Jet Tour Through 2 Timothy Series

2 TIMOTHY - Encouragement

INTRODUCTION: 2 Timothy was the last (14th) Epistle written by Paul. Written from a cold, damp, dreary dungeon with execution imminent, it seems almost hard to imagine that it would be a letter on encouragement instead of self-pity. But that is exactly what it is. As the “swan song” of his writings, this letter encourages Christian Pastors and laymen alike to remain faithful to God and His Word, whatever the cost.

I. The Author of the Book - The Apostle Paul (1:1)

A. Paul (1:1 & 16:21) - Though his name appears only 1 time, 1st person pronouns are used 63 times in this short, personal Letter.

B. The Letter identifies Paul as being…

1. … in earnest prayer for Timothy (1:3);

2. … a prisoner - under Nero, one of Rome’s most vile emperors (1:8);

3. … appointed a preacher, an apostle & a teacher of the Gentiles (1:11);

4. … faithful even in suffering (1:12; 3:11);

5. … ready to die for his faith in Christ (4:6);

6. … anxious to see Timothy (4:9, 21);

7. … abandoned by Demas (4:10);

8. … lonely - only Luke was with him (4:11);

9. … forgiving of John Mark (4:11);

II. The Recipient of the Book - Timothy

A. Timothy is mentioned by name 3 times in this Letter, while he is referred to 19 times by 2nd person pronouns.

B. Metaphors used by Paul to describe Timothy in this Letter include:

1. Son - (1:2; 2:1)

2. Soldier - (2:3)

3. Athlete - (2:5)

4. Husbandman {Farmer} - (2:6-7)

5. Workman - (2:15)

6. Vessel - (2:19-22)

7. Servant - (2:23-26)

C. For biographical information on Timothy see notes on 1 Timothy.

III. The Date & Place of Writing

A. Place: The Epistle was written from Rome near the end Paul’s life, during his 2nd Roman imprisonment (1:8; 4:6). After Paul’s acquittal from his 1st imprisonment, Nero had ascended to power in Rome and outlawed Christianity. Paul was subsequently re-arrested, and returned to Rome. Conditions of his 2nd imprisonment were far worse than his 1st. As he writes, he has been condemned to die, and is awaiting his execution.

B. Date: Probably in the year 65 A. D.

IV. The Purpose of the Book

A. To charge Timothy to be a faithful servant of Christ. At least 24 imperative commands are given to Timothy:

1. Stir up the gift of God (1:6);

2. Be not ashamed of the testimony … (1:8);

3. Be partakers of the affliction (1:8);

4. Hold fast sound words (1:13);

5. Be strong (2:1);

6. Commit to faithful men (2:2);

7. Endure hardness (2:3);

8. Consider what I say (2:7);

9. Put them in remembrance (2:14);

10. Charge them before the Lord (2:14);

11. Study to be approved before God (2:15);

12. Shun profane and vain babblings (2:16);

13. Flee youthful lust (2:22);

14. Follow righteousness (2:22);

15. Avoid foolish questions (2:23);

16. Continue in the things you’ve learned (3:14);

17. Preach the Word (4:2);

18. Watch in all things (4:5);

19. Endure afflictions (4:5);

20. Do the work of an evangelist (4:5);

21. Make full proof of your ministry (4:5);

22. Come shortly to me (4:9);

23. Bring the cloke & books (4:13);

24. Come before winter (4:21);

B. To encourage Timothy to be a good soldier of Christ (2:3-4, 8-13).

C. To urge Timothy to come visit him in Rome before it was too late (4:9, 21).

V. The Keys to the Book

A. The key thought = A good soldier must follow orders

B. The key phrase = "I charge thee before God" (4:1 ).

C. The key verses = 1:6; 2:2, 15; 4:2, 21

D. Key Words:

1. Remembrance - 5 times

2. Good - 6 times ;

3. Suffer - 4 times

4. Strive - 3 times

VI. The Outline to the Book

A. Paul’s Reminders to Timothy - Ch. 1

1. Of Paul’s Compassion (vv. 1-5)

2. Of Timothy’s Calling (vv. 6-10)

3. Of Paul’s Commitment (vv. 11-12)

4. Of Timothy’s Challenge (vv. 13-14)

5. Of Paul’s Concern (vv. 15-18)

B. God’s Requirements for servants- Ch. 2

1. Be a good steward (vv. 1-2)

2. Be a good soldier (vv. 3-4, 8-13)

3. Be a good athlete (v. 5)

4. Be a good farmer (vv. 6-7)

5. Be a good workman (vv. 14-18)

6. Be a good vessel (vv. 19-22)

7. Be a good servant (vv. 23-26)

C. The world’s Resistance of truth - Ch. 3

1. The apostasy of the last days (vv. 1-9)

2. The afflictions of the godly (vv. 10-13)

3. The antidote for false doctrine (vv. 14-17)

D. Timothy’s Responsibilities to God & Paul- Ch. 4

1. Preach the Word (vv. 1-4)

2. Fulfill your calling (v. 5)

3. Come before winter (vv. 6-22)