak his Words to others.
Steve Cole shares a very relevant story about Karl Barth that applies to preaching only God’s Word:
Although I disagree with much of Karl Barth’s theology, I admire him for a story told of him. During the 1930’s, he was preaching on John 3:16. Even though many in his German audience professed to be Christians, they were going along with the persecution of the Jews. Barth made the point that Jesus was a Jew, that He had died for all the world, and that the Jews were part of that world. Thus anyone who loves Christ would not participate in the widespread ill treatment of the Jews.
Many in his congregation walked out in disgust before he finished the sermon. One wrote a scathing letter denouncing him. Barth’s reply was a single sentence: “It was in the text.”6
That is exactly how we must handle God’s Word as well. We must preach the text and nothing but the text. Personally, I believe Paul’s exhortation to “preach the message,” or “preach the Word,” should encourage pastors to focus on a specific type of preaching called expository preaching. Expository preaching is simply preaching verse by verse through the Bible while explaining its meaning in the ancient context and applying it to the contemporary context. This type of preaching is important because it makes the preacher preach every verse of Scripture and not simply favorite doctrines or favorite texts. It doesn’t allow the preacher to skip unpopular texts like ones on divorce, election, homosexuality, or church discipline.
But again, this exhortation doesn’t just apply to pastors but to all believers. We must faithfully herald God’s Word—all of God’s Word—to all who will listen, but especially to those God has made us accountable for—friends, family, church members, etc. (cf. Ez 3:17-19).
Are you recognizing your responsibility as a herald—the very mouthpiece of God (v. 1 Pet 4:11)?
Application Question: What is expository preaching and why is it so important? What is your experience with this style of preaching? How should believers view other types of preaching?
Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction.
2 Timothy 4:2b
The phrase “be ready” has the sense of both readiness and urgency. In order to be ready, we must study God’s Word and be prepared to share it at all times—when it is popular and when it’s not popular, when it’s expected and not expected, when it’s convenient and inconvenient. First Peter 3:15 says, “But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.” Many can’t faithfully preach or share God’s Word simply because they’re not ready—they haven’t studied and prepared. Warren Wiersbe adds,
Timothy should be diligent and alert to use every opportunity to preach the Word, when it is favorable and even when it is not favorable. It is easy to make excuses when we ought to be making opportunities. Paul himself always found an opportunity to share the Word, whether it was in the temple courts, on a stormy sea, or even in prison. “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap” (Ecc. 11:4). Stop making excuses and get to work!7
As mentioned, “be ready” also has the connotation of urgency. It can actually be translated “Be urgent in season.” “It could be used of a soldier who is ready to go into battle on a moment’s notice or of a guard who keeps continually alert for any threat of infiltration or attack by the enemy.”8
This urgency comes from the fact that we recognize that it’s the King’s message, and it is one of life and death, judgment and reward. Those who don’t know Christ need to be saved from a real, eternal hell. Those who know Christ must be delivered from the bondage of sin and Satan which makes them useless for the kingdom. Those who are discouraged need to be encouraged so they can begin to walk in God’s call. There must be an urgency in the message because it is God’s message, and it’s important.
Sadly, many have lost this urgency—both to share the message and in how they share it. Richard Baxter said this:
Whatever you do,’… ‘let the people see that you are in good earnest … You cannot break men’s hearts by jesting with them, or telling them a smooth tale, or patching up a gaudy oration. Men will not cast away their dearest pleasures upon a drowsy request of one that seemeth not to mean as he speaks, or to care much whether his request be granted.’9
Are you studying so you can be ready when opportunities arise? Are you seizing opportunities or simply waiting for them? Do you have a sense of urgency to share God’s Word? Faithful preachers must be ready and urgent—prepared in season and out of season—when it’s convenient and when it’s not.
Application Question: How can we keep or develop our readiness and urgency to preach God’s Word?
…reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction.
2 Timothy 4:2b
Paul calls for Timothy to use God’s Word to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with complete patience and instruction—essentially Timothy needed to be practical. He needed to use the Word of God to meet people right where they were—in various situations.
Reprove, rebuke, and exhort represent three different ministry skills. “Reprove” can be translated “correct” or “convince.” It refers to using God’s Word intellectually. It “is a legal term that means to present your case in such a manner as to convince your opponent of his wrong.”10 Sometimes people doubt God or are confused about some doctrine and need to be convinced. We must use the Word of God to convince people’s minds and sure up their faith. If “reprove” is intellectual, “rebuke” is moral. We must use the Word of God to show people where they are wrong and their need to repent. When we rebuke, we speak to one’s conscience. If “reprove” is intellectual and “rebuke” is moral, then “exhort” is emotional. It can be translated “encourage” or “admonish.” Sometimes people are worn down and discouraged—they want to give up on God or the church—and they need to be encouraged or challenged through the Word of God. Faithful preachers must use God’s Word practically to reprove, rebuke, and exhort. They must speak to the mind, to the conscience, and to one’s heart.
In addition, these skills are not just useful in ministering to others; they must be used in ministering to ourselves, for we all need reproof, rebuke, and exhortation, at different times. In 1 Samuel 30:6, it says that David “encouraged himself in the Lord” (KJV). We must do the same.
Is your ministry of the Word practical—meeting people where they are? Some people teach, but aren’t sensitive to the needs of people (or the desires of the Holy Spirit) and therefore aren’t relevant or practical. It has been said that the preacher must frighten the comfortable and encourage the frightened.
In all this, the preacher must demonstrate “complete patience” and “instruction.” “Complete patience” is needed because people who are stuck in sin often take time to get free. Those who doubt often need time to develop their faith. A minister will often need to repeat the same principles from Scripture, as they care for those who are struggling. Ministering the Word of God is very much like farming. We plough the ground, sow the seed, and water, but God makes it grow. We must patiently wait on God and people.
“Instruction” can also be translated “careful instruction” or “with all teaching.” Reprove, rebuke, and exhort are all done in the context of teaching. God has given many doctrines in Scripture—the doctrine of salvation, sanctification, the Holy Spirit, Christ, the church, etc. All these doctrines must be used as we minister practically to others. For example, the one caught in sin or discouragement not only needs to be rebuked or challenged but possibly taught about the need for the body of Christ—the church. God uses the church to encourage and strengthen believers to be holy. The person who does not confess his sins or weakness to others in the body will lack much of God’s grace and healing. The eye can’t say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” Therefore, the preacher must teach about the church to help a struggling person walk in God’s fullness and freedom. In order for the preacher’s ministry to be practical, it must be wholly doctrinal; orthodoxy leads to orthopraxy—right doctrine to right practice.
Are you teaching God’s word practically to others? Are you meeting them where they are with reproof, rebuke, and exhortation—along with complete patience and instruction?
Application Question: In ministering to others, how can we discern their needs—whether that be reproof, rebuke, or exhortation? Why is doctrine so important to practical living? What are some practical steps for a believer to grow in doctrine?
For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
Paul gives Timothy a powerful reason to preach the Word: the fact that many have rejected it and others no longer teach it. The time will come (and it has been here a long time) when people will not be able to stand sound doctrine—literally, healthy doctrine. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul described how in the last days the church will be full of professing believers who are not really saved. They will have an outward appearance of religion but deny the power thereof (v. 5). Because much of the church will be unregenerate, they will bear the fruit of the unredeemed including rejecting God’s Word.
Romans 8:7 says, “because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to the law of God, nor is it able to do so.” First Corinthians 2:14 says, “The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” The natural mind is hostile towards God and his Word. An unbeliever cannot understand it and thinks it is foolishness because he doesn’t have the Holy Spirit. This will be true of a large segment of the church, as they are not truly born again. They will reject healthy doctrine—truths such as the creation of the earth by God’s Word, marriage between a man and a woman, male and female roles, the inerrancy of God’s Word, holiness, etc.
Instead, they will heap up teachers who will teach them new things—giving them what they want instead of what they need. The NIV translates this, “they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (v. 3). These people in the church will turn from the truth to myths or fables (v. 4). This was true with ancient Israel. Jeremiah said, “The prophets prophesy lies. The priests exercise power by their own authority. And my people love to have it this way. But they will not be able to help you when the time of judgment comes!” (Jer 5:31). Certainly, this is happening today as well. We see it in many ways: radical feminists reject a God that is the Father; believers accept, embrace, and promote sexual immorality and homosexuality; prosperity gospel preachers teach that it is God’s will for all to be rich and healthy, and so on. The unredeemed church heaps up unredeemed preachers and unredeemed preaching to their demise.
