10. Why to Abide in God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

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You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NET)

Why should we abide in God’s Word?

In 2 Timothy 3:1-9, Paul warns Timothy about the last days. The church would be full of those who love themselves and love pleasure more than God. They would be unforgiving, abusive, lacking natural love—having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof (v. 1-5). Essentially, the church would be full of professing believers who are not truly saved. In addition, it would be full of false teachers who take advantage of the flock (v. 6-9). These realities will cause many to become disillusioned with the church and, ultimately, turn away from God.

However, instead of being like those who profess but are not truly following God, Timothy was called to continue to imitate Paul—a man who was faithful during these dark times (v. 10, 14). He also was to continue in what he had learned in Scripture (v. 14-15). The word “continue” can also be translated “abide.”¹ If Timothy would make his home in Scripture, he would be able to stand in these terrible times. After calling Timothy to continue in what he learned, he gives him reasons to continue in the Word (v. 15-17).

In Timothy’s time, many were falling away from God’s Word. Earlier, Paul described how some teachers were denying the resurrection (2 Tim 2:17-18). Maybe, like many liberal believers today, they were teaching that Scripture could not be trusted or that it referred to some type of spiritual resurrection and that no physical resurrection awaited believers. Paul denied that possibility in 1 Corinthians 15:14, as he said, “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is futile and your faith is empty.”

These types of attacks were not new to early believers: in fact, Satan began these attacks in the Garden of Eden. He said to Eve, “Did God really say…?” Satan knew if he could get her to doubt God’s Word, he could get her to disobey it. Therefore, these attacks have continued throughout history and are very alive today. Many attack God’s Word by saying that it is full of errors and cannot be trusted. Some say it cannot be properly interpreted. Others say that since it’s an ancient manuscript it cannot be relied on for contemporary issues like human sexuality, marriage, parenting, science, or government. Through such lies, Satan hinders or overthrows the faith of many.

However, in the midst of the difficult times and various attacks on Scripture, Paul gave reasons why Timothy should continue in God’s Word. Second Timothy 3:14-17 tells us why we should continue to abide in God’s Word and not cast it off, like many back then and many now.

Big Question: According to 2 Timothy 3:14-17, why should believers abide in God’s Word?

God’s Word Makes People Wise for Salvation

2 Timothy 3:14-15

Interpretation Question: In what ways does the Bible make people wise for salvation?

1. Scripture teaches our need for salvation.

Man was originally made in the image of God (Gen 1:27)—to be righteous just like God. However, man continually fails at this. Romans 3:23 says, “For all fall short of the glory of God.” This means we fail to be like God in our actions, thoughts, and emotions. Scripture not only commands our actions but our heart. The greatest command is to love God with all our heart, mind and soul, and the second is to love our neighbor as ourselves. The reality is that we have never loved God with all our heart and mind, and we often, if not always, fail to love others as ourselves. Man continually falls short of God’s glory—both in action and heart.

This failure has tragic consequences: Romans 6:23 says, “For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Our God is righteous and just, and the just punishment for sin is eternal judgment. This is the state of all mankind—under the wrath of God (John 3:36) and therefore in need of salvation.

2. Scripture teaches God’s plan of salvation.

After the sin of the first humans—Adam and Eve—God initiated a plan to save man. When Adam and Eve sinned, instead of immediately killing them, God clothed them with animal skin—implying that he killed an animal (Gen 3:21). From the beginning, we see the doctrine of substitution. Someone else could take man’s just punishment for sin. We saw that with the death of the first animal, and then, later God explicitly institutes animal sacrifice. For the nation of Israel, a perfect lamb would be sacrificed once a year on the Day of Atonement; the lamb took the death that ever person in Israel deserved for their sins. However, this lamb was only a picture of the perfect Lamb that would one day come and take away the sins of the world.

In the Gospels, John the Baptist sees Jesus Christ—God’s Son, who took on flesh—and says, “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Christ lived the perfect life that we couldn’t live, and he died on the cross for our sins. Then he rose from the dead—proving that God accepted his sacrifice for the sins of the world (Rom 4:25).

In order for a person to be saved, he must put his faith in Christ (2 Tim 4:15). John 3:16 says, “For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:13 says, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Scripture teaches the plan of salvation so that all can come to Christ and be saved. One day Christ is coming again, and those who have rejected him shall be judged eternally in a real place called hell, and those who have followed him, shall dwell eternally with him (John 3:18).

Why should we continue in Scripture? We should abide in it because it teaches the way of salvation—no other book does. How can we neglect or despise it?

Are you abiding in it?

Application Question: Share your conversion experience. How did the Word of God make you wise for salvation?

God’s Word Is Inspired

You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you… Every scripture is inspired by God

2 Timothy 3:14, 16

Secondly, Timothy should continue in God’s Word because it is inspired by God. “Inspired” can also be translated “God-breathed” (v. 16 NIV). It means that every word of the Bible literally comes out of God’s mouth.

When Paul said “scripture,” he refers both to the Old Testament and the New Testament books that were already complete (cf. 1 Tim 5:18, 2 Peter 3:15-16). At that point, the only NT books not completed were 2 Peter, Hebrews, Jude, and John’s writings.² However, we are correct to now apply it to the completed Canon.

Interpretation Question: How did inspiration work in referring to the writing of Scripture?

The Bible obviously has two authors—both man and God. When Paul says, “continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you” (v. 14), there is some controversy over whether the “who” is plural or singular. The earliest, and therefore, best manuscripts translate it as plural; “who” would then refer to Paul, Timothy’s mother and grandmother, and possibly others. However, the majority of manuscripts translate it as a singular, referring to Paul. If the singular is correct, as many commentators believe (because of internal evidence, cf. 1:13-14, 2:2, 3:10)³, Paul would be referring to his apostolic authority as a reason Timothy should be convinced of the Scripture’s reliability.⁴ The apostles were especially called to give God’s revelation (cf. John 14:26, 16:12-13). Either way (plural or singular) would include the apostle Paul. He was a divinely chosen, apostolic author, as were the prophets, other apostles and their associates. These divinely chosen authors, like Paul, convinced Timothy of the reliability of Scripture. In addition, when the Canon was recognized by the church, apostolic or prophetic authorship and/or acknowledgment was one of the primary considerations. It helped convince them of which books were part of Scripture (cf. v. 14).

Secondly, when Paul says all Scripture is “God-breathed” or “inspired by God,” he is referring to God’s authorship. In fact, God actually began writing the Bible himself; he wrote the Ten Commandments with his own hand. We see this in Exodus 31:18: “He gave Moses two tablets of testimony when he had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, tablets of stone written by the finger of God.”

But not only did he write the Ten Commandments, 2 Timothy 3:16 teaches that every word of Scripture is “inspired by God”—even though it was written by human authors as well. Wayne Grudem provides insight:

All the words in the Bible are God’s words. Therefore, to disbelieve or disobey them is to disbelieve or disobey God himself. Oftentimes, passages in the Old Testament are introduced with the phrase, “Thus says the LORD” (see Ex. 4:22; Josh. 24:2; 1 Sam. 10:18; Isa. 10:24; also Deut. 18:18 – 20; Jer. 1:9). This phrase, understood to be like the command of a king, indicated that what followed was to be obeyed without challenge or question. Even the words in the Old Testament not attributed as direct quotes from God are considered to be God’s words… The New Testament also affirms that its words are the very words of God. In 2 Peter 3:16, Peter refers to all of Paul’s letters as one part of the “Scriptures.” This means that Peter, and the early church, considered Paul’s writings to be in the same category as the Old Testament writings. Therefore, they considered Paul’s writings to be the very words of God. In addition, Paul, in 1 Timothy 5:18, writes that “the Scripture says” two things: “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain” and “The laborer deserves his wages.” The first quote regarding an ox comes from the Old Testament; it is found in Deuteronomy 25:4. The second comes from the New Testament; it is found in Luke 10:7. Paul, without any hesitation, quotes from both the Old and New Testaments, calling them both “Scripture.” Therefore, again, the words of the New Testament are considered to be the very words of God. That is why Paul could write, “the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37).⁵

Interpretation Question: How can it be possible that Scripture has two authors—both God and man? What was the process?

Peter gives us a hint in 2 Peter 1:20-21:

Above all, you do well if you recognize this: No prophecy of scripture ever comes about by the prophet’s own imagination, for no prophecy was ever borne of human impulse; rather, men carried along by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

Peter says the prophecies of Scripture did not come about by a prophet’s imagination or human impulse, but men were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

What does it mean to be carried along by the Holy Spirit?

In Acts 27:15, the writer, Luke, uses the same phrase to describe a ship being carried by a storm. Look at what he says: “When the ship was caught in it and could not head into the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along.”

In the same way the ship was “driven” by the storm, so the authors of the Bible were “carried” by the Holy Spirit in the writing of Scripture. The Holy Spirit drove them along in the writing of the content and also kept them from error. The writers were there; they were thinking and writing, but they were being moved by the Spirit.

In John 16:12-13, Christ said:

“I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak on his own authority, but will speak whatever he hears, and will tell you what is to come.

God sent the Holy Spirit to inspire and bring to remembrance all the words that Jesus said. The Holy Spirit would not only bring things to remembrance, but he would teach the writers of Scripture further revelation. This is how the New Testament and the Old Testament were written: the Holy Spirit moved upon men to write the actual words of God. Timothy was to continue in God’s Word because it is inspired by God. We should also continue in it.

Application Question: What does the inspiration of Scripture mean? Why is the inspiration of Scripture so important?

God’s Word Is Inerrant and thus Reliable

Every scripture is inspired by God…

2 Timothy 3:16a

The primary implication of Paul reminding Timothy of those who taught him God’s Word and how God is the ultimate author of Scripture is to emphasize the Scripture’s reliability or inerrancy.

What does “inerrancy” mean? “Inerrancy” has many definitions: Wayne Grudem said, “The inerrancy of Scripture means that Scripture in the original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact.”⁶ Millard Erickson said it this way: “Inerrancy is the doctrine that the Bible is fully truthful in all of its teachings.”⁷ Warren Wiersbe adds:

Whatever the Bible says about itself, man, God, life, death, history, science, and every other subject is true. This does not mean that every statement in the Bible is true, because the Bible records the lies of men and of Satan. But the record is true.⁸

Inerrancy simply means that the Bible is true and without error in the original manuscripts, and for that reason, we can trust its copies.

Why should we believe in its inerrancy? What are some evidences for the inerrancy of Scripture?

1. Evidence for the inerrancy of Scripture is the character of God.

God cannot lie. Titus1:2 says, “in hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the ages began.”

Paul encourages Titus with the fact that God cannot tell a lie. That’s why we can trust the Scripture and everything said in it. Numbers 23:19 says: “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a human being, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not make it happen?”

In fact, Christ called himself “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Jesus is the truth because there is nothing false in him. Everything he says and does is true because he is God and that is his consistent, faithful, and unchanging character.

Another proof of the truthfulness of God, and therefore the truthfulness of Scripture, is seen in how God instructs Israel to test prophets. Deuteronomy 18:21–22 says,

Now if you say to yourselves, ‘How can we tell that a message is not from the Lord?’— whenever a prophet speaks in my name and the prediction is not fulfilled, then I have not spoken it; the prophet has presumed to speak it, so you need not fear him.”

The way God tells Israel to test prophets also teaches the truthfulness of God. If a prophet made an error in his prophecy, he wasn’t speaking for God because God cannot make errors. He knows all things and cannot lie or be tempted (cf. James 1:13). Since the Bible is literally God’s Word, it cannot have errors.

2. Evidence for the inerrancy of Scripture is what the Bible teaches about itself—that every word is true, not just the ideas, concepts, or general themes of Scripture.

This is important because some liberal theologians teach against this: they would say that the ideas of the Bible are true but not necessarily every detail or event, such as Jonah being swallowed by a big fish or the virgin birth of Jesus, and also that it is not always accurate when it comes to topics like science or history.

However, this teaching contradicts what the Bible says about itself. Look at what Christ taught in Matthew 4:4: “It is written, ‘Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Jesus said that man lives on “every word” that comes from the mouth of God, not SOME words or SOME events. Similarly, the Psalmist said this about Scripture:

The law of the Lord is perfect and preserves one’s life.

Psalm 19:7b

Your instructions are totally reliable; all your just regulations endure.

Psalm 119:160

The Lord’s words are absolutely reliable. They are as untainted as silver purified in a furnace on the ground, where it is thoroughly refined.

Psalm 12:6

Scripture teaches that every part of it is true, not just some parts or the main ideas of Scripture.

3. Evidence of inerrancy is the perseverance of Scripture.

Jesus said this, “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth pass away not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter will pass from the law until everything takes place” (Matt 5:18).

This is important because some liberal theologians say that the Scriptures we have today are not the same as the original writings. Essentially, they are saying that God did not preserve his Word. However, Jesus declared that even the smallest letter, the least stroke of a pen will not disappear from the Law until all is accomplished. We can believe that the Word of God is inerrant because God has preserved it.

The historical reliability of the Bible supports the perseverance of Scripture. Historians use two standards in order to evaluate the textual reliability of ancient literature:

The time interval between the original and the earliest copy
The amount of manuscripts available

When you consider the Bible’s textual reliability against other ancient literature, it far surpasses them all. For example, the most reliable ancient book, outside of the Bible, according to textual criticism is the Iliad. It was written in 900 BC, and there are 643 remaining copies from around 400 BC. This makes a time gap of 500 years. The New Testament was written from 40-100 AD. The earliest existing copy is from 125 AD, which is only a 25 year time gap, and there are over 24,000 copies.⁹ “The Bible, compared with other ancient writings, has more manuscript evidence than any 10 pieces of classical literature combined.”¹⁰

Josh McDowell, in Evidence that Demands a Verdict, gives further evidence of the preservation of God’s Word by quoting John Lea, the author of The Greatest Book in the World, as John considered the Bible in comparison with Shakespeare’s writings:

“In an article in the North American Review, a writer made some interesting comparisons between the writings of Shakespeare and the Scriptures, which show that much greater care must have been bestowed upon the biblical manuscripts than upon other writings, even when there was so much more opportunity of preserving the correct text by means of printed copies than when all the copies had to be made by hand. He said:

“‘It seems strange that the text of Shakespeare, which has been in existence less than two hundred and eight years, should be far more uncertain and corrupt than that of the New Testament, now over eighteen centuries old, during nearly fifteen of which it existed only in manuscript. ... With perhaps a dozen or twenty exceptions, the text of every verse in the New Testament may be said to be so far settled by general consent of scholars, that any dispute as to its readings must relate rather to the interpretation of the words than to any doubts respecting the words themselves. But in every one of Shakespeare’s thirty-seven plays there are probably a hundred readings still in dispute, a large portion of which materially affects the meaning of the passages in which they occur.’”¹¹

God has miraculously preserved his Word, and therefore we can trust it.

4. Evidence of inerrancy is that Scripture uses Scripture in such a way that supports its inerrancy.

In the Bible, at times an entire argument rests on a single word (e.g., John 10:34–35 and “God” in Psalm 82:6), the tense of a verb (e.g., the present tense in Matt 22:32), and the difference between a singular and a plural noun (e.g., “seed” in Gal 3:16).

