Preface

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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:

Introduce the text and present the Big Question.
Allow several minutes for the members to discuss the question, search for the answers within the text, and listen to God speak to them through His Word.
Discuss the initial findings, then lead the group through the Observation, Interpretation, and Application Questions.

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.

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.

Introduction

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Authorship

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.

Background

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 BC ⁸; 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.

Purpose

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.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.

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.

Related Topics: Introductions, Arguments, Outlines

1. Reprioritize: Developing Apostolic Priorities (2 Timothy 1:1-7)

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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?

The Priority of the Gospel

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?

1. We should share the gospel with others.

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?

2. We must model the gospel through our relationships.

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!”

3. We must pray for others to hear the gospel and be saved.

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?

The Priority of Discipleship

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.

Christ’s Priority

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?

1. Every believer should have a disciple like Timothy.

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.”

2. Every believer should have a mentor like Paul.

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?

The Priority of Thankfulness

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?

1. To give thanks, we must practice remembering God’s blessings.

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?

We can remember blessings by writing them down.

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.

We can remember blessings by sharing them with others through testimony and song.

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.

2 To give thanks, we must practice it in trials as an act of discipline.

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?

The Priority of 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

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?

The Priority of a Clear Conscience

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?

1. We keep a clear conscience by practicing righteousness.

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).

2. We keep a clear conscience by forsaking our sin.

If we feel convicted about some sin, we should confess it and turn away from it.

3. We keep a clear conscience by turning away from anything, even good things, that might harm another’s conscience.

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.

4. We keep a clear conscience by informing it through God’s Word.

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.

The Priority of Serving

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?

1. To fan our gifts may mean developing our gifts into their full potential.

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.

2. To fan our gifts may also represent zeal in using them.

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?

The Priority of Encouragement

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?

1. Believers have power through the 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?

2. Believers have love through the Spirit.

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?

3. Believers have self-discipline through the Spirit.

“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?

Conclusion

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:

The Priority of the Gospel
The Priority of Discipleship
The Priority of Thankfulness
The Priority of Prayer
The Priority of a Clear Conscience
The Priority of Serving
The Priority of Encouragement

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.

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.

2. Being Unashamed of Our Faith (2 Timothy 1:8-14)

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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?

To Be Unashamed, We Must Be Empowered by God’s Spirit

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?

To Be Unashamed, We Must Accept Suffering as from the Lord

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?

To Be Unashamed, We Must Remember That Others Are Suffering as well

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.

Being Transparent and Vulnerable

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?

To Be Unashamed, We Must Remember the Greatness of 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!

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?

1. The gospel is great because it is the message of salvation.

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!

2. The gospel is great because it calls us to holiness.

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.”

3. The gospel is great because it demonstrates God’s grace.

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.”

4. The gospel is great because it was revealed through the historical person of Jesus.

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.

5. The gospel is great because it tells us about the destruction of death.

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!

6. The gospel is great because it is the message of life and immortality.

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?

To Be Unashamed, We Must Remember Our Duty to Share 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.

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?

To Be Unashamed, We Must Invest in God

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:

1. Paul had entrusted his life with God.

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).

2. Paul had entrusted his work with God.

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.

3. Paul had entrusted the gospel with God.

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.

To Be Unashamed, We Must Keep Sound Teaching

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?

1. To keep sound teaching, we must understand it through disciplined study.

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.

2. To keep sound teaching, we must obey it.

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.

3. To keep sound teaching, we must test all teaching against God’s Word.

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.

4. To keep sound teaching, we must demonstrate faith and love.

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?

5. To keep sound teaching, we must protect it.

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.

6. To keep sound teaching, we must rely on the Holy Spirit.

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?

Conclusion

How can we be unashamed of our faith in a world that is increasingly antagonistic to Christ, his people, and his Word?

To Be Unashamed, We Must Be Empowered by God’s Spirit
To Be Unashamed, We Must Accept Suffering as from the Lord
To Be Unashamed, We Must Remember That Others Are Suffering as well
To Be Unashamed, We Must Remember the Greatness of the Gospel
To Be Unashamed, We Must Remember Our Duty to Share the Gospel
To Be Unashamed, We Must Invest in God
To Be Unashamed, We Must Keep Sound Teaching

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.

