All Saints Anglican Church, Waitara 2 TIMOTHY A Summary and introduction to the Sermon and Bible Study series

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1 All Saints Anglican Church, Waitara 2 TIMOTHY A Summary and introduction to the Sermon and Bible Study series 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 in 2 Timothy is that A Leader must be faithful in guarding the gospel and its aim was 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 and God will give him the crown of righteousness as He will to others who also endured to the end (4:6-8). Paul encouraged Timothy to do a number of things a 2:8-13 Always focus on the Lord Jesus and His gospel, as Paul was being sustained in this way as an apostle of the Lord Jesus (1:1) b 1:8-12 Not to be ashamed of testifying to his faith in Christ, convinced Christ would keep him to the end. c Christ was an example to follow, especially in suffering. The glorious appearing of Christ was the goal to which Paul looked forward. d 1:7 God has given us a spirit of power, love and self-discipline to enable us to witness e 1:14-15 Be strong, even if others turn back, in guarding and keeping the gospel message with the help of God, the Holy Spirit within. f 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. g 2:3-6 Paul uses examples of a soldier, athlete, farmer who work hard at their work to gain rewards. h 2:15 The effective Christian teacher must learn how to rightly handle the Word of Truth. i 2:18-19 Avoid senseless controversies, which unsettle the church as the Lord knows who belongs to Him j 2:22-26 Instead of arguing, pursue righteousness, faith etc. k 3:1-9 Paul warned about godlessness in the last days and encouraged Timothy to continue to teach the truth. l 3:14-15 Holy Scripture Timothy had the advantage of godly forebears (1:5), which meant they had a significant role to play in his early life. m 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. n 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 o 4:6-8 Greatest reward anyone can have is knowing that they have kept the faith to the end. 1

2 All Saints Waitara Sermon Notes Date: Preacher: Sermon Title: Readings: BIG IDEA what was the main teaching point of the sermon? Illustrations what illustrations were helpful? Notable verses: Verse : Verse : Verse : Other points of the message: Questions: (was anything unclear for you?) What did you take home in terms of application for your life? (More copies of this notes page are available at the back of the church.) 2

3 WEEK ONE - 6 th May Strong in Christ Preacher: Rev. Bruce Stanley Readings: 2 Timothy 1:1-14 and 2 Timothy 1:15-2:13 Introduction The charge to guard and suffer for the gospel Paul reminds Timothy about his Christian faith and roots which grew as his grandmother and mother had been a great help. Paul tells how he regularly prays for Timothy and recalls how God had gifted him. Timothy needed encouragement as he had a timid personality. God has saved every Christian from God s judgement through God s grace and what the Lord Jesus did in destroying the power of death, 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 as enabled by God the Holy Spirit 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 the good news of the gospel as possible. Study guide questions 1 1:4-7 What do these verses teach us about Timothy s nature and character and how God does want to change that? 2 1:6-9,13-14; 2:1-3,7-8 What are the things that Paul tells Timothy to do as an active Christian? 3 1:1-3,11-13; 2:2-3,9-10 What do these verses teach us about some of the ministries of Paul? 4 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? 5 1:15-18; 2:4-6,11-13 How will these and other verses in 1:1-2:13 encourage and warn us in our faith? 3

4 WEEK TWO - 13 th May, Faithful in Christ Preacher: Rev Derek Brown Readings: 2 Timothy 3:1-9 and 2 Timothy 3:10-17 Relying fully on God s inspired word, live a godly life in spite of lawlessness and persecution 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. Their folly will be clear to everyone. Paul reminded Timothy of his own hardships and persecution as he spread the gospel in modern-day Turkey. All who serve the Lord will be persecuted. 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 God-breathed and is able to equip every believer to serve God in the world. Study guide questions 1 3:1-5 Discuss the individual meanings of these evil godless acts and how they happen in our days. 2 3:6-9 What are some ways people exploit weak-willed women in our days (Exodus 7:11 - Egypt)? 3 3:10-13 Discuss some of the persecutions, Paul faced in Turkey (Acts 13:49-14:6, 14:19-20) and how we and other Christians face persecution in our days 4 3:14-15 What impact does Christian teaching have in the lives of children (see 1:4-5) and how early should it start? 5 3:16-17 Discuss what these verses mean and give specific examples of what Paul means by the different verbs used in 3:16. 4

5 WEEK THREE - 20 th May 2007 Workers in Christ Preacher: Mark Carpenter Reading: 2 Timothy 2:14-26 Aim: Paul reminds us what a workman approved by God is like! 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 a 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. Study guide questions 1 2:15 What is meant by the word of truth and how does someone learn to correctly handle it and not be ashamed? 2 2:14,23-26 Paul talks about quarrelling about words, foolish and stupid arguments. In Bible studies a What are some of the dangers of doing this? b How can we avoid doing this? 3 2:16-19 What is meant by godless chatter, how does it lead to godless living and false teaching? 4 2:15, What are some of the positive things Paul teaches Timothy to pursue, in order to be a workman approved by God? 5 What important lessons has this passage taught you about serving the Lord at your local church? 5

6 WEEK FOUR - 27 th May, 2007 Glory in Christ Preacher: Rev. Bruce Stanley Bible readings: 2 Timothy 4:1-8 and 2 Timothy 4:9-22 As Paul approaches death, he urges Timothy to preach the Word, while people will listen It is believed these were the last words recorded by Paul, as he faced death at the hands of Emperor Nero. He was probably beheaded for his Christian faith and ministry which had been spread over 30 years in about 67 AD. Paul is satisfied that he has kept the faith and will be rewarded by the Lord, the righteous judge, and 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, correcting, etc. God s Word, patiently and carefully. The time is coming when people won t want to listen to sound Biblical teaching. Paul ends his letter by sending greetings to some, mentioning certain co-workers, some of whom were supportive of his ministry, others deserted him, some did him harm, but the Lord encouraged and strengthened Paul, by enabling him to proclaim the message so the Gentiles might hear. To Him goes the glory. Study Guide questions 1 What would Paul have understood by the instruction to preach the word? 2 4:2,5 a What does Paul say about the type of preaching and other ministries he wants Timothy to undertake? b How does what he says apply to us today? 3 4:3-4 a What incentives does Paul give to encourage Timothy? b How do these relate to us today? 4 4:6-8 What is Paul saying about his own ministry and the rewards coming his way? 5 4:9-22 a What are the factors that have contributed to Paul s sense of isolation? b What human needs does Paul reveal here, which will help us today? 6