2 Timothy 4:9-22

 In what ways can you acquire and demonstrate attitudes like those Paul shows in 4:16-18?

How did Paul expect Timothy to form (or to have formed) these attitudes?

• Through formal commissioning into ministry and the empowerment of the Spirit (1:6-7, 14)
  
• Through remembering Christ's person and work (2:8-13)
• Through applying truth well (2:15)
  
• Through pursuing holiness and focusing on important things. (2:16, 20-23)
• Through learning of Scriptures and godly examples in childhood (1:53:4-16)
  
• Through his own example of endurance in suffering (2:3. 3:10-11) 
• Through challenges in his life and ministry (3:12, 4:3-5)
• Through God's enabling presence and grace (2:1, 4:22)
  

 We spoke about the truth of Scripture authenticated by examples of the life of others. Winnie said. "Life is worth living, God is worth loving".

3. Re-read all of 2 Timothy. Look for threads that tie the book together. Pray for a fresh perspective on what the book is saying. Review lesson one of the study, any outlines you have made of 2 Timothy, and the summaries you have made for each passage.

4. In lesson one, question 5 you said tentatively what you thought Paul's aims for this letter were. After closer study, how would you now summarize his main aims?

To encourage and advise Timothy in carrying on the work Paul has finished doing.

5. With this purpose in mind, make up a brief outline of 2 Timothy. Your summaries of passages in pages 29, 40, 47, 51 60 and 70 may help you.

 

1:.2-18    

Timothy has been prepared by God to guard the gospel. Paul is suffering for the gospel, but Timothy must not be ashamed, although others are unfaithful.

 

2:1-13     

Timothy must pass on the gospel and get ready to suffer for it. The gospel is worth suffering for. Stay focused on the ministry.

 

2:14-26 

Timothy must be be an "approved worker" and a "vessel for honorable use" - a good servant of the Lord. Timothy must live a life worthy of the gospel. There is a call to be pure in his inner life.

 

 3:1-9 

 Ministry will be difficult because of sinful opposition. Timothy must be different from false teachers, who will be exposed.

 

3:10-17

Paul now provides Timothy with spiritual resources. Timothy must follow Paul's example. His life must rest on the Scriptural teachings he receives from the people he trusts.

 

4:1-8

Timothy is told about the primacy of preaching. What Paul has finished doing, Timothy must now do.

 

4:9-22

Paul's personal needs, news and observations.

I noted how in 1 Cor 16:10-11 (10 years before 2 Timothy) Timothy seems to be someone who is a bit awkward, easy to mistreat and despise.