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.

3. Performing the Ministry of Refreshment (2 Timothy 1:15-18)

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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?

To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Reach Out to Those in Need

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.

To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Prepare and Protect Our Families

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?

To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Persistently and Practically Serve Others

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?

To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Accept and Empathize with Others

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?

To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Accept Various Inconveniences

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?

To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Focus on God’s Reward

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?

Applications for Those Being Refreshed

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.

1. When refreshed, we should constantly give thanks to God and to the refresher.

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.

2. When refreshed, we should constantly remember our refreshers in prayer—praying both for them and their families.

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?

Conclusion

How can we perform the ministry of refreshment? How can we embrace people in need like a breath of fresh air?

To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Reach Out to Those in Need
To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Prepare and Protect Our Families
To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Persistently and Practically Serve Others
To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Accept and Empathize with Others
To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Accept Various Inconveniences
To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Focus on God’s Reward

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.

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.

4. The Disciplines of a Strong Minister (2 Timothy 2:1-7)

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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?

A Strong Minister Relies on God’s Grace

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?

1. To rely on God’s grace, we must not put our trust in our own abilities.

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.

2. To rely on God’s grace, we must abide in Christ.

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?

3. To rely on God’s grace, we must ask for more of it.

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?

4. To rely on God’s grace, we must work.

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?

A Strong Minister Faithfully Teaches God’s Word

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?

A Strong Minister Demonstrates the Attitude of a Good Soldier

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?

1. Good soldiers are willing to suffer for Christ.

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?

2. Good soldiers stand with other soldiers.

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?

3. Good soldiers focus on their job by avoiding distractions.

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?

4. Good soldiers aim to please their Commanding Officer, Christ.

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?

A Strong Minister Competes Like an Athlete, According to God’s Rules

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?

A Strong Minister Is Like a Hardworking Farmer

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?

1. Christian farmers must be patient.

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.

2. Christian farmers must be faithful in the mundane.

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?

3. Christian farmers must hope in a future harvest.

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?

A Strong Minister Is a Faithful Bible Student

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?

1. To understand Scripture, we must study it.

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?

2. To understand Scripture, we must rely on God.

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?

Conclusion

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?

A Strong Minister Relies on God’s Grace
A Strong Minister Faithfully Teaches God’s Word
A Strong Minister Demonstrates the Attitude of a Good Soldier
A Strong Minister Competes Like an Athlete, According to God’s Rules
A Strong Minister Is Like a Hardworking Farmer
A Strong Minister Is a Faithful Bible Student

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.

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.

5. Encouragements to Endure Suffering for Christ (2 Timothy 2:8-13)

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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?

To Endure Suffering, We Must Remember Jesus

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 imperative ¹—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?

1. We must remember that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

Interpretation Question: Why is remembering the resurrection so important?

There are many reasons that Christ’s resurrection is important to continually remember:

The resurrection reminds us that Jesus Christ is God.

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!

The resurrection reminds us that we will be raised from the dead.

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.

2. We must remember that Jesus Christ is a descendant of David.

Interpretation Question: Why is remembering that Christ descended from David so important?

Christ’s descending from David reminds us that Christ is human.

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.

Christ’s descending from David reminds us that Christ is the promised King.

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?

To Endure Suffering, We Must Remember that God’s Word Is Unstoppable

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?

To Endure Suffering, We Must Remember the Lost

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?

To Endure Suffering, We Must Remember to Worship

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?

1. We must remember God’s purpose in 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.

2. We must remember that we are commanded to worship.

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?

To Endure Suffering, We Must Remember God’s Reward

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:

1. To die with Christ means to die spiritually.

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).

2. To die with Christ probably means to be martyred.

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?

To Endure Suffering, We Must Remember God’s Judgment

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?

Conclusion

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?

To Endure Suffering, We Must Remember Jesus
To Endure Suffering, We Must Remember that God’s Word Is Unstoppable
To Endure Suffering, We Must Remember the Lost
To Endure Suffering, We Must Remember to Worship
To Endure Suffering, We Must Remember God’s Reward
To Endure Suffering, We Must Remember God’s Judgment

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.

