BiblicalMastery Buddy's bible blog

Lesson 6

God’s Word the Foundation for Life

2 Timothy 3:10-17

 

Like many other men, I have missed out on the opportunities to develop a relationship with another man with whom I can share my hopes, dreams. Just to have someone to meet with and open God’s word is a blessing that most of us miss in our lifetime. Most of it is my fault. Being somewhat of an introvert I have not been one who really wants to open my life with others. That puts a major roadblock in any kind of relationship. Even with the two men mentioned before who mentored me I did not want to get too close. Sadly, for me those relationships did not last. Over the years I have taught a number of small groups and led retreats but even being a teacher there is a tendency to see myself as just that, a teacher. That mindset puts one outside of what takes place in the lives of those I have led. Building relationship takes consistent interaction with others and mine have been sporadic at best. What I have learned has been pretty much on my own or listening to others who lead conferences or preach on a Sunday morning. How much better would it be for someone like me to have another person impart the knowledge and wisdom they have gained over the years. Books, magazines, social media and sermons are great but it is difficult quite often to have the answers to questions I might have in what is presented.

 

Church is about relationships. The utmost important relationship is with God. He is to be the center of our focus. He wants to commune with us in a personal way in which we can go to Him with anything that is taking place in our lives. He will answer our questions and point us in the right direction if we will but listen. The second of course is with others. This plays out in the process called discipleship. We are to spend the time needed to help each other become apprentices of Jesus. This is a lifelong adventure because there is not a single one of us that will ever have all of the answers. In a way discipleship is also about synergy. It is the idea of the sum total is greater than all of our efforts done individually. Somehow it is a multiplication of our energy into results that we can ever hope to accomplish individually. The foundation of this has to be God’s word. Discipleship is totally dependent on what is to be gathered as we share all that God has to say to us. Those who have been long time disciples need to impart what they have learned with others. 2 Timothy is full of passages that drive this point home very powerfully. Today’s lesson is no exception.

 

2 Timothy 3:10

Having given Timothy a preview of what would take place in the future, Paul again turned back to the present. He encouraged him by speaking of Timothy’s life up until that point in time. He had been a disciple of Paul’s. A disciple was one who had investigated carefully the teachings of the one he was to follow and found them sound and truthful. Once he had determined that what was said was true he was willing to commit his life to the one who was to be his teacher. Timothy was willing to accept the doctrine concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ coming from Paul.

 

1. What does it mean to be a disciple?
2. In what ways have you thoroughly investigated the truth of God’s word?
3. Who in your life has been an example of a true disciple?
4. What is the danger to you of being able to identify such a person?
5. What have you done to be an example for others?

 

 

Not only had he followed the teaching, but had also in other facets of Paul’s life. He had witnessed His:

• What Paul believed and taught were the guiding principles of his life.
• Every he did was to show his total commitment to Jesus Christ.
• Paul trusted God with everything that was in him. It has already been seen in the word “entrust.” He believed that God would carry through on all of His promises.
• It is the ability to remain gracious and loving in spite of the sometimes cruel and uncaring actions of others.
• Agape love is seen in the life of Paul as he dealt with many unbelieving Jews and Gentiles. Just read Romans 9:1-5 to see his heart felt concern for his fellow countrymen.
• Another word often used is perseverance. The idea is for man to actively to continue living for Christ and not to become a passive recipient of what life deals out. In the face of every adversity Paul never gave up and became discouraged to the point of quitting.

 

2 Timothy 3:11-12

Paul saw persecution and the resulting suffering as one and the same. Timothy may have not been a witness to what Paul had experienced in Antioch Pisidia or Iconium but may have heard accounts of what had taken place. He probably was a witness the treatment of the apostle that occurred in his hometown of Lystra. (See Acts 14:19-20) Paul believed that God had rescued him from life threatening situations to carry on his work. In his mind everyone who is a true follower of Christ can expect to be persecuted in some fashion.

 

1. Why did Paul mention the persecutions he had endured? (To encourage Timothy during difficult times because he himself had been able to endure them.)
2. What did Paul mean by saying that God had rescued him? (Without God’s protection he may have been killed in any one of those instances.)
3. What are some ways do you believe that you have been persecuted for Christ’s sake?
4. What is happening in your life that in some way the world has not persecuted you or caused you to suffer in the name of Christ?
5. What is the one guarantee that we have according to the words of Paul? (We will have God’s protection)
6. What does it mean to be rescued by God? (Either He will intervene in the events surrounding us providing relief or for some it may be taking them home to be with Him forever.)
7. Why did God allow Paul to escape death? (His work was not finished and no one could kill him until his task on earth was done.)

 

2 Timothy 3:13

The words Paul wrote here were a contrast of the character of a true disciple spoken about in the preceding verses and the commands that were to be given in verses 14-17.   Men who were unwilling to follow his teaching, lifestyle, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions and sufferings were to be viewed as evil men and imposters. Rather than growing more Christ like they would continue down the path of going from bad to worse. These men were those who had been deceived by false teachers and had set out to deceive others in the same way.

 

1. How did the men described here differ from Timothy?
2. Why had they missed all that Paul described about himself? (They had been blinded by the false teachers of that day.)
3. How do we keep from falling into that trap? (By viewing the Scriptures in the same way that both Paul and Timothy did.)
4. Who in our day is going from bad to worse?
5. Why does this kind of false teaching impede the progress of the church? (The false teachers are making their followers twice the sons of hell as they are. (Matthew 23:15)

 

2 Timothy 3:14

Rather than falling in the trap of deception, Timothy was to remain loyal to the course that began in early childhood. The world would be trying to get Timothy to compromise, Paul told him to make the teachings he had received his dwelling place. He had not learned them but had become convinced of the truth found in them. The trust he had in the information he had received came from believing that those who taught him were faithful and trustworthy followers of Christ.

