2 TIMOTHY 1

Paul opens his second letter to Timothy with encouragement and some news.

PAUL SPEAKS CONCERNING HIS SON (1:1-8, 13-14):

The apostle regards Timothy as his spiritual son.

The reassurance by Paul (1:1-3):

He tells Timothy that he is praying for him night and day.

The remembrance by Paul (1:4-5)

He is aware of Timothy's tears (1:4).

He is aware of Timothy's testimony (1:5).

The faith of Timothy (1:5a)

The faith of Timothy's family (1:5b)

The requests by Paul (1:6-8, 13-14):

The apostle urges Timothy to:

Stir up his gift (1:6)

Be fearless, strong, and loving (1:7)

Be unashamed of Jesus or of Paul (1:8a)

Be ready to suffer for Jesus (1:8b)

Guard the great body of scriptural truth that has been given him (1:13-14)

PAUL SPEAKS CONCERNING HIS SAVIOR (1:9-10)

He has redeemed and called us to a holy life (1:9a).

He did this by his grace before the world began (1:9b).

He has destroyed death and has introduced eternal life (1:10).

PAUL SPEAKS CONCERNING HIMSELF (1:11-12, 15-18)

The apostle's calling (1:11): His calling from God is twofold:

To be an apostle and preacher (1:11a)

To be a teacher of the Gentiles (1:11b)

The apostle's confinement (1:12a): Because of his calling, he is suffering as a prisoner.

The apostle's confidence (1:12b): In spite of everything, Paul is not ashamed, for he knows the one in whom he trusts.

The apostle's companions (1:15-18)

His deserting friends (1:15): Most of Paul's coworkers in Asia have abandoned him.

His devoted friend (1:16-18): Onesiphorus has remained a faithful and helpful friend.

2 TIMOTHY 2

Paul describes the duties assigned to a pastor.

THE ROLE MODEL (2:1-7):

Paul likens the ministry to four secular occupations.

A teacher (2:1-2)

As a student Timothy was taught many things by Paul (2:1-2a).

As a pastor Timothy must now teach those things to other godly people (2:2b).

A soldier (2:3-4)

Give all of your energies to the warfare (2:3).

Give none of your energies to worldly affairs (2:4).

An athlete (2:5):

Strive for the victor's crown.

A farmer (2:6-7):

Work hard to harvest a large crop.

THE REMINDERS (2:8-10):

A prisoner in Rome, Paul asks Timothy to reflect on two things.

God's messenger is chained (2:8-9a).

God's message cannot be chained (2:9b-10).

THE RESULTS (2:11-13)

If we die for Christ, we will live with Christ (2:11).

If we endure hardship for Christ, we will reign with Christ (2:12a).

If we deny Christ, he will deny us (2:12b).

If we are unfaithful, Christ remains faithful (2:13).

THE RESPONSIBILITIES (2:14-26):

Paul lists some of Timothy's duties as a pastor.

Remind your people of the great scriptural truths (2:14a).

Warn them against petty arguments (2:14b).

Strive to become an approved workman before God (2:15).

Avoid godless controversies (2:16-19, 23-26).

The examples (2:16-17):

Paul points out two men, Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have involved themselves in these controversies.

The error (2:18-19):

They are claiming that the resurrection from the dead has already occurred.

The endeavor (2:23-26):

Timothy must gently instruct those who would oppose him with the goal of leading them to repentance.

Present your body as a clean vessel to God (2:20-21).

Avoid evil, and pursue good (2:22).

2 TIMOTHY 3

Paul warns of the coming great apostasy.

THE PERVERSIONS (3:1-9)

The evil (3:1-5)

People will love only themselves and their money (3:1-2a).

They will be proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and unholy (3:2b).

They will be without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, and brutal (3:3).

They will be treacherous and will be lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (3:4).

They will have a form of godliness but will deny its power (3:5).

The examples (3:6-8):

Paul lists two types of people involved in apostasy.

Sexually weak-willed, sin-burdened women (3:6-7)

Depraved men who will oppose God as Jannes and Jambres once opposed Moses (3:8-9)

The Prescription (3:10-17):

Having diagnosed the disease, Paul now proposes a twofold preventative against it.

Timothy is to continue in the work of God (3:10-13):

Paul offers his own ministry as a pattern.

Timothy is to continue in the Word of God (3:14-17).

What the Scriptures did for Timothy the lad (3:14-15):

God's Word gave him the wisdom to accept God's salvation.

What the Scriptures will do for Timothy the leader (3:16-17)

The guidelines (3:16):

Timothy will find the divinely inspired book useful.

For doctrine and reproof (3:16a)

For correction and instruction in righteousness (3:16b)

The goal (3:17):

To equip Timothy for every good work.

2 TIMOTHY 4

Paul closes his letter (which is most likely his last letter before being executed) with six "finals."

PAUL'S FINAL CHARGE (4:1-2, 5)

Timothy is to preach the Word of God (4:1-2).

How he is to preach it (4:1, 2b): He is to use it for correction, rebuke, and encouragement.

When he is to preach it (4:2a): Urgently, at all times.

Timothy is to reach his world for God (4:5).

PAUL'S FINAL WARNING (4:3-4, 14-15):

The apostle issues a twofold warning.

In regard to apostasy (4:3-4)

Men will someday turn from sound doctrine (4:3).

Men will someday turn to satanic doctrine (4:4).

In regard to Alexander (4:14-15):

Paul warns Timothy to beware of this godless coppersmith who has caused Paul so much grief.