The Book of 2 Timothy. Bible Study Guide. 4 Bible Studies on 2 Timothy And a 4 week preaching program for All Saints Waitara

Transcription

1 The Book of 2 Timothy All Scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Bible Study Guide 4 Bible Studies on 2 Timothy And a 4 week preaching program for All Saints Waitara 1

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3 Bible Study Approach Preparation before the bible study meeting: 1. Pray for Spiritual insight. Pray God will give you understanding of his word and prepare you to be taught. 2. Read the main passage. (Try reading different translations NIV, NESB, etc) 3. Meditate on the passage think about it. 4. Prepare your answers and thoughts to the questions in the study guide, which you will go through in the meeting 5. During the meeting, you may not have time to go through ALL of the questions your leader will select questions each week that will be most helpful for your group. So it is important you prepare all of the study yourself to get the most out of it. Meditating on the passage getting the most out of it: 1. Ask the questions: WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY, HOW 2. What things are being emphasized? 3. What things are being repeated? 4. Are there things that are connected within the passage or with other passages in the Bible? 5. Interpretation: What does it mean? a. Context style (poetry, history, etc), culture, geography, etc b. Meaning of important words and phrases 6. Think about applying each passage to your own life: a. Personal, Family, Church, Work, Social 7. Is there an example to follow? A sin to avoid? A promise to hold on to? A prayer to pray? Commands to obey? Verses to memorise? Doctrinal understanding that needs correcting? Challenges to face? 8. Finally, ask yourself Who can I share this with? 3

4 Introduction to 2 Timothy Background 2 Timothy is Paul s second letter to Timothy, who was a church pastor and leader. Paul wrote 2 Timothy during his second imprisonment in Rome under Emperor Nero s reign in a cold dungeon (4:13). This was written in about A. D. and probably was his last New Testament letter. He was chained like a common criminal (1:16. 2:9) and he knew his life was coming to an end here on earth (4:6-8). Paul had met Timothy as a young man (Acts 16:1-5) and discipled him in his faith. His mother was Jewish and a believer, his father a Greek. The main subject A Leader must be faithful in guarding the gospel for the sake of God s Church Aim To help Timothy face hard challenges as a leader. Paul was alone in a Roman prison as everyone had deserted him apart from Luke (4:10-12). He had appeared before the emperor Nero (4:16-17), where the Lord had enabled him to share his faith in Jesus, but his case had been postponed. He faced probable death, but had fought the good fight to the end. God will give him the crown of righteousness as He will to others who also endured to the end (4:6-8). Some important teachings and verses in 2 Timothy: 1:8-12 Not to be ashamed of testifying to his faith in Christ, convinced Christ would keep him to the end. 1:7 God has given us a spirit of power, love and self-discipline to enable us to witness 4

5 1:14-15 Be strong, even if others turn back, in guarding and keeping the gospel message with the help of God. 2:2 The Christian minister has a God-given responsibility to entrust the spiritual truths each has learned, to reliable people, who will then themselves be qualified, to each further generations of Christians. 2:3-6 Paul uses examples of a soldier, athlete, farmer who work hard at their work to gain rewards. 2:8-13 Always focus on the Lord Jesus and His gospel 2:15 The effective Christian teacher must learn how to rightly handle the Word of Truth. 2:18-19 Avoid senseless controversies, which unsettle the church as the Lord knows who belongs to Him 2:22-26 Instead of arguing, pursue righteousness, faith etc. 3:1-9 Paul warned about godlessness in the last days and encouraged Timothy to continue to teach the truth. 3:14-15 Holy Scripture Timothy had the advantage of godly forebears (1:5). 3:16-17 The Bible books are all God-breathed so have a wide-ranging function so all Christians may be thoroughly equipped to serve God in the world. 4:2-8 Be prepared to preach the Word at all times, correct, rebuke, encourage, share the gospel because many will give up sound doctrine, start to turn from the truth and turn to myths 4:6-8 Greatest reward anyone can have is knowing that they have kept the faith to the end. 5