Because this will be so common in the church, faithful preachers and preaching will be hard to find. As Amos described with Israel, there will be a famine of God’s Word in the land (Amos 8:11). He said, “People will stagger from sea to sea, and from the north around to the east. They will wander about looking for a revelation from the Lord, but they will not find any” (Amos 8:12). Therefore, faithful preaching is needed even more, and Timothy was to be a prophetic voice to a spiritually anemic community. It is the same for us.
Are you willing to faithfully proclaim God’s Word when so many reject it?
As a side application, this text also reminds us of our need to crave and desire sound doctrine. It is easy to fall into the crowd of those who enjoy having their ears ‘itched’. We still have a sin nature that dislikes being convicted of sin and challenged to do what is right. Often listening to biblical preaching is like taking our medicine; it doesn’t always taste good, and sometimes it is hard to enjoy. At those times, we must faithfully endure it as a discipline. As we faithfully endure it, God changes our lives, and we become more spiritually healthy.
Are you willing to faithfully teach healthy doctrine—knowing that many, if not most, will reject it? Are you faithfully cultivating a desire for God’s Word or are you succumbing to your sin nature that makes you apathetic and even antagonistic to God’s Word?
Application Question: In what ways have you seen or experienced the ‘itching of the ears’ and the ‘turning aside to myths’ in the church? How do you respond to biblical preaching? Do you enjoy it or struggle with it?
You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist’s work, fulfill your ministry.
2 Timothy 4:5
Observation Question: In 2 Timothy 4:5, what four commands does Paul give Timothy and what do they mean?
In light of the difficulties in the church, Timothy was called to be different. Paul says, “You, however.” Timothy must persevere in preaching God’s Word despite the antagonism in the church. This perseverance is detailed in four commands that Paul gives. Timothy must:
“Be self-controlled” can also be translated “keep your head” or “be sober.” It means to be free of intoxicants.11 When everybody else was spiritually intoxicated with false doctrine and sin, Timothy must keep his head. His mind must be saturated with God’s Word and balanced by it. Soberness also has the connotation of being aware and disciplined. Serving in a church saturated with false doctrines and false believers would bring many pains, and Timothy needed to be aware and ready for them. If he was not sober, he would be taken off guard by the criticisms and attacks. He might lose his spiritual equilibrium and be swallowed up in discouragement, pessimism, or anger. He needed to keep his head at all times. We also need to be sober.
“Endure hardship” literally means “to suffer evil.”12 Preaching the truth in a time when people reject it and turn to fables will bring various hardships. Timothy needed to faithfully endure them all. Earlier, Paul called Timothy to endure hardship like a good soldier of Christ (2 Tim 2:3). We must do the same. Faithfully preaching God’s Word will bring many victories but also many hardships.
In the context, doing the work of an evangelist seems to refer not only to evangelizing the world but specifically the church, as many simply have a profession but no true faith (cf. 2 Tim 3:5). Christ warned of this reality. In the kingdom, there would be wheat and tares (Matt 13), good fish and bad fish (Matt 13), and sheep and goats (Matt 25). These members must continually be challenged to examine their faith and to make their calling and election sure (2 Cor 13:5, 2 Peter 1:10).
The word “fulfill” means “to bring to completion.”13 Paul wanted Timothy to one day be able to say, “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith,” even as Paul does later in the chapter (2 Tim 4:7). There would be many things that would make Timothy want to quit—fear, persecution, loneliness, a lack of appreciation, criticism, depression, exhaustion, etc. However, Timothy needed to persevere till the completion of his ministry, and we must do the same.
Kent Hughes shares the story of how Pastor Alistair Begg has taken verse 5 as an anchor verse in his ministry. He shares,
Late one afternoon Alistair Begg was meeting with a number of pastors, including myself. He wistfully quoted this very verse, then said, “I increasingly find that verse to be the anchor point for all of my days. I wake up on a Monday, and say, ‘well, what will I do now?’ Then I say, ‘Well, I think I’ll try to keep my head, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and discharge all the duties of my ministry.’ And when I am lifted up by a little encouragement, which sometimes comes, I say to myself, ‘Well, what shall I do?’ The answer is keep your head, endure hardship, and so on.”
He paused, then went on, “And when the waves beat on me and I feel just like running away to the hills somewhere, what should I do? ‘Well, Alistair, just keep your head, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and discharge all the duties of your ministry.’ ”
Then he concluded, “So, that’s a word in season for us to take away and think of.”14
If we are going to perform the ministry of preaching, we must persevere in it. There will be many times when we think about quitting. However, we must persevere by being self-controlled (especially mentally), enduring hardship, evangelizing, and completing our work.
As we consider this, it should remind us of our specific need to encourage our pastors and ministry leaders. In the US, statistics say over 1700 pastors leave the ministry every month because of burn-out, discouragement, moral failure, and other causes.15 We must build up our pastors by praying for them, encouraging them, and serving them in various ways. They are in strategic positions that Satan constantly attacks. They and their families need our constant support. Galatians 6:6 says, “Now the one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with the one who teaches it.”
How is God calling you to encourage and support your pastors and ministry leaders?
Application Question: Why is it so hard to persevere, specifically, in the ministry of preaching? What are some practical ways to support and encourage our preachers and teachers?
How should we perform the ministry of preaching?
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible ® copyright © 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
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Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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1 Guzik, D. (2013). 2 Timothy (2 Ti 4:2). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.
2 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 167). Chicago: Moody Press.
3 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 169). Chicago: Moody Press.
4 Guzik, D. (2013). 2 Timothy (2 Ti 4:1). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.
5 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 253–254). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
6 Accessed 12/17/16, from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-19-preaching-and-hearing-god%E2%80%99s-word-2-timothy-41-5
7 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 254). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
8 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (pp. 174–175). Chicago: Moody Press.
9 Stott, J. R. W. (1973). Guard the Gospel the message of 2 Timothy (p. 107). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
10 Accessed 12/10/16, from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-19-preaching-and-hearing-god%E2%80%99s-word-2-timothy-41-5
11 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 182). Chicago: Moody Press.
12 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 183). Chicago: Moody Press.
13 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 185). Chicago: Moody Press.
14 Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. (2000). 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (p. 248). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
15 Accessed 12/10/16, from http://www.pastoralcareinc.com/statistics/
For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day—and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NET)
How can we have a successful Christian life? In 2 Timothy 4:6-8, we see some of Paul’s very last words. In them he says, “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!” Though he is in prison, awaiting his execution, he has no regrets. He faithfully completed the race that God set before him.
Anybody can start something, but very few can finish. When we look at the narratives of Scripture, many began well but didn’t finish well. Noah was a righteous man who saved himself and his family from the flood; however, the last we hear of him, he was drunk, naked, and being mocked by his son. Moses was supposed to enter the promised land; he had victoriously led Israel out of Egypt. But, he too doesn’t finish as he would have desired. He dies in the wilderness with the unfaithful Israelites.
It is not hard to become a Christian—we are called to believe and follow Christ. But it is hard to faithfully follow him to the end. It is hard to have a successful Christian life. Therefore, because of Paul’s success, he must be studied and modeled. In verse 6, Paul looks at his past with no regrets. In verse 7, he considers his present, and in verse 8, he considers his glorious future. From his Damascus conversion to his second Roman imprisonment and ultimate death, Paul faithfully finished the course before him. He shares this with Timothy to inspire him, and us, to do the same. As we consider Paul’s triumphant words at the end of his life, we learn seven principles about having a successful Christian life.
Big Question: What principles can we learn from 2 Timothy 4:6-8 about having a successful Christian life and finishing well?
For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand.
2 Timothy 4:6
Observation Question: What does the “For” refer to in 2 Timothy 4:6, and what does it tell us about Paul’s death?