 

1. What was necessary to provide the safeguards in Timothy’s life to keep him from turning his back on God?
2. What did Paul mean by talking of continuing in the things learned? (This was not something new in Timothy’s life. It is an indication that he had been in the process of learning for a long time. He would have realized that the kind of knowledge about which Paul wrote was a life long process.)
3. How different is what Paul commanded Timothy than the world would have us to do today? (The world wants us to compromise while Paul would say to each of us stand firm.)
4. In what ways did Timothy know that what he had learned was true? (He had great trust in his teachers and believed they were a dependable dispenser of the truth of God’s word.)
5. What would Paul say to some of us today? (We have not been faithful in the continually growing in the knowledge of God’s word. It is hard to practice what you do not know.)
6. Who are those individuals in your life who have been faithful teachers and mentors?

 

2 Timothy 3:15

Although not specifically mentioned here, Timothy’s mother Lois and grandmother Eunice had been instrumental in developing in him at the earliest age a love and devotion to the words found in the Old Testament. From them he discovered the wisdom of God that led him to the salvation that was available to him in Jesus Christ through faith. As Paul had learned earlier Christ was to be found in every book of the Old Testament.

 

1. Who were those who were instrumental in the spiritual growth of Timothy?
2. How young is too young for the training of children in the word of God?
3. What will they discover if given the right foundation? (The practical knowledge that will lead to a decision for Christ?
4. For Timothy where was the foundation truth about Christ found? (In the Old Testament.)
5. What do we miss out on if we discount and ignore the teachings of the Old Testament? (The gospel of Christ is found throughout the whole Bible.)

 

2 Timothy 3:16

It is a dangerous thing for Christians to discount the message found in the Old Testament. The thirty-nine books found there as well as the twenty-seven books of the New Testament were all God breathed and man written. All sixty-six books of Scripture are of great benefit to man. God meant them to be used for:

• It is the instruction that brings a person into the full knowledge of Christ.
• It is the tool by which a man learns about and is convicted of the error of his ways.
• All of what is heard and read is to be tested by the Word of God. It is to be the standard by which every thing else is judged.
• Training in Righteousness. Every man must reach the point that he is in a right relationship with God.

 

1. What does it mean to say that all Scripture is the inspired word of God? (It is the word given by the Holy Spirit but written down by forty different authors over fourteen hundred years?
2. What is the important message of the Old Testament? (God has a plan for His people through the messiah to come. Man was not going to left alone lost in his sinful nature.)
3. What was God’s intention for His word? (For teaching, reproof, correction and Training for service in the name of the Lord.)
4. Which one of the description given by Paul was foundational for the others? (Teaching of the whole complete Bible.
5. In what ways has the reading, studying and meditating on God’s word changed and shaped your life?

 

2 Timothy 3:17

There was one purpose for the words Paul had for Timothy. Every man is to be adequately equipped for every good work. This is to be the mark of a Christian life. It is not something to be held onto selfishly but for the service of others.

 

1. What did Paul emphasize as the ultimate importance of God’s word? (To equip people for good work.)
2. What do you consider to be examples of good works?
3. What would say is one of the evidences of man’s salvation? (He or she has a deep passion for using the gifts given to them in serving the Lord.)
4. What would you say about a person who is not willing to serve the Lord?
5. How can we convince people of the importance of serving?

 

• Verses to memorize for this week are 2 Timothy 3:14-17.
• Spend time in God’s word this week knowing that it is the foundation for everything that you do.
• Find someone who you believe is a strong Christian and ask him or her to mentor you.
• Make sure that you attend a small group and encourage others to do the same.

 

Instead of writing some closing comments this week I believe that the verses 2 Timothy 3:14-17 covers what I would say better than I can. These are such important instructions for the church and the impact that God’s word can have on each of us, please read the verses again after finishing the lesson to reinforce what Paul is saying to us.

 

 

 

 

Lesson 5

Where Are We Headed?

2 Timothy 3:1-9

 

I sit here heavy of heart. The reason is much of what is in these verses I see being played out right before my eyes. If my life is any example I can almost see how we as the body of Christ got to where we are. From my earliest memories that was no emphasis of God’s word in my family. It was not until high school that I even remember owning a Bible. Once when I was living in North Carolina I was asked to recite Psalm 100 for some kind of citywide program. I had to actually borrow a Bible from my minister in order to learn it. If I was a fairly normal kid, I was lacking in the very truths I needed to know for direction in life. Nothing really changed through my high school years even though there were a couple of dedicated teachers who tried to instill God’s word into our lives. I attended church so something must have rubbed off on me. If you were to look at me at that point I probably would have been seen as a liberal without much knowledge. In spite of my circumstances I know that God has had His hand on my life. Somehow He has brought me to the point of loving and having a deep desire to teach His word. I could not have planned this even if I had tried. What little I know is from Him and for that I am truly thankful.

 

It was not until the 1970’s that God really begin to draw me to the study and having a true passion for it. I have discovered that no one can truly love what God has to say to us and remain a liberal who denies the accuracy and validity of the Bible. To read it and study it is to point us to a life that is changed. The change in one’s life occurs as the Holy Spirit teaches us all things pertaining to God and His Son.

 

As I said in the first sentence, I am saddened by the fact that more and more people who call themselves Christian do not spend time in the Bible and are drifting further and further from its truths. As a consequence each generation grows more apostate in their relationship with God. My hope is to continue to have a greater passion for all that is in its pages that I may continue to grow to be more like Christ.

 

Someone told me many years ago that they had been searching in the metropolitan area for a conservative Bible believing church and found it difficult to find one. This week we have seen again the drift into apostasy of which Paul spoke in Timothy. The Presbyterian Church – USA has just announced that it will begin performing same sex marriages.   This is a blatant violation of what the Bible teaches. God pronounced at the beginning that marriage was to be the union between one man and one woman. This is but one example of the way that the church and society in general has rejected the teaching of God’s word. Paul will be dealing with the individual attitudes and behavior when lawlessness begins to reign in the early years of the church and in the final days of our history.

