Be Strong (2 Timothy 2)

Do we allow Christ Jesus to make us strong? Should we entrust the Gospel to faithful men? Should we meditate on Jesus? Do we endure all things? Have we died with Him? Are we faithful, just as He remains faithful? Let’s discuss this in 2 Timothy 2.

Did Paul want Timothy to let Christ make him strong?

Timothy, my child, you must let Christ Jesus make you strong by his gift of undeserved grace. (2 Timothy 2:1 CEV)

Did Paul want the teaching ministry multiplied through faithful men?

and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2 ESV)

How did Paul compare ministry to military service, athletics and farming?

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the recruiter. Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. (2 Timothy 2:3-6 HCSB)

Christian meditation is the exact opposite of eastern meditation. Rather than empty the mind, leaving it open to demons, what should we meditate about?

Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you to understand all these things. Meditate on Jesus, the Messiah, who was raised from the dead and is a descendant of David. This is the gospel I tell others. (2 Timothy 2:7-8 ISV)

Did Paul suffer in the Gospel? If Paul was willing to be falsely imprisoned for his faith, did he really believe it?

Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (2 Timothy 2:9-10 KJV)

What is a trustworthy saying? Are we faithful?

It is a trustworthy saying: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we will deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. (2 Timothy 2:11-13 LSB)

In the original languages, the Bible was written with simple, easy to understand words. Is there danger in creating long theological words, turning plain farmer’s Hebrew and marketplace Greek words into petty arguments over minutia? Where does it lead?

Remind them of these things, and solemnly exhort them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners. (2 Timothy 2:14 NASB)

Should we handle the word of truth correctly? What do we avoid?

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have departed from the truth. (2 Timothy 2:15-18a NIV)

What does watering down the resurrection lead to? Do some deny it today?

claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith. (2 Timothy 2:18b NLT)

Should we depart from churches that sow doubt instead of faith? Is this a problem among liberal churches that make us doubt the Bible? Do they promote unrighteousness?

However God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.” (2 Timothy 2:19 WEB cp. Numbers 16:5)

How can we be special vessels in God’s house? Are we useful to God?

In a mansion, there aren’t just gold and silver bowls but also some bowls that are made of wood and clay. Some are meant for special uses, some for garbage. So if anyone washes filth off themselves, they will be set apart as a “special bowl.” They will be useful to the owner of the mansion for every sort of good work. (2 Timothy 2:20-21 CEB)

What about youthful temptations, stupid arguments, and patience?

Run from temptations that capture young people. Always do the right thing. Be faithful, loving, and easy to get along with. Worship with people whose hearts are pure. Stay away from stupid and senseless arguments. These only lead to trouble, and God's servants must not be troublemakers. They must be kind to everyone, and they must be good teachers and very patient. (2 Timothy 2:22-24 CEV)

How should we correct opponents? Do we want them to escape the snare of the devil?