2 Timothy 4 Studies

For those who may wish to ‘study’ this chapter, the following simple resources are provided for you. Each chapter is divided into a number of studies and each study or passage has a simple four-Part, verse-by-verse approach, to help you take in and think further about what you have read.

Passage: 2 Tim 4:1-8

1 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 people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather round 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 for my departure is near. 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.

A. Find Out:

1. For what reason was Paul giving this charge? v.1
2. How was Timothy to fulfil his ministry? v.2
3. What would happen in the future? v.3,4
4. But what was Timothy to do? v.5
5. How did Paul see his own situation? v.6,7
6. What did he see ahead of him? v.8

B. Think:

1. How does verse 1 establish a basis for Timothy to measure everything against?
2. List the activities in this passage that Timothy was to be involved in.
3. What sense does Paul leave us of his own position?

C. Comment:

     A poignant passage, where Paul speaks solemnly about Timothy’s ministry and his own future.

     First the BASIS FOR MINISTRY: all serving is to be done in the awareness of the One True God who will judge all men, and who will return to this earth and who is establishing His kingdom. When we remind ourselves that all we are is but a small part of what He, the Lord, is doing, it puts us in perspective.

    Second, the WORK OF MINISTRY: preaching God’s word, being personally prepared at all times, straightening out and helping the flock, persevering in the face of opposition and constantly reaching out to the lost. Whatever “specialisms of ministry” we feel God has led us into, these are the general activities of any servant of God, leading in whatever capacity.

     Finally, the GOAL OF MINISTRY: to persevere in the ministry, keeping the faith, until the eventual call to be with Christ and receive the crown of righteousness. That proclaims our eternal sonship, whether that be when we die or when He returns to the earth and calls us to Himself. One day we will be with Him, and that is to be the anchor that keeps us in the face of all the trials and opposition now

D. Application:

1. I serve not for myself, but for the Lord to whom I am answerable.
2. Servanthood needs perseverance.

Passage: 2 Thess 4:9-22

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 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 and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus ill in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.

22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.

A. Find Out:

1. What has Demas done and why? v.10
2. Why was Timothy to bring Mark? v.11
3. What had Alexander done? v.14,15
4. How had Paul managed to survive? v.16,17
5. Of what was he sure? v.18
6. What was Paul asking Timothy to do? v.9,21

B. Think:

1. How many were named as having gone or being sent to other churches from Paul?
2. What was Paul’s security?
3. How many other people in the apostolic community are named by Paul?

C. Comment:

     In these closing words of this letter we get an insight into Paul’s life in an even greater way as we see the people around him. First let’s note the hard side of his life: there was opposition (Alexander) and there were those that let him down and were a disappointment (Demas).

    Second, let’s note those who were obviously servants of God who travelled among the churches under Paul’s apparent leading; Demas (previously), Crescens, Titus (we believe in contrast to Demas), Mark, Luke, Tychicus, Priscillla, Aquilla, Erastus and Trophimus and of course Timothy.

     Then next there are those others who were in fellowship with him but about whom we know little: Carpus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia, all saints serving God in that uncertain time. Finally let’s note the strength of testimony that Paul gives in the face of many having deserted him: “the Lord stood at my side” to provide him with strength and deliverance (from death by lions?). To this end this man of God testifies to the grace and goodness of God. May we so do likewise.

D. Application:

1. Fellowship among servants of God is a precious thing.
2. With opposition etc. can we say, “the Lord stood at my side”?