2 Timothy 2:1-13 Questions 8-10

 8. Choose one of Paul's 3 similes in 2:4-6. How does its lesson apply to you in your service to God?

 I am unsure which area I am particularly weak in. I think as a leader I face the temptation of working behind the scenes to circumvent the rules, instead of being an example to others in following rules. I think I have less problems with following the rules and working hard than with spiritual focus. It is easy to work hard then to let go and relax fully while staying focused on the Lord. So the idea that I am a soldier who can be 'off duty' at times but still a soldier is an important one for me to keep in mind.

Most of us felt that we could grow in being more soldier-like in the focus, being 'set apart' (Selwyn). We could be working harder in our ministry.

 

9. a)  Paul's own example should also motivate Timothy. How would you describe Paul's attitude toward circumstances in 2:9-10 (c.f. Phil 1:12-18)?

He is not bothered by circumstances, even when suffering is involved. He is hopeful and unwavering

b) According to these verses, what convictions enable and motivate Paul to have this attitude?

"Suffering is not important, as long as the gospel is preached and the elect are saved". "The most important thing in life is not my comfort and personal preferences or interests, but the preaching of the gospel". He is even willing to have his enemies' ministry succeed as long as the gospel is preached! There is great openness of heart. Paul is self-sacrificing. "The word of God will not lose its power". "The elect will obtain salvation".

 

10. How should Christ's character, actions and promises encourage Timothy (2:8. 11-13, c.f. Heb 2:18, 12:3)?

Jesus has suffered (Heb 2:18, 12:3) both temptation and opposition. Jesus is truly the Messiah, the risen Son of God who saves through the gospel. He will reward those who deny themselves (Ro 6:3, 1 Co 15:31, 2 Co 4:10) even up to the point of physical death, suffer for the gospel and will in the end judge all according to their response to Him. To deny Him is to commit final apostasy (c.f. Lk 9:26, 12:8-9; Mk 8:38). 

To be 'faithless' could refer to a temporary lapse in trusting Christ where one is eventually restored to fellowship. But the parallelism of the first 2 lines of this early hymn makes it more likely that 'denying Christ: is that same as being "faithless", "He remains faithful - for he cannot deny himself" means that He carries out his promises to punish as well as to reward. God's consistent character demands that He punish the faithless and reward the faithful.

Paul is encouraging Timothy by teaching him that glory comes through suffering, blessing through pain and life, through death,

Paul reveals his attitude toward other people in 2:10. How can you cultivate a similar attitude? Does it require any action on your part?

 He "endures everything for the sake of the elect" I take this to mean that he is willing to suffer anything in the course of his ministry as long as he can preach the gospel so that the elect are saved to the end. In context, that means that he focuses his life on Christ, disciplines himself for Christ and works hard for Christ. He does this knowing that through God's electing work, some are certain to be saved by his ministry.

Of all the things Paul could have said about Christ, why does he describe Him as "descended from David" in 2:8? Why is this fact relevant?

"Christ" = the Jewish Messiah, who was called the "Son of David" (Mt 1:1, 9:27. 12:23, 15:22, 20:30-31, 21:9, 15, 22:42, Mk 10:47-48). He "was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord," (Ro 1:4). Jesus is One who through the Resurrection was confirmed to be the Messiah.

 

We had a short sharing on the usefulness of genealogies. These point the way to the faithfulness of God.

 

 

QC Question:
"Is certainty of salvation a prerequisite for salvation?""If you aren't sure if you are saved, doesn't that mean that you are really not saved?"

We are not saved by certainty, but by grace through faith (Eph 2:8, Ro 10:9-10). Being truly saved will lead to certainty.

Scripture assures us that we will have the inward witness of the Spirit that we are children of God (Ro 8:15, Gal 4:6). We are called to make "our calling and election sure" (2 Pe 1:10) as we demonstrate good works.

We are allowed to doubt, but not to finally doubt to the point of denial and faithlessness (2 Ti 2:12-13). So, pastorally, we should be gentle and patient with those who doubt, but we should not encourage doubt, especially in ourselves. We should be seeking to have full assurance of salvation.