For example, in Matthew 22:30–32, the entire argument rests on a single word. The Sadducees were the liberal theologians of Christ’s day; they did not believe in miracles, the resurrection, or even an afterlife. So one day, they tested Christ on his belief in the resurrection. They concocted a scenario where a woman’s husband dies and then she marries his brother. The brother dies and she marries another brother. He dies and she marries another and so on until the seventh died. Then she eventually died. “Basically, they argued that the idea of resurrection posed insuperable difficulties, hence it was not reasonable, therefore it was not true.”¹² After presenting this scenario, the Sadducees asked Christ, “At the resurrection whose wife will she be?” Consider how Christ responded in Matthew 22:30–32:

For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. Now as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living!

Here, Christ’s argument rests on the tense of the word “am.” Essentially, Christ says, “Didn’t you notice that ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’ was written in the present tense?” Christ was saying that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are still alive, and therefore, would one-day be resurrected. This confronted their lack of belief in the afterlife and the resurrection, as well as their lack of understanding the literal inspiration of Scripture. Every word has been chosen by God, even down to the tense.

We also see this in how Paul handled the words of Scripture. In Galatians 3:16, Paul says: “Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his descendant. Scripture does not say, ‘and to the descendants,’ referring to many, but ‘and to your descendant,’ referring to one, who is Christ.”

When looking at the promise of Abraham, Paul argues that the promise was not just to Israel specifically, but that it was to Christ and therefore, everybody in Christ. He says in Genesis the promise was to Abraham’s “descendant,” singular, and not “descendants,” plural. Here the argument rests on the word “descendant” being singular.

The Bible is inspired and inerrant even down to the tense and plurality of the words. Every word is inspired by God, and not just the ideas. This gives credence to the importance of studying and meditating on each word of the Bible since we believe God chose every one of them for a purpose. This is one of the reasons many Bible students study the original languages of Scripture. They do this because they are convinced of the validity of each word. Jesus said, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4).

Questions About Inerrancy?

1. Some might ask, “How can the Bible be without error if mere humans wrote it? I know God made it but so did man, and man is fallible.”

This is true, and because of this reality, the Bible must be clearly recognized as a miracle. Man is sinful and prone to error; however, God is perfect and cannot err. The Holy Spirit inspired the authors in such a way that they were kept from error in the writing of Scripture.

2. One might ask, “If we do not have the original manuscripts, isn’t the argument of inerrancy in the original manuscripts a moot argument?”

When we look at the way that the apostles and the early church handled the copies of Scripture, we see their belief in the reliability of the copies.

In the early church, the copies of the originals were passed around from church to church, and yet, the copies were always still considered authoritative. We see this in several ways:

When Paul spoke about the Scripture being God-inspired in 2 Timothy 3:16, he was using copies, not the originals. The early church was using copies, just as we are now. The original texts were copied and passed from church to church. Yet, they still believed they were inspired and, therefore, authoritative.
We also see how the early church believed the copies were authoritative by looking at the Old Testament quotations used in the New Testament. The majority of the OT quotes in the NT were from the Septuagint, which was the Greek version of the Old Testament.¹³ Even though the original verses were in Hebrew, the writers of the NT still considered the copies, the translated verses, authoritative and without error. We even see Jesus quote the Septuagint in his rendering of Isaiah 29:13 in Mark 7:6–7:

Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written:’This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. They worship me in vain, teaching as doctrine the commandments of men.’

Again, this is a quote from a copy, but it was still inspired by God. The apostles primarily used Greek translated verses of the OT in the quotes placed in the New Testament. If Jesus and the apostles used copies, then, similarly, we can trust the copies we have.

Here is a contemporary argument: If I apply for a job, the company will most likely take a photocopy of my driver’s license and keep it for their records. They know the copy is not perfect. It may have a smudge here or there, but in general, the copy is considered accurate and acceptable.

This is how the early church handled the copies of Scripture and so do we. God has preserved his words, and it is still authoritative. In fact, when we compare the thousands of copies of Scripture, they are 95 to 99 percent the same.¹⁴ The copies of the OT and NT manuscripts contain no significant variances. The errors are typically copyist errors such as an undotted “i,” an uncrossed “t,” or an occasional scribal addition, but nothing that affects any doctrine in the Bible. By comparing the thousands of manuscripts, we can with great certainty discern what the original said. God has preserved his Word.

Any errors are in our understanding of the text, the copy of the manuscript itself, or the translation. But the Bible cannot have error because God is without error. If we cannot trust the Bible on one thing, then the whole Bible comes into question.

Application

What does all this mean for us?

1. The inerrancy of Scripture means we can trust the Word of God.

We should not doubt even spectacular stories in the Scripture, such as Jonah being swallowed by a big fish, Moses parting the Red Sea, or the earth being destroyed by a flood. God cannot tell a lie, and therefore, you can trust his Word.

It also means you can trust his word for salvation. You can trust his word on how to raise your children or run a God-honoring business. The Scripture holds the very words of God and is trustworthy.

2. The inerrancy of Scripture should guide how we meditate on the Word of God.

It is good to, at times, meditate on single words, noting every detail down to their tenses and their pluralities, because each word was chosen by God. They are God-inspired and every aspect of them has meaning for us.

With the Sadducees, Jesus asked, “Have you not read?” Sure, they had read, but they really didn’t study and meditate on each word as given. Many times, we miss a great deal in our study of the Bible because we forget that every word was chosen by God and that man shall live ‘by every word’ (Matt 4:4). This type of study will greatly enrich our devotional time.

Application Question: Why is the inerrancy of Scripture such an important doctrine? In what ways is it being attacked in Christendom?

God’s Word Is Profitable

Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Observation Question: In what ways is every Scripture useful or profitable?

Another reason Timothy, and ourselves, should continue to abide in God’s Word is because all Scripture is “useful,” also translated “profitable.” This includes all aspects of Scripture including the genealogies and obscure passages. We must study them with this understanding—that they’re profitable!

In what ways is Scripture profitable? Paul gives four ways:

1. All Scripture is profitable for teaching or doctrine.

One of the things that makes Christianity unique among religions is that it is full of doctrine. It has the doctrine of God, the doctrine of humanity, the doctrine of Christ, the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, the doctrine of the end times. This is because what we believe affects how we walk, and therefore, God informs us about himself and many other important doctrines to guide our day-to-day actions and lives.

Timothy needed to continue in the doctrines of the Word of God, and not the new doctrines that the false teachers professed or that were popular in secular culture. This is also true for us.

2. All Scripture is profitable for reproof or rebuking.

If teaching or doctrine shows us what is right, rebuking shows us what is wrong. Scripture rebukes us when we are wrong in thought or action. It exposes error.

3. All Scripture is profitable for correcting.

Doctrine shows us what is right; rebuke shows us what is wrong; and correction shows us how to make things right. The word “correcting” “refers to the restoration of something to its original and proper condition. In secular Greek literature it was used of setting upright an object that had fallen down and of helping a person back on his feet after stumbling.”¹⁵ After Scripture exposes our sin, it then shows us how to correct it by getting right with God and others.

For example, Ephesians 4:28 says, “The one who steals must steal no longer, rather he must labor, doing good with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with the one who has need.” This is rebuke and then correction.

4. All Scripture is profitable for training in righteousness.

Scripture instructs us on how to live a godly life. It provides God’s wisdom for marriages, parenting, work, decision-making, etc. If it is righteous, Scripture trains us in it; we just have to take advantage of it.

Ultimately, the Word of God is profitable for all these things (teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness) “that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work” (v. 17). If we are going to be used by God, we must be equipped—made strong for the task—through the Word of God. It gives us wisdom and empowerment for God’s tasks. Apart from God’s Word, we’ll be unequipped—like walking into a desert without water.

Warren Wiersbe said, “The better we know the Word, the better we are able to live and work for God.”¹⁶ William Barclay adds:

“…Here is the essential conclusion. The study of the Scriptures must never be selfish; it must never be simply for the good of a man’s own soul. … He must study the Scriptures to make himself useful to God and useful to his fellow men. He must study, not simply and solely to save his own soul, but that he may make himself such that God will use him to help to save the souls and comfort the lives of others...”¹⁷

If we don’t abide in God’s Word, we’ll be unequipped. Are you allowing God to equip you for all righteousness? This is why we eagerly listen to God’s Word in Sunday service and in small groups. This is why we daily study it. We do this so God can train and equip us for righteousness. God can’t use someone greatly who neglects his Word.

Are you abiding?

Application Question: If the Word of God is so profitable, why do so many Christians struggle with reading/studying it? What are some helpful disciplines to aid a person with daily Bible study?

Conclusion

From the beginning, Satan tried to attack God’s Word. He said to Eve, “Did God really say?” In the same way, Scripture is always being attacked today, as people are tempted to doubt it or turn away from it. However, God’s Word is trustworthy and necessary.

Why should we continue to abide in it?

God’s Word Makes People Wise for Salvation
God’s Word Is Inspired
God’s Word Is Inerrant and thus Reliable
God’s Word Is Profitable

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.

¹ Guzik, D. (2013). 2 Timothy (2 Ti 3:13–15). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.

² Accessed 12/3/16 from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-17-why-you-need-bible-2-timothy-316-17

³ Stott, J. R. W. (1973). Guard the Gospel the message of 2 Timothy (p. 99). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

⁴ Calvin, J. (1998). 1, 2 Timothy and Titus (p. 154). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

⁵ Wayne A. Grudem; Elliot Grudem. Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know. (Grand Rapids: MI: Zondervan, 2009), Kindle Edition.

⁶ Wayne A. Grudem, W. A. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House, 2004), 90.

⁷ Millard J. Erickson. Christian Theology (2nd ed). (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1998), 246.

⁸ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 252–253). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

⁹ McDowell, Josh. Evidence That Demands a Verdict, 1: 001 (p. 43). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

¹⁰ McDowell, Josh. Evidence That Demands a Verdict, 1: 001 (p. 19). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

¹¹ McDowell, Josh. Evidence That Demands a Verdict, 1: 001 (p. 19-20). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

¹² MacDonald, William. Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.). Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1287.

¹³ Gleason Archer and Gregory C. Chirichigno, Old Testament Quotations in the New Testament: A Complete Survey. (Eugene, Oregon: Wipf & Stock Pub, 2005), Kindle edition.

¹⁴ Josh Mcdowell. New Evidence that Demands a Verdict. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1999), Kindle edition.

¹⁵ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 159). Chicago: Moody Press.

¹⁶ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 253). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

¹⁷ Teacher’s Outline and Study Bible - Commentary - Teacher’s Outline and Study Bible – 2 Timothy: The Teacher’s Outline and Study Bible.

11. Performing the Ministry of Preaching (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

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I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction. For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths. You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist’s work, fulfill your ministry.

2 Timothy 4:1-5 (NET)

How should we perform the ministry of preaching?

One of the major themes of 2 Timothy has been faithfulness with God’s Word. There are over thirty-six references to God’s Word or an aspect of it in the book.¹ In 2 Timothy 1:8, Paul said, “So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord.” In 2 Timothy 1:13 he said, “Hold to the standard of sound words.” In 2 Timothy 2:2, he said, “And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well. Second Timothy 2:15 (NIV) talks about correctly handling the “Word of truth.” Second Timothy 2:24 describes how the Lord’s servant must be an “apt teacher.” And in 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul said, “Every scripture is inspired by God.” As Paul is soon to be executed, his primary focus was to exhort Timothy to be faithful with God’s Word, and this should be our goal, both for ourselves and those we disciple.

Here Paul calls for Timothy to preach God’s Word “whether it is convenient or not,” other versions say, “in season and out of season” (v. 2). It is easy to look at this passage and think it applies only to pastors; however, it doesn’t. God has called each of us to teach God’s Word. In the Great Commission, we are called to make disciples of all nations, teaching them everything that Christ commanded (Matt 28:19-20). We are all called to preach and teach Scripture. The only difference is the forum and the pay; some will teach from pulpits to large crowds and others will teach to individuals and small groups; some will be paid and others won’t. Either way, we are all called to preach and teach God’s Word.

This passage answers the question, “How should we preach God’s Word? How can we faithfully discharge the ministry of proclamation?” This is important to consider as we select churches to join in the future. We should ask: “Do these churches faithfully proclaim God’s Word?” But it’s also important for our teaching ministry, whether that be in public or private.

In this text, we’ll consider six principles about performing the ministry of preaching.

Big Question: According to 2 Timothy 4:1-5, how should we perform the ministry of preaching?

Preaching Should Be Performed in View of Christ’s Return, Judgment, and Kingdom

I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:

2 Timothy 4:1

When Paul says, “before God and Christ Jesus,” he uses ancient courtroom terminology. Typically, court documents of the time would say something like, “In the presence of honorable judge ‘so and so.’”² God and Christ would be watching Timothy to see if he faithfully discharged his duties, and this is true for each of us. God is watching and one day he will judge us based on our faithfulness. Did we faithfully study and interpret his Word? Did we share it with others? Faithful workmen will be approved by God (2 Tim 2:15).

The term “appearing” was used of a Roman Emperor’s visit to a province or a town. Before he came, everybody would labor to put everything in perfect order.³ It should be the same for us with Christ. At Christ’s coming, he will inspect our works, and we should labor to be prepared for this inspection (cf. 2 Cor 5:10). Those who have been faithful will be rewarded and those who are unfaithful will experience loss of reward (1 Cor 3:10-15). Rewards seems to have specific reference to both ruling and serving in Christ’s coming kingdom. In the Parable of the Minas, the faithful stewards are given cities to rule over (Lk 19:17, 19).

As we live for Christ, it is prudent to minister with an eye towards our Lord’s coming—his future judgment and his kingdom. Are we being faithful stewards of all God has given us? Are we prepared for his coming? It is interesting to consider that at the time of 2 Timothy’s writing, Paul had been preaching for over thirty years and his earliest letters, like 1 and 2 Thessalonians, mention Christ’s second coming. Over thirty years later, Paul still believed in Christ’s second coming and was anxiously waiting for it.⁴ Are you?

Those who are no longer motivated by Christ’s coming and his kingdom will not be faithful when he comes. Luke 12:45-46 describes a servant that says to himself that the master delays his return home. He then begins to eat and drink, get drunk, and beat the other servants. The master comes when this servant isn’t expecting and cuts him in two. When we lose an urgency for Christ’s coming, wasteful living, discord with others, and various sins await us. We’ll also be unfaithful with God’s Word.

Are you living in view of Christ’s coming, his judgment, and his kingdom?

Application Question: How can we keep a watchful eye towards Christ’s coming, his judgment, and his kingdom so that we can be motivated by them?

Preaching Should Be Performed as a Herald of the King

Preach the message…

2 Timothy 4:2a

The term “preach” actually means to “preach like a herald.”⁵ In ancient times, kings had official messengers called heralds. They would go into cities and towns to proclaim the king’s coming or present official laws and decrees of the king. The herald spoke with the king’s authority. He didn’t have the ability to negotiate or change the decrees. He just proclaimed it in a loud, clear voice for all to hear, and that is true of faithful preachers. They should speak as the very oracles of God—his mouth piece (1 Pet 4:11).

They are not allowed to manipulate the message, change it, or simply preach what they want. They must say what God says. Sadly, many preachers no longer do that today. The sermon starts with a verse and everybody leans in to hear what it means; then the preacher launches into stories about his dog, his wife, his kids, and everything else other than God’s Word. Many preachers simply preach themselves instead of God’s Word. Paul said this about his preaching ministry in 2 Corinthians 4:5: “For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake.” No doubt, this was, in part, a swipe at those who proclaimed themselves—their religious thoughts and spiritual experiences. Paul did not preach himself. In 1 Corinthians 2:2, Paul said, “For I decided to be concerned about nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” We must resolve to do the same. We are heralds of the King, and therefore, we must speak his Words to others.