The word “For” points back to 2 Timothy 4:1-5, where Paul calls Timothy to preach the Word. He gives him several reasons to do this: First, Timothy was accountable to God and Christ who were watching and would one day judge him (v. 1). Secondly, Timothy should preach because there was an absence of biblical preaching in the church. Congregations didn’t want sound teaching and, therefore, heaped up teachers who itched their ears (v. 3-4). Finally, as seen in this passage, Timothy should preach the Word because Paul was about to depart. He was already being ‘poured out as an drink offering’ and was about to pass from the scene. Timothy needed to continue Paul’s faithful ministry of teaching God’s Word to the lost and the church.
This is true of every successful Christian life and successful ministry. The successful Christian life is a life of reproducing—making disciples for the kingdom. Often in business, ministry, or nationally, when there is a great leader, the business, ministry, or nation thrives. However, when that leader moves on, commonly that entity ceases to thrive. Success is not short-term; it is long term. Part of true success is preparing an entity to thrive long after the leader has moved on. Good leaders do this and so do spiritually successful Christians.
Christ’s ministry only lasted three years, but when he passed away, his twelve disciples continued his ministry and turned the world upside down. God called Moses to prepare Joshua, and Elijah to prepare Elisha. Paul prepared Timothy. Who are you preparing? Christ calls for every Christian to go and make disciples (Matt 28:18-20). In a sense, ultimate success is seen after a person passes away by the spiritual legacy left behind.
All Christians must do this: Parents must invest in raising godly children (Eph 6:4). Women must train other women (Titus 2:3-4), and men must train other men (2 Tim 2:2).
In 1 John 2:12-14, John speaks to spiritual children, young men, and fathers. These are stages of the Christian life—the pathway all of us should follow. Each person should progress to the mother or father stage where they are reproducing in their own image—passing down doctrines and helping people become more Christ-like. Like Paul, they are saying, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). Sadly, most never make it to the mother or father stage. They stay stunted in childhood where they constantly need to be corrected, fed, and cleaned, instead of serving others. In Hebrews 5:12, the author said to the Jewish Christians that they should have been teachers by now, but they needed to be retaught the fundamental doctrines. Sadly, that’s the state of most in the church. They are not ready to lead and teach; they remain in a state of relearning what they have lost.
To have a successful Christian life, we must disciple others. Who are you investing in? Who will continue your ministry after you depart?
Application Question: Who is your Paul—the person or persons who invest the most in your spiritual life? Who is your Timothy—the person or persons God has called you to train?
For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand.
2 Timothy 4:6
The drink offering was the final stage of an offering to the Lord. In Numbers 15:1-10, the Jews were commanded to first give a burnt offering, then a grain offering, and finally a drink offering to the Lord.1 Paul viewed his life as a continual sacrifice. In Romans 12:2, he commanded the Romans to offer themselves as living sacrifices unto God. For Paul, his death was the last stage of a life of sacrifice for the Lord and others. In fact, “time” in verse 6, does not refer to chronological time (chronos) but to seasons or epochs (kairos).2 Paul may have lived for months after he writes these words. In fact, he asks for Timothy to bring him a jacket and books, while he waited (v. 9-22). Whereas in Paul’s first Roman imprisonment, he expected to be released (Phil 1:19, 25), in his last imprisonment, possibly through Spirit-given wisdom, he knew this was the final stage of his sacrifice. In fact, some think the pouring out like a drink offering was symbolic of the type of death Paul would suffer. Because he was a Roman citizen, he couldn’t be crucified. He would have his head chopped off, as tradition says occurred.3 Paul literally would be poured out as a sacrifice before the Lord.
The successful Christian life is a life of sacrifice; Christ said any one who came after him must take up his cross (Luke 14:27). The cross marks the life of a successful Christian in various ways.
Application Question: How can we live a life of sacrifice?
In the Old Testament, sacrifice was one of the ways people worshiped God. By comparing his life with OT offerings, Paul implied that his life (and his death) were a continual worship to the Lord. It must be the same for us. First Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” Our eating, drinking, and everything else must be done for the glory of God.
We do this by giving God thanks in everything and seeking to honor him through it. When Job suffered by losing his wealth and family members, he cried out, “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. May the name of the Lord be blessed!” (Job 1:21). Sadly, many only worship God when times are good, but when times are bad, they get mad at God or turn their backs on him. A sacrificial life is a life of worship, at all times and in all things.
Is your life a worship offering to the Lord?
In Philippians 3:7-8, Paul said:
But these assets I have come to regard as liabilities because of Christ. More than that, I now regard all things as liabilities compared to the far greater value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things—indeed, I regard them as dung!—that I may gain Christ,
When Paul mentioned assets and liabilities, he used accounting terminology. In following God, everything that he previously considered an asset, he now considered a liability to know Christ more. No doubt, Paul lost family and friends, his esteemed career as a top Pharisee, and health, as he was often beaten and left hungry. However, everything he lost was worth it to know Christ. He was willing to pay the cost.
Part of the theology of the OT sacrifices was that people had to always give their best—their best lamb or crop. God wouldn’t accept anything that wasn’t the best. In Malachi 1, God rebukes the Israelites because they brought him the blind and lame instead of their best. Many Christians do the same—there is no cost to their devotion. If it means getting up early to read the Word, go to church, or serve the church, they want nothing of it. There is no cost. They give God their scraps; work, family, friends, and hobbies get much better than God. And no doubt, their offerings are often rejected. God rejected Cain’s offering because he gave only some of his crop. He received Abel’s because he gave the fat-portions of his sacrifice—the best part (Gen 4).
The successful Christian life is marked by sacrificial worship. How is God calling you to sacrifice to serve him and others?
Application Question: What are some common costs to following Christ? Are there any ways you feel God is calling you to give him your best and not your scraps?
For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand.
2 Timothy 4:6
One cannot live a successful Christian life without a proper view of death and eternity. This is important because how you view the end affects how you live daily. If a person has no heavenly hope, they will undoubtedly live for this world. Consider what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:32: “…If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” He essentially says, “If there is no resurrection, let’s live for pleasure here on earth.” Our view of death and eternity affects how we live today, whether we realize it or not. If heaven and eternity are not better than this current existence, we’ll live for now, instead of for the future.
We can discern Paul’s view of death and eternity from the word “depart” in verse 6. It literally means “uploosing.”4 It is a very vivid word picture that says something about how we should view death and eternity.
Interpretation Question: What images does the Greek word for “depart” invoke? What does this say about how we should view eternity?
Paul used the same word in Philippians 1:23, when facing the possibility of death or continuing to live during his first imprisonment. He said, “I feel torn between the two, because I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far.” This is the problem with many Christians, which keeps them from living a successful Christian life: to them eternity and heaven is not far better than the present life. Therefore, they live for wealth, promotion, and earthly security, and give up spiritual opportunities. Some in seeking to gain the world, ultimately forfeit their souls. Others, instead of being great in the kingdom of God, will be least in the kingdom (Matt 5:19)—they will lose all opportunity for spiritual reward. If eternity is not far better for them, they will never be able to say like Paul “living is Christ and dying is gain” (Phil 1:21)—it is better by far.
Kent Hughes said this about departing to be with Christ:
Those who have departed to be with Christ are far better off. Though you have lived seventy-five years, it is better to be with Christ. Though you are the richest man in town, life in Heaven with Christ is far better. Though you are brilliant, it is far better. If you have lived only five years, it is better to be above with Christ. Though you have the greatest gifts for ministry, it is far better. The “far better” dominated Paul’s thoughts, as it should ours. Here was a man who looked imminent death in the face and saw the stars.5
Is departing far better? If not, one won’t live a successful Christian life. Instead of dying triumphantly like Paul, a person will die with many regrets: they should have evangelized, served God more, discipled others, gone on missions, trained their family, etc. At death, they will be full of regrets. How do you view death and eternity? Your view of the end always affects how you live today.
Application Question: Which word picture of death and eternity stood out most to you and why?
I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!
2 Timothy 4:7a
Paul saw the Christian life as a spiritual struggle; he said he had “competed well,” or it can also be translated “fought the good fight.” The Greek word for “fight” is related to the Greek noun “agon.” It’s the source of our English word “agonizing” and “agony.” The word was commonly used for athletic contests like wrestling or a race.6 They involved great effort and energy. When Paul looked at his Christian life, he saw a continual war that he had engaged in since the day of his salvation.
Interpretation Question: What are aspects of the spiritual war that all Christians are engaged in?
