HOW TO PLEASE GOD2
TIMOTHY 2:14-26
Introduction:
As we saw in our last study (2:1-13) God’s grace/strength is a vital factor in the equipment he provides for serving him.
The remainder of the chapter deals with other aspects of our work as God’s servants.In our service, the secret of pleasing him lies in our obedience to his instructions.And in this section his instructions (through Paul) are clearly evident.
There are two emphases: 1.Lay a firm foundation (14-19);
2.Stress total commitment to God (20-26)
1.Firm foundation (14-19)
God is looking for faithfulness in a teaching programme rather than originality.So:
(a) What is a major responsibility for Timothy (14)?To what do ‘these things’ (14) refer?What are the facts of basic importance that come through in vs. 8-13?
In our church how can we ensure that these basic facts are well understood?How can we improve on what we are doing?
(b) ‘Quarrelling about words’ can be destructive (14).Its destructive influence is seen in vs. 16-18.the devil seems to be keen on starting quarrels, and Paul had frequently to write about them.See 1 Cor. 1:10-12; Phil. 2:14.Satan got at the disciples in the same way (Mark 9:33-35).What is the safeguard?If regular teaching is a positive help, remember also Paul’s instruction in 1 Tim. 2:8.Why should this have a helpful effect?Are there any other steps we can take?
(c) What is Paul’s advice to Timothy, so that he can be better equipped to deal with problems (15)?How can we achieve this objective for ourselves?
What problems (e.g. arguments against the truth) have you been confronted with which you haven’t felt yourself well-equipped to handle?
What specific issues would you like to have dealt with in a teaching programme which would equip you more adequately?
(d) How can a leader (in any area of Christian responsibility) avoid getting involved in quarrels or destructive conversations (16,23,24)?
What relevance has this to verse 19?
2.Total commitment (20-26)
If we’re going to take time out for study (15), a fair level of commitment will be called for!
(a) In any household a wide range of articles is found (20).So with people.What kind of person is God anxious to have in his house (21)?
How does a person change from being ‘ignoble’ to ‘noble’?
Changing the metaphors, notice the contrasts the New Testament frequently makes (Eph. 2:4,13; 5:8; 1 Cor.15:48; Rom. 6:15-18).
What encouragement do you draw from this?
(b) What are the characteristics of the ‘noble article’ in v. 24?
How do they contrast with what they are by nature?
Paul uses the word ‘useful’ in connection with two specific people:
see 2 Tim. 4:11 (translated ‘helpful’ in the NIV) and Philem.11.In what ways had these individuals been changed from ‘useless’ to ‘useful’?
In what ways can we be ‘useful’ to God in our local church?
(c) For living a truly holy (committed) life, Paul gave Timothy some priorities (22-26).
i). There are two negatives (22a and 23,24).What place of importance should they occupy today?(Concentrate on the first, as we’ve already thought about the second.)What are the ‘evil desires’ that the mass media constantly push at us?
ii) There are eight positives: things to pursue (22) or aim at.
Identify them.
The first four are in v.22.What help in attaining these is the third part of the verse: ‘along with those....’?Why?
The next three priorities are in v.24.The last of this trio is seen as very positive when it’s translated as ‘forbearing’ or ‘patient’ or ‘holding down resentment’.To whom is he to be ‘kind’?Why is this important?
The eighth priority is in v.25.Think about the objective in vs. 25,26.Try putting these priorities in order of importance for yourself.
It might be useful to take five minutes in order to write them out in priority order and then - if you like - to share your reasons for doing so.
How do these eight priorities carry us forward towards a total commitment to the Lord?