Steve Cole shares a very relevant story about Karl Barth that applies to preaching only God’s Word:

Although I disagree with much of Karl Barth’s theology, I admire him for a story told of him. During the 1930’s, he was preaching on John 3:16. Even though many in his German audience professed to be Christians, they were going along with the persecution of the Jews. Barth made the point that Jesus was a Jew, that He had died for all the world, and that the Jews were part of that world. Thus anyone who loves Christ would not participate in the widespread ill treatment of the Jews.

Many in his congregation walked out in disgust before he finished the sermon. One wrote a scathing letter denouncing him. Barth’s reply was a single sentence: “It was in the text.”⁶

That is exactly how we must handle God’s Word as well. We must preach the text and nothing but the text. Personally, I believe Paul’s exhortation to “preach the message,” or “preach the Word,” should encourage pastors to focus on a specific type of preaching called expository preaching. Expository preaching is simply preaching verse by verse through the Bible while explaining its meaning in the ancient context and applying it to the contemporary context. This type of preaching is important because it makes the preacher preach every verse of Scripture and not simply favorite doctrines or favorite texts. It doesn’t allow the preacher to skip unpopular texts like ones on divorce, election, homosexuality, or church discipline.

But again, this exhortation doesn’t just apply to pastors but to all believers. We must faithfully herald God’s Word—all of God’s Word—to all who will listen, but especially to those God has made us accountable for—friends, family, church members, etc. (cf. Ez 3:17-19).

Are you recognizing your responsibility as a herald—the very mouthpiece of God (v. 1 Pet 4:11)?

Application Question: What is expository preaching and why is it so important? What is your experience with this style of preaching? How should believers view other types of preaching?

Preaching Should Be Performed with Readiness and Urgency

Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction.

2 Timothy 4:2b

The phrase “be ready” has the sense of both readiness and urgency. In order to be ready, we must study God’s Word and be prepared to share it at all times—when it is popular and when it’s not popular, when it’s expected and not expected, when it’s convenient and inconvenient. First Peter 3:15 says, “But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.” Many can’t faithfully preach or share God’s Word simply because they’re not ready—they haven’t studied and prepared. Warren Wiersbe adds,

Timothy should be diligent and alert to use every opportunity to preach the Word, when it is favorable and even when it is not favorable. It is easy to make excuses when we ought to be making opportunities. Paul himself always found an opportunity to share the Word, whether it was in the temple courts, on a stormy sea, or even in prison. “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap” (Ecc. 11:4). Stop making excuses and get to work!⁷

As mentioned, “be ready” also has the connotation of urgency. It can actually be translated “Be urgent in season.” “It could be used of a soldier who is ready to go into battle on a moment’s notice or of a guard who keeps continually alert for any threat of infiltration or attack by the enemy.”⁸

This urgency comes from the fact that we recognize that it’s the King’s message, and it is one of life and death, judgment and reward. Those who don’t know Christ need to be saved from a real, eternal hell. Those who know Christ must be delivered from the bondage of sin and Satan which makes them useless for the kingdom. Those who are discouraged need to be encouraged so they can begin to walk in God’s call. There must be an urgency in the message because it is God’s message, and it’s important.

Sadly, many have lost this urgency—both to share the message and in how they share it. Richard Baxter said this:

Whatever you do,’… ‘let the people see that you are in good earnest … You cannot break men’s hearts by jesting with them, or telling them a smooth tale, or patching up a gaudy oration. Men will not cast away their dearest pleasures upon a drowsy request of one that seemeth not to mean as he speaks, or to care much whether his request be granted.’⁹

Are you studying so you can be ready when opportunities arise? Are you seizing opportunities or simply waiting for them? Do you have a sense of urgency to share God’s Word? Faithful preachers must be ready and urgent—prepared in season and out of season—when it’s convenient and when it’s not.

Application Question: How can we keep or develop our readiness and urgency to preach God’s Word?

Preaching Should Be Performed Practically

…reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction.

2 Timothy 4:2b

Paul calls for Timothy to use God’s Word to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with complete patience and instruction—essentially Timothy needed to be practical. He needed to use the Word of God to meet people right where they were—in various situations.

Reprove, rebuke, and exhort represent three different ministry skills. “Reprove” can be translated “correct” or “convince.” It refers to using God’s Word intellectually. It “is a legal term that means to present your case in such a manner as to convince your opponent of his wrong.”¹⁰ Sometimes people doubt God or are confused about some doctrine and need to be convinced. We must use the Word of God to convince people’s minds and sure up their faith. If “reprove” is intellectual, “rebuke” is moral. We must use the Word of God to show people where they are wrong and their need to repent. When we rebuke, we speak to one’s conscience. If “reprove” is intellectual and “rebuke” is moral, then “exhort” is emotional. It can be translated “encourage” or “admonish.” Sometimes people are worn down and discouraged—they want to give up on God or the church—and they need to be encouraged or challenged through the Word of God. Faithful preachers must use God’s Word practically to reprove, rebuke, and exhort. They must speak to the mind, to the conscience, and to one’s heart.

In addition, these skills are not just useful in ministering to others; they must be used in ministering to ourselves, for we all need reproof, rebuke, and exhortation, at different times. In 1 Samuel 30:6, it says that David “encouraged himself in the Lord” (KJV). We must do the same.

Is your ministry of the Word practical—meeting people where they are? Some people teach, but aren’t sensitive to the needs of people (or the desires of the Holy Spirit) and therefore aren’t relevant or practical. It has been said that the preacher must frighten the comfortable and encourage the frightened.

In all this, the preacher must demonstrate “complete patience” and “instruction.” “Complete patience” is needed because people who are stuck in sin often take time to get free. Those who doubt often need time to develop their faith. A minister will often need to repeat the same principles from Scripture, as they care for those who are struggling. Ministering the Word of God is very much like farming. We plough the ground, sow the seed, and water, but God makes it grow. We must patiently wait on God and people.

“Instruction” can also be translated “careful instruction” or “with all teaching.” Reprove, rebuke, and exhort are all done in the context of teaching. God has given many doctrines in Scripture—the doctrine of salvation, sanctification, the Holy Spirit, Christ, the church, etc. All these doctrines must be used as we minister practically to others. For example, the one caught in sin or discouragement not only needs to be rebuked or challenged but possibly taught about the need for the body of Christ—the church. God uses the church to encourage and strengthen believers to be holy. The person who does not confess his sins or weakness to others in the body will lack much of God’s grace and healing. The eye can’t say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” Therefore, the preacher must teach about the church to help a struggling person walk in God’s fullness and freedom. In order for the preacher’s ministry to be practical, it must be wholly doctrinal; orthodoxy leads to orthopraxy—right doctrine to right practice.

Are you teaching God’s word practically to others? Are you meeting them where they are with reproof, rebuke, and exhortation—along with complete patience and instruction?

Application Question: In ministering to others, how can we discern their needs—whether that be reproof, rebuke, or exhortation? Why is doctrine so important to practical living? What are some practical steps for a believer to grow in doctrine?

Preaching Should Be Performed Faithfully in Light of the Widespread Lack of Biblical Preaching

For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths.

2 Timothy 4:3-4

Paul gives Timothy a powerful reason to preach the Word: the fact that many have rejected it and others no longer teach it. The time will come (and it has been here a long time) when people will not be able to stand sound doctrine—literally, healthy doctrine. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul described how in the last days the church will be full of professing believers who are not really saved. They will have an outward appearance of religion but deny the power thereof (v. 5). Because much of the church will be unregenerate, they will bear the fruit of the unredeemed including rejecting God’s Word.

Romans 8:7 says, “because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to the law of God, nor is it able to do so.” First Corinthians 2:14 says, “The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” The natural mind is hostile towards God and his Word. An unbeliever cannot understand it and thinks it is foolishness because he doesn’t have the Holy Spirit. This will be true of a large segment of the church, as they are not truly born again. They will reject healthy doctrine—truths such as the creation of the earth by God’s Word, marriage between a man and a woman, male and female roles, the inerrancy of God’s Word, holiness, etc.

Instead, they will heap up teachers who will teach them new things—giving them what they want instead of what they need. The NIV translates this, “they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (v. 3). These people in the church will turn from the truth to myths or fables (v. 4). This was true with ancient Israel. Jeremiah said, “The prophets prophesy lies. The priests exercise power by their own authority. And my people love to have it this way. But they will not be able to help you when the time of judgment comes!” (Jer 5:31). Certainly, this is happening today as well. We see it in many ways: radical feminists reject a God that is the Father; believers accept, embrace, and promote sexual immorality and homosexuality; prosperity gospel preachers teach that it is God’s will for all to be rich and healthy, and so on. The unredeemed church heaps up unredeemed preachers and unredeemed preaching to their demise.

Because this will be so common in the church, faithful preachers and preaching will be hard to find. As Amos described with Israel, there will be a famine of God’s Word in the land (Amos 8:11). He said, “People will stagger from sea to sea, and from the north around to the east. They will wander about looking for a revelation from the Lord, but they will not find any” (Amos 8:12). Therefore, faithful preaching is needed even more, and Timothy was to be a prophetic voice to a spiritually anemic community. It is the same for us.

Are you willing to faithfully proclaim God’s Word when so many reject it?

As a side application, this text also reminds us of our need to crave and desire sound doctrine. It is easy to fall into the crowd of those who enjoy having their ears ‘itched’. We still have a sin nature that dislikes being convicted of sin and challenged to do what is right. Often listening to biblical preaching is like taking our medicine; it doesn’t always taste good, and sometimes it is hard to enjoy. At those times, we must faithfully endure it as a discipline. As we faithfully endure it, God changes our lives, and we become more spiritually healthy.

Are you willing to faithfully teach healthy doctrine—knowing that many, if not most, will reject it? Are you faithfully cultivating a desire for God’s Word or are you succumbing to your sin nature that makes you apathetic and even antagonistic to God’s Word?

Application Question: In what ways have you seen or experienced the ‘itching of the ears’ and the ‘turning aside to myths’ in the church? How do you respond to biblical preaching? Do you enjoy it or struggle with it?

Preaching Should Be Performed with Perseverance

You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist’s work, fulfill your ministry.

2 Timothy 4:5

Observation Question: In 2 Timothy 4:5, what four commands does Paul give Timothy and what do they mean?

In light of the difficulties in the church, Timothy was called to be different. Paul says, “You, however.” Timothy must persevere in preaching God’s Word despite the antagonism in the church. This perseverance is detailed in four commands that Paul gives. Timothy must:

1. Be self-controlled in all things

“Be self-controlled” can also be translated “keep your head” or “be sober.” It means to be free of intoxicants.¹¹ When everybody else was spiritually intoxicated with false doctrine and sin, Timothy must keep his head. His mind must be saturated with God’s Word and balanced by it. Soberness also has the connotation of being aware and disciplined. Serving in a church saturated with false doctrines and false believers would bring many pains, and Timothy needed to be aware and ready for them. If he was not sober, he would be taken off guard by the criticisms and attacks. He might lose his spiritual equilibrium and be swallowed up in discouragement, pessimism, or anger. He needed to keep his head at all times. We also need to be sober.

2. Endure hardship

“Endure hardship” literally means “to suffer evil.”¹² Preaching the truth in a time when people reject it and turn to fables will bring various hardships. Timothy needed to faithfully endure them all. Earlier, Paul called Timothy to endure hardship like a good soldier of Christ (2 Tim 2:3). We must do the same. Faithfully preaching God’s Word will bring many victories but also many hardships.

3. Do an evangelist’s work

In the context, doing the work of an evangelist seems to refer not only to evangelizing the world but specifically the church, as many simply have a profession but no true faith (cf. 2 Tim 3:5). Christ warned of this reality. In the kingdom, there would be wheat and tares (Matt 13), good fish and bad fish (Matt 13), and sheep and goats (Matt 25). These members must continually be challenged to examine their faith and to make their calling and election sure (2 Cor 13:5, 2 Peter 1:10).

4. Fulfill your ministry

The word “fulfill” means “to bring to completion.”¹³ Paul wanted Timothy to one day be able to say, “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith,” even as Paul does later in the chapter (2 Tim 4:7). There would be many things that would make Timothy want to quit—fear, persecution, loneliness, a lack of appreciation, criticism, depression, exhaustion, etc. However, Timothy needed to persevere till the completion of his ministry, and we must do the same.

Kent Hughes shares the story of how Pastor Alistair Begg has taken verse 5 as an anchor verse in his ministry. He shares,

Late one afternoon Alistair Begg was meeting with a number of pastors, including myself. He wistfully quoted this very verse, then said, “I increasingly find that verse to be the anchor point for all of my days. I wake up on a Monday, and say, ‘well, what will I do now?’ Then I say, ‘Well, I think I’ll try to keep my head, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and discharge all the duties of my ministry.’ And when I am lifted up by a little encouragement, which sometimes comes, I say to myself, ‘Well, what shall I do?’ The answer is keep your head, endure hardship, and so on.”

He paused, then went on, “And when the waves beat on me and I feel just like running away to the hills somewhere, what should I do? ‘Well, Alistair, just keep your head, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and discharge all the duties of your ministry.’ ”

Then he concluded, “So, that’s a word in season for us to take away and think of.”¹⁴

If we are going to perform the ministry of preaching, we must persevere in it. There will be many times when we think about quitting. However, we must persevere by being self-controlled (especially mentally), enduring hardship, evangelizing, and completing our work.

As we consider this, it should remind us of our specific need to encourage our pastors and ministry leaders. In the US, statistics say over 1700 pastors leave the ministry every month because of burn-out, discouragement, moral failure, and other causes.¹⁵ We must build up our pastors by praying for them, encouraging them, and serving them in various ways. They are in strategic positions that Satan constantly attacks. They and their families need our constant support. Galatians 6:6 says, “Now the one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with the one who teaches it.”

How is God calling you to encourage and support your pastors and ministry leaders?

Application Question: Why is it so hard to persevere, specifically, in the ministry of preaching? What are some practical ways to support and encourage our preachers and teachers?

Conclusion

How should we perform the ministry of preaching?

Preaching Should Be Performed in View of Christ’s Return, Judgment, and Kingdom
Preaching Should Be Performed as a Herald of the King
Preaching Should Be Performed with Readiness and Urgency
Preaching Should Be Performed Practically
Preaching Should Be Performed Faithfully in Light of the Widespread Lack of Biblical Preaching
Preaching Should Be Performed with Perseverance

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 4:2). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.

² MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 167). Chicago: Moody Press.

³ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 169). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁴ Guzik, D. (2013). 2 Timothy (2 Ti 4:1). Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik.

⁵ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 253–254). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

⁶ Accessed 12/17/16, from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-19-preaching-and-hearing-god%E2%80%99s-word-2-timothy-41-5

⁷ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 254). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

⁸ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (pp. 174–175). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁹ Stott, J. R. W. (1973). Guard the Gospel the message of 2 Timothy (p. 107). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

¹⁰ Accessed 12/10/16, from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-19-preaching-and-hearing-god%E2%80%99s-word-2-timothy-41-5

¹¹ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 182). Chicago: Moody Press.

¹² MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 183). Chicago: Moody Press.

¹³ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 185). Chicago: Moody Press.

¹⁴ Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. (2000). 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (p. 248). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

¹⁵ Accessed 12/10/16, from http://www.pastoralcareinc.com/statistics/

12. The Successful Christian Life (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

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For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day—and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NET)

How can we have a successful Christian life? In 2 Timothy 4:6-8, we see some of Paul’s very last words. In them he says, “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!” Though he is in prison, awaiting his execution, he has no regrets. He faithfully completed the race that God set before him.