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7 The structure of these studies: Question 1: Think about this An opening question to get us thinking and talking Question 2: The big picture General short answers and questions about the whole passage problems, actions, and initial responses Question 3-8: The text Specific questions on verses and ideas in the passage Questions 9-10: Applying it to your life Personal application questions from the passage about our personal relationship with God and the way we respond to Him. 7

8 Study 1: Fan the flame 2 Timothy 1:1-18 ; 2: Timothy 1: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 8

9 16 May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus. 2 Timothy 2: You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs he wants to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor s crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. 8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; 13 if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. 9

10 Introduction: Paul reminds Timothy about his Christian faith and roots which grew as his grandmother and mother had been a great help. Paul regularly prays for Timothy and recalls how God had gifted him. Timothy needed encouragement. God has saved every Christian from God s judgment so they can tell others the good news. God has called each to live a holy life. For Paul and others this meant suffering, but he had full confidence in God to fulfill all His promises. Timothy must guard the truth of the gospel and be faithful in teaching reliable people to teach others. He must endure hardship like a good soldier of Jesus Christ. As athletes and farmers work hard, so should Christians. Paul may be chained because of his gospel ministry, but is not ashamed of the gospel or of suffering for it. He is encouraged that God s word is not restricted in any way. He wants to tell as many as possible the good news of the gospel. Think about this Think of a Christian you know that you look up to. What is their nature and character? The big picture Read the passage and write down in a few words: a. What is the church problem Paul is pointing to in this passage? b. What is the main action Paul is calling for, from Timothy? c. What is your initial response to this passage? 10

11 The text READ 1:4-7. What do these verses teach us about Timothy s nature and character? 3. READ 1:6-9,13-14; 2:1-3,7-8. What are the things that Paul tells Timothy to do as an active Christian?? 4. READ 1:1-3,11-13; 2:2-3,9-10. What do these verses teach us about some of the ministries of Paul? 5. READ 1:6-12; 2:7-9. In these verses what are some of the things God the Father and the Son have done for people? Applying it to your life How do the verses in 1:1-2:13 encourage and warn us in our faith? 7. What inspires you about Paul s life? 11

12 Study 2: Noble purposes 2 Timothy 2: Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarrelling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his, and, Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness. 20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. 12

13 Introduction: Pauls concern for Timothy is that he stands out as a leader of God s people. That he is to be different. He WILL be different if he avoids wickedness and ungodliness. Anyone serving the Lord has a big responsibility and should avoid quarrelling about words and godless chatter. The focus of God s workers must be on important issues. The way to seek God s approval is not to be ashamed, but to correctly teach the truths of God s Word. In addition to live holy lives, seek to serve the Lord and turn away from wickedness. Otherwise, godless teaching can lead to godless living and false teaching, which spreads, causing some to wander from the truth. Paul encourages Timothy to flee the evil desires of youth and pursue pure and holy things. Timothy must instruct those who oppose his teaching from God s word, in the hope that God will grant them repentance, leading to knowledge of the truth. Paul reminds them that the devil is always active trying to trap some to do his will and lead them away from God s truth and ways in His word. He calls Timothy to stand apart to be different to the false teachers. And to speak differently also, being kind instead of quarrelling, not resentful, but able to teach, even in the face of opposition something Paul expects Timothy will encounter and must be ready for. 13

14 Think about this What sorts of things undermine a person s faith or trust in something or someone? The big picture Read the passage and write down in a few words: a. What is the church problem Paul is pointing to in this passage? b. What is the main action Paul is calling for from Timothy? c. What is your initial response to this passage? The text READ 2: What sort of damage is caused by false teaching and false teachers? In what ways do we see this in Christian churches today? 3. Why does Paul add verse 19 here? What does it add to Timothy s instruction? 14

15 4. READ 2: What sort of vessels do you think Paul is talking about? 5. READ 2: What should Timothy flee? Why? 6. What should Timothy pursue? Why? 7. What is wrong with quarrelling and arguing? Applying it to your life Are there things you need to flee from? 9. What important lessons has this passage taught you about the way you serve God in your church? 15

