KEEP GOING: THE FUTURE’S GREAT!
Introduction
This last chapter of Paul’s letter to Timothy bears the marks of urgency and finality.Death is not far away, the race almost completed.There are matters on which Timothy must concentrate: there is information and testimony, greetings and requests.
1.Fulfil your calling (1-5)
- that is Paul’s chief priority for Timothy
(a) Notice how verse 2 reiterates the emphasis frequently made in both 1 and 2 Timothy.For example, 1 Tim. 4:6,7,11-16; 2 Tim. 1:13,14; 2:2, 14-16, 23-25; 3:14-17.
What subjects did Timothy have to concentrate on in his preaching and teaching role?
What subjects do you think are particularly urgent for our own church?
Try breaking down the major needs of the different groupings within the church.
(b) False teachers are again mentioned (3,4): see 1 Tim. 1:3-7; 4:1-3; 6:3-5; 2 Tim. 2:16-18; 3:5-8.
Summarise the main aspects of the false teaching that Timothy had to combat.
What are the ideas that circulate today?
To what extent are we being equipped to deal with them?
(c) Serving Christ isn’t a soft option (5-8)
See how v. 5 reiterates 2:3-6.
What do you think, for Timothy, was the toughest part of his assignment?
In what ways can our church best fulfil its responsibility for evangelism?
As individual members of the group what are we best qualified to do in evangelistic outreach?
Verses 6-8 demonstrate to Timothy how Paul has ‘discharged all the duties of his ministry’ (5).
How would these verses be an encouragement to Timothy?
What personal encouragement do you derive from them?
2.Friends and enemies (9-22)
(a) Timothy and Paul: Why should Paul have wanted Timothy to come to him as soon as possible (9, see also v.21)?Remember the deep affection Paul had for him (1 Cor. 4:17; Phil. 2:19-22;
1 Tim. 1:2, 18; 2 Tim. 1:2,4).
Mention various friends in the church whose needs call for our help - practical as well as spiritual (13).
What is to be done for the friends we have mentioned?Who is going to do it?
(b) How is Demas a warning to us? (Recall his background: Col. 4:14; Philem.24).
(c) Paul was not vindictive (14,15) - see Rom. 12:17-21.
Why is it necessary sometimes to identify troublemakers?
(d) The Lord’s help is always assured, no matter how strong the opposition (16-18).
Paul proved Jesus’ promise true (Matt. 10:16-20).
How would this testimony have encouraged Timothy in his relationship with Paul?
What do you gain from it for yourself?
(e) It is probable that Paul was martyred.How do vs. 6, 18 describe his attitude to what could have been a terrifying experience?
(f) The pressure of Paul’s personal circumstances didn’t obliterate his concern for and interest in other people (19-22).
What would have helped him maintain this balance?
What example would Jesus have been to him?
Postscript: Share what has spoken to you most strongly during our studies in this letter.