First Peter 2:11 says, “to keep away from fleshly desires that do battle against the soul.” Believers are in a constant fight against their lust, anger, pride, and even spiritual apathy. They have to fight to read God’s Word and pray because their flesh doesn’t desire the things of God. They have to fight against their desire to sin, as their unredeemed nature loves it. In Galatians 5, Paul said that our flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit lusts against the flesh, so that we don’t do what we want (v. 17-18). In Romans 7, Paul said that the things that he wanted to do, he didn’t, and the things that he wouldn’t do, he did. This is the battle of every successful Christian. Success doesn’t mean that they wholly conquer these sins, though they will gain a measure of victory. It means that even when they fall, they won’t stay down. They keep fighting. Proverbs 24:16 says the righteous fall down seven times and get back up. That was Paul’s life; over the course of it, he didn’t give in and quit. He continued to fight against his flesh in order to be holy. And this is what successful Christians do, they continue to fight; whereas, worldly Christians don’t fight—they are led by their flesh and enjoy it.
Are you fighting against your flesh or being led by it?
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The world is a system run by the devil that seeks to press everybody into the same mold. It teaches us what is beautiful, successful, acceptable, and moral. It is a system apart from God and meant to draw people further away from him and his will. The believer fights to transform his thinking about what is beautiful, successful, acceptable, and moral. The successful Christian is always testing his thoughts, what he reads, watches, and listens to against Scripture in order to not look like the world, but like God.
Are you fighting against the world and its system or being conformed to it?
Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” The evil one and his demons seek to tempt, distract, persecute, and destroy Christians. They do this primarily through utilizing our flesh and the world. Job lost his family, fortune, wealth, health, and peace, and it was all rooted in spiritual warfare. This was the same fight Paul was engaged in. In 2 Corinthians 2:11, he said, “so that we may not be exploited by Satan (for we are not ignorant of his schemes).” Paul was keenly aware of his enemy, and we must be as well, lest he outwit us.
Are you aware of the enemy’s schemes? Do you know he has assigned demons to destroy you? Are you fighting by putting on God’s armor—a righteous life—and walking in his power through an abiding relationship with him (Eph 6:11-12)? James 4:7 says, “So submit to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
When Paul looked at his life, he saw a continual fight. He fought against his flesh, the world, and Satan. William Hendriksen shares this about Paul’s fight:
It had been a fight against Satan; against the principalities and powers, the world rulers of this darkness in the heaven lies; against Jewish and pagan vice and violence; against Judaism among the Galatians; against fanaticism among the Thessalonians; against contention, fornication, and litigation among the Corinthians; against incipient Gnosticism among the Ephesians and Colossians; against fightings without and fears within; and last but not least, against the law of sin and death operating within his own heart.7
This is a noble fight that we must engage in until we go to heaven or Christ returns. On the cross, the war was won, but the battles must be fought until the end. At the end of your life, will you be able to say, “I have fought and struggled for Christ and his kingdom!”
Application Question: In what way(s) do you feel especially engaged in this war or attacked from it?
I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!
2 Timothy 4:7
Paul said he had “finished the race.” Obviously, this race wasn’t a sprint but a marathon. For Paul, it took over thirty years to run it—from the time of his Damascus conversion to his death in Rome. The word “race” can also be translated “race course.”8 Paul had a specific path to run. On the day that Christ saved Paul, the Lord told him about some of the obstacles he would face. He would experience many persecutions while reaching the Gentiles for Christ (Acts 9).
All of us have our own race. Hebrews 12:1 says, “run with endurance the race set out for us.” Some have windy races; some have straight ones; some have hilly races with great highs and lows in life. Some have short races and others have long races: the apostle John lived to an old age while the other apostles died earlier than him. Whatever our race, we must endure it to the end and not quit. We all know Christians that were at one-time faithful to God, but now have turned away, quit following him, or are at least temporarily living in rebellion. How can we faithfully finish the race?
Application Question: How can we faithfully win the race according to Hebrews 12:1-3?
Hebrews 12:1-3 provides some secrets about faithfully finishing our race. It says:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up.
By using “Therefore”, the author of Hebrews points the Jewish Christians, who were being tempted to give up on the faith and return to Judaism, to Chapter 11, where Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, and other heroes of the faith are referenced. By looking at their brief biographies, the Jewish Christians would gain hope to continue. Likewise, we must drink deeply from the stories of biblical heroes so that we can faithfully run our race. However, we must not only look at biblical heroes, but faithful Christians around us (cf. Phil 3:17). Their examples will help us run our race to the end.
The author of Hebrews says, “we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely” (v. 1). “Every weight” is separated and distinguished from “sin”—meaning that they’re two different things. “Every weight” could be things that are not bad in themselves and even good things that keep us from being faithful to our Lord. It could include entertainment, career, hobbies, and relationships that instead of helping us grow, slow us down or distract us. We must be brutal with getting rid of all hindrances, including sin that easily entangles us.
The author of Hebrews calls for the Jewish Christians to fix their eyes on Jesus so that they would not grow weary and lose heart (v. 2-3). Often in my race, I feel like quitting. Sometimes I wonder how I will make it to the end and complete the ministry God has given me. Ministry is hard and very discouraging at times. When I feel that way, I often notice that I have taken my eyes off Christ and that I’m focusing on the storms of ministry instead of the One who called me to it—Jesus. That is the primary secret to persevering in our varied races. We must remember that Christ chose our race—he is the pioneer (or author) of our faith, and he is the perfecter of our faith—he will help us endure to the end. We must focus on him, lest we lose heart.
Have you lost heart? Do you feel like giving up? Put your eyes back on your Savior by worshiping and spending time with him—he will carry you through.
Application Question: Have you experienced times where you felt like giving up on the faith or the ministry God called you to? How do you keep your spiritual equilibrium so you can continue the race?
I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!
2 Timothy 4:7
Interpretation Question: What does the fact that Paul “kept the faith” mean?
At the end of Paul’s life, he saw himself as a faithful steward of the faith. In the original Greek, there is an article before “faith,” just as there is in the English. This indicates that “faith” is probably not referring to “trust in God” but the doctrines of “the faith.” The phrase “have kept” is one word in the Greek; it means “watching over, heeding, or preserving.”9 This was one of Paul’s primary focuses, as seen throughout his writings. Consider the following passages:
One should think about us this way—as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now what is sought in stewards is that one be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2
Protect that good thing entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.
2 Timothy 1:14
O Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you. Avoid the profane chatter and absurdities of so-called “knowledge.”
1 Timothy 6:20
Paul did just that; his letters are full of correcting false doctrine. His narrative shows him passing the Word of God on to others who would then guard it. He was a faithful steward of God’s Word, and we must be as well.
Application Question: How can believers keep the faith that has been entrusted to them?
Job 23:12 says, “I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my allotted portion.” The reason most Christians don’t read, study, or teach the Word of God is simply because they don’t treasure it. They treasure other things over the Word of God—entertainment, social media, education, work, friends, etc. If we are going to guard something, we must first treasure it.
John MacArthur shares a powerful story which demonstrates our need to treasure God’s Word:
A beautiful and touching story is told of a young French girl who had been born blind. After she learned to read by touch, a friend gave her a Braille copy of Mark’s gospel. She read it so much that her fingers became calloused and insensitive. In an effort to regain her feeling, she cut the skin from the ends of her fingers. Tragically, however, her callouses were replaced by permanent and even more insensitive scars. She sobbingly gave the book a good-bye kiss, saying, “Farewell, farewell, sweet word of my heavenly Father.” In doing so, she discovered that her lips were even more sensitive than her fingers had been, and she spent the rest of her life reading her great treasure with her lips. Would that every Christian had such an appetite for the Word of God!10
Do you treasure God’s Word?
This should go without saying, but many Christians don’t believe the Word (cf. John 3:32-33). They don’t believe what it says about creation, gender-roles, abortion, homosexuality, or a host of other topics. If we don’t believe the Word, then we can’t guard it.
As mentioned, the word “kept” can mean to heed or obey. If we don’t obey the Word, we push people away from what we profess. We scatter instead of gathering people to Christ (Lk 11:23). Are you obeying God’s Word?
If we don’t know what it teaches, it cannot be guarded. In the KJV, 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to show thyself approved…” God approves those who study and meditate on his Word. He blesses them and makes them like trees which bear fruit in season and prosper in everything (Psalm 1:2-3).