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.

6. Approved Workers of God (2 Timothy 2:14-19)

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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?

Approved Workers Continually Teach Fundamental Doctrines

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?

Approved Workers Have a Strong 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

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?

1. We must practice regular spiritual disciplines.

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?

2. We must have regular accountability.

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?

Approved Workers Avoid Quarrels

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?

Approved Workers Are Faithful Bible Teachers

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?

1. Faithful Bible teachers are diligent.

“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.

2. Faithful Bible teachers have skills.

“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:

One needs “observation” skills.

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.

One needs interpretation skills.

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.

One must develop application skills.

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?

Approved Workers Avoid False Teaching

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?

1. False teaching is godless or worldly.

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.

2. False teaching leads to ungodliness.

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.

3. False teaching spreads quickly.

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.

4. False teaching always has an element of truth to it.

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.

5. False teaching ultimately destroys people’s faith.

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?

Approved Workers Bear the Marks of True Salvation

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.)?

Conclusion

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?

Approved Workers Continually Teach Fundamental Doctrines
Approved Workers Have a Strong Awareness of God’s Presence
Approved Workers Avoid Quarrels
Approved Workers Are Faithful Bible Teachers
Approved Workers Avoid False Teaching
Approved Workers Bear the Marks of True Salvation

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.

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

7. Becoming a Person God Can Greatly Use (2 Timothy 2:20-26)

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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?

To Be Greatly Used by God, We Must Separate from Ungodly Relationships

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.

1. Some believe that the vessels for special or honorable purposes refer to true teachers and the vessels for common or dishonorable purposes refer to false teachers. (John Stott takes this view).¹

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.

2. Some believe that the vessels for special or honorable purposes and the vessels for common or dishonorable purposes refer to true believers—distinguished between the faithful and the unfaithful. (John MacArthur takes this view).²

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.

3. Some believe that the vessels for special or honorable purposes refer to true believers and the vessels for common or dishonorable purposes refer to false believers including false teachers. (William MacDonald takes this view).³

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)?

To Be Greatly Used by God, We Must Flee Evil Passions

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?

1. Being argumentative is a youthful passion we must flee.

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?

2. Being impatient is a youthful passion we must flee.

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.

3. Selfish ambition is a youthful passion we must flee.

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?

4. Lust is a youthful passion we must flee.

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?

To Be Greatly Used by God, We Must Pursue Godly Character

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?

1. We must pursue righteousness.

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.

2. We must pursue faith.

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.

3. We must pursue love.

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.

4. We must pursue peace.

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?

To Be Greatly Used by God, We Must Pursue Godly Relationships

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?

To Be Greatly Used by God, We Must Become Servants

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?

1. Servants know their Master.

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.

2. Servants are kind.

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.

3. Servants must teach.

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?

4. Servants must not be resentful.

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.

5. Servants must be gentle to 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.

6. Servants must hope in God.

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?

Conclusion

How can we be greatly used by God?

To Be Greatly Used by God, We Must Separate from Ungodly Relationships
To Be Greatly Used by God, We Must Flee Evil Passions
To Be Greatly Used by God, We Must Pursue Godly Character
To Be Greatly Used by God, We Must Pursue Godly Relationships
To Be Greatly Used by God, We Must Become Servants

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.

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.

8. The Church in the Last Days (2 Timothy 3:1-9)

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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?

In the Last Days, the Church Will Be Full of False Believers

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:

People will be lovers of themselves: This comes first because it is the dominant characteristic of the last days—leading to further sins. Satan tempted Eve to be like God in the garden. He called her to seek self-fulfillment instead of loving God and others first. From that point, that became the prominent motivation in humanity. Life is about us and our satisfaction. Religion simply becomes another addition to seek fulfillment. People ask, “Can Christianity help us be happy? Can it help our children not lie and steal? In that case, we should go to church!”
In fact, much of the teaching in churches these days focuses on self-love. It has essentially become the greatest commandment. They say, “You can’t love God or others unless you love yourself first!” However, there is never a command in the Bible to love ourselves. The Bible assumes that we already do—it is a result of our sin nature. When Scripture says to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matt 12:31), it is simply recognizing that we already love ourselves way too much. Scripture continually calls us to humble ourselves (James 4:10), deny ourselves, take up our cross (Matt 16:24), and seek the interests of others over ourselves (Phil 2:3). However, since self has replaced God, it leads to many other sins.
Lovers of money: Since the love of self is dominant, the love of money naturally follows. By pursuing money, we cater to all our desires. In fact, many will use religion to make money. First Timothy 6:5 says that many will think that “godliness is a way of making a profit.”
Boastful: Those who love themselves will continually brag about themselves, their money, their education, their achievements, and even their faith. They will boast about their giving, their strong devotion, and even their “spiritual” experiences. The church will be full of braggarts.
Arrogant: Pride is the internal motivation that leads people to brag. People will think higher of themselves than they should. They will have false pride about their race, their social class, their economic standing, and even their doctrine.
Blasphemers: This word can be translated “abusive.” They will blaspheme others and God. When life is about self and people don’t get their way, they become angry and aggressive towards God and others. This abuse will be directed towards people of different ethnicities, social or economic standings, denominational affiliations, and even their own families. The church will be abusive instead of loving.
Disobedient to their parents: Love of self naturally leads to disobeying parents in order to fulfill one’s desires. Disobedience to parents will ultimately lead to disobeying all authorities—teachers, work superiors, government, and God.
Ungrateful: If something interrupts one’s pursuit of self-gratification, then he or she will complain and become angry. Instead of being worshipers, the church will be a group of ungrateful people that complain about anything that makes them uncomfortable—the worship music, the seating, the preaching, the children’s ministry, the church leadership, the national government, the education system, sports, and so on. Like Israel in the wilderness, they will be grumblers who are constantly disciplined by God (1 Cor 10:10).
Unholy: Love of self leads people to not respect or fear God. Without a reverence for God, they will be led into all types of sins. Their thought life, conversations, entertainment, and actions will be unholy.
Unloving: “Unloving” can also be translated “without natural affection” or “without family affection.” Parents will neglect their children, as they pursue money and self-fulfillment. Sometimes they will abort their children in order to cater to self. Children will hate their parents in response. There will be a lack of “natural affection” in the church. It will be shameful to hear stories about how believers neglect their children, spouses, and elderly parents—especially when church leaders do it!
Irreconcilable: They won’t forgive others nor seek forgiveness from others. They are so prideful that they won’t humble themselves to seek reconciliation.
Slanderers: This expression is from the word “diabolos” which can be translated “accuser” or “devil.” People will slander others with their words and slander God. The church will be full of gossip and back-biting. When self is on the throne, it naturally leads to pulling down others to exalt oneself.
Without self-control: People will lack power to discipline themselves. They will be controlled by their delights and passions—overeating, oversleeping, video games, social media, shopping, drugs, cigarettes, pornography, etc. The church will be full of addicts of one thing or another. Satisfying self leads to uncontrollable urges.
Savage: This can be translated “brutal,” “fierce,” or “untamed.” People will be like wild animals seeking to tear one another apart in order to gain or protect their desires.
Opposed to what is good: They will love what should be hated, and hate what should be loved. Ungodly entertainment, ideologies, and endeavors, they will love. But the things of God—his Word, preaching, worship, serving, and righteousness—they will hate.
Treacherous: They won’t keep their promises. The only commitment they will keep is their pursuit of happiness. Divorce, church splits, and church hopping will be common place.
Reckless: People will do whatever they want without consideration of others. All that matters is self and self-expression. They will say things like, “I just had to be true to myself!”, as if that justifies any number of evils.
Conceited: People will be full of their own exaggerated self-importance blinding them to others’ opinions and ultimately God’s Word. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
Loving pleasure rather than loving God: Because they love pleasure instead of God, churches will be full of entertainment instead of true worship. Church services will be about pleasing people instead of pleasing God. People will plan worship primarily with the thought of getting and keeping people and their money instead of truly worshiping God.
Maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power: Also, translated “having a form of godliness but denying its power” (NIV). Again, there will be form but no power to change lives.

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?

In the Last Days, the Church Will Be Full of False Teachers

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)?

1. False teachers are deceptive.

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.

