Tannehill Valley Baptist Church

3 days ago

Challenging and encouraging are two words that fit the words within the 2nd letter to Timothy. In these days of teachings and beliefs that oppose what the Bible teaches, these words are important to know, As Paul constantly told Timothy to stay true, we need to heed that same call. Let’s look into maters of chapter 2.

2 Timothy 2:1-2

What do you think it means to, ‘stand strong in grace”?

According to verse 2, what is the responsibility of those who hold to the faith? Answer before readings the next sentence.

We are not only to be disciples of Jesus, we are to make disciples of Jesus. What is the difference between being a disciple and making disciples?

2 Timothy 2:3-7

Verse 1 says to be strong in grace. Verse 3 says to “share in suffering.” Why was Paul so blunt with Timothy about what following Christ involves?

Find the three analogies Paul draws in these verses. What characteristic of each of these is important in following Christ:

a. Soldier -

b. Athlete -

c. Hard-working farmer -

2 Timothy 2:8-13

What is the call to do when you actually suffer for being a follower of Jesus? What about Jesus must be remembered?

Verse 9 - What can suffering do to a follower? What can being persecuted not do to the word for of God? What a glorious statement, the word of God cannot be bound!

Paul uses himself as an example. He had every right to. He not only spoke of suffering, he was well-versed in suffering for the gospel. Who was he willing to suffer for? Who are the “elect”?

Many scholars believe that verses 11-13 are words from a 1st century Christian song. Look at the words, they were to remind the church of truth. Many truths stated. Focus in on verse 13. A great reminder that even if there are those who reject faith in Christ; even when there are those who at one time claimed faith but now recant; this doesn’t changeGod’s faithfulness or His perfect character. It is no weakness of Jesus that someone turns away from Him! it is no bad reflection of Jesus when someone denies Him, it is only a sign of the sinfulness of man.

2 Timothy 2:14-18

In verse 8 we are told to remember Jesus. In verse 14, Timothy is told to remind the church of these things taught by the Spirit through the word of God. The preacher/teacher’s work is not to create new revelation - but to remind the church of what is in the Bible.

Note, the members of the church are told to not fight about words. There are many who love to sit around and debate things. That is not the point of our study of God’s words. Discussion is great, but hour after hour of arguing doesn’t accomplish transformation. This is especially true when someone wants to go off topic and rant about their opinions on matters.

Paul tells about 2 men who were destroying people’s faith by false teaching. They were arguing that the resurrection had already occurred. Either this means they were teaching that the present followers had missed the resurrection, or that Jesus had come back and they were living in the millennial kingdom. Whatever it was, was destroying people’s faith. Perhaps we can simplify this by asking, does what I teach and speak to others about Jesus build faith or turn people off from desiring to know more of the faith? ... See MoreSee Less