 

2 Timothy 3:1

For all that Paul had taught Timothy there was a reality that might face him greater than the persecution of the Romans, for which he needed to be prepared. The words of Paul may not fully come to fruition in the lifetime of his son in Christ but would eventually take place sometime in the future. Many of that day believed that Jesus was going to return in their lifetime.

 

Like all Jews Paul believed that all of history was divided into two time periods, the present age and the golden age of God. In between those was the Day of the Lord when God would Himself intervene in history to destroy and judge evil and establish a new world order. It was the period of time prior to the Day of the Lord of which Paul was speaking when the forces of evil will make one last ditch effort to defeat God’s people by every kind of oppression and violence conceivable to man.

 

1. Why did Paul feel it was important to tell Timothy about the events that would occur at the end of the age? (Many believed that it would occur very soon.)
2. How did the Jews view history? (The Day of the Lord would divide the time prior to the joyous time to follow the destruction and judgment that would occur.)
3. How do you deal with the thoughts of what is to take place in the future?
4. How are you preparing for any thing that might happen?

 

2 Timothy 3:2-4

Having laid out to Timothy the fact that there is going to be a final consummation to the world, as man knows it. He went on to talk about the godless condition of man at that period of time. Man’s attitudes and behavior will be the last piece of the puzzle that will bring on the judgment of God. Paul said that they would be:

• Lovers of themselves. Another way to describe them is people who are self-centered. This attitude will destroy all other relationships including the exclusion of God from one’s life.
• Lovers of money. This would definitely include greed, covetousness, jealously and selfishness. Here again it would destroy relationships because such a person would not tolerate anyone from getting in their way as they strive to achieve their personal goals.
• It is a man who makes claims about things that he does not possess. It is certainly a lack of character to pretend to be other than a person truly is. A good example in our world today would be someone who makes claims about their educational achievements or service rendered in the armed forces on their resumes that are just not accurate. Churches can even get caught up in it by stating that they actually have more members than who actually attend on a consistent basis.
• The Greek word for arrogance is blasphemia from which comes the word blasphemy. The arrogant man is one has no regard for either God or man. He is one who is full of pride and looks at all others as inferior to himself.
• Those who use abusive and insulting language towards other. They have no problem hurting others with their sharp and demeaning words. It is both ugly and unforgivable because it is intentional.
• Disobedient to parents. William Barclay put it powerfully when he wrote, “It is a sign of an extremely decadent civilization when youth loses all respect for age and fails to recognize the unpayable debt and basic duty to those who gave it life.” (page 187 of The Daily Bible Study Series on 2 Timothy) This one attitude can only lead to the breakdown of the family and society when not even the basic qualities of the family structure no longer exist.
• They refuse to acknowledge that they owe a debt to either God or man. Ingratitude would be another word to describe the heart of such a person.
• In the minds and lives of such individual they view nothing as sacred. He will not do those things that are decent but act out of his own desires.
• This is one of the great downfalls of man that he lacks genuine affection for anyone or anything. The Greek word for this type of love is Storge. It means the kind of love found in families. Without it the family structure is destroyed and society will fail.
• They do not have the ability to ever forgive and injustice real or imagined that has occurred in their lives. The hatred they have for others will never end.
• Malicious gossips. A gossip has no problem destroying another person’s reputation by slandering their name. One of the greatest weapons the devil has is the use of half-truths.
• Without self-control. Driven by passions and addictions people will no longer live restrained lives but give into what ever the heart desires.
• People who are without conscience in the way they treat others. They are worse than animals because there is absolute no remorse in the doing of violence.
• Haters of good. This is seen in the attitudes of atheists towards Christians. They only see Christianity as a threat to wellbeing of society and something to be avoided. It is like a person who standing in front of a beautiful painting or a scene in nature and is totally unmoved by what is before him.
• The Greek work is prodotes, which means traitor. This person is one who will turn his back on family and friends and inform on them even it means their death. This has occurred throughout history. Paul saw this coming not only in his day but when family would be betrayed. Judas was a perfect example of this kind of man.
• To plunge headlong into an action without giving thought to the consequences of his decision. They do not stop and think before doing or saying something that might bring harm to themselves or others. How many times has the statement, “If I had only” been heard. Sadly, all too often it is too late to change the circumstances. Today there is a term that fits these kinds of reckless individuals. It is “extreme.”
• The phrase that I have used many times to describe one who is conceited is “they think they are good.” They are also thought of those with a swelled head who has a very high opinion of themselves. Paul included those in the fallen nature of a person found at the end of time. They are the one’s who will believe their own press. Jesus was just the opposite.
• Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Like Demus and others name in Timothy they loved the accolades and trappings of this world.

1. What evidence do you see that these conditions are either in existence or beginning to become visible in the church?
2. What does your answer say to you?
3. Which of them bother you the most?
4. What do you need to do to make sure you are not falling into the traps that these represent?
5. Why is it so easy for Christians to be caught up in such practices?
6. How do you keep others from becoming apostate?

 

2 Timothy 3:5

Paul ended the condemnation of such men with the stinging words that their belief in not God was not genuine. It was all a façade to build themselves up in the eyes of the church. In the end times there will be an effort to bring about a one-world church. A great deal of compromise will have to take place to reach that point but it will happen because of the apostate condition of the church at that point. Even today man can fake his commitment to the church while all the while what he believes in empty and hollow.

Paul said to avoid those types of men.

 

1. In what ways is it possible to spot men and women who are playing games with Christianity?
2. How do we know when a person is a genuine follower of Christ? (One way is to look at the way they serve. It is to get the attention of men or to please God without any desire of earthly rewards.)
3. What will happen to a church full of those who are only Christians on the outside?
4. How can we keep that from happening?
5. What does Paul mean by avoiding them? (Do not get embroiled in their activities?
6. How are we to view them? (Lost in need of a Savior.)
7. What can be done to change their way of thinking?