2. False teachers seek to “gain control” over people.

“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.

3. False teachers often focus their attacks on women.

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.

4. False teachers prey on people’s problems promising quick solutions.

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.

5. False teachers prey on those who are always searching for new truth.

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.”

6. False teachers oppose the truth and instigate rebellion against God and godly leaders.

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.

7. False teachers often perform false and lying miracles.

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.

8. False teachers are unregenerate and therefore have unregenerate thinking.

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.

9. False teachers will eventually be exposed.

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?

Applications

As we consider the characteristics of the church in the last days, there are many applications we can make.

1. We must examine our salvation.

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?

2. We must make sure that Christ is still our first love.

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?

3. We must test everything through Scripture—miracles, teaching, etc.

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.

4. We must understand our call to persevere in, to love, and to minister to 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?

Conclusion

What are characteristics of the church in the last days?

In the Last Days, the Church Will Be Full of False Believers
In the Last Days, the Church Will Be Full of False Teachers

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.

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 are here

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Preface

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Introduction

Authorship

Background

Purpose

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1. Reprioritize: Developing Apostolic Priorities (2 Timothy 1:1-7)

The Priority of the Gospel

1. We should share the gospel with others.

2. We must model the gospel through our relationships.

3. We must pray for others to hear the gospel and be saved.

The Priority of Discipleship

Christ’s Priority

1. Every believer should have a disciple like Timothy.

2. Every believer should have a mentor like Paul.

The Priority of Thankfulness

1. To give thanks, we must practice remembering God’s blessings.

2 To give thanks, we must practice it in trials as an act of discipline.

The Priority of Prayer

The Priority of a Clear Conscience

1. We keep a clear conscience by practicing righteousness.

2. We keep a clear conscience by forsaking our sin.

3. We keep a clear conscience by turning away from anything, even good things, that might harm another’s conscience.

4. We keep a clear conscience by informing it through God’s Word.

The Priority of Serving

1. To fan our gifts may mean developing our gifts into their full potential.

2. To fan our gifts may also represent zeal in using them.

The Priority of Encouragement

1. Believers have power through the Spirit.

2. Believers have love through the Spirit.

3. Believers have self-discipline through the Spirit.

Conclusion

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2. Being Unashamed of Our Faith (2 Timothy 1:8-14)

To Be Unashamed, We Must Be Empowered by God’s Spirit

To Be Unashamed, We Must Accept Suffering as from the Lord

To Be Unashamed, We Must Remember That Others Are Suffering as well

Being Transparent and Vulnerable

To Be Unashamed, We Must Remember the Greatness of the Gospel

1. The gospel is great because it is the message of salvation.

2. The gospel is great because it calls us to holiness.

3. The gospel is great because it demonstrates God’s grace.

4. The gospel is great because it was revealed through the historical person of Jesus.

5. The gospel is great because it tells us about the destruction of death.

6. The gospel is great because it is the message of life and immortality.

To Be Unashamed, We Must Remember Our Duty to Share the Gospel

To Be Unashamed, We Must Invest in God

1. Paul had entrusted his life with God.

2. Paul had entrusted his work with God.

3. Paul had entrusted the gospel with God.

To Be Unashamed, We Must Keep Sound Teaching

1. To keep sound teaching, we must understand it through disciplined study.

2. To keep sound teaching, we must obey it.

3. To keep sound teaching, we must test all teaching against God’s Word.

4. To keep sound teaching, we must demonstrate faith and love.

5. To keep sound teaching, we must protect it.

6. To keep sound teaching, we must rely on the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

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3. Performing the Ministry of Refreshment (2 Timothy 1:15-18)

To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Reach Out to Those in Need

To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Prepare and Protect Our Families

To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Persistently and Practically Serve Others

To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Accept and Empathize with Others

To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Accept Various Inconveniences

To Perform the Ministry of Refreshment, We Must Focus on God’s Reward

Applications for Those Being Refreshed

1. When refreshed, we should constantly give thanks to God and to the refresher.

2. When refreshed, we should constantly remember our refreshers in prayer—praying both for them and their families.

Conclusion

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4. The Disciplines of a Strong Minister (2 Timothy 2:1-7)