Do you faithfully study God’s Word?
Second Timothy 2:2 says, “And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well.” In this passage, we see four generations of Christians: Paul, Timothy, reliable people, and others. The faith is always just one generation away from being lost. If we don’t teach it to others, then we are not guarding the faith; in fact, we contribute to it being lost.
Are you passing God’s Word on to others?
Jude 1:3 says, “Dear friends, although I have been eager to write to you about our common salvation, I now feel compelled instead to write to encourage you to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” Satan has attacked and twisted God’s Word since the beginning in the Garden of Eden, and he still seeks to do so. He denies the inerrancy of Scripture—teaching others that it is full of errors and not to be trusted. He teaches that faith alone cannot save someone—they need baptism, giving, or other good works.
Believers guard the truth by confronting the lies of Satan and delivering others from them. Paul declared that anyone who proclaimed another gospel was accursed (Gal 1:8). He did not compromise like so many today who guard nothing, as they declare tolerance or unity—opening the door for the enemy.
Are you keeping the Word of God? In order to have a successful Christian life, we must faithfully steward God’s Word and pass it on, untainted, to the next generation.
Application Question: In which way do you feel God is challenging you most to keep the faith?
Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day—and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:8
Interpretation Question: What is Paul referring to when he says he will receive “the crown of righteousness”?
Paul anticipates being rewarded by God with a crown of righteousness. There is some controversy over this crown because grammatically, it can be taken as genitive of source—meaning that the crown is received as a reward for Paul’s righteousness—or as a genitive of apposition—meaning that righteousness itself is the crown that Paul would receive.11 Both are linguistically correct. In the first interpretation, only some believers will receive this crown—those who have lived especially righteous lives. In the second view, everyone will receive this crown since the crown is righteousness. When we were saved, Christ gave us his righteousness, and when we get to heaven, he will crown us with complete righteousness. We will no longer struggle with sin.
What are supports for these two views?
1. In support of the first view, proponents argue that the word used for “crown” is not a royal crown but a victor’s crown (stephanos). It was a wreath given to victors of athletic contests or battles.12 Not everybody received this crown—only the winners did. In addition, Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:24 to “but only one receives the prize? So run to win.”—referring to an imperishable crown. It seems that this imperishable crown was something earned. This doesn’t seem to fit with the view that everybody receives this crown because of Christ’s completed work, with no effort of our own.
Throughout Scripture the reality of rewards is constantly emphasized. In Matthew 6:19, Christ called his disciples to store up riches in heaven and not on earth. Earlier in chapter 6, he warns them not to do righteous deeds like giving, praying, and fasting with the wrong motives because they would lose their rewards. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 3, Paul talks about how on the day of Christ’s judgment every believer’s works will be judged—some will receive reward and others loss of reward. In fact, in Matthew 5:19, Christ says those who obey God’s laws and teach others will be called great in the kingdom of heaven; while those who disobey God’s laws and teach others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.
Reward is the culmination of the righteous life; it is God’s approval on a believer’s life where God says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Whether the crown of righteousness is a reward for a righteous life or not, Scripture teaches that believers will be rewarded for their good works and others will experience loss of reward. Salvation is a free gift, but rewards will be given to believers based on how they live—the crown of righteousness may be one of those rewards.
2. In support of the second view, proponents argue that because Paul says that “all who have set their affection on his appearing” will receive this crown, it seems to refer to all believers, for they all long for Christ’s appearing. In opposition with this view, it could be argued that not all believers will long for Christ’s appearing in the same way, if at all. Since Scripture calls some Christians worldly, as Paul did with the Corinthians (1 Cor 3:1), and also says that some will experience loss of reward—getting into heaven as though escaping through fire (1 Cor 3:15)—it seems clear that those who live worldly lives will not long for Christ’s coming, as they should. Because they are not walking with God, they may even fear it, even as disobedient children fear the return of their parents.
Either way, Paul, no doubt, took comfort from the fact that though he would be condemned by the evil dignitaries in Rome, he would be rightly judged by Christ. The “day” of Christ’s righteous judgment was a constant focus of Paul’s. In 2 Corinthians 5:9-10, he said:
So then whether we are alive or away, we make it our ambition to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil.
This ultimate judgment of the Lord should always be on our mind. “Will my actions please God? Will my thoughts and words honor my Lord?” No doubt, since Paul’s heart desire was to please God and be honored by him, God’s Spirit miraculously affirmed that reality in Paul’s heart. As he awaited execution, he knew God would ultimately reward him. Let us live lives that God will ultimately reward—lives where we’ll hear, “Well done, well done, my good and faithful servant!” And like the twenty-four elders in Revelation 4, we will cast our crowns and rewards before the Lord, for all our honors are a result of his saving and sanctifying grace (v. 10).
Application Question: Which view do you lean towards and why? Do spiritual rewards motivate you? Why or why not?
How can we have a successful Christian life? Paul’s triumphant declaration at the end of his life gives us principles about how to finish our individual races well.
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
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1 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 188). Chicago: Moody Press.
2 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 189). Chicago: Moody Press.
3 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 188). Chicago: Moody Press.
4 MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2125). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
5 Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. (2000). 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (p. 251). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
6 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 191). Chicago: Moody Press.
7 New Testament Commentary: Expositions of the Pastoral Epistles [Grand Rapids: Baker, 1965
8 Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. (2000). 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (pp. 252–253). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
9 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 196). Chicago: Moody Press.
10 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 196). Chicago: Moody Press.
11 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 199). Chicago: Moody Press.
12 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 198). Chicago: Moody Press.
Make every effort to come to me soon. For Demas deserted me, since he loved the present age, and he went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is a great help to me in ministry. Now I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring with you the cloak I left in Troas with Carpas and the scrolls, especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him in keeping with his deeds. You be on guard against him too, because he vehemently opposed our words. At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me—may they not be held accountable for it. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion’s mouth! The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever! Amen. Greetings to Prisca and Aquila and the family of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed in Corinth. Trophimus I left ill in Miletus. Make every effort to come before winter. Greetings to you from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
2 Timothy 4:9-22 (NET)
How should we face winter seasons—times of hardship and difficulty? In this text, Paul was in a Roman prison awaiting an imminent death sentence. He calls for Timothy to do his best to come before winter. Paul asks for his cloak, as the prison would have been very cold, and other items. But more importantly, he wanted to see Timothy before he died.
We all experience winter seasons—times of difficulty, and eventually death—even as Paul did. Second Timothy 4:9-22 is Paul’s last written words before he was beheaded. In these final words, we learn six principles about faithfully facing our winter seasons—our times of trial.
Big Question: What can we learn from 2 Timothy 4:9-22 about facing winter seasons—various trials in life including death?
Make every effort to come to me soon. For Demas deserted me, since he loved the present age, and he went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is a great help to me in ministry. Now I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus…Greetings to Prisca and Aquila and the family of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed in Corinth. Trophimus I left ill in Miletus. Make every effort to come before winter. Greetings to you from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.
2 Timothy 4:9-12, 19-21
Throughout Paul’s letters and the book of Acts, there are at least 100 different names listed as a part of Paul’s circle of friends and co-workers.1 Paul was no lone ranger; he knew he couldn’t complete the task the Lord gave him alone. This was especially true as he faced his final hours. He asks Timothy to come before winter, as travel would have been difficult at that time, if not impossible. He asks for him to bring a cloak and books (v. 21). He also asked for him to bring Mark (v. 11). In his final hours, he sought the help of his beloved friends.
This was similar to Christ’s final hours. Before Christ went to the cross, he approached his inner circle of Peter, James, and John—asking if they would pray with him for an hour. In the same way, when facing various trials, we must seek the help of brothers and sisters. This may include asking for prayer, counsel, or practical things like money.
Sadly, many are not prepared for the winters of life simply because they have not developed relationships with the Body of Christ and/or are not willing to ask for help. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:21, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I do not need you,’” Yet, many do this, and consequently, impoverish themselves. Instead of seeking help, individuals and families often try to brave the winters on their own—without God’s provisions through the body of Christ.