 

2 Timothy 3:6-7

This example was probably specific to the church in Ephesus. The women about whom Paul spoke were those who were vulnerable because of their new found freedom in Christ from the oppressive male dominated society in which they lived. All one has to do is look at the way Muslim women are treated today to see the conditions under which they lived. They had no rights, were not educated and were for having children. Like the Muslim women they were not allowed to go out alone or socialize with mixed groups. Because of all that had taken place they were anxious to learn. Into the lives of those women came the false teachers who convinced them that their gnostic teaching was correct. Sadly, the very knowledge that they sought would never be theirs. The women were misled by unscrupulous men, who used their position to take advantage of them. This would have led to the possibility of all kinds of immoral behavior taking place.

 

1. Why did Paul use the situation in Ephesus as the example of what those who pretended to be righteous misuse their religion?
2. Why was easy for the women of that day to fall prey to such men?
3. At the end of the day what would be the spiritual condition of the women? (They were no better off than if they had remained as pagans.)
4. What were they really doing? (Turning the women away from God for their own selfish motives.)
5. How had Paul warned Timothy about those kinds of men before? (Not to get caught up in their teachings and practices by fleeing youthful lust?
6. What is the danger for church leaders today? (Counseling a female alone can lead to immoral behavior.)

 

2 Timothy 3:8

The Jannes and Jambres mentioned were probably Egyptian magicians who tried to use their magic tricks to oppose the work of God. Paul said they were opposed to the truth as they tried to maintain their position as God was judging the gods of Egypt before the Exodus. Not only will such men be rejected by God for their lack of faith but, their evil works will also be exposed and short lived. The false teachings of such men will be exposed when laid beside the truth of God’s word.

 

1. Why did Paul go all the way back to the Old Testament to select examples of the godless men about whom he had been writing? (The nature of men who oppose God has never changed.)
2. What will happen to such men? (They will be rejected by God because of their lack of faith.)
3. In what ways can we expose the folly of such men? (Compare their teachings with the Word of God.)
4. How can we be caught up in their folly? (By not understanding what God has to say about different matters in life.)
5. What are we to do with such men? (Expose their teachings.)

 

• Search your heart according to the things in these verses to see if they describe your attitudes and actions.
• Use them as tools to search God’s word to see how He wants to overcome such tendencies.
• Continue to meditate on God’s word to hide it in your heart knowing that the days about which Paul spoke are headed our way.
• Stay alert.
• Remain sober and clearheaded so that the world cannot overcome you.

 

All we have to do is read the paper or watch TV to see many of the things that Paul wrote about taking place all around us. Every day there is a new disturbing story of man’s inhumanity to man. Much of this has occurred because the church was sat on its hands and let the world push us into a corner. We do not even have to view the media to know that things are not heading in a godly direction. All we have to do is go into a public place and hear profane and abusive language of all ages to know that there is something desperately wrong. Hopefully, Christians have not become so apathetic to the behavior of the general public that we do not see the need to do something about it. If nothing else we can pray fervently for the condition of our world at every level.   There is other preparation that needs to occur. There needs to be a concerted effort to be ready with the truths of God’s word to confront a lost and dying world. It is not enough to look a passage like the one we are studying today and say these things are inevitable what can I do. Every life that is changed through our sharing of the gospel is one less person over whom satan can claim victory. Our church may be the only lighthouse in the community if it comes to that point but let us make sure that we keep the light penetrating a dark world.

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 4

Focused on the Kingdom

2 Timothy 2:14-26

 

One of the phrases I have often used is, “If you had told me fifteen to twenty years ago I would be doing what I am doing today, my answer would have been there is no way that would happen.” It has taken me all these years to be in the position to feel somewhat comfortable to share what God has allowed me to learn.

 

There is a possibility that my memory has failed me, but as I remember that biographies were written based on a lifetime of achievements. One of the men I have admired for a long time is D.L. Moody. He specifically ordered his family not to write about his life until after his death. His explanation was based on the fear that he might destroy his life story by making some wrong decisions and undermining all the work he had accomplished over his forty plus years in ministry.

 

Today there are a number of books written about those especially in the sports world whose only accomplishments are in that arena. The subjects of these books are only in their early 20’s or 30’s. My concern was addressed in an interview I heard between two well-known ministers. During the discussion one of them was asked why he had waited so long to begin writing books. His answer was two-fold. He said that when he was young he did not feel that he had enough background knowledge to write definitively. The other reason was that he might change his views over the years and would have to give answers for the variances. The minister therefore waited until he was in his fifties and a pastor in a church in New York since 1989.

 

Our growth and understanding only comes if we remain diligent and focused on the guidance we receive from God’s Word. In order for a young man or woman to reach a point of being in Timothy’s position they must be trained but also have a desire and dedication to continue under teachers who have been willing to sit under the leadership of others. Not only must we gather together but must also remember that the time spent under formal learning opportunities are limited. Much of what is gained from the Bible must be done every day in reading and mediating on what God has to say. Only then can one be able to follow the commands and instructions of someone like Paul.

 

2 Timothy 2:14

It was the task of Timothy to continually bring before the people what they had heard from Paul and now Timothy. Paul had just restated the importance of man’s relationship with God through Christ that could be shared over and over again. Through their understanding they would not fight over the things that were matter of opinion. Their focus needed to on those words that as John Phillips said are meant for life and death, time and eternity. To continually talk about things that were trivial in nature would eventually tear the church apart. The people were called to be servants of God, not those who spent time in arguing.

1. What did Paul want the people of the church to remember? (The gospel and a person’s relation to God.)
2. What was one of the dangers facing the church of that day? (The infighting over the teaching that was to take place in the church.)
3. What are some of the misinterpretations that are taking place today?
4. What are the things that are important for the church to discuss? (Those teachings that will last into eternity, salvation and how to live out one’s faith in the world today.)