16 Study 3 God-breathed 2 Timothy 3: But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. 6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone. 10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know 16

17 those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Introduction Paul gives a number of examples of how people will act in the last days, including the exploitation of weak-willed women, who are swayed by all kinds of evil desires. The Christian must have nothing to do with these practices. Paul reminded Timothy of his own hardships and persecution as he spread the gospel in modern-day Turkey. Timothy is told to continue in his faith as he has been taught by his family since birth from God s Word, which enabled him to come to a saving knowledge through faith in Christ Jesus. The Bible is Godbreathed and is able to equip every believer to serve God in the world. 17

18 Think about this Are there people you try to stay away from? Why? The big picture Read the passage and write down in a few words: a. What is the church problem Paul is pointing to in this passage? b. What is the main action Paul is calling for from Timothy? c. What is your initial response to this passage? The text READ 3:1-5. What is the meaning of these evil godless acts? How do these things happen today in our world? 4. READ 3:6-9. What are some ways people exploit weak willed women (or men) today? 18

19 5. READ 3: Now read about some of Pauls persecutions in Turkey in Acts 13:49-14:6 and Acts 14: How do Christians face persecution today throughout the world? What about persecution in our country? 6. READ 3:12 what do you think this verse means for you today, if you live a godly life? 7. READ 3: What do these verses mean in your life? What do these verses mean for the teaching in your church? Discuss especially the use of the word All in verse 16. Applying it to your life READ 3: What impact did Christian teaching have in your childhood? 10. What things are important in the teaching in our churches today? 19

20 Study 4 Fight the fight 2 Timothy 4: In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defence, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion s mouth. 18 The Lord 20

21 will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 19 Greet Priscilla[a] and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Introduction As Paul approaches death, he urges Timothy to preach the Word, while people will listen. Paul is satisfied that he has kept the faith and will be rewarded by the Lord, the righteous judge, along with all who have laboured in His service. In the light of the Lord Jesus return to judge the living and the dead, Paul entrusts to Timothy the responsibility to continue preaching God s Word, patiently and carefully. The time is coming when people won t want to listen to sound Biblical teaching. It is believed these were the last words recorded by Paul, as he faced death at the hands of Emperor Nero in about 67 AD. He was probably beheaded for his Christian faith and ministry, which had lasted over 30 years. Paul ends his letter by sending greetings to some, mentioning certain co-workers, some of whom were supportive of his ministry, others deserted him, and some did him harm. But the Lord encouraged and strengthened Paul, by enabling him to proclaim the message so the Gentiles might hear. To God goes the glory! 21

22 Think about this When you listen to current affairs shows and talkback radio (if you do!), what sorts of things do you think people really love to listen to and talk about? The big picture Read the passage and write down in a few words: a. What is the church problem Paul is pointing to in this passage? b. What is the main action Paul is calling for from Timothy? c. What is your initial response to this passage? The text READ 1-8. What do you think Paul would have meant by the phrase Preach the word? 4. In verses 2-5, what does Paul say about the type of preaching and ministries Timothy is to undertake? 22

23 5. How do the warnings of verses 3-4 apply today? 6. What do verses 6-8 tell you about Paul s life? 7. READ 4:9-15. What do these verses tell you about Paul s relationships in the church? 8. READ 4: What is the difference between Paul s relationship with people and his relationship with God? Applying it to your life What will you say about your ministry in God s church at the end of your life? 10. Reflect on your relationships in at church. List three people. Write what you would like to say to them to encourage them in their Christian life. 23

24 2 Timothy Sermon Series Outline Sunday Title Passage Preacher 16 th October Fan the flame 2 Timothy 1: Timothy 2:1-13 Rev. Bruce Stanley 23 rd October Noble purposes 2 Timothy 2: Rev. Bruce Stanley 30 th October Godbreathed 2 Timothy 3:1-17 Rev. Bruce Stanley 6 th November Fight the fight 2 Timothy 4:1-22 Rev. Bruce Stanley Reference Book: The message of 2 Timothy. The Bible Speaks Today Series. IVP (Some study questions sourced from the study guide of this book.) 24