Solomon said this about the importance of friends and their support:
Two people are better than one, because they can reap more benefit from their labor. For if they fall, one will help his companion up, but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm, but how can one person keep warm by himself? Although an assailant may overpower one person, two can withstand him. Moreover, a three-stranded cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Essentially, the wise king said that it’s incredulous to try to walk this life alone—there are too many unforeseen trials. What will one do when he falls and is all alone? What will one do if he lacks the resources to stay warm? What will one do if attacked by others? When Paul faced his winter season, he had Luke beside him, and he also sent for Timothy and Mark.
Who is your Luke, Timothy, and Mark? Who are those that you call upon in times of trouble? Who do you seek for prayer and counsel? James 5:16 commands us to confess our sins to one another and pray for one another so that we may be healed. If we are going to be prepared for the winter, we must surround ourselves with godly brothers and sisters, and be willing to humbly ask them for help.
Application Question: Why is it so hard for many to ask for help in times of hardship? Who do you ask for help in times of trouble?
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is a great help to me in ministry. Now I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus
2 Timothy 4:11-12
When Paul requests Mark, the reason he gave was that Mark would be of great help to him in ministry (v. 12). This is surprising for several reasons: First, Paul and Barnabas had once fought over Mark, as Paul didn’t want to take him on their second missionary journey (Acts 15). Mark had left them during the first journey, and therefore, Paul didn’t want to take the risk. However, now, Mark is helpful to him. This reminds us that no matter how many times we fall or fail, God can still use us and others. Mark not only returned to the ministry but also wrote the Gospel of Mark. It seems he became an intimate disciple of not only Paul and Barnabas, but also Peter. In 1 Peter 5:13, Peter calls him his son. Previously, Peter also abandoned his mentor, Christ, in his most difficult hour. No doubt, Peter could relate well with and empathize with Mark. He also saw Mark’s great potential, even as Christ saw Peter’s.
But secondly, this request stands out simply because Paul is focused on “ministry” only months before his death. If there was ever a time to focus on himself, certainly, it was in this hour, as he awaited his execution. It’s normal to be self-consumed when we go through winter seasons. We say, either to others or just to ourselves, “This is a time where I just need to focus on me. This is a time where I need to be selfish!” However, that is not how Paul was, and it certainly wasn’t how Christ was. Philippians 2:3-5 says:
Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had,
We must have the mindset of Christ by considering others above ourselves, even as Paul did. In his winter season, Paul did not become self-consumed, he continued doing ministry. In fact, when he had his preliminary hearing, Paul’s focus was still on preaching the gospel. In verse 17, he said, “But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear...” At his hearing, he boldly declared the gospel to all the Gentiles listening, including the magistrates and possibly Nero.
In our winter seasons, we must continue to minister to others, and at times, even increase it. Now, this is not denying that we need seasons of rest and recovery. But our rest and recovery is so that we can minister again, and more effectively. Sometimes, ministry is the exact thing a person needs, when going through a hard time. Consider these promises: Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says, “…whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Matthew 5:7 says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Isaiah 58:6-12 promises tremendous blessings to those who minister to others:
No, this is the kind of fast I want. I want you to remove the sinful chains, to tear away the ropes of the burdensome yoke, to set free the oppressed, and to break every burdensome yoke. I want you to share your food with the hungry and to provide shelter for homeless, oppressed people. When you see someone naked, clothe him! Don’t turn your back on your own flesh and blood! Then your light will shine like the sunrise; your restoration will quickly arrive; your godly behavior will go before you, and the Lord’s splendor will be your rear guard. Then you will call out, and the Lord will respond; you will cry out, and he will reply, ‘Here I am.’ You must remove the burdensome yoke from among you and stop pointing fingers and speaking sinfully. You must actively help the hungry and feed the oppressed. Then your light will dispel the darkness, and your darkness will be transformed into noonday. The Lord will continually lead you; he will feed you even in parched regions. He will give you renewed strength, and you will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring that continually produces water. Your perpetual ruins will be rebuilt; you will reestablish the ancient foundations. You will be called, ‘The one who repairs broken walls, the one who makes the streets inhabitable again.’
For those who spend themselves in ministering, God promises direction, healing, righteousness, protection, answered prayer, provision, and an even more effective ministry. This passage describes Paul. He was a repairer of broken walls and one who makes streets inhabitable again.
When we serve others, God pours grace all over our lives. He makes even our winters a season of harvest. Are you ministering to others, even when things are difficult? Often by becoming self-consumed, we make our winter seasons colder. Sometimes we isolate ourselves and replay our problems over and over—making them bigger in our minds and causing greater discouragement and depression. Often, ministering to others is exactly what we need, even if all we can offer is prayer. In Paul’s first imprisonment, the gospel advanced, as the Roman guards and Caesar’s household heard the good news through him (Phil 1:12-13, 4:22). The same thing happened in his second imprisonment, as he continued his ministry.
Like Paul, are you ministering to others in your winter seasons? Or have you become self-consumed?
Application Question: Why is it so important to serve others when going through difficult seasons? What are some of the benefits and how have you experienced them?
When you come, bring with you the cloak I left in Troas with Carpas and the scrolls, especially the parchments.
2 Timothy 4:13
Interpretation Question: What were the cloak, scrolls, and parchments?
Paul not only asked Timothy to come to Rome but also for him to bring a cloak, scrolls, and parchments. Since these items were expensive and it would be strange for Paul to leave them of his own volition, many believe Paul was arrested in Troas. The cloak was “‘an outer garment of heavy material, circular in shape with a hole in the middle for the head.’”2 It was often used not only as a jacket but also as a blanket. We don’t know for sure what the scrolls and parchments were. Many believe the parchments were Old Testament manuscripts and the scrolls were possibly the Gospels.3 Even while Paul was waiting to die, he wanted to continue studying God’s Word. Charles Spurgeon used this passage to rebuke pastors who preached but neglected study. He said this of Paul:
He is inspired, and yet he wants books! He has been preaching at least for thirty years, and yet he wants books! He had seen the Lord, and yet he wants books! He had had a wider experience than most men, and yet he wants books! He had written the major part of the New Testament, and yet he wants books!4
In fact, Paul was probably meditating on Scripture when he wrote this final section of 2 Timothy. Some scholars have noted how verses 16-18 are similar to Psalm 22—the very Psalm Christ quoted while on the cross (Matt 27:46). Lock, a commentator, notes how there are nine verbal similarities between the texts.5 Consider Kent Hughes’ comments:
There is something else remarkable here, in that Paul’s reference to the lion’s mouth is substantial evidence that as he faced death on this occasion he was meditating on Psalm 22, the same Psalm that occupied Jesus at his death. The text here resounds with allusions to Psalm 22: 1) Verse 16, “everyone deserted me,” alludes to Psalm 22:1, “why have you forsaken me?” 2) Verse 16, “no one came to my support,” references Psalm 22:11, “there is no one to help.” 3) Verse 17, “I was delivered from the lion’s mouth,” alludes to Psalm 22:21, “Rescue me from the mouth of the lions.” 4) Verse 17, “and all the Gentiles might hear it,” is similar to Psalm 22:27, “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord.” 5) Verse 18, “and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom,” echoes Psalm 22:28, “dominion belongs to the Lord.” The old apostle was filled with the Word so that he was like a lion—confident and regal.6
To the very end, Paul was seeking to be like his Lord. In Philippians 3:10-11, Paul shared how he wanted to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, have fellowship with his suffering, die like him and be resurrected like him. Like Christ, Paul probably meditated on and quoted Psalm 22 before his death.
Similarly, when we encounter winter seasons, we must sink our roots deep into God’s Word. Instead of allowing complaints and curses to come from our mouths, Scripture must flow from them. Charles Spurgeon said that the believer must meditate on the Word of God so much that his blood becomes ‘Bibline’. If someone were to cut him, Scripture should flow out. We see this in Christ’s words on the cross when he cries out words from Psalms: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Psalm 22:1) and “Into your hand I entrust my life” (Psalm 31:5). Paul seems to do the same.
Meditating on God’s Word brings tremendous benefits, especially when we are struggling. Psalm 19:7-8 says,
The law of the Lord is perfect and preserves one’s life. The rules set down by the Lord are reliable and impart wisdom to the inexperienced.
The Lord’s precepts are fair and make one joyful. The Lord’s commands are pure and give insight for life.
Meditating on Scripture refreshes us, gives us wisdom, makes us joyful, and gives us guidance. When we don’t meditate on God’s Word, we find ourselves burnt out, lost, angry, and short-sighted. When Job was in his winter season, he also drank deeply from Scripture. He said that he loved God’s Word more than his daily bread (Job 23:12).