 

2 Timothy 2:15

In order to accomplish the task set out before him, which would have to be done without depending on Paul, there were certain things that were to be of utmost importance in Timothy’s life. He was to be diligent, totally committed to presenting himself as a servant and teacher who would stand for the truth in the face of opposition and false teaching. His doctrine was to be based totally on the Word of God. He would prove himself fit for service by standing the testing that would be before him in the church and the possible persecution to come.

He should be like gold that had been purified under fire.

 

1. What were the qualities that Paul desired to be present in the life of Timothy? (Diligence, A true servant of God who has proven himself by his life and study to be a teacher of God’s word.)
2. How does one become a person who rightly divides the word of God? (See 2 Timothy 2:2)
3. What is doctrine? (The teachings and themes found throughout God’s word such as Theology, the character and attributes of God and Christology, the study of Christ.)
4. Why is it so important to understand doctrine in the world today?
5. What does it mean to be tested in light of what Paul wrote? (To remain true to God’s word in the face of strong opposition and false teachers.)
6. Who are the false teachers in the world against whom, we have to be on guard? (Atheist and those who tear down God’s word by presenting teachings such as health and wealth and those who call themselves theologians who dismantle the Bible arguing over what is Scriptural and what is not.)
7. In what ways do you desire to serve God?

 

2 Timothy 2:16-17

The more the people carried on worldly and empty chatter that amounted to nothing, the further they found themselves drifting away from God. Timothy was to not take part in those conversations that only wasted precious time. False teachers will always find an audience of those who are like-minded. Sadly, their teaching can permeate and eat away at the body of Christ in the same way gangrene works. It effect is insidious and deadly. Paul mentioned two men, Hymenaeus and Philetus who were primary culprits in spreading of false doctrine. Although, Hymenaeus had been handed over to satan yet he still remained as an influence among some of the people. (1 Timothy 1:20.)

 

1. What happens to people who continually argue over or take part in empty chatter?
2. Why is it so important that we understand what is meant by worldly and empty chatter? (One thing it takes us away from studying and meditating on God’s word.)
3. Why is it so difficult to remove those types from the body of Christ? (They build up a group of followers who like to hear fruitless discussions. As mentioned before the Greeks were famous for their endless discussion leading nowhere.)
4. Again, how can you make sure that you do not get caught up in following individuals like the two men mentioned above?
5. How do you recognize what is false and empty teaching? (By understanding the genuine truth found in God’s word.)
6. What will cause those types to leave? (No one listen to them.)

 

2 Timothy 2:18

The message being delivered by those men was that the people had already seen the final resurrection. They supposedly had gained it in two ways:

• At the time of their baptism
• Or that a man lived on vicariously through his children.

Both of these of course were false for the Bible clearly teaches that the final resurrection will come at the time when God judges all mankind. The result will be some will live with Him for eternity. Others who have rejected Him will face and eternal separation and punishment in hell. Followers of Christ believe that although the physical body will die a person lives on for eternity in a new perfect body. Like the new age movement of today the Greeks believed that man would lose his identity in the after-life and would be absorbed into God.

 

1. What are some of the problems with the teaching of men like Hymenaeus and Philitus?
2. What does the Bible clearly teach? (We will go into eternity with our identity intact with a new indestructible permanent body.)
3. Why is it important to know what you believe about eternity?
4. What excites you about the message of the Bible? (To know that eternity is assured for all who believe.)

 

2 Timothy 2:19

Although many were teaching that which was false, Paul wanted to assure Timothy, and through him, that there was only thing that was certain. Paul knew that everything was affirmed in God. He was the foundation of all that was and is believed. He was also the One who established the guarantee of man’s relationship with Him. Having established those truths there was another important guarantee that should give man peace. God knows those who have been sealed in his relationship with the Father. Everyone who called himself a follower of Christ was to eliminate wickedness and turn himself to a life of righteousness.

 

1. What was the one thing of which Paul was assured?
2. What does it mean for God to be the foundation?
3. Because God is the foundation what is the assurance that man has? (He is sealed in the Holy Spirit.) (See Ephesians 1:13)
4. Upon what foundation are you building your life?
5. What is the evidence that it is taking place?
6. What does it mean to you to know that you belong to God and He knows who you are in relationship to Him?

 

2 Timothy 2:20

Paul uses a metaphor to describe those in the church. Each of the vessels mentioned is of lesser quality and value than the one preceding it. He goes on to qualify them as those who are more honorable than others. What he is truly describing is the mixture of all kinds of people that are to be found in any body. They are:

• Gold which is the most valued of all commodities and highly fit for service
• Silver to a lesser degree is also of service
• Wood and earthenware vessels are those, who although a part of the body, may have a head knowledge of Christ and put on appearances, but have not had a change in heart. God spoke to Ezekiel about a true conversion when He said, “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh and will put My Spirit within you.” Ezekiel 36:26-27

 

1. Why was the metaphor of the vessels a clear picture of the church? (There are all kinds of people in the church, those totally committed to service to God and those who are seemingly along for the ride.)
2. Where do you see yourself in this picture?
3. In what way does Ezekiel describe the differences between the vessels? (Gold and silver would represent those with a heart of flesh. Wood and clay would relate to hearts of stone that have not changed to serve God.)
4. What is important to have both wheat and tares in the church? (Hopefully those who are just there will see the importance of becoming a follower of Christ.)

 

2 Timothy 2:21

According to Paul there is hope for all of the vessels. If one is willing to cleanse himself Paul provided list of four things that would occur in a person’s life. He would become:

• A vessel for honor
• Sanctified
• Useful to the Master
• Prepared for every good work.

 

1. How can a person be changed from a vessel of dishonor to one of honor? (Cleansing that comes through the Holy Spirit.)
2. What does each of the terms Paul used when speaking of a person mean? (There is a real opportunity for a person to have a different relationship with God.)
3. What do you need to do in your own life to make sure you become a vessel of honor?
4. What are you doing to make that progress in your spiritual walk?