Anybody can start something, but very few can finish. When we look at the narratives of Scripture, many began well but didn’t finish well. Noah was a righteous man who saved himself and his family from the flood; however, the last we hear of him, he was drunk, naked, and being mocked by his son. Moses was supposed to enter the promised land; he had victoriously led Israel out of Egypt. But, he too doesn’t finish as he would have desired. He dies in the wilderness with the unfaithful Israelites.

It is not hard to become a Christian—we are called to believe and follow Christ. But it is hard to faithfully follow him to the end. It is hard to have a successful Christian life. Therefore, because of Paul’s success, he must be studied and modeled. In verse 6, Paul looks at his past with no regrets. In verse 7, he considers his present, and in verse 8, he considers his glorious future. From his Damascus conversion to his second Roman imprisonment and ultimate death, Paul faithfully finished the course before him. He shares this with Timothy to inspire him, and us, to do the same. As we consider Paul’s triumphant words at the end of his life, we learn seven principles about having a successful Christian life.

Big Question: What principles can we learn from 2 Timothy 4:6-8 about having a successful Christian life and finishing well?

To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Disciple Others

For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand.

2 Timothy 4:6

Observation Question: What does the “For” refer to in 2 Timothy 4:6, and what does it tell us about Paul’s death?

The word “For” points back to 2 Timothy 4:1-5, where Paul calls Timothy to preach the Word. He gives him several reasons to do this: First, Timothy was accountable to God and Christ who were watching and would one day judge him (v. 1). Secondly, Timothy should preach because there was an absence of biblical preaching in the church. Congregations didn’t want sound teaching and, therefore, heaped up teachers who itched their ears (v. 3-4). Finally, as seen in this passage, Timothy should preach the Word because Paul was about to depart. He was already being ‘poured out as an drink offering’ and was about to pass from the scene. Timothy needed to continue Paul’s faithful ministry of teaching God’s Word to the lost and the church.

This is true of every successful Christian life and successful ministry. The successful Christian life is a life of reproducing—making disciples for the kingdom. Often in business, ministry, or nationally, when there is a great leader, the business, ministry, or nation thrives. However, when that leader moves on, commonly that entity ceases to thrive. Success is not short-term; it is long term. Part of true success is preparing an entity to thrive long after the leader has moved on. Good leaders do this and so do spiritually successful Christians.

Christ’s ministry only lasted three years, but when he passed away, his twelve disciples continued his ministry and turned the world upside down. God called Moses to prepare Joshua, and Elijah to prepare Elisha. Paul prepared Timothy. Who are you preparing? Christ calls for every Christian to go and make disciples (Matt 28:18-20). In a sense, ultimate success is seen after a person passes away by the spiritual legacy left behind.

All Christians must do this: Parents must invest in raising godly children (Eph 6:4). Women must train other women (Titus 2:3-4), and men must train other men (2 Tim 2:2).

In 1 John 2:12-14, John speaks to spiritual children, young men, and fathers. These are stages of the Christian life—the pathway all of us should follow. Each person should progress to the mother or father stage where they are reproducing in their own image—passing down doctrines and helping people become more Christ-like. Like Paul, they are saying, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). Sadly, most never make it to the mother or father stage. They stay stunted in childhood where they constantly need to be corrected, fed, and cleaned, instead of serving others. In Hebrews 5:12, the author said to the Jewish Christians that they should have been teachers by now, but they needed to be retaught the fundamental doctrines. Sadly, that’s the state of most in the church. They are not ready to lead and teach; they remain in a state of relearning what they have lost.

To have a successful Christian life, we must disciple others. Who are you investing in? Who will continue your ministry after you depart?

Application Question: Who is your Paul—the person or persons who invest the most in your spiritual life? Who is your Timothy—the person or persons God has called you to train?

To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Live Sacrificially

For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand.

2 Timothy 4:6

The drink offering was the final stage of an offering to the Lord. In Numbers 15:1-10, the Jews were commanded to first give a burnt offering, then a grain offering, and finally a drink offering to the Lord.¹ Paul viewed his life as a continual sacrifice. In Romans 12:2, he commanded the Romans to offer themselves as living sacrifices unto God. For Paul, his death was the last stage of a life of sacrifice for the Lord and others. In fact, “time” in verse 6, does not refer to chronological time (chronos) but to seasons or epochs (kairos).² Paul may have lived for months after he writes these words. In fact, he asks for Timothy to bring him a jacket and books, while he waited (v. 9-22). Whereas in Paul’s first Roman imprisonment, he expected to be released (Phil 1:19, 25), in his last imprisonment, possibly through Spirit-given wisdom, he knew this was the final stage of his sacrifice. In fact, some think the pouring out like a drink offering was symbolic of the type of death Paul would suffer. Because he was a Roman citizen, he couldn’t be crucified. He would have his head chopped off, as tradition says occurred.³ Paul literally would be poured out as a sacrifice before the Lord.

The successful Christian life is a life of sacrifice; Christ said any one who came after him must take up his cross (Luke 14:27). The cross marks the life of a successful Christian in various ways.

Application Question: How can we live a life of sacrifice?

1. To live a life of sacrifice, we must live a life of worship.

In the Old Testament, sacrifice was one of the ways people worshiped God. By comparing his life with OT offerings, Paul implied that his life (and his death) were a continual worship to the Lord. It must be the same for us. First Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” Our eating, drinking, and everything else must be done for the glory of God.

We do this by giving God thanks in everything and seeking to honor him through it. When Job suffered by losing his wealth and family members, he cried out, “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. May the name of the Lord be blessed!” (Job 1:21). Sadly, many only worship God when times are good, but when times are bad, they get mad at God or turn their backs on him. A sacrificial life is a life of worship, at all times and in all things.

Is your life a worship offering to the Lord?

2. To live a life of sacrifice, we must willingly pay the cost.

In Philippians 3:7-8, Paul said:

But these assets I have come to regard as liabilities because of Christ. More than that, I now regard all things as liabilities compared to the far greater value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things—indeed, I regard them as dung!—that I may gain Christ,

When Paul mentioned assets and liabilities, he used accounting terminology. In following God, everything that he previously considered an asset, he now considered a liability to know Christ more. No doubt, Paul lost family and friends, his esteemed career as a top Pharisee, and health, as he was often beaten and left hungry. However, everything he lost was worth it to know Christ. He was willing to pay the cost.

Part of the theology of the OT sacrifices was that people had to always give their best—their best lamb or crop. God wouldn’t accept anything that wasn’t the best. In Malachi 1, God rebukes the Israelites because they brought him the blind and lame instead of their best. Many Christians do the same—there is no cost to their devotion. If it means getting up early to read the Word, go to church, or serve the church, they want nothing of it. There is no cost. They give God their scraps; work, family, friends, and hobbies get much better than God. And no doubt, their offerings are often rejected. God rejected Cain’s offering because he gave only some of his crop. He received Abel’s because he gave the fat-portions of his sacrifice—the best part (Gen 4).

The successful Christian life is marked by sacrificial worship. How is God calling you to sacrifice to serve him and others?

Application Question: What are some common costs to following Christ? Are there any ways you feel God is calling you to give him your best and not your scraps?

To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Properly View Death and Eternity

For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand.

2 Timothy 4:6

One cannot live a successful Christian life without a proper view of death and eternity. This is important because how you view the end affects how you live daily. If a person has no heavenly hope, they will undoubtedly live for this world. Consider what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:32: “…If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” He essentially says, “If there is no resurrection, let’s live for pleasure here on earth.” Our view of death and eternity affects how we live today, whether we realize it or not. If heaven and eternity are not better than this current existence, we’ll live for now, instead of for the future.

We can discern Paul’s view of death and eternity from the word “depart” in verse 6. It literally means “uploosing.”⁴ It is a very vivid word picture that says something about how we should view death and eternity.

Interpretation Question: What images does the Greek word for “depart” invoke? What does this say about how we should view eternity?

Depart was used of unloosing a ship. For Paul, life was like being anchored to the shore, but death was like sailing into a great adventure. If we enjoy this present life, how much more will we enjoy eternity?
Depart was used of taking up one’s tent. In 2 Corinthians 5:1-8, Paul compares the body to a tent and the eternal body to a permanent abode. In this present life, we dwell in frail bodies that age and encounter sickness and infirmity. But in eternity, our glorified bodies will never get sick, age, or die. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul compares the present body to a seed and the eternal body to a tree. That’s the difference in the glory between the present and eternal body. Death means the reception of our eternal home.
Depart was used of unyoking cattle. For Paul, life was sweat and labor for God. But death meant rest. Revelation 14:13 says, “Write this: ‘Blessed are the dead, those who die in the Lord from this moment on!’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘so they can rest from their hard work, because their deeds will follow them.’” Eternity will be heavenly rest. This doesn’t mean that we won’t work, because we will—we will use our gifts to rule with and serve the Lord. However, that work will be eternal joy and rest.
Depart was used of setting a prisoner free. Though Paul was about to be executed in prison, he didn’t see it as punishment but a release into eternity. Here on earth, he was a prisoner, but in eternity, he would be free. On earth, he was hindered from full fellowship with God and others and also from holiness, but in eternity, he was free to truly worship and know God, to know others, and to walk without sin. To die was to be released.
Depart was used of a solution to a problem. For Paul, this present life was a problem. He struggled with the effects of sin—his own and others. But to die was the solution. It meant to be set free from sin and to be like God.

Paul used the same word in Philippians 1:23, when facing the possibility of death or continuing to live during his first imprisonment. He said, “I feel torn between the two, because I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far.” This is the problem with many Christians, which keeps them from living a successful Christian life: to them eternity and heaven is not far better than the present life. Therefore, they live for wealth, promotion, and earthly security, and give up spiritual opportunities. Some in seeking to gain the world, ultimately forfeit their souls. Others, instead of being great in the kingdom of God, will be least in the kingdom (Matt 5:19)—they will lose all opportunity for spiritual reward. If eternity is not far better for them, they will never be able to say like Paul “living is Christ and dying is gain” (Phil 1:21)—it is better by far.

Kent Hughes said this about departing to be with Christ:

Those who have departed to be with Christ are far better off. Though you have lived seventy-five years, it is better to be with Christ. Though you are the richest man in town, life in Heaven with Christ is far better. Though you are brilliant, it is far better. If you have lived only five years, it is better to be above with Christ. Though you have the greatest gifts for ministry, it is far better. The “far better” dominated Paul’s thoughts, as it should ours. Here was a man who looked imminent death in the face and saw the stars.⁵

Is departing far better? If not, one won’t live a successful Christian life. Instead of dying triumphantly like Paul, a person will die with many regrets: they should have evangelized, served God more, discipled others, gone on missions, trained their family, etc. At death, they will be full of regrets. How do you view death and eternity? Your view of the end always affects how you live today.

Application Question: Which word picture of death and eternity stood out most to you and why?

To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Constantly Battle

I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!

2 Timothy 4:7a

Paul saw the Christian life as a spiritual struggle; he said he had “competed well,” or it can also be translated “fought the good fight.” The Greek word for “fight” is related to the Greek noun “agon.” It’s the source of our English word “agonizing” and “agony.” The word was commonly used for athletic contests like wrestling or a race.⁶ They involved great effort and energy. When Paul looked at his Christian life, he saw a continual war that he had engaged in since the day of his salvation.

Interpretation Question: What are aspects of the spiritual war that all Christians are engaged in?

1. This spiritual war includes fighting against our flesh.

First Peter 2:11 says, “to keep away from fleshly desires that do battle against the soul.” Believers are in a constant fight against their lust, anger, pride, and even spiritual apathy. They have to fight to read God’s Word and pray because their flesh doesn’t desire the things of God. They have to fight against their desire to sin, as their unredeemed nature loves it. In Galatians 5, Paul said that our flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit lusts against the flesh, so that we don’t do what we want (v. 17-18). In Romans 7, Paul said that the things that he wanted to do, he didn’t, and the things that he wouldn’t do, he did. This is the battle of every successful Christian. Success doesn’t mean that they wholly conquer these sins, though they will gain a measure of victory. It means that even when they fall, they won’t stay down. They keep fighting. Proverbs 24:16 says the righteous fall down seven times and get back up. That was Paul’s life; over the course of it, he didn’t give in and quit. He continued to fight against his flesh in order to be holy. And this is what successful Christians do, they continue to fight; whereas, worldly Christians don’t fight—they are led by their flesh and enjoy it.

Are you fighting against your flesh or being led by it?

2. This spiritual war includes fighting against the world.

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The world is a system run by the devil that seeks to press everybody into the same mold. It teaches us what is beautiful, successful, acceptable, and moral. It is a system apart from God and meant to draw people further away from him and his will. The believer fights to transform his thinking about what is beautiful, successful, acceptable, and moral. The successful Christian is always testing his thoughts, what he reads, watches, and listens to against Scripture in order to not look like the world, but like God.

Are you fighting against the world and its system or being conformed to it?

3. This spiritual war includes fighting against demons and principalities.

Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” The evil one and his demons seek to tempt, distract, persecute, and destroy Christians. They do this primarily through utilizing our flesh and the world. Job lost his family, fortune, wealth, health, and peace, and it was all rooted in spiritual warfare. This was the same fight Paul was engaged in. In 2 Corinthians 2:11, he said, “so that we may not be exploited by Satan (for we are not ignorant of his schemes).” Paul was keenly aware of his enemy, and we must be as well, lest he outwit us.

Are you aware of the enemy’s schemes? Do you know he has assigned demons to destroy you? Are you fighting by putting on God’s armor—a righteous life—and walking in his power through an abiding relationship with him (Eph 6:11-12)? James 4:7 says, “So submit to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

When Paul looked at his life, he saw a continual fight. He fought against his flesh, the world, and Satan. William Hendriksen shares this about Paul’s fight:

It had been a fight against Satan; against the principalities and powers, the world rulers of this darkness in the heaven lies; against Jewish and pagan vice and violence; against Judaism among the Galatians; against fanaticism among the Thessalonians; against contention, fornication, and litigation among the Corinthians; against incipient Gnosticism among the Ephesians and Colossians; against fightings without and fears within; and last but not least, against the law of sin and death operating within his own heart.⁷

This is a noble fight that we must engage in until we go to heaven or Christ returns. On the cross, the war was won, but the battles must be fought until the end. At the end of your life, will you be able to say, “I have fought and struggled for Christ and his kingdom!”

Application Question: In what way(s) do you feel especially engaged in this war or attacked from it?

To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Endure to the End

I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!

2 Timothy 4:7

Paul said he had “finished the race.” Obviously, this race wasn’t a sprint but a marathon. For Paul, it took over thirty years to run it—from the time of his Damascus conversion to his death in Rome. The word “race” can also be translated “race course.”⁸ Paul had a specific path to run. On the day that Christ saved Paul, the Lord told him about some of the obstacles he would face. He would experience many persecutions while reaching the Gentiles for Christ (Acts 9).

All of us have our own race. Hebrews 12:1 says, “run with endurance the race set out for us.” Some have windy races; some have straight ones; some have hilly races with great highs and lows in life. Some have short races and others have long races: the apostle John lived to an old age while the other apostles died earlier than him. Whatever our race, we must endure it to the end and not quit. We all know Christians that were at one-time faithful to God, but now have turned away, quit following him, or are at least temporarily living in rebellion. How can we faithfully finish the race?

