Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
It’s Tuesday which means another chapter is up to study. We’re in the second one of 2 Timothy now and this letter is a short letter so there aren’t but two more left.
I’m in the NIV, so grab yours if you have one, or go here. Also be sure to have something to write with and upon and quiet your soul for some study today.
First, let’s pray:
Lord Jesus, gather us close and lead us as we study. Only You know what we each need, so I ask, for whatever it is for each of us, that You’ll bless each of us as we study. Also that You will provide the words for today’s lesson. Take my hands and my mind and lead us all where You want us to go. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.
The Appeal Renewed
Read 2 Timothy 2:1-2
The appeal was? (Review Chapter 1 verses 6-14) it’s restated in just a few verses again here in chapter 2. Let’s record them so that we’ll know beyond now what this appeal is meant to be.
Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you (1:6)
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (1:7)
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. (1:9-10)
What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. (1:13-14)
Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2:1-2)
Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. (2:7)
Read 2 Timothy 2:3-7
Reflect on these three verses. A soldier tries to please his commanding officer. An athlete only wins by following rules. A farmer should get the first of the crops. (I’m assuming that is first after God is given his tithe.)
Do they have something in common?
How are they different?
Do you think they all include the need for a kind of faith?
Read 2 Timothy 2:8-9
Write this: God’s word is not chained.
Even places where it is not legal to believe, it’s not chained. God is still there. Call out for Him.
Read 2 Timothy 2:10
Paul uses many words to describe the people who belong to the churches he has started through his ministry. In letters to them, he’s called them saints and faithful, friends and hope, crown, glory and here he calls them elect. Faith is what they have, faith is what we have. Every one of those words applies to us as well.
Obtaining salvation. A real and personal relationship with Jesus Christ is how you will obtain salvation. God has made it depend on your faith in Christ. Your individual relationship with Him. Jesus knows your name.
Read 2 Timothy 2:11-13 Read it twice, slowly. Write what you observe.
Read 2 Timothy 2:14-19
Dealing With False Teachers
Don’t quarrel, avoid godless chatter. Those are really good reasons to listen and obey. Verse 19…Nevertheless. Write the first quoted portion.
Read 2 Timothy 2:20-21
Don’t speed read. There is something we need to see in those three verses. ‘Those who cleanse themselves from the latter’ wood and clay, ‘will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Metaphors. Pretty sure wood and clay don’t just stand for common items in a home, I think the key is in the word ‘common’ when we’re called to be ‘special, holy’ and ‘do good work’ prepared in advance for us to do.
Read 2 Timothy 2:22
Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with—together with—those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Relationships, Faithful relationships, faith-building and exercising relationships, faith growing and fruit showing relationships.
Read 2 Timothy 2:23-24
The Lord’s servant must not be _________________ but must be ____________ to everyone, able to teach, not _______________.
Yes, write that verse out.
Read 2 Timothy 2:25-26
Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. Ask and you will receive. And always hope that God will grant repentance and lead more people to knowledge of the truth.
Don’t you love these lessons on behavior? God expects those of us who are His to become more and more like Jesus and to do that, we must act as He instructs us to act. Always with faith, always in trust that your faith will be confirmed and grown in the exercising of it. Always that He is with you and knows you and will help you, and lead you to those works he has prepared for you.
Thanks for joining me for this chapter’s study. May you feel His presence as you take to heart what Paul is teaching in this chapter.
Next week we’re in chapter 3. Have a delightful time working on your faith this week.