Are you meditating on Scripture during your winter seasons? Are you being like Paul, Christ, and Job?
Application Question: In what ways have you experienced God’s grace in winter seasons by living in God’s Word? In what ways have you experienced lack by not meditating on it?
For Demas deserted me, since he loved the present age, and he went to Thessalonica… Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him in keeping with his deeds. You be on guard against him too, because he vehemently opposed our words. At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me—may they not be held accountable for it.
2 Timothy 4:10, 14-16
Observation Question: What people harmed or disappointed Paul while he was on trial in Rome?
During Paul’s winter season, many failed him. Demas, who previously was a faithful co-worker (Philemon 24, Col 4:14), deserted Paul, because he loved this present world (v. 10). Associating with Paul could have led to his imprisonment and death; therefore, Demas chose worldly comfort and security instead of the cross of Christ. We don’t know if he turned fully away from Christ, although it’s possible. First John 2:15 says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” This is an assurance of salvation text, as 1 John was written to provide tests of salvation (1 John 5:13).
We don’t know for sure who Alexander the metalworker was. Some have speculated that it might have been a maker of idols who lost business, as people converted to Christ (cf. Acts 19:23-41). But he was possibly the same Alexander mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20. Paul talked about how Alexander had shipwrecked his faith by not holding on to sound doctrine and not keeping a clean conscience. If this was the same man, he was probably a former elder in the Ephesian church who became a false teacher (cf. Acts 20:29-30).
How did Alexander harm Paul? When Paul says, “Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm,” it can also be translated “Alexander the coppersmith charged me with much evil” (v. 14).7 This expression may refer to an actual courtroom setting and legal charges. In Roman courts, there were two hearings: the first was where the charges were established, and the second was where the verdict was handed down.8 In the preliminary hearing, Alexander probably heaped up false charges against Paul—calling him an insurrectionist and an enemy of Nero (just like the Pharisees did with Christ). Alexander also strongly opposed the gospel—possibly declaring that it was antagonistic to Judaism and the pluralistic religions of Rome, where Nero was a god amongst many gods. Paul’s response to Alexander’s crime was, “The Lord will repay him in keeping with his deeds” (v.14). Some versions say, “May the Lord repay” (Young’s Literal) or “Lord reward him” (KJV). However, these are poor translations. Paul did not call a curse down on him but simply stated a fact: God will ultimately bring justice.
Not only was Paul hurt by Demas and Alexander—both probably previous co-workers—but he was also hurt by the Roman Christians who failed to support him at his hearing. No one defended him by declaring that the charges were untrue. Luke and Tychicus probably had not reached Rome yet. Many believers had migrated from Rome because of the widespread persecution, and those that remained were intimidated by the potential consequences of associating with Paul. Similar to Christ’s trial, false witnesses lied about Paul, and his friends were nowhere to be found.
When facing winters of the soul, we must be aware that many might fail us as well. Sometimes our closest friends will walk out on us. Others won’t reach out, maybe, because they’re afraid and don’t know what to say. At times, people might hurt us by talking behind our back or to our face. However, the failures manifest, we can be sure that they will, at times, happen. People are frail and prone to sin, just as we are.
Application Question: How should we respond when others hurt us, as modeled by Paul?
We must overcome evil with good by entrusting our battle to the Lord and blessing those who curse us. If we instead respond with evil, we do so to our own peril. God will also be just, when he considers our response to wrongs against us. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry and don’t sin” (NKJV). We can be righteously angry over sins committed against us and others and allow that righteous anger to lead us into sin. One such sin is unforgiveness. Christ said if we don’t forgive others, God won’t forgive us (Matt 6:15). Also, he taught that God would hand us over to torturers for withholding forgiveness—referring to God’s discipline (Matt 18:35, cf. 1 Cor 5:5). When referring to sin, in general, David said if we cherish iniquity in our hearts, the Lord will not hear us (Ps 66:18). Responding in a wrong or vengeful way to others’ failures may hurt them, but it often hurts us more.
Sadly, many leave winter seasons with emotional baggage and strongholds—bitterness, unforgiveness, and even addictions—therefore, missing God’s best. However, if we respond correctly to the failure of others like Paul and Jesus, God will bless us. He will use our winter seasons to mature us and give us a greater ministry (cf. 2 Cor 1:3-7, Rom 5:3-5, James 1:2-4).
Are you blessing those who failed you? Or are you withholding forgiveness—bringing God’s discipline upon your life?
Application Question: How have you experienced the failure of others during a winter season? How did you respond? How can we extend grace when others have extended evil to us?
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion’s mouth! The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever! Amen.
2 Timothy 4:17-19
Though everyone had forsaken Paul (v. 16), Christ stood beside him and strengthened him to preach the gospel to all at his hearing (v. 17). In fact, Paul declared that Christ would continue to deliver him (v. 19). Paul trusted Christ. This was the same Christ who blinded Paul on his way to Damascus and called him to be an apostle (Acts 9); the same Christ who trained him for three years while in Arabia (Gal 1:17); the same Christ who comforted him while he was in Corinth saying that the Lord had many people in that city (Acts 18:9).
We don’t know how Christ appeared to him. Was it a vision, a voice, or his actual presence? We don’t know, but when Paul was forsaken by others, Christ stood beside him, strengthened him, and delivered him from the lion’s mouth.
‘Deliverance from the lion’s mouth’ was a common figure of speech for deliverance from danger (cf. Ps. 22:21, 35:17). However, it also could have referred, specifically, to being delivered from Nero or Satan (cf. 1 Pet 5:8). Either way, Christ was faithful to Paul.
Interpretation Question: What did Paul mean when he said the Lord would deliver him from every evil attack and bring him safely to heaven (v. 18)?
Obviously, Paul did not mean that Christ would deliver him from execution. In 2 Timothy 4:6, Paul said that the time of his departure was near and that he was already being poured out like a drink offering. Most likely, Paul was referring to God delivering him from falling into sin by denying Christ and his Word to avoid execution. For the Christian, there is something worse than death and that is denying Christ (cf. Matt 10:33).
In Philippians 1:19-21, Paul used similar language when talking about God delivering him from his first Roman imprisonment. He said,
for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. My confident hope is that I will in no way be ashamed but that with complete boldness, even now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether I live or die. For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.
What was his deliverance? It was being unashamed and having courage to exalt Christ in his body, through life or death. Sometimes it is God’s will to deliver us from trials, but most times, it is God’s will to deliver us through them. Paul could trust God with both—whether delivered from or through. By God’s grace, Paul would be faithful to Christ in his trial and be taken safely to heaven.
Sadly, many essentially deny Christ in their trial. Instead of trusting him, they become angry at him—essentially declaring that he is unjust, unloving, and unwise. Or, like Demas, they turn away from God to trust in the things of this world instead. By distancing themselves from God (and other believers), they make their trial worse and reject much of God’s grace. Instead of being strengthened like Paul, they are weakened by their own neglect of the Lord.
If we are going to faithfully face our winter seasons, we must trust in the Lord—whether it’s his will to take away the trial or take us through. Either way, his will is always good. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.” We may not understand everything, but we must trust that God does, and that he is working all things for our good (Rom 8:28). He has good plans for his children. Do you trust him?
Application Question: What should we do when we lack trust—when we doubt God’s plan and his goodness? How do we increase our faith in God?
To face our winters, we must trust God and not deny him by turning to sin. His will is good whether it is to protect us from the trial, remove it, or go through it.
Application Question: Why is it important to trust God in winter seasons? How do you strengthen your faith when it’s weak?
The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.
2 Timothy 4:22
Finally, as Paul faces his winter, he closes his letter with a benediction, “The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you” (v. 22). The word “your” is singular and “you” is plural.9 Thus the NIV translates it “you all.” He prays for Jesus to be with Timothy and asks for grace upon the Ephesian church. Every one of Paul’s benedictions include the word “grace.” Grace was a central word in Paul’s theology. Believers are both saved by God’s grace and daily sanctified by it. Therefore, like Paul, we must always cry out for grace in prayer, not only for ourselves but also for others.
