Union Church of Christ

2 Timothy

Introduction

Paul's last letter reveals:
1. His Fondness for Timothy 1:2, 4; 2:1
2. A Foreboding look at grievous times - 3:1; 4:3, 4
3. His own Faithful example - 1:12; 3:10, 11; 4:6-8; 1 Corinthians 11:1
Because of his affection for Timothy, his apprehension for the condition of the world and against the background of his own faithful example, Paul wrote to encourage Timothy.
Here is the aged apostle encouraging his son in the faith to be a diligent and dedicated soldier of the cross.
1. 1:6 - stir up the gift d. 2:3 - endure hardness g. 3:14 - continue
2. 1:13 - hold the pattern e. 2:15 - study . . . h. 4:1, 2 - preach
3. 2:1 - be strong f. 2:22 - flee i. 4:9, 21 - come see me!
As Paul neared the end of his life and ministry, he encouraged this younger preacher to be what he had been.
1. Thus, Paul encouraged Timothy's faith - the foundation upon which such a life of service is based.
2. 2 Corinthians 5:7
3. Romans 1:17
4. Hebrews 11:6
Consider from 2 Timothy the faith that Paul encouraged in Timothy.

Discussion

A Pure Faith - 1:5
1. The Bible describes different kinds of faith - not all are acceptable.
  1. Matthew 6:30 - little faith
  2. Romans 14:1 - weak in the faith
  3. James 2:20 - dead faith
  4. Acts 6:5 - Stephen, a man full of faith
  5. Romans 4:20 - strong in faith,
  6. This passage speaks of "unfeigned faith" - this faith is real - not hypocritical, not "putting on the mask," not claiming to be one thing while being something else - but is rather real, genuine, authentic.
2. A pure faith is Inspirational to others.
  1. 2 Timothy 1:3-5
  2. Paul rejoiced and gained assurance from Timothy's faithfulness.
  3. He saw in Timothy's tears a concern for the right things.
    1. Psalms 126:6
    2. Psalms 119:136
    3. Luke 19:41
    4. Philippians 3:18
  4. Whenever you see others (especially younger) who share your concern brings comfort.
3. His faith came through Instruction.
  1. Christianity is not Caught - it is not Bought - it must be Taught.
  2. 1:5 - first in grandmother and mother, then in Timothy.
  3. Acts 16:1 - Timothy's mother was a Christian
    1. One commentator -"No such thing in New Testament times as an unbaptized believer."
    2. Acts 10:45
  4. Deuteronomy 6:4-7.
  5. Joshua 4:5-7
  6. God gives opportunities to teach - we must take advantage of them.
  7. Ephesians 6:1-4.
4. Timothy Internalized the faith.
  1. He made it his own - Paul would have found no comfort in Timothy otherwise.
  2. At some point all must examine the evidence and determine whether we believe.
  3. Our faith cannot be that of parents, a spouse or anyone else.
  4. Matthew 25:9
  5. When trying times come - and they will (3:1; 4:1, 2) - only this faith will stand the test.
A Practical Faith - 2:15
1. Paul's faith - the God-approved faith - is not just Academic, but it is Active.
  1. Be careful of the extreme that neglects study - or that substitutes doing good for learning and studying.
  2. Acts 1:1.
  3. Nothing wrong with good works - but they do not substitute for knowing the truth.
2. Practical faith is Balanced.
  1. Verse 14 & 16-18.
  2. We can become unbalanced in our approach easily.
    1. We can get caught up in fighting error and forget evangelism/edification.
    2. On the other hand, we can be so concerned with attracting others - growing - that we let anything go - just as long as the numbers increase.
  3. Joshua 1:7
  4. Right in the middle of that warning - v. 15.
3. Practical faith is Busy.
  1. Paul was busy.
    1. 1 Corinthians 4:12 (Acts 18:3).
    2. 2 Corinthians 5:9
    3. 1 Corinthians 15:10
  2. Paul taught others to be busy.
    1. 1 Corinthians 15:58
    2. Titus 2:14
  3. We must be "workmen" - the very word indicates being busy; "We'll Work Till Jesus Comes" does not mean in our gardens!
4. Practical faith gives its Best Effort.
  1. "study" - Consider how this word is translated in other passages:
    1. 2 Timothy 4:9 diligence
    2. Galatians 2:10 forward
    3. Ephesians 4:3 endeavouring
    4. Hebrews 4:11 labour
  2. "Rightly dividing" - cutting straight, or handling aright; a farmer plowing a straight row - a tailor cutting his fabric straight - a carpenter cutting the board straight.
A Persecuted Faith - 3:12
1. We must be Realistic in our faith.
  1. Whenever a Christian handles the word of God thusly, he can expect persecution - it comes from both sides.
  2. We live in a world that is not friendly to righteousness.
    1. Jesus warned - John 15:17-20; 16:1-3, 33.
    2. Paul warned.
      1. 1 Thessalonians 3:4
      2. Acts 14:22
  3. We are not promised to be delivered From persecution, but Through it.
    1. Psalm 23:4, 5 4
    2. 2 Timothy 4:16-18.
2. The Reason - John 3:20
3. The Reward.
  1. Matthew 5:10-12
  2. The reward in heaven is not the only reward - we enjoy it here and now.
  3. Malachi 3:2, 3
    1. "Refine" - to remove impurities
    2. Ex. Ladies Bible class visited a smelting plant to see an example of this passage - thought that they had learned a lot - "I know it is finished when I see my reflection in the metal."
    3. Galatians 2:20
  4. James 1:2-4
A Perfected Faith - 4:6-8
1. Paul had reached the point where his faithfulness in the face of persecution had fully matured his faith.
2. An Appraisal of the Present - v. 6
  1. "Offered" - Romans 12:1 - this is the final act of a life of sacrifice.
  2. "Departure" - release, as a ship leaving the harbor.
3. An Accounting of the Past - v. 7.
  1. Lit., the good fight I have fought, etc.
  2. Fight - determined; course - dedicated; faith - dependable.
4. An Anticipation of the Future - v. 8
  1. Paul's eye was not on the executioner's axe, but on the crown of righteousness.
  2. It is for all who will have the same faith.

Conclusion

Can you say it with Paul?

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