Application Question: How can we faithfully win the race according to Hebrews 12:1-3?

Hebrews 12:1-3 provides some secrets about faithfully finishing our race. It says:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up.

1. To faithfully finish our race, we must take encouragement from other godly saints.

By using “Therefore”, the author of Hebrews points the Jewish Christians, who were being tempted to give up on the faith and return to Judaism, to Chapter 11, where Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, and other heroes of the faith are referenced. By looking at their brief biographies, the Jewish Christians would gain hope to continue. Likewise, we must drink deeply from the stories of biblical heroes so that we can faithfully run our race. However, we must not only look at biblical heroes, but faithful Christians around us (cf. Phil 3:17). Their examples will help us run our race to the end.

2. To faithfully finish our race, we must get rid of all hindrances.

The author of Hebrews says, “we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely” (v. 1). “Every weight” is separated and distinguished from “sin”—meaning that they’re two different things. “Every weight” could be things that are not bad in themselves and even good things that keep us from being faithful to our Lord. It could include entertainment, career, hobbies, and relationships that instead of helping us grow, slow us down or distract us. We must be brutal with getting rid of all hindrances, including sin that easily entangles us.

3. To faithfully finish our race, we must focus on Christ.

The author of Hebrews calls for the Jewish Christians to fix their eyes on Jesus so that they would not grow weary and lose heart (v. 2-3). Often in my race, I feel like quitting. Sometimes I wonder how I will make it to the end and complete the ministry God has given me. Ministry is hard and very discouraging at times. When I feel that way, I often notice that I have taken my eyes off Christ and that I’m focusing on the storms of ministry instead of the One who called me to it—Jesus. That is the primary secret to persevering in our varied races. We must remember that Christ chose our race—he is the pioneer (or author) of our faith, and he is the perfecter of our faith—he will help us endure to the end. We must focus on him, lest we lose heart.

Have you lost heart? Do you feel like giving up? Put your eyes back on your Savior by worshiping and spending time with him—he will carry you through.

Application Question: Have you experienced times where you felt like giving up on the faith or the ministry God called you to? How do you keep your spiritual equilibrium so you can continue the race?

To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Faithfully Steward God’s Word

I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!

2 Timothy 4:7

Interpretation Question: What does the fact that Paul “kept the faith” mean?

At the end of Paul’s life, he saw himself as a faithful steward of the faith. In the original Greek, there is an article before “faith,” just as there is in the English. This indicates that “faith” is probably not referring to “trust in God” but the doctrines of “the faith.” The phrase “have kept” is one word in the Greek; it means “watching over, heeding, or preserving.”⁹ This was one of Paul’s primary focuses, as seen throughout his writings. Consider the following passages:

One should think about us this way—as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now what is sought in stewards is that one be found faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2

Protect that good thing entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.

2 Timothy 1:14

O Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you. Avoid the profane chatter and absurdities of so-called “knowledge.”

1 Timothy 6:20

Paul did just that; his letters are full of correcting false doctrine. His narrative shows him passing the Word of God on to others who would then guard it. He was a faithful steward of God’s Word, and we must be as well.

Application Question: How can believers keep the faith that has been entrusted to them?

1. Believers keep the faith by treasuring it.

Job 23:12 says, “I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my allotted portion.” The reason most Christians don’t read, study, or teach the Word of God is simply because they don’t treasure it. They treasure other things over the Word of God—entertainment, social media, education, work, friends, etc. If we are going to guard something, we must first treasure it.

John MacArthur shares a powerful story which demonstrates our need to treasure God’s Word:

A beautiful and touching story is told of a young French girl who had been born blind. After she learned to read by touch, a friend gave her a Braille copy of Mark’s gospel. She read it so much that her fingers became calloused and insensitive. In an effort to regain her feeling, she cut the skin from the ends of her fingers. Tragically, however, her callouses were replaced by permanent and even more insensitive scars. She sobbingly gave the book a good-bye kiss, saying, “Farewell, farewell, sweet word of my heavenly Father.” In doing so, she discovered that her lips were even more sensitive than her fingers had been, and she spent the rest of her life reading her great treasure with her lips. Would that every Christian had such an appetite for the Word of God!¹⁰

Do you treasure God’s Word?

2. Believers keep the faith by believing it.

This should go without saying, but many Christians don’t believe the Word (cf. John 3:32-33). They don’t believe what it says about creation, gender-roles, abortion, homosexuality, or a host of other topics. If we don’t believe the Word, then we can’t guard it.

3. Believers keep the faith by obeying it.

As mentioned, the word “kept” can mean to heed or obey. If we don’t obey the Word, we push people away from what we profess. We scatter instead of gathering people to Christ (Lk 11:23). Are you obeying God’s Word?

4. Believers keep the faith by studying it.

If we don’t know what it teaches, it cannot be guarded. In the KJV, 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to show thyself approved…” God approves those who study and meditate on his Word. He blesses them and makes them like trees which bear fruit in season and prosper in everything (Psalm 1:2-3).

Do you faithfully study God’s Word?

5. Believers keep the faith by passing it on to others.

Second Timothy 2:2 says, “And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well.” In this passage, we see four generations of Christians: Paul, Timothy, reliable people, and others. The faith is always just one generation away from being lost. If we don’t teach it to others, then we are not guarding the faith; in fact, we contribute to it being lost.

Are you passing God’s Word on to others?

6. Believers keep the faith by contending for it against false teaching.

Jude 1:3 says, “Dear friends, although I have been eager to write to you about our common salvation, I now feel compelled instead to write to encourage you to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” Satan has attacked and twisted God’s Word since the beginning in the Garden of Eden, and he still seeks to do so. He denies the inerrancy of Scripture—teaching others that it is full of errors and not to be trusted. He teaches that faith alone cannot save someone—they need baptism, giving, or other good works.

Believers guard the truth by confronting the lies of Satan and delivering others from them. Paul declared that anyone who proclaimed another gospel was accursed (Gal 1:8). He did not compromise like so many today who guard nothing, as they declare tolerance or unity—opening the door for the enemy.

Are you keeping the Word of God? In order to have a successful Christian life, we must faithfully steward God’s Word and pass it on, untainted, to the next generation.

Application Question: In which way do you feel God is challenging you most to keep the faith?

To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Seek God’s Approval

Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day—and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:8

Interpretation Question: What is Paul referring to when he says he will receive “the crown of righteousness”?

Paul anticipates being rewarded by God with a crown of righteousness. There is some controversy over this crown because grammatically, it can be taken as genitive of source—meaning that the crown is received as a reward for Paul’s righteousness—or as a genitive of apposition—meaning that righteousness itself is the crown that Paul would receive.¹¹ Both are linguistically correct. In the first interpretation, only some believers will receive this crown—those who have lived especially righteous lives. In the second view, everyone will receive this crown since the crown is righteousness. When we were saved, Christ gave us his righteousness, and when we get to heaven, he will crown us with complete righteousness. We will no longer struggle with sin.

What are supports for these two views?

1. In support of the first view, proponents argue that the word used for “crown” is not a royal crown but a victor’s crown (stephanos). It was a wreath given to victors of athletic contests or battles.¹² Not everybody received this crown—only the winners did. In addition, Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:24 to “but only one receives the prize? So run to win.”—referring to an imperishable crown. It seems that this imperishable crown was something earned. This doesn’t seem to fit with the view that everybody receives this crown because of Christ’s completed work, with no effort of our own.

Throughout Scripture the reality of rewards is constantly emphasized. In Matthew 6:19, Christ called his disciples to store up riches in heaven and not on earth. Earlier in chapter 6, he warns them not to do righteous deeds like giving, praying, and fasting with the wrong motives because they would lose their rewards. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 3, Paul talks about how on the day of Christ’s judgment every believer’s works will be judged—some will receive reward and others loss of reward. In fact, in Matthew 5:19, Christ says those who obey God’s laws and teach others will be called great in the kingdom of heaven; while those who disobey God’s laws and teach others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.

Reward is the culmination of the righteous life; it is God’s approval on a believer’s life where God says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Whether the crown of righteousness is a reward for a righteous life or not, Scripture teaches that believers will be rewarded for their good works and others will experience loss of reward. Salvation is a free gift, but rewards will be given to believers based on how they live—the crown of righteousness may be one of those rewards.

2. In support of the second view, proponents argue that because Paul says that “all who have set their affection on his appearing” will receive this crown, it seems to refer to all believers, for they all long for Christ’s appearing. In opposition with this view, it could be argued that not all believers will long for Christ’s appearing in the same way, if at all. Since Scripture calls some Christians worldly, as Paul did with the Corinthians (1 Cor 3:1), and also says that some will experience loss of reward—getting into heaven as though escaping through fire (1 Cor 3:15)—it seems clear that those who live worldly lives will not long for Christ’s coming, as they should. Because they are not walking with God, they may even fear it, even as disobedient children fear the return of their parents.

Either way, Paul, no doubt, took comfort from the fact that though he would be condemned by the evil dignitaries in Rome, he would be rightly judged by Christ. The “day” of Christ’s righteous judgment was a constant focus of Paul’s. In 2 Corinthians 5:9-10, he said:

So then whether we are alive or away, we make it our ambition to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil.

This ultimate judgment of the Lord should always be on our mind. “Will my actions please God? Will my thoughts and words honor my Lord?” No doubt, since Paul’s heart desire was to please God and be honored by him, God’s Spirit miraculously affirmed that reality in Paul’s heart. As he awaited execution, he knew God would ultimately reward him. Let us live lives that God will ultimately reward—lives where we’ll hear, “Well done, well done, my good and faithful servant!” And like the twenty-four elders in Revelation 4, we will cast our crowns and rewards before the Lord, for all our honors are a result of his saving and sanctifying grace (v. 10).

Application Question: Which view do you lean towards and why? Do spiritual rewards motivate you? Why or why not?

Conclusion

How can we have a successful Christian life? Paul’s triumphant declaration at the end of his life gives us principles about how to finish our individual races well.

To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Disciple Others
To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Live Sacrificially
To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Properly View Death and Eternity
To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Constantly Battle
To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Endure to the End
To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Faithfully Steward God’s Word
To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Seek God’s Approval

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. 188). Chicago: Moody Press.

² MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 189). Chicago: Moody Press.

³ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 188). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁴ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2125). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

⁵ Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. (2000). 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (p. 251). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

⁶ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 191). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁷ New Testament Commentary: Expositions of the Pastoral Epistles [Grand Rapids: Baker, 1965

⁸ Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. (2000). 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (pp. 252–253). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

⁹ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 196). Chicago: Moody Press.

¹⁰ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 196). Chicago: Moody Press.

¹¹ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 199). Chicago: Moody Press.

¹² MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 198). Chicago: Moody Press.

13. Facing Winter Seasons (2 Timothy 4:9-22)

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Make every effort to come to me soon. For Demas deserted me, since he loved the present age, and he went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is a great help to me in ministry. Now I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring with you the cloak I left in Troas with Carpas and the scrolls, especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him in keeping with his deeds. You be on guard against him too, because he vehemently opposed our words. At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me—may they not be held accountable for it. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion’s mouth! The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever! Amen. Greetings to Prisca and Aquila and the family of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed in Corinth. Trophimus I left ill in Miletus. Make every effort to come before winter. Greetings to you from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

2 Timothy 4:9-22 (NET)

How should we face winter seasons—times of hardship and difficulty? In this text, Paul was in a Roman prison awaiting an imminent death sentence. He calls for Timothy to do his best to come before winter. Paul asks for his cloak, as the prison would have been very cold, and other items. But more importantly, he wanted to see Timothy before he died.

We all experience winter seasons—times of difficulty, and eventually death—even as Paul did. Second Timothy 4:9-22 is Paul’s last written words before he was beheaded. In these final words, we learn six principles about faithfully facing our winter seasons—our times of trial.

Big Question: What can we learn from 2 Timothy 4:9-22 about facing winter seasons—various trials in life including death?

When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Seek the Help of Godly Saints

2 Timothy 4:9-12, 19-21

Throughout Paul’s letters and the book of Acts, there are at least 100 different names listed as a part of Paul’s circle of friends and co-workers.¹ Paul was no lone ranger; he knew he couldn’t complete the task the Lord gave him alone. This was especially true as he faced his final hours. He asks Timothy to come before winter, as travel would have been difficult at that time, if not impossible. He asks for him to bring a cloak and books (v. 21). He also asked for him to bring Mark (v. 11). In his final hours, he sought the help of his beloved friends.

This was similar to Christ’s final hours. Before Christ went to the cross, he approached his inner circle of Peter, James, and John—asking if they would pray with him for an hour. In the same way, when facing various trials, we must seek the help of brothers and sisters. This may include asking for prayer, counsel, or practical things like money.

Sadly, many are not prepared for the winters of life simply because they have not developed relationships with the Body of Christ and/or are not willing to ask for help. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:21, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I do not need you,’” Yet, many do this, and consequently, impoverish themselves. Instead of seeking help, individuals and families often try to brave the winters on their own—without God’s provisions through the body of Christ.

Solomon said this about the importance of friends and their support:

Two people are better than one, because they can reap more benefit from their labor. For if they fall, one will help his companion up, but pity the person who falls down and has no one to help him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together, they can keep each other warm, but how can one person keep warm by himself? Although an assailant may overpower one person, two can withstand him. Moreover, a three-stranded cord is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Essentially, the wise king said that it’s incredulous to try to walk this life alone—there are too many unforeseen trials. What will one do when he falls and is all alone? What will one do if he lacks the resources to stay warm? What will one do if attacked by others? When Paul faced his winter season, he had Luke beside him, and he also sent for Timothy and Mark.

Who is your Luke, Timothy, and Mark? Who are those that you call upon in times of trouble? Who do you seek for prayer and counsel? James 5:16 commands us to confess our sins to one another and pray for one another so that we may be healed. If we are going to be prepared for the winter, we must surround ourselves with godly brothers and sisters, and be willing to humbly ask them for help.

Application Question: Why is it so hard for many to ask for help in times of hardship? Who do you ask for help in times of trouble?

When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Continue Ministering to Others

Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is a great help to me in ministry. Now I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus

2 Timothy 4:11-12

When Paul requests Mark, the reason he gave was that Mark would be of great help to him in ministry (v. 12). This is surprising for several reasons: First, Paul and Barnabas had once fought over Mark, as Paul didn’t want to take him on their second missionary journey (Acts 15). Mark had left them during the first journey, and therefore, Paul didn’t want to take the risk. However, now, Mark is helpful to him. This reminds us that no matter how many times we fall or fail, God can still use us and others. Mark not only returned to the ministry but also wrote the Gospel of Mark. It seems he became an intimate disciple of not only Paul and Barnabas, but also Peter. In 1 Peter 5:13, Peter calls him his son. Previously, Peter also abandoned his mentor, Christ, in his most difficult hour. No doubt, Peter could relate well with and empathize with Mark. He also saw Mark’s great potential, even as Christ saw Peter’s.

But secondly, this request stands out simply because Paul is focused on “ministry” only months before his death. If there was ever a time to focus on himself, certainly, it was in this hour, as he awaited his execution. It’s normal to be self-consumed when we go through winter seasons. We say, either to others or just to ourselves, “This is a time where I just need to focus on me. This is a time where I need to be selfish!” However, that is not how Paul was, and it certainly wasn’t how Christ was. Philippians 2:3-5 says:

Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had,

We must have the mindset of Christ by considering others above ourselves, even as Paul did. In his winter season, Paul did not become self-consumed, he continued doing ministry. In fact, when he had his preliminary hearing, Paul’s focus was still on preaching the gospel. In verse 17, he said, “But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear...” At his hearing, he boldly declared the gospel to all the Gentiles listening, including the magistrates and possibly Nero.