Prayer must be the atmosphere believers live in, especially when in trials. Consider what Paul says to the Philippians, a church that was being persecuted from outside and had disputes from within (cf. Phil 1:28-29, 4:2-3):
Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
By choosing not to worry in our difficult seasons, but instead, praying, giving thanks, and presenting our requests to God in every situation, God will provide peace and guard our hearts. Peace and protection of our hearts is directly linked to our prayer life. Lack of prayer leads to worry, doubt, and various sins, especially when going through trials.
Are you living in prayer? Are you praying in every situation—the good, the bad times, and the dull? Prayer is the doorway for grace both to endure and excel in our trials.
Application Question: How would you rate your prayer life 1-10? What are some disciplines that help with praying consistently? How have you experienced special grace during winter seasons through prayer—both yours and that of others?
How can we faithfully face our winter seasons—times of hardship?
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible ® copyright © 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.
All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.
BTG Publishing all rights reserved.
1 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 257–258). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
2 Stott, J. R. W. (1973). Guard the Gospel the message of 2 Timothy (p. 120). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
3 Teacher’s Outline and Study Bible - Commentary - Teacher’s Outline and Study Bible – 2 Timothy: The Teacher’s Outline and Study Bible.
4 Spurgeon’s Expository Encyclopedia [Baker], 11:386.
5 Stott, J. R. W. (1973). Guard the Gospel the message of 2 Timothy (p. 123). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
6 Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. (2000). 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (p. 269). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
7 MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2127). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
8 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 211). Chicago: Moody Press.
9 Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. (2000). 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (p. 271). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
Leading a small group using the Bible Teacher’s Guide can be done in various ways. One format for leading a small group is the “study group” model, where each member prepares and shares in the teaching. This appendix will cover tips for facilitating a weekly study group.
The strength of the study group is the fact that the members will be required to prepare their responses before the meeting, which will allow for easier discussion. In addition, each member will be given the opportunity to teach, which will further equip their ministry skills. The study group model has distinct advantages.
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
BTG Publishing all rights reserved.
Writing is one of the best ways to learn. In class, we take notes and write papers, and all these methods are used to help us learn and retain the material. The same is true with the Word of God. Obviously, all the authors of Scripture were writers. This helped them better learn the Scriptures and also enabled them to more effectively teach it. In studying God’s Word with the Bible Teacher’s Guide, take time to write so you can similarly grow both in your learning and teaching.
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
BTG Publishing all rights reserved.
How can a person be saved? From what is he saved? How can someone have eternal life? Scripture teaches that after death each person will spend eternity either in heaven or hell. How can a person go to heaven?
Paul said this to Timothy:
You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:14-15
One of the reasons God gave us Scripture is to make us wise for salvation. This means that without it nobody can know how to be saved.
Well then, how can a people be saved and what are they being saved from? A common method of sharing the good news of salvation is through the Romans Road. One of the great themes, not only of the Bible, but specifically of the book of Romans is salvation. In Romans, the author, Paul, clearly details the steps we must take in order to be saved.
How can we be saved? What steps must we take?
Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” What does it mean to sin? The word sin means “to miss the mark.” The mark we missed is looking like God. When God created mankind in the Genesis narrative, he created man in the “image of God” (1:27). The “image of God” means many things, but probably, most importantly it means we were made to be holy just as he is holy. Man was made moral. We were meant to reflect God’s holiness in every way: the way we think, the way we talk, and the way we act. And any time we miss the mark in these areas, we commit sin.
Furthermore, we do not only sin when we commit a sinful act such as: lying, stealing, or cheating. Again, we sin anytime we have a wrong heart motive. The greatest commandments in Scripture are to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt 22:36-40, paraphrase). Whenever we don’t love God supremely and love others as ourselves, we sin and fall short of the glory of God. For this reason, man is always in a state of sinning. Sadly, even if our actions are good, our heart is bad. I have never loved God with my whole heart, mind, and soul and neither has anybody else. Therefore, we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). We have all missed the mark of God’s holiness and we must accept this.
What’s the next step?
Why are we under the judgment of God? It is because of our sins. Scripture teaches God is not only a loving God, but he is a just God. And his justice requires judgment for each of our sins. Romans 6:23 says, “For the payoff of sin is death.”
A wage is something we earn. Every time we sin, we earn the wage of death. What is death? Death really means separation. In physical death, the body is separated from the spirit, but in spiritual death, man is separated from God. Man currently lives in a state of spiritual death (cf. Eph 2:1-3). We do not love God, obey him, or know him as we should. Therefore, man is in a state of death.
Moreover, one day at our physical death, if we have not been saved, we will spend eternity separated from God in a very real hell. In hell, we will pay the wage for each of our sins. Therefore, in hell people will experience various degrees of punishment (cf. Lk 12:47-48). This places man in a very dangerous predicament—unholy and therefore under the judgment of God.
How should we respond to this? This leads us to our third step.
Romans 6:23 does not stop at the wages of sin being death. It says, “For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Because God loved everybody on the earth, he offered the free gift of eternal life, which anyone can receive through Jesus Christ.
Because it is a gift, it cannot be earned. We cannot work for it. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast.”
Going to church, being baptized, giving to the poor, or doing any other righteous work does not save. Salvation is a gift that must be received from God. It is a gift that has been prepared by his effort alone.
How do we receive this free gift?
If we are going to receive this free gift, we must believe in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Because God loved us, cared for us, and didn’t want us to be separated from him eternally, he sent his Son to die for our sins. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Similarly, John 3:16 says, “For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” God so loved us that he gave his only Son for our sins.
Jesus Christ was a real, historical person who lived 2,000 years ago. He was born of a virgin. He lived a perfect life. He was put to death by the Romans and the Jews. And he rose again on the third day. In his death, he took our sins and God’s wrath for them and gave us his perfect righteousness so we could be accepted by God. Second Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.” God did all this so we could be saved from his wrath.
Christ’s death satisfied the just anger of God over our sins. When God saw Jesus on the cross, he saw us and our sins and therefore judged Jesus. And now, when God sees those who are saved, he sees his righteous Son and accepts us. In salvation, we have become the righteousness of God.
If we are going to be saved, if we are going to receive this free gift of salvation, we must believe in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection for our sins (cf. 1 Cor 15:3-5, Rom 10:9-10). Do you believe?
Romans 10:9-10 says,
Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and thus has righteousness and with the mouth one confesses and thus has salvation.
Not only must we believe, but we must confess Christ as Lord of our lives. It is one thing to believe in Christ but another to follow Christ. Simple belief does not save. Christ must be our Lord. James said this: “…Even the demons believe that – and tremble with fear” (James 2:19), but the demons are not saved—Christ is not their Lord.
Another aspect of making Christ Lord is repentance. Repentance really means a change of mind that leads to a change of direction. Before we met Christ, we were living our own life and following our own sinful desires. But when we get saved, our mind and direction change. We start to follow Christ as Lord.
How do we make this commitment to the lordship of Christ so we can be saved? Paul said we must confess with our mouth “Jesus is Lord” as we believe in him. Romans 10:13 says, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
If you admit that you are a sinner and understand you are under God’s wrath because of them; if you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he died on the cross for your sins, and rose from the dead for your salvation; if you are ready to turn from your sin and cling to Christ as Lord, you can be saved.
If this is your heart, then you can pray this prayer and commit to following Christ as your Lord.
Dear heavenly Father, I confess I am a sinner and have fallen short of your glory, what you made me for. I believe Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins and rose from the dead so I can have eternal life. I am turning away from my sin and accepting you as my Lord and Savior. Come into my life and change me. Thank you for your gift of salvation.
Scripture teaches that if you truly accepted Christ as your Lord, then you are a new creation. Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away – look, what is new has come!” God has forgiven your sins (1 John 1:9), he has given you his Holy Spirit (Rom 8:15), and he is going to disciple you and make you into the image of his Son (cf. Rom 8:29). He will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb 13:5), and he will complete the work he has begun in your life (Phil 1:6). In heaven, angels and saints are rejoicing because of your commitment to Christ (Lk 15:7).
Praise God for his great salvation! May God keep you in his hand, empower you through the Holy Spirit, train you through mature believers, and use you to build his kingdom! “He who calls you is trustworthy, and he will in fact do this” (1 Thess 5:24). God bless you!
Copyright © 2017, 2018 (2nd Edition) Gregory Brown
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