 

2 Timothy 2:22a

After what had been said Paul laid out another warning and a remedy to overcome the life pursuing youthful lusts or desires. He was commanded on this occasion not to resist, as was written in James 4:7, but turn and run away from those things that would entrap him. William Barclay provided a list that might be considered as desires that might qualify from which a person of any age should flee. These go beyond the idea of immorality that is usually associated with the word lust. Quite often young people live in an idealized world and driven by emotion or impulse. Barclay describes lust as:

• Impatience wanting everything right now
• Self-assertion which may be described as being intolerant of others by not seeing the point of view of others as of any value.
• What he calls disputation which is the desire to be argumentative
• The Love of new things or that which is novelty

 

1. Although written to describe characteristics of youth which of them still fit who we are no matter what our age?
2. Why are these dangerous in the body of Christ or any other group of people?
3. What do you think of Barclay’s list?
4. What others would you add or maybe delete from the list in view of today’s society?
5. Why is Paul’s admonishment to run away from those attributes?
6. If you would describe all of these in one word what would that word be? (Immaturity)

 

2 Timothy 2:23

Timothy is then commanded to replace the youthful lusts with the pursuit of:

• Righteousness
• Faith
• Love
• Peace

 

All of these were to be done with a heart that had been cleansed and coming through testing that removed any hindrance to the relationship with the Father.

 

1. How do the above qualities contrast to those of youthful lusts? (All of these are God and other centered.)
2. Having seen Paul use these terms before in Timothy why was it necessary to repeat them again?
3. What do each of them mean as you consider them again?
4. What does it mean to have a pure heart?

 

2 Timothy 2:23

Again in the next two verses there will be a contrast between those who want to continue to argue and speculate about those things they do not understand. Timothy was to absolutely refuse to get caught up in those discussions had no value and were a waste of precious time. Not were they useless but quite often would lead to quarrels that would ultimately divide the church.

 

1. With what we have already read, what contrast do we see between the actions of others and Timothy?
2. What is the danger of empty and foolish speculations?
3. What is to be our response when we hear people carrying on such conversations?
4. Why is it sometimes difficult to stay out such discussions? (We may think we can bring clarity to the argument but than likely the people involved do not really want a solution.)

 

2 Timothy 2:24-26

The qualities of a follower of Christ described as a bondservant are to be just the opposite of the those above. He is to:

• Not be quarrelsome nor take part in debates that are based on speculation and empty words
• Be kind to all by treating all people the same.
• Able to teach
• Patient when wronged accepting hurt without lashing back
• Correct others in a gentle way. An analogy might be “a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down” from Mary Poppins.

 

By doing the above a person may be brought to their senses and they return to an understanding of the truth. Of course satan wants to hold on to those he may have thought were his but Christ can free those once trapped by the devil.

 

1. In what way do these qualities contrast to what has gone before?
2. What is the one word that would tie them all together?
3. Which of these do you find more difficult to carry out?
4. What would be gained, in the words of Paul, by dealing with those in the church of Ephesus in this way?
5. Why should this be the same way we approach people today? (People have not changed that much in the way they respond to others.)
6. How can we make sure that we take back those who have been in the trap set by satan?

 

• Begin now to be a good student of the Bible.
• Search your own life to see if there are any youthful lusts that must be rooted out of your life.
• Two verses that are important out of the study today and should be part of the hiding of God’s word. They are 2 Timothy 2:15 and 2:22
• Seek to be one who unites and not divides by seeking the qualities of righteousness, faith love and peace for yourself and others.
• Develop and attitude of gentleness in your relationships with others.

 

God has not only gifted every follower of Christ but has called that person to be a workman in His kingdom. Every service that is rendered must be according to the correct interpretation of His Word. We must never have it say less than it says or more than God intended. To guard against false teachings we are called to be diligent and focused on knowing and practicing the teachings of Jesus. Paul made it his lifelong goal to preach and teach nothing but the truth. From that total commitment came people like Timothy, Titus Silas and many others. That is quite a legacy that has continued down to this day. We need to make sure that it does not stop with our generation. Our work today is dependent on the truth that has been passed down to us. We must keep the torch held high to give guidance to the next generation. Be diligent in your task and flee from all that may lead us in a path away from the righteousness that God has offered to us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 3

Discipleship the Committed Life

2 Timothy 2:1-13

 

In his book, “Real Life Discipleship: Building Churches That Make Disciples” Jim Putman has written, “Remember, discipleship happens when we are in relationship with other believers where real teaching, authenticity, accountability, shepherding, and training are part of our lifestyle. It is the responsibility of all mature believers to learn to feed themselves, then to feed others, and then teach them to feed themselves, and then to teach them to feed others- you get the idea.” He goes on to say, “Spiritual parents are intentional about helping infant, child, or young adult grow up to make more disciples. They think in terms of training and releasing so that the army of God can grow.”

 

One of my favorite Bible verses and the guiding principle of my life is found in Ezra 7:10. Ezra wrote, “Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statues and ordinances in Israel. My passion for many years has been to bring people to the point where they love God’s word and have a deep desire to share it with others. In my mind that does not mean that one has to stand before others in a formal presentation but using every opportunity to discuss the Bible in every type of circumstances. Real discipleship means that I am to do everything I can to help others grow.

 

The only way for a church to continue to thrive for years to come is for those who call themselves Christians is to wake up and understand that body of Christ will last without the effort of each of us to set our hearts to study, practice and teach God’s words. Those who follow us are depending on us to help them grow in the knowledge of the things of God. Sadly, this has not been taking place to the extent it needs to happen. Most statistics would say that the members of the church are basically biblical illiterates, with the figure hovering about 80%. It is no wonder that the same percent of young people are leaving the church by the time they are 18-20 years old. We can turn around that trend if we will just take seriously the concept of discipleship. It will take more than a few people to make this happen. We cannot wait until a child reaches his or her teen years. It must begin when they are children. To disciple someone we must understand that each of us is a learner and follower our entire life. If we believe that fact then our lives can and will make a difference in the lives of others. Paul understood this fact as he continued to advise Timothy while he was incarcerated in a Roman prison.