In our winter seasons, we must continue to minister to others, and at times, even increase it. Now, this is not denying that we need seasons of rest and recovery. But our rest and recovery is so that we can minister again, and more effectively. Sometimes, ministry is the exact thing a person needs, when going through a hard time. Consider these promises: Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says, “…whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Matthew 5:7 says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Isaiah 58:6-12 promises tremendous blessings to those who minister to others:

No, this is the kind of fast I want. I want you to remove the sinful chains, to tear away the ropes of the burdensome yoke, to set free the oppressed, and to break every burdensome yoke. I want you to share your food with the hungry and to provide shelter for homeless, oppressed people. When you see someone naked, clothe him! Don’t turn your back on your own flesh and blood! Then your light will shine like the sunrise; your restoration will quickly arrive; your godly behavior will go before you, and the Lord’s splendor will be your rear guard. Then you will call out, and the Lord will respond; you will cry out, and he will reply, ‘Here I am.’ You must remove the burdensome yoke from among you and stop pointing fingers and speaking sinfully. You must actively help the hungry and feed the oppressed. Then your light will dispel the darkness, and your darkness will be transformed into noonday. The Lord will continually lead you; he will feed you even in parched regions. He will give you renewed strength, and you will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring that continually produces water. Your perpetual ruins will be rebuilt; you will reestablish the ancient foundations. You will be called, ‘The one who repairs broken walls, the one who makes the streets inhabitable again.’

For those who spend themselves in ministering, God promises direction, healing, righteousness, protection, answered prayer, provision, and an even more effective ministry. This passage describes Paul. He was a repairer of broken walls and one who makes streets inhabitable again.

When we serve others, God pours grace all over our lives. He makes even our winters a season of harvest. Are you ministering to others, even when things are difficult? Often by becoming self-consumed, we make our winter seasons colder. Sometimes we isolate ourselves and replay our problems over and over—making them bigger in our minds and causing greater discouragement and depression. Often, ministering to others is exactly what we need, even if all we can offer is prayer. In Paul’s first imprisonment, the gospel advanced, as the Roman guards and Caesar’s household heard the good news through him (Phil 1:12-13, 4:22). The same thing happened in his second imprisonment, as he continued his ministry.

Like Paul, are you ministering to others in your winter seasons? Or have you become self-consumed?

Application Question: Why is it so important to serve others when going through difficult seasons? What are some of the benefits and how have you experienced them?

When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Abide in God’s Word

When you come, bring with you the cloak I left in Troas with Carpas and the scrolls, especially the parchments.

2 Timothy 4:13

Interpretation Question: What were the cloak, scrolls, and parchments?

Paul not only asked Timothy to come to Rome but also for him to bring a cloak, scrolls, and parchments. Since these items were expensive and it would be strange for Paul to leave them of his own volition, many believe Paul was arrested in Troas. The cloak was “‘an outer garment of heavy material, circular in shape with a hole in the middle for the head.’”² It was often used not only as a jacket but also as a blanket. We don’t know for sure what the scrolls and parchments were. Many believe the parchments were Old Testament manuscripts and the scrolls were possibly the Gospels.³ Even while Paul was waiting to die, he wanted to continue studying God’s Word. Charles Spurgeon used this passage to rebuke pastors who preached but neglected study. He said this of Paul:

He is inspired, and yet he wants books! He has been preaching at least for thirty years, and yet he wants books! He had seen the Lord, and yet he wants books! He had had a wider experience than most men, and yet he wants books! He had written the major part of the New Testament, and yet he wants books!⁴

In fact, Paul was probably meditating on Scripture when he wrote this final section of 2 Timothy. Some scholars have noted how verses 16-18 are similar to Psalm 22—the very Psalm Christ quoted while on the cross (Matt 27:46). Lock, a commentator, notes how there are nine verbal similarities between the texts.⁵ Consider Kent Hughes’ comments:

There is something else remarkable here, in that Paul’s reference to the lion’s mouth is substantial evidence that as he faced death on this occasion he was meditating on Psalm 22, the same Psalm that occupied Jesus at his death. The text here resounds with allusions to Psalm 22: 1) Verse 16, “everyone deserted me,” alludes to Psalm 22:1, “why have you forsaken me?” 2) Verse 16, “no one came to my support,” references Psalm 22:11, “there is no one to help.” 3) Verse 17, “I was delivered from the lion’s mouth,” alludes to Psalm 22:21, “Rescue me from the mouth of the lions.” 4) Verse 17, “and all the Gentiles might hear it,” is similar to Psalm 22:27, “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord.” 5) Verse 18, “and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom,” echoes Psalm 22:28, “dominion belongs to the Lord.” The old apostle was filled with the Word so that he was like a lion—confident and regal.⁶

To the very end, Paul was seeking to be like his Lord. In Philippians 3:10-11, Paul shared how he wanted to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, have fellowship with his suffering, die like him and be resurrected like him. Like Christ, Paul probably meditated on and quoted Psalm 22 before his death.

Similarly, when we encounter winter seasons, we must sink our roots deep into God’s Word. Instead of allowing complaints and curses to come from our mouths, Scripture must flow from them. Charles Spurgeon said that the believer must meditate on the Word of God so much that his blood becomes ‘Bibline’. If someone were to cut him, Scripture should flow out. We see this in Christ’s words on the cross when he cries out words from Psalms: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Psalm 22:1) and “Into your hand I entrust my life” (Psalm 31:5). Paul seems to do the same.

Meditating on God’s Word brings tremendous benefits, especially when we are struggling. Psalm 19:7-8 says,

The law of the Lord is perfect and preserves one’s life. The rules set down by the Lord are reliable and impart wisdom to the inexperienced.

The Lord’s precepts are fair and make one joyful. The Lord’s commands are pure and give insight for life.

Meditating on Scripture refreshes us, gives us wisdom, makes us joyful, and gives us guidance. When we don’t meditate on God’s Word, we find ourselves burnt out, lost, angry, and short-sighted. When Job was in his winter season, he also drank deeply from Scripture. He said that he loved God’s Word more than his daily bread (Job 23:12).

Are you meditating on Scripture during your winter seasons? Are you being like Paul, Christ, and Job?

Application Question: In what ways have you experienced God’s grace in winter seasons by living in God’s Word? In what ways have you experienced lack by not meditating on it?

When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Offer Grace to Those Who Fail Us

For Demas deserted me, since he loved the present age, and he went to Thessalonica… Alexander the coppersmith did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him in keeping with his deeds. You be on guard against him too, because he vehemently opposed our words. At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me—may they not be held accountable for it.

2 Timothy 4:10, 14-16

Observation Question: What people harmed or disappointed Paul while he was on trial in Rome?

During Paul’s winter season, many failed him. Demas, who previously was a faithful co-worker (Philemon 24, Col 4:14), deserted Paul, because he loved this present world (v. 10). Associating with Paul could have led to his imprisonment and death; therefore, Demas chose worldly comfort and security instead of the cross of Christ. We don’t know if he turned fully away from Christ, although it’s possible. First John 2:15 says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” This is an assurance of salvation text, as 1 John was written to provide tests of salvation (1 John 5:13).

We don’t know for sure who Alexander the metalworker was. Some have speculated that it might have been a maker of idols who lost business, as people converted to Christ (cf. Acts 19:23-41). But he was possibly the same Alexander mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20. Paul talked about how Alexander had shipwrecked his faith by not holding on to sound doctrine and not keeping a clean conscience. If this was the same man, he was probably a former elder in the Ephesian church who became a false teacher (cf. Acts 20:29-30).

How did Alexander harm Paul? When Paul says, “Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm,” it can also be translated “Alexander the coppersmith charged me with much evil” (v. 14).⁷ This expression may refer to an actual courtroom setting and legal charges. In Roman courts, there were two hearings: the first was where the charges were established, and the second was where the verdict was handed down.⁸ In the preliminary hearing, Alexander probably heaped up false charges against Paul—calling him an insurrectionist and an enemy of Nero (just like the Pharisees did with Christ). Alexander also strongly opposed the gospel—possibly declaring that it was antagonistic to Judaism and the pluralistic religions of Rome, where Nero was a god amongst many gods. Paul’s response to Alexander’s crime was, “The Lord will repay him in keeping with his deeds” (v.14). Some versions say, “May the Lord repay” (Young’s Literal) or “Lord reward him” (KJV). However, these are poor translations. Paul did not call a curse down on him but simply stated a fact: God will ultimately bring justice.

Not only was Paul hurt by Demas and Alexander—both probably previous co-workers—but he was also hurt by the Roman Christians who failed to support him at his hearing. No one defended him by declaring that the charges were untrue. Luke and Tychicus probably had not reached Rome yet. Many believers had migrated from Rome because of the widespread persecution, and those that remained were intimidated by the potential consequences of associating with Paul. Similar to Christ’s trial, false witnesses lied about Paul, and his friends were nowhere to be found.

When facing winters of the soul, we must be aware that many might fail us as well. Sometimes our closest friends will walk out on us. Others won’t reach out, maybe, because they’re afraid and don’t know what to say. At times, people might hurt us by talking behind our back or to our face. However, the failures manifest, we can be sure that they will, at times, happen. People are frail and prone to sin, just as we are.

Application Question: How should we respond when others hurt us, as modeled by Paul?

When hurt by others, we must let God fight our battles. Again, when Paul recounts Alexander’s damaging actions, he merely states, “The Lord will repay him,” (v. 14). Similarly, Romans 12:19 says, “Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” We must trust God to fight our battles—we shouldn’t try to take revenge or get even. Judgment is coming, and God will do what is just.
When hurt by others, we must bless them. At the Roman Christians’ failure, Paul simply said, “May they not be held accountable for it” (v. 16). He blessed them—asking God to forgive them, even as Christ did when others failed him (Lk 23:34). Scripture calls us to do the same. Romans 12:20-21 says, “‘Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

We must overcome evil with good by entrusting our battle to the Lord and blessing those who curse us. If we instead respond with evil, we do so to our own peril. God will also be just, when he considers our response to wrongs against us. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry and don’t sin” (NKJV). We can be righteously angry over sins committed against us and others and allow that righteous anger to lead us into sin. One such sin is unforgiveness. Christ said if we don’t forgive others, God won’t forgive us (Matt 6:15). Also, he taught that God would hand us over to torturers for withholding forgiveness—referring to God’s discipline (Matt 18:35, cf. 1 Cor 5:5). When referring to sin, in general, David said if we cherish iniquity in our hearts, the Lord will not hear us (Ps 66:18). Responding in a wrong or vengeful way to others’ failures may hurt them, but it often hurts us more.

Sadly, many leave winter seasons with emotional baggage and strongholds—bitterness, unforgiveness, and even addictions—therefore, missing God’s best. However, if we respond correctly to the failure of others like Paul and Jesus, God will bless us. He will use our winter seasons to mature us and give us a greater ministry (cf. 2 Cor 1:3-7, Rom 5:3-5, James 1:2-4).

Are you blessing those who failed you? Or are you withholding forgiveness—bringing God’s discipline upon your life?

Application Question: How have you experienced the failure of others during a winter season? How did you respond? How can we extend grace when others have extended evil to us?

When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Trust in God’s Faithfulness

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion’s mouth! The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever! Amen.

2 Timothy 4:17-19

Though everyone had forsaken Paul (v. 16), Christ stood beside him and strengthened him to preach the gospel to all at his hearing (v. 17). In fact, Paul declared that Christ would continue to deliver him (v. 19). Paul trusted Christ. This was the same Christ who blinded Paul on his way to Damascus and called him to be an apostle (Acts 9); the same Christ who trained him for three years while in Arabia (Gal 1:17); the same Christ who comforted him while he was in Corinth saying that the Lord had many people in that city (Acts 18:9).

We don’t know how Christ appeared to him. Was it a vision, a voice, or his actual presence? We don’t know, but when Paul was forsaken by others, Christ stood beside him, strengthened him, and delivered him from the lion’s mouth.

‘Deliverance from the lion’s mouth’ was a common figure of speech for deliverance from danger (cf. Ps. 22:21, 35:17). However, it also could have referred, specifically, to being delivered from Nero or Satan (cf. 1 Pet 5:8). Either way, Christ was faithful to Paul.

Interpretation Question: What did Paul mean when he said the Lord would deliver him from every evil attack and bring him safely to heaven (v. 18)?

Obviously, Paul did not mean that Christ would deliver him from execution. In 2 Timothy 4:6, Paul said that the time of his departure was near and that he was already being poured out like a drink offering. Most likely, Paul was referring to God delivering him from falling into sin by denying Christ and his Word to avoid execution. For the Christian, there is something worse than death and that is denying Christ (cf. Matt 10:33).

In Philippians 1:19-21, Paul used similar language when talking about God delivering him from his first Roman imprisonment. He said,

for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. My confident hope is that I will in no way be ashamed but that with complete boldness, even now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether I live or die. For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.

What was his deliverance? It was being unashamed and having courage to exalt Christ in his body, through life or death. Sometimes it is God’s will to deliver us from trials, but most times, it is God’s will to deliver us through them. Paul could trust God with both—whether delivered from or through. By God’s grace, Paul would be faithful to Christ in his trial and be taken safely to heaven.

Sadly, many essentially deny Christ in their trial. Instead of trusting him, they become angry at him—essentially declaring that he is unjust, unloving, and unwise. Or, like Demas, they turn away from God to trust in the things of this world instead. By distancing themselves from God (and other believers), they make their trial worse and reject much of God’s grace. Instead of being strengthened like Paul, they are weakened by their own neglect of the Lord.

If we are going to faithfully face our winter seasons, we must trust in the Lord—whether it’s his will to take away the trial or take us through. Either way, his will is always good. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.” We may not understand everything, but we must trust that God does, and that he is working all things for our good (Rom 8:28). He has good plans for his children. Do you trust him?

Application Question: What should we do when we lack trust—when we doubt God’s plan and his goodness? How do we increase our faith in God?

We develop our trust in God by studying Scripture. Romans 10:17 says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. As mentioned previously, we must saturate ourselves in God’s Word during trials in order to build our faith and trust God more. Apart from Scripture study, our faith will be weak.
We develop our trust in God by prayer. One man who doubted Christ said, “I believe, help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24, paraphrase). At one time, the disciples, similarly, exclaimed, “Increase our faith!” (Lk 17:5). When we lack faith, we must ask for it; we must cry out for more grace. Scripture says that those who continue to ask, seek, and knock will receive (Matt 7:7-8).
We develop our trust in God by remembering times when he was especially faithful to us. When Israel miraculously crossed the Jordan River on dry land, God commanded them to take twelve stones from the riverbed so they would always remember (Josh 4:5). Similarly, after God provided manna from heaven for Israel to eat, he made them place a jar of it in the Ark of the Covenant to help them remember (Ex 16:33). Likewise, the Patriarchs would often build altars and name them, or the land around them, in order to remember God’s grace (cf. Gen 33:20). Since we’re terribly prone to forget God’s past graces, we must take efforts to remember them. We can do this by writing them down in our journals or making other memorials and visiting them when doubting.

To face our winters, we must trust God and not deny him by turning to sin. His will is good whether it is to protect us from the trial, remove it, or go through it.

Application Question: Why is it important to trust God in winter seasons? How do you strengthen your faith when it’s weak?

