Grace, Mercy and Peace to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. May you feel His peace in abundance this week.
We’re on the final chapter in 2 Timothy. I’m so glad you’re here to join me in this study.
I read the NIV and will likely remain in it so if you have one, grab it, otherwise go here in another tab or window.
Before we begin, let’s pray:
Dear Lord Jesus, we’ve made it to the final chapter in these two letters. Thank You for leading and for providing both the time and the learning opportunities with it. I’m asking for this last chapter, that You lead again. Show us what we need to see, reveal what we need to understand, guide our hearts and minds ever closer to You. In Your Holy and Precious name, I pray. Amen.
Read 2 Timothy 4:1
That phrase is full of wonder. Let’s slow way down and make note of it.
In the presence of ______ and of _______ _______, who will ____________________________, and in view of his _______________ and his _____________, I give you this charge:
We are all in the same place, in the Presence and his appearing is in the future quite possibly our future, and his kingdom is wherever his people are. So take every word there and put your trust in it.
Read 2 Timothy 4:2
There is only one way to correct, rebuke and encourage. What is it according to verse 2?
Read 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Do you think we’ve reached that time yet? I doubt very much it means all people, just those who aren’t part of Jesus’ family already. Could that be why church attendance is so low?
Read 2 Timothy 4:5
But you… (write out the phrases, skipping the one on evangelist because we are not all called to that vocation, but we all have ministries.)
Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Do you suppose Paul’s pouring out is contained in the letters to the churches? He must feel it; that his job is nearly done. What were the goals he listed in verse 7? What were the rewards he is expecting in verse 8? And what do you think of that line “but also to all who have longed for his appearing”? I so long for it. Come, Lord Jesus.
Read 2 Timothy 4:9-10
Personal Remarks
Can you feel the pain Paul feels at their departure? He doesn’t say that Crescens and Titus have left the faith so maybe they were sent somewhere but I think Paul loved having them with him because being among believers is such comfort.
Read 2 Timothy 4:11-15
Only Luke, I’m sure Paul meant nothing to disparage Luke in those words, but it takes some imagination to know that it’s the pain of the departures listed just before this that make Luke’s presence feel like an only. Who did Paul ask Timothy to bring? Why? And what did he request as well?
These verses also include a warning. Why does Paul say Timothy should be on his guard?
Read 2 Timothy 4:16-18
The message might be fully proclaimed… God is in control of everything. He has our Lord Jesus with complete authority over everything for us, his church. (Ephesians 1) It is He who stands with us, for He lives in us. He is our deliverer.
Write out verse 18.
Read 2 Timothy 4:19-22
Final Greetings
Do your best to get here before winter. I imagine both for Timothy’s safety and Paul’s comfort. What a wonderful thing it was for Paul to give him people to meet and greet along the way who he knew were faithful.
The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all. (vs. 22)
Lord Jesus, thank You for these words. They help us know these people as well as feel what they’re going through and to know they remain faithful is such a wonderful message to see. Thank You for this book and the wonders of reminders throughout this last chapter. You are so very good to us. In Your holy name, I pray. Amen.