 

2 Timothy 2:1

Paul had just given an example of one who had the quality of the inner strength. Onesiphorus had displayed the perseverance that is needed by believers to face very difficult situations. Timothy would be able to be strong only through the sustaining power of God through the gift of grace that one receives in Christ. A follower of Christ will always find God with him in his hour of need.

 

1. Who did Paul use as the example of one who had the quality of inner strength? (Onesiphorus)
2. What do you see as the qualities of one who has inner strength?
3. How does a person develop such inner strength? (Through dependence on God.)
4. What does it mean to receive grace that is Christ Jesus? (To receive the mercy of God to help us in our time of need.)

 

2 Timothy 2:2

There was one gospel but Timothy had received his instruction from not only Paul but many others who had witnessed the activities of Jesus or who had learned them from those like the original twelve who travelled about teaching all about the Savior.

Timothy was to use that knowledge of the gospel to disciple those who would carry on the work of Christ, as Timothy was to do so having learned from his teachers. This pattern is the reason that the gospel is still vibrant and alive to this day. The ones with whom Timothy was to spend his time and expend effort were to those who had remained faithful. They also needed to be those who were able to teach others. This carries with it the idea of mentoring. Mentoring would be spending time with a younger believer in the faith and helping them to become a mature knowledgeable follower of Christ.

 

1. What was the one message that Timothy had learned? (The good news of Jesus Christ.)
2. What did it mean for him to have learned it from Paul and other witnesses?
3. Who might those witnesses be in Timothy’s day?
4. What was the pattern Paul put in place for Timothy and the people in the church at Ephesus? (It was the discipleship and mentoring process?
5. What does it mean to disciple or mentor someone?
6. What will happen to the church if it loses its focus and no longer continues this process?
7. Who is someone that you can either mentor or you would like to be your mentor?
8. What is another way that discipleship can take place? (Within the small group setting.)

 

2 Timothy 2:3-4

Paul gave three examples of those who had the inner strength to face whatever circumstance might confront them. Before Paul talked about the qualities of the three he gave a command to Timothy. He called on Timothy to be willing suffer for Christ as he was doing in prison. Timothy was called on to be a good soldier for Christ. Paul goes on to say certain things about those in the military that are also characteristic of a warrior in God’s conflict. He,

• Was not distracted by the things of the world but was totally focused on his duties as a soldier.
• Was willing to make sacrifices even if it meant giving up his life.
• Was obedient to the one who had called into service.
• Understood that his life did not belong to himself but to his nation.

 

1. What did Paul call Timothy to do?
2. Why did he use the example of a soldier in describing one whom Timothy should use as a model of living?
3. What are the characteristics that Paul admired in the life of a soldier?
4. In what ways should your walk as a follower of Christ be like that of a soldier? (Commitment, obedience and sacrifice remembering we do not belong to ourselves but Jesus Christ.)
5. In what ways have you or have not displayed those qualities?
6. What are you willing to do to correct those areas in which you have failed the master?

 

2 Timothy 2:5

The next example Paul used was that of an athlete. Every athlete has one goal in mind. To that end he is willing to use every ounce of strength he possesses to gain the reward of victory that is placed before him. Discipline and self-denial are two of the qualities that every great athlete possesses. He may be committed to the sport in which he participates, but he will not receive the crown given to the winner unless he plays by the rules. Sadly, today there are those who will use any means to win, from taking performance-enhancing drugs to outright cheating. Paul admonished Timothy to give his all to the endeavor for Christ knowing that there would be a crown of glory awaiting him at the end of the journey. In order to receive the reward he must be obedient to the teachings of Christ and willing to stay true to the battle against the evil one until the end. See 1Timothy 1:12 again for the guarantee each believer has. One thing

 

1. What was the difference between the soldier and the athlete? (He had some control of the outcome by the effort he put into the training.)
2. What are two qualities that are important in the life of every great athlete? (Discipline and self-denial.)
3. How are these qualities played out in the life of a Christian? (Our lives are not about us but the goal of the upper call of God.)
4. What is the importance of playing by the rules? (Even though one may not win the contest he has remained true to himself and that will be remembered long after the time in the arena.)
5. Who are some of the people we know that have try to skirt the rules of take short cuts in their preparation?
6. How do we sometimes try to short-circuit the discipleship process? (One way is not be prepared as a teacher to open God’s word in a way that helps a person grow in Christ.)
7. Who are the losers when we do?
8. What do you think about those individuals?
9. What are the ground rules that a believer is called on to follow?
10. What is the ultimate reward for being obedient? (1 Timothy 1:12)
11. What do you want do you want the Father to say at the end of your journey?

 

2 Timothy 2:6

The last metaphor that Paul used was to describe a Christian as a hard working farmer. When one thinks about a farmer he is seen as one who:

• Works very hard often for long hours each day often seven days a week.
• Patiently waits for the harvest to come trusting that his hard work will pay off.
• Realizes that the results are not always under his control.

When the harvest came the farmer was the first to benefit from all of his effort. He would provide for those who were his own and then distribute what was left over to others.

 

1. In what ways is the example of the farmer different than a vast majority of Christians today? (They lack the discipline to continue without ceasing)
2. What are some other ways we fall short?
3. What comes to the dedicated farmer?
4. In what way does that type of dedication pay off for the Christian? (He participates with others at “the marriage supper of the Lamb” written about in Revelation 19:9.)
5. What one aspect of the description would have been extremely important for Timothy? (To be patient in the face of much adversity.)
6. What is the common thread in all three of these groups?
7. What are you willing to give up to gain a reward that is permanent?
8. What is your primary goal in your Christian walk?