When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Live in Prayer

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

2 Timothy 4:22

Finally, as Paul faces his winter, he closes his letter with a benediction, “The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you” (v. 22). The word “your” is singular and “you” is plural.⁹ Thus the NIV translates it “you all.” He prays for Jesus to be with Timothy and asks for grace upon the Ephesian church. Every one of Paul’s benedictions include the word “grace.” Grace was a central word in Paul’s theology. Believers are both saved by God’s grace and daily sanctified by it. Therefore, like Paul, we must always cry out for grace in prayer, not only for ourselves but also for others.

Prayer must be the atmosphere believers live in, especially when in trials. Consider what Paul says to the Philippians, a church that was being persecuted from outside and had disputes from within (cf. Phil 1:28-29, 4:2-3):

Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

By choosing not to worry in our difficult seasons, but instead, praying, giving thanks, and presenting our requests to God in every situation, God will provide peace and guard our hearts. Peace and protection of our hearts is directly linked to our prayer life. Lack of prayer leads to worry, doubt, and various sins, especially when going through trials.

Are you living in prayer? Are you praying in every situation—the good, the bad times, and the dull? Prayer is the doorway for grace both to endure and excel in our trials.

Application Question: How would you rate your prayer life 1-10? What are some disciplines that help with praying consistently? How have you experienced special grace during winter seasons through prayer—both yours and that of others?

Conclusion

How can we faithfully face our winter seasons—times of hardship?

When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Seek the Help of Godly Saints
When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Continue Ministering to Others
When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Abide in God’s Word
When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Offer Grace to Those Who Fail Us
When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Trust in God’s Faithfulness
When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Live in Prayer

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. 257–258). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

² Stott, J. R. W. (1973). Guard the Gospel the message of 2 Timothy (p. 120). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

³ Teacher’s Outline and Study Bible - Commentary - Teacher’s Outline and Study Bible – 2 Timothy: The Teacher’s Outline and Study Bible.

⁴ Spurgeon’s Expository Encyclopedia [Baker], 11:386.

⁵ Stott, J. R. W. (1973). Guard the Gospel the message of 2 Timothy (p. 123). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

⁶ Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. (2000). 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (p. 269). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

⁷ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2127). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

⁸ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). 2 Timothy (p. 211). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁹ Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. (2000). 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (p. 271). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

Appendix 1: Study Group Tips

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Leading a small group using the Bible Teacher’s Guide can be done in various ways. One format for leading a small group is the “study group” model, where each member prepares and shares in the teaching. This appendix will cover tips for facilitating a weekly study group.

Each week the members of the study group will read through a select chapter of the guide, answer the reflection questions (see Appendix 2), and come prepared to share in the group.
Prior to each meeting, a different member can be selected to lead the group and share Question 1 of the reflection questions, which is to give a short summary of the chapter read. This section of the gathering could last from five to fifteen minutes. This way, each member can develop their gift of teaching. It also will make them study harder during the week. Or, each week the same person could share the summary.
After the summary has been given, the leader for that week will facilitate discussions through the rest of the reflection questions and also ask select review questions from the chapter.
After discussion, the group will share prayer requests and pray for one another.

The strength of the study group is the fact that the members will be required to prepare their responses before the meeting, which will allow for easier discussion. In addition, each member will be given the opportunity to teach, which will further equip their ministry skills. The study group model has distinct advantages.

Appendix 2: Reflection Questions

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Writing is one of the best ways to learn. In class, we take notes and write papers, and all these methods are used to help us learn and retain the material. The same is true with the Word of God. Obviously, all the authors of Scripture were writers. This helped them better learn the Scriptures and also enabled them to more effectively teach it. In studying God’s Word with the Bible Teacher’s Guide, take time to write so you can similarly grow both in your learning and teaching.

How would you summarize the main points of the text/chapter? Write a brief summary.
What stood out to you most in the reading? Did any of the contents trigger any memories or experiences? If so, please share them.
What follow–up questions did you have about the reading? What parts did you not fully agree with?
What applications did you take from the reading, and how do you plan to implement them into your life?
Write several commitment statements: As a result of my time studying God’s Word, I will . . .
What are some practical ways to pray as a result of studying the text? Spend some time ministering to the Lord through prayer.

Appendix 3: Walking the Romans Road

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How can a person be saved? From what is he saved? How can someone have eternal life? Scripture teaches that after death each person will spend eternity either in heaven or hell. How can a person go to heaven?

Paul said this to Timothy:

2 Timothy 3:14-15

One of the reasons God gave us Scripture is to make us wise for salvation. This means that without it nobody can know how to be saved.

Well then, how can a people be saved and what are they being saved from? A common method of sharing the good news of salvation is through the Romans Road. One of the great themes, not only of the Bible, but specifically of the book of Romans is salvation. In Romans, the author, Paul, clearly details the steps we must take in order to be saved.

How can we be saved? What steps must we take?

Step One: We Must Accept that We Are Sinners

Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” What does it mean to sin? The word sin means “to miss the mark.” The mark we missed is looking like God. When God created mankind in the Genesis narrative, he created man in the “image of God” (1:27). The “image of God” means many things, but probably, most importantly it means we were made to be holy just as he is holy. Man was made moral. We were meant to reflect God’s holiness in every way: the way we think, the way we talk, and the way we act. And any time we miss the mark in these areas, we commit sin.

Furthermore, we do not only sin when we commit a sinful act such as: lying, stealing, or cheating. Again, we sin anytime we have a wrong heart motive. The greatest commandments in Scripture are to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt 22:36-40, paraphrase). Whenever we don’t love God supremely and love others as ourselves, we sin and fall short of the glory of God. For this reason, man is always in a state of sinning. Sadly, even if our actions are good, our heart is bad. I have never loved God with my whole heart, mind, and soul and neither has anybody else. Therefore, we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). We have all missed the mark of God’s holiness and we must accept this.

What’s the next step?

Step Two: We Must Understand We Are Under the Judgment of God

Why are we under the judgment of God? It is because of our sins. Scripture teaches God is not only a loving God, but he is a just God. And his justice requires judgment for each of our sins. Romans 6:23 says, “For the payoff of sin is death.”

A wage is something we earn. Every time we sin, we earn the wage of death. What is death? Death really means separation. In physical death, the body is separated from the spirit, but in spiritual death, man is separated from God. Man currently lives in a state of spiritual death (cf. Eph 2:1-3). We do not love God, obey him, or know him as we should. Therefore, man is in a state of death.

Moreover, one day at our physical death, if we have not been saved, we will spend eternity separated from God in a very real hell. In hell, we will pay the wage for each of our sins. Therefore, in hell people will experience various degrees of punishment (cf. Lk 12:47-48). This places man in a very dangerous predicament—unholy and therefore under the judgment of God.

How should we respond to this? This leads us to our third step.

Step Three: We Must Recognize God Has Invited All to Accept His Free Gift of Salvation

Romans 6:23 does not stop at the wages of sin being death. It says, “For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Because God loved everybody on the earth, he offered the free gift of eternal life, which anyone can receive through Jesus Christ.

Because it is a gift, it cannot be earned. We cannot work for it. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast.”

Going to church, being baptized, giving to the poor, or doing any other righteous work does not save. Salvation is a gift that must be received from God. It is a gift that has been prepared by his effort alone.

How do we receive this free gift?

Step Four: We Must Believe Jesus Christ Died for Our Sins and Rose from the Dead

If we are going to receive this free gift, we must believe in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Because God loved us, cared for us, and didn’t want us to be separated from him eternally, he sent his Son to die for our sins. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Similarly, John 3:16 says, “For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” God so loved us that he gave his only Son for our sins.

Jesus Christ was a real, historical person who lived 2,000 years ago. He was born of a virgin. He lived a perfect life. He was put to death by the Romans and the Jews. And he rose again on the third day. In his death, he took our sins and God’s wrath for them and gave us his perfect righteousness so we could be accepted by God. Second Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.” God did all this so we could be saved from his wrath.

Christ’s death satisfied the just anger of God over our sins. When God saw Jesus on the cross, he saw us and our sins and therefore judged Jesus. And now, when God sees those who are saved, he sees his righteous Son and accepts us. In salvation, we have become the righteousness of God.

If we are going to be saved, if we are going to receive this free gift of salvation, we must believe in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection for our sins (cf. 1 Cor 15:3-5, Rom 10:9-10). Do you believe?

Step Five: We Must Confess Christ as Lord of Our Lives

Romans 10:9-10 says,

Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and thus has righteousness and with the mouth one confesses and thus has salvation.

Not only must we believe, but we must confess Christ as Lord of our lives. It is one thing to believe in Christ but another to follow Christ. Simple belief does not save. Christ must be our Lord. James said this: “…Even the demons believe that – and tremble with fear” (James 2:19), but the demons are not saved—Christ is not their Lord.

Another aspect of making Christ Lord is repentance. Repentance really means a change of mind that leads to a change of direction. Before we met Christ, we were living our own life and following our own sinful desires. But when we get saved, our mind and direction change. We start to follow Christ as Lord.

How do we make this commitment to the lordship of Christ so we can be saved? Paul said we must confess with our mouth “Jesus is Lord” as we believe in him. Romans 10:13 says, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

If you admit that you are a sinner and understand you are under God’s wrath because of them; if you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that he died on the cross for your sins, and rose from the dead for your salvation; if you are ready to turn from your sin and cling to Christ as Lord, you can be saved.

If this is your heart, then you can pray this prayer and commit to following Christ as your Lord.

Dear heavenly Father, I confess I am a sinner and have fallen short of your glory, what you made me for. I believe Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins and rose from the dead so I can have eternal life. I am turning away from my sin and accepting you as my Lord and Savior. Come into my life and change me. Thank you for your gift of salvation.

Scripture teaches that if you truly accepted Christ as your Lord, then you are a new creation. Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away – look, what is new has come!” God has forgiven your sins (1 John 1:9), he has given you his Holy Spirit (Rom 8:15), and he is going to disciple you and make you into the image of his Son (cf. Rom 8:29). He will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb 13:5), and he will complete the work he has begun in your life (Phil 1:6). In heaven, angels and saints are rejoicing because of your commitment to Christ (Lk 15:7).

Praise God for his great salvation! May God keep you in his hand, empower you through the Holy Spirit, train you through mature believers, and use you to build his kingdom! “He who calls you is trustworthy, and he will in fact do this” (1 Thess 5:24). God bless you!

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

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.

4. Handing Off the Baton (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

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December 9, 2018

In practicing for a relay race, runners work hard to get the handoff of the baton right. If a runner drops the baton, the team is immediately disqualified from the race.

Today, I’m handing off the pastoral leadership baton to Dave Berry. If you were here on May 31, 1992, the Sunday that I began as your pastor, I thank you for hanging in with me over these years. You qualify for some sort of special reward in heaven! On that Sunday I preached from this text to explain my major task and yours. I repeated the same basic sermon on March 15, 1998 and again on January 21, 2007. If you’ve already heard it three times, your reward will be even greater!

But Paul’s words here are of utmost importance. I often get emails from people in other cities telling me that they can’t find a church that preaches God’s Word. So I want you to understand (perhaps for the fourth time!) why I have emphasized expository Bible preaching and why Dave will carry that same baton in the years ahead.

J. I. Packer (A Quest for Godliness [Crossway], p. 282) wrote, “We shall never perform a more important task than preaching. If we are not willing to give time to sermon preparation, we are not fit to preach, and have no business in the ministry at all.” He argues (p. 281) that “the well-being of the church today depends in large measure on a revival of preaching in the Puritan vein.” He explains (p. 283), “... to the Puritan, faithful preaching was the basic ingredient in faithful pastoring.” I agree. I believe that biblical preaching is the pastor’s primary task.

Maybe you’re thinking, “You’re saying that because you’re a preacher. Of course preaching is important to you!” But I’m not saying that preaching is important simply because I’m a preacher. I’m saying that preaching is important because God says that it is important in His inspired Word.

Our text is Paul’s final charge to Timothy just before the apostle’s execution. He senses that the time of his departure has come (2 Tim. 4:6). He’s handing the baton to Timothy, his younger friend and understudy. Paul realized that Satan would relentlessly attack God’s Word. Having just emphasized the trustworthy nature of that Word and its vital importance (2 Tim. 3:16-17), he now charges Timothy (and every pastor after him) to be faithful to preach the Word, no matter what the opposition or hardships. But preaching is a two-way street. So Paul’s words are not only a solemn charge to pastors. They also are a solemn charge to all believers to listen to biblical preaching with a view to obedience.

Preaching and obediently hearing God’s Word are of utmost importance in view of eternity.

If Paul had said, “I solemnly charge you, preach the Word,” it would have been a strong exhortation. If he had said, “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, preach the Word,” it would have been a really strong exhortation. If he had said, “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, preach the Word,” we’d be off the charts on strong exhortations!

But when he says (2 Tim. 4:1-2a), “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom, preach the Word,” I don’t know how he could have said it any more emphatically! It’s as if he grabbed Timothy by his shirt, pulled him to within six inches of his face, and shouted like a drill instructor, “Preach the Word!” Paul gives five commands in verse 2 and four more in verse 5. In verses 1-2, Paul shows why preaching the word is of utmost importance. In verses 3-4, he shows why obediently hearing the word is of utmost importance. Then (v. 5), because there will be inevitable opposition to the word, he shows why a faithful pastor must persevere in preaching the Word.

1. Preaching the Word is of utmost importance because of Christ’s coming judgment and kingdom.

Paul answers four questions: Why preach? What to preach? When to preach it? How to preach it?

A. Why preach? Preach the Word because Christ Jesus is coming to judge everyone and to establish His kingdom.

The word translated solemnly charge (1 Tim. 5:21; 2 Tim. 2:14) had a legal nuance, of taking an oath in a court of law. Paul is calling Timothy in front of God’s judicial bench and charging him under oath with the serious task of proclaiming God’s Word to those who also will someday stand in front of that bench for judgment by Christ Jesus, who will return to reign over all.

The verb is (before to judge) literally means, is about to. It implies the urgency of the task. The day is soon coming when Christ will return. He came the first time as the suffering Savior to redeem us from our sins. But the second time He will come as the Sovereign King, to defeat all rebellion and to judge the living and the dead. I think that includes just about everyone here! Although as believers in Christ, we will not face condemnation (Rom. 8:1), we all will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to be recompensed for what we have done with our lives (2 Cor. 5:10).

This means that you need to take life seriously. One day you will stand before the Lord Jesus to give an account of your life. The Word of God tells us how to live in a manner pleasing to the Lord (2 Cor. 5:9). Preaching is important because judgment is ahead.

Christ will appear and set up His kingdom to reign over all. The word appear was used of the Emperor’s visit to a province or town. Just before his visit, things were put in order. The garbage was cleaned up, the streets were swept, and the buildings were scrubbed clean for his appearing. During his presidency, Jimmy Carter would sometimes spend the night at the home of some average citizen. If you knew that the President would be spending the night at your house, I’m sure that you’d do some housecleaning! Well, Christ, the King, who is far greater than the President, is coming! Preach so that people will clean up their lives and be ready for His return.

B. What to preach? Preach the Word!

Some scholars argue that the word means the gospel. I don’t object to that, as long as by “the gospel” you include the whole counsel of God as contained in all of Scripture. In the original text, there is no chapter break between 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 4:1-5. All Scripture is profitable for teaching (3:16) or instruction (4:2, a related word). A preacher must explain and apply the doctrines of the Bible so that when he’s done, you can look at the biblical text in its context and say, “I understand what it is saying and how it applies to my life.”

“Preach” means “to herald.” The herald was the king’s messenger who relayed the king’s message to the people. He wasn’t free to make up his own stuff. He wasn’t a politician or diplomat or a spin doctor. His job was to proclaim faithfully the king’s message so that the people understood it. Even so, the preacher’s message should come out of the text and be governed by the text.

There is a sad lack of that kind of biblical preaching in American churches. I once listened to some tapes titled, “The best of ...” a well-known preacher. He took his theme loosely from a biblical text, but then he’d jump off from there and tell a lot of uplifting stories. But when he was done, he had not explained or applied the words of the text in its context. You could have removed all the Bible verses and the result could have appeared in Reader’s Digest, not much altered by the absence of the Scriptures.

But Scripture gives us “the wisdom that leads to salvation” and equips us for every good work (2 Tim. 3:15-17). It reveals to us “everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3). If a pastor doesn’t explain and apply Scripture, his preaching may be entertaining and inspiring; but it will lack life-changing power.

Although I disagree with much of Karl Barth’s theology, I admire him for an incident that happened during the 1930’s (told by Michael Ladra, Ministry Journal, July, 1985). He was preaching on John 3:16. Even though many in his German congregation professed to be Christians, they were sympathetic to Hitler’s persecution of the Jews. Barth made the point that Jesus was a Jew, that He had died for all the world, and that the Jews were part of that world. Thus anyone who loves Christ would not participate in the widespread ill treatment of the Jews. Many in his congregation walked out in disgust before he finished the sermon. One wrote a scathing letter denouncing him. Barth’s reply was a single sentence: “It was in the text.”

That kind of preaching takes courage! But the man who proclaims the Word of God must not pull his punches. He must be patient and gentle, but he must proclaim and apply the text of Scripture as the King’s message.

So, why preach? Preach because of Christ’s coming judgment and kingdom. What to preach? Preach God’s Word. Third,

C. When to preach it? Be ready to preach the Word at every opportunity.

“Be ready in season and out of season.” The idea here is that a preacher is not to play at preaching. Rather, it must be a life-consuming passion. He is never off duty. All his life and his walk with God go into the preaching of the Word, because biblical preaching is God’s truth imparted through a man who walks with God. “Be ready” implies a sense of urgency. Picture a paramedic unit on call, ready to save someone’s life. Souls are perishing without Christ. Christians are straying from the fold. Proclaim God’s Word whenever and wherever you can!

The 18th century evangelical preacher John Berridge was called in by the Anglican bishop and reproved for preaching at all hours of the day and on every day of the week. “My lord,” he replied, “I preach only at two times.” The bishop pressed him, “And which are they, Mr. Berridge?” He quickly responded, “In season and out of season, my lord” (A. Skevington Wood, The Inextinguishable Blaze [Eerdmans], p. 212).

D. How to preach it? Preach the Word with application to life.

2 Tim. 4:2b: “Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” Biblical preaching should show people where their lives are not in line with God’s truth and help them to make the necessary corrections to obey that truth consistently. Martin Luther put it (in David Larsen, The Company of the Preachers [Kregel], p. 157), “Always preach in such a way that if the people listening do not come to hate their sin, they will instead hate you.”

To do this, a preacher must make an appeal to the reason of the hearers: “Reprove.” This is a legal term that means to present your case in such a manner as to convince your opponent of his wrong. A preacher must present his case in a logically convincing manner from the Word, so that his hearers are persuaded that what Scripture says is right even if their behavior is wrong. The Holy Spirit’s task is to reprove (convict) the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). He does this largely through Spirit-filled biblical preaching.

Second, a preacher must make an appeal to the conscience of the hearers: “Rebuke.” This moral aspect of preaching says, “You are sinning against God; you need to repent!” We tend not to like that sort of thing, but it is desperately needed in our day of watered-down, feel good Christianity. William Barclay rightly said (The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon [Westminster Press], rev. ed. p. 207): “Any teacher ... whose teaching tends to make men think less of sin is a menace to Christianity and to mankind.”

Third, a preacher must make an appeal to the will and emotions of the hearers: “Exhort.” The word means strongly encouraging someone to right behavior. Some people need rebuke and some need encouragement. If you encourage those who need rebuking, you’re helping them to go on sinning. But if you rebuke those who need encouragement, you’ll discourage them. Someone has said, the preacher’s job is to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable. Only the Holy Spirit can take His Word and apply it individually to a congregation made up of all sorts of needs.

The preacher becomes the channel for the Spirit’s working when he appeals with “great patience and instruction.” People require time to change. They don’t always get it the first time around. So the preacher of the Word must say it over and over again from different biblical texts. Patience does not mean tolerating open sin, but rather, bearing with people’s weaknesses. But the preacher doesn’t just leave the people in their weakness; he gives them practical instruction so that they can grow in Christ.

Thus Paul is saying that preaching the Word is of utmost importance in light of the coming judgment and kingdom of Jesus Christ. But even great preaching that falls on closed ears and hardened hearts is not effective. Thus,

2. Obediently hearing the Word is of utmost importance in view of the sinful propensity to turn away from the truth.

2 Timothy 4:3-4: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate [lit., ‘heap up’] for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.” They will find teachers who tell them what they want to hear, not what they need to hear.

I heard Stuart Briscoe say that he asked a Sunday school class what they did with the commands in the Bible. A little old lady raised her hand and said, “I underline them in blue.” That’s nice, but not exactly the point! The commands of the Bible should be obeyed because God gave them to us for our good.

In the Pastoral Epistles Paul frequently mentions “sound doctrine” (1 Tim. 1:10; 2 Tim. 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1; “sound words” in 1 Tim. 6:3; 2 Tim. 1:13). “Sound” means healthy (we derive our word “hygienic” from it). Sound doctrine results in healthy Christian living. Note that Paul sets sound doctrine in contrast to what people like and thus it must be endured! Like healthy food, healthy doctrine isn’t always something we like, because it confronts our selfish desires, but in the long run it yields healthy Christianity. Why didn’t God make broccoli unhealthy and ice cream healthy?

Paul warns that people [in the church is the implication] will turn aside from the truth to myths—the religious ideas of men as opposed to God’s revelation in Scripture. The propensity of sinful human hearts is to turn away from God’s truth and to embrace what feels good at the moment. So preachers face the powerful temptation, especially if they want to be liked, to give people the ice cream of popular worldly myths instead of the broccoli of God’s truth. But don’t judge a man’s preaching by whether you like it or not. Rather, answer the question, “Does his preaching line up with what God’s Word says?” Does it come from the text?

I try to serve the broccoli of the Word along with the ice cream (thankfully, the Word contains both!). That’s one reason for preaching verse by verse through the Bible. It gives the right proportions of spiritual broccoli and ice cream. I try gently but firmly to confront sin with God’s truth as well as tell you God’s prescription for spiritual health. But my job is only half the task. You have the responsibility as hearers of the Word not to reject the broccoli and want only the ice cream or to go find a place that only serves ice cream. You will not be spiritually healthy if you do. You need to hear the Word with a heart eager to obey it.

But what if people don’t listen? Then what should a preacher do? Paul tells Timothy in verse 5:

3. Perseverance in preaching the Word is required in view of inevitable opposition.

2 Tim. 4:5: “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” When people won’t listen, the preacher must keep preaching the Word anyway. It is a pointed reminder that a man of God must go against the flow, even at times against the “Christian” flow. Paul gives four commands that show Timothy how to conduct his ministry even when people aren’t responsive:

First, “Be sober” (literally, “Don’t be drunk”). When people get intoxicated with the latest winds of false doctrine, you’re the designated driver. Keep your head about you and continue preaching the truth.

Second, “Endure hardship.” If you preach the truth of God’s Word, you will catch flak. Harry Ironside (Timothy, Titus, & Philemon [Loizeaux Brothers], p. 236) said that he sometimes received letters from people (invariably people he didn’t know personally) who would say, “I resent your personal attack on me last Sunday. I don’t like your preaching; and I don’t think you had any right to expose me in the way you did. I don’t know who has been talking to you about me.” And invariably they closed by saying, “It’s not true.” Then he quoted someone who said, “If you throw a stone into a pack of dogs and one of them yelps, you know who got hit.”

Third, “Do the work of an evangelist.” Don’t get sidetracked by critics in the church, but keep preaching the gospel and going after lost people. The enemy wants us to get sidetracked from preaching the gospel, because the gospel is how God saves sinners. And the gospel also strengthens the saints. Martyn Lloyd-Jones said (Preaching and Preachers [Zondervan], p. 150), “There is something essentially wrong with a man who calls himself a Christian and who can listen to a truly evangelistic sermon without coming under conviction again, without feeling something of his own unworthiness, and rejoicing when he hears the Gospel remedy being presented.”

Finally, “Fulfill your ministry.” Paul is saying, “Don’t bail out of the ministry and go into an easier line of work just because you run into opposition. Fulfill your calling as a preacher of God’s truth! Follow me in fighting the good fight so that you will finish the course” (2 Tim. 4:7).

Years ago in California, I was going through a time of unusual attacks against my ministry. On a day off, Marla and I were driving somewhere and got stopped by road construction. As we sat there waiting for the flagman, I watched a guy driving a bulldozer and thought, “That looks like a nice line of work! He just pushes dirt around all day and at quitting time, he leaves his bulldozer and goes home.” It was tempting, but Paul is saying, “Don’t bail out!” John Calvin (Calvin’s Commentaries [Baker], p. 255) makes the point that rather than giving up because of opposition, the more intense the opposition, the more vigorously we must fight, to ward off Satan’s attacks on the church. So don’t quit because of opposition. Preaching the Word is a fight! Defend the gospel against all attacks.

Conclusion

So, Dave, I’m handing you the baton. Your main job is to preach the Word of God faithfully, no matter what kind of opposition you may encounter. Church (I’m including myself), our main job is to hear God’s Word with hearts eager to obey. Phillips Brooks described preaching as “truth poured through personality” (Haddon Robinson, Biblical Preaching [Baker], 1st ed. p. 24). That means, thankfully, Dave is not me, so don’t judge him because he is different than I am. God made him that way and God will give us His message through Dave if we listen with receptive hearts.

Paul goes on to say (2 Tim. 4:6), “the time of my departure has come.” That’s true of us all! Very soon we’ll all stand before the Lord Jesus Christ, the Judge of the living and the dead. In view of that solemn day, it’s essential that our pastor makes it his priority to preach God’s Word. It’s also essential that we listen to the preaching of God’s Word with a view to obedience. Then on that great day when we all stand before Christ, we will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Application Questions

What are some reasons that biblical preaching is not being emphasized today?
Agree/disagree: Sound preaching of the Word is the most important factor in choosing a church? Why/why not?
Even Jesus warned His audience about listening well (Luke 8:18). How can a person improve his listening ability?
Why does Paul say that sound doctrine must be “endured”? What are some implications of this?

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture Quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, Updated Edition © The Lockman Foundation

The Bible Teacher’s Guide, Second Timothy: Guarding The Good Deposit

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The year was AD 67; persecution was rampant and false teachers saturated the church. Many believers no longer desired to hear sound doctrine and, therefore, heaped up teachers to simply itch their ears (2 Tim 4:2-4). Timothy, a pastor in the church of Ephesus, most likely, was discouraged (1:7, 2:1). With some of his last words, Paul writes from prison to encourage his disciple, Timothy, to complete his ministry (4:5). He commands him to be like a good soldier (2:3-4), a victorious athlete (2:5), and a hardworking farmer (2:6). Above all, Timothy needed to stay faithful to Scripture: he was to guard it (1:14) and teach it to others (2:2, 4:1). God’s Word was to be his chief priority.

Our times are not much different. Persecution towards Christians continues to grow, and many, from within the faith community, twist Scripture to fit the rapidly changing culture. Just like Timothy, we need to hear the apostle’s charge to guard the Good Deposit with the help of the Holy Spirit (1:14). As you consider Paul’s final letter, may our Lord sharpen, refresh, and encourage you for the task at hand and may you be found approved unto God (2:15).

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

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentary have been added.

This book is also available for purchase here on Amazon.

Twas the Night Before Jesus Came

‘Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was The matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be The Day!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! Returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His Hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "It's not here" My head hung in shame!

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and this sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after ALL!

Source unknown (Variously attributed to Randy Story, Stormy Gale, Lou Pinter, and Audrey Patricia Woolverton)

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10. Why to Abide in God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

God’s Word Makes People Wise for Salvation

1. Scripture teaches our need for salvation.

2. Scripture teaches God’s plan of salvation.

God’s Word Is Inspired

God’s Word Is Inerrant and thus Reliable

1. Evidence for the inerrancy of Scripture is the character of God.

2. Evidence for the inerrancy of Scripture is what the Bible teaches about itself—that every word is true, not just the ideas, concepts, or general themes of Scripture.

3. Evidence of inerrancy is the perseverance of Scripture.

4. Evidence of inerrancy is that Scripture uses Scripture in such a way that supports its inerrancy.

Questions About Inerrancy?

1. Some might ask, “How can the Bible be without error if mere humans wrote it? I know God made it but so did man, and man is fallible.”

2. One might ask, “If we do not have the original manuscripts, isn’t the argument of inerrancy in the original manuscripts a moot argument?”

Application

1. The inerrancy of Scripture means we can trust the Word of God.

2. The inerrancy of Scripture should guide how we meditate on the Word of God.

God’s Word Is Profitable

1. All Scripture is profitable for teaching or doctrine.

2. All Scripture is profitable for reproof or rebuking.

3. All Scripture is profitable for correcting.

4. All Scripture is profitable for training in righteousness.

Conclusion

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11. Performing the Ministry of Preaching (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

Preaching Should Be Performed in View of Christ’s Return, Judgment, and Kingdom

Preaching Should Be Performed as a Herald of the King

Preaching Should Be Performed with Readiness and Urgency

Preaching Should Be Performed Practically

Preaching Should Be Performed Faithfully in Light of the Widespread Lack of Biblical Preaching

Preaching Should Be Performed with Perseverance

1. Be self-controlled in all things

2. Endure hardship

3. Do an evangelist’s work

4. Fulfill your ministry

Conclusion

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12. The Successful Christian Life (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Disciple Others

To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Live Sacrificially

1. To live a life of sacrifice, we must live a life of worship.

2. To live a life of sacrifice, we must willingly pay the cost.

To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Properly View Death and Eternity

To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Constantly Battle

1. This spiritual war includes fighting against our flesh.

2. This spiritual war includes fighting against the world.

3. This spiritual war includes fighting against demons and principalities.

To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Endure to the End

1. To faithfully finish our race, we must take encouragement from other godly saints.

2. To faithfully finish our race, we must get rid of all hindrances.

3. To faithfully finish our race, we must focus on Christ.

To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Faithfully Steward God’s Word

1. Believers keep the faith by treasuring it.

2. Believers keep the faith by believing it.

3. Believers keep the faith by obeying it.

4. Believers keep the faith by studying it.

5. Believers keep the faith by passing it on to others.

6. Believers keep the faith by contending for it against false teaching.

To Have a Successful Christian Life, We Must Seek God’s Approval

Conclusion

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13. Facing Winter Seasons (2 Timothy 4:9-22)

When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Seek the Help of Godly Saints

When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Continue Ministering to Others

When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Abide in God’s Word

When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Offer Grace to Those Who Fail Us

When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Trust in God’s Faithfulness

When Facing Winter Seasons, We Must Live in Prayer

Conclusion

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Appendix 1: Study Group Tips

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Appendix 2: Reflection Questions

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