 

2 Timothy 2:7

After describing the qualities needed for a follower of Christ Paul had another important piece of advice. Timothy was to give careful attention to and think deeply about the things that Paul had taught him. By doing so the Lord would help him understand all that he had received from all of his mentors and disciplers.

 

1. How might you rephrase the words, “Consider, what I say,” for today’s church? (Heed the teaching of the Word of God by those who have spent their lives studying it.)
2. What did Paul want Timothy to gain from what he had heard?
3. What does it mean to gain understanding in everything?
4. How can we be like Paul and pass on the message of the Bible?
5. What does it take to do so? (Discipline to understand the Bible in order to be able to share it with others.)

 

2 Timothy 2:8-9

Paul had said many things to Timothy. He wanted Timothy to understand that he did not retain another thing that Paul had taught there were two things that he was never to forget. Christ’s resurrection and that he having been born in the line of David was the promised Messiah. Paul had so identified with the living Christ and considered himself only alive in Christ that he believed that the gospel was personally his as he only taught the things of Christ. His hardship had come because of his total commitment to the gospel and he had been put in prison because of sharing the good news with the whole world. The enemies of Christ thought they could stop the spread of the gospel because the most foremost minister of the word was locked up as a criminal and hopefully would be forgotten. Paul had come to a most powerful conclusion. No matter how many people, like him, were imprisoned and executed because of their faith, there was no way possible that the enemies of God could stop the word of God from continuing to be spread throughout the world. A dark, damp and cold cell may keep Paul from speaking but there would be countless others like Timothy to take up the banner.

 

There is a story of a Baptist minister in of Virginia in the 1700’s who was locked up in the Chesterfield County jail for preaching the gospel without a license. In that day the only ones allowed to preach were the Anglican priests. Being put in jail did not stop John Weatherford from speaking to the crowds that gathered outside of his cell window. The officials made one last attempt to dissuade him from preaching and the people from coming to hear him. They built a brick wall outside of his window. Even that did not slow him down. The people continued to gather and John Weatherford spoke over the wall knowing that his followers would be there. There is one last interesting fact in the story. Patrick Henry, of “Give me liberty,” fame defended the preacher and secured his release. God’s word had not been imprisoned.

 

1. If Timothy forgot all else that Paul had taught him what was he to remember?
2. In essence what did the command mean? (Timothy was to remember the gospel the good news of Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection. Paul had already indicated the assurance of a reward to all who followed Christ.
3. Why was Paul in prison?
4. What should that have meant for Timothy? (Paul was not asking Timothy to do what he was not willing to do in his own life.)
5. What does it mean that God’s word cannot be imprisoned?
6. In what way is the story above an example of that truth?
7. What then is our responsibility if we are to follow the example of Paul, Timothy and someone like John Weatherford?

 

2 Timothy 2:10

There was one reason that Paul was willing to suffer greatly for the cause of Christ. He wanted to reach everyone who was to be saved so they would obtain the salvation only to be found in Christ Jesus. They were would receive eternal glory upon making that decision.

 

1. Why was Paul willing to suffer as he did? (It was for the sake of Jesus Christ and all those who would become or had become believers.)
2. What did Paul mean when he used the term chosen? (Not everyone who heard the gospel would respond. God knew who would respond before the foundation of the world. As they accepted what He offered to them they became part of His forever family.)
3. What were the benefits to be found in being those who were chosen? (Salvation in Jesus Christ and all that came with it for eternity.)
4. How do you know that you have been chosen?
5. What does it mean to you to have eternal security and the rewards that go with it?

 

2 Timothy 2:11-13

There was one thing of which Paul was sure. It was the eternal faithfulness of God. For him identifying with the death of Christ meant that he would also live with the resurrected Savior. To remain faithful to Him would one day bring all of His followers to the time when they would reign with Him for eternity. Paul went on to write that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on man remaining true to Him. He will however deny those who turn their backs on Him like some of the people that Paul had mentioned earlier. God is faithful because it is who He is, it is inherent in his nature to be so and He can never deny Himself.

 

1. What do you think of someone who does not remain faithful to you?
2. How can we know that God is faithful to us? (It is part of the nature of God who is total truth and always does what He has promised in Scripture.)
3. What would you think of a god upon whom you could not depend?
4. What are some of the ways that God has shown you that He will never fail you?
5. What is the one thing that will cause Him to deny that He knows you?
6. What is the promise Paul wrote about that is guaranteed? (We will live because of the death and resurrection of Jesus that will bring about eternal glory for each of us.)
7. Why do people turn their backs on a Savior and God who has promised so much?

 

• Understand that discipleship is not an option for you or me. Each of us is called to help another person grow in Christ.
• Think about the best way you can carry out the command to disciple someone.
• If you do not believe you are ready to do so, look for someone to mentor and disciple you.
• Get involved in a small group or a one to one relationship where you can grow.
• Memory verses for this week are 2 Timothy 2:2 and 2 Timothy 2:9. The first is a challenge meant for each of us. The second is a promise that should give us the confidence needed to minister to others.

When we focus on what makes a healthy church one of the important factors that must be considered is discipleship. Disciples display certain characteristics that show their dedication to Christ. We have seen some of those in the examples Paul used in this part of Timothy. There were soldiers, athletes and farmers. All three of these exemplified courage, commitment, willing to sacrifice for a cause, self-discipline and self-denial. All of these are imperative in our relationship with the Father and His Son. There is one more aspect to be considered. It is the sharing of the good news we should be acquiring as we learn from others. We are commanded by Christ to disciple others. Only by teaching others God’s word and instilling the need to live like Christ can we expect for the church to remain healthy and viable in society. Our passion is to be a disciple who wants to make disciples so that the next generation will continue the process in successive generations.