Life Group Lesson: 2 Timothy 1

2 Timothy 1:1–2:26 (ESV)

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,

Verse 1: Paul tells us three things here: 1. He is an Apostle of Jesus Christ. His purpose is the preach and teach the Gospel of Christ. The word apostle comes from the Greek word apostolos, which means “one who is sent.” He is an ambassador of Christ. He has been sent by Christ to preach the Gospel. 2. He is called to be an apostle by God’s will, not his own. He is not a self-proclaimed apostle like we see in today’s church. 3. He holds the position of apostle according to the promise that is in Christ Jesus, which is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 To Timothy, my beloved child:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Guard the Deposit Entrusted to You

3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.

During this time, many had left Paul who was once with him. Some because they could no longer deal with with persecution, knowing that there was a strong possibility that they could be punished severely, even put to death because of their faith. But Timothy ( and I believe Luke stood by him as well) was faithful to his spiritual father and was grieved that Paul was imprisoned and his death was imminent. Paul longed to see him so that he could see his face and encourage him in person.

5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

Mary A. Kassian says,

“The Bible highly esteems women. It teaches that they are co-bearers of the image of God— that he crowned them with honor and glory, and gave them charge to exercise dominion over the earth. Women, along with men, have the enormous dignity, privilege, responsibility to put the glory of God on display (Isaiah 43:6-7

Isaiah 43:6–7 ESV

I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

The Bible rightly esteems women, but unfortunately, women do not always highly esteem the Bible. Some disrespect it— they think that they have a right to choose which parts are and are not applicable to women today. Others deride it— claiming that since the writers were exclusively men, Scripture is flawed and insufficient for women. The tendency for women to disrespect and deride the Bible is particularly prevalent in our post-feminist society, even amongst those who claim to follow Christ (Christine Cain, Joyce Meyer, Paula White, Beth Moore, Priscilla Shrirer, Sarah Jakes Roberts, Juanita Bynum, Gloria Copeland, Victoria Osteen, etc..)

Two women who had an enormous respect for the Bible were Eunice and Lois, Timothy’s mother and grandmother. Paul credits them with Timothy’s conversion (2 Timothy 1:5) He also credits them with carefully teaching Timothy Scripture and doctrine. Timothy’s father was not a believer, so he didn’t contribute to Timothy’s spiritual training (Acts 16:1

Acts 16:1 ESV

Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.

It was Eunice and Lois who acquainted Timothy with “the Holy Scriptures,” taught them what they meant, instructed him in the ways of the Lord, and ensured that he received instruction for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Paul reminds Timothy about his mother and grandmother’s attitude toward Scripture and their skill in studying, understanding, and applying it. In order to influence for Christ those who are in our relational sphere, women need to have the same regard for Scripture that Eunice and Lois had. Women who rightly esteem the Bible, and have a good grasp of doctrine, will be able to be “teachers of good things,” and will have a tremendous impact in mentoring their children and friends in the way of the Lord.”

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Paul is telling Timothy that preaching and teaching the Gospel is not for the weak and timid, or one with a lack of enthusiasm. An enthusiasm to serve is essential for the work of the Gospel ministry. Paul is exhorting and encouraging young Timothy to continue to study, continue to preach with boldness, continue to remain steadfast in his faith, keep his eye on the prize, and depend on the power of the Holy Spirit to dispel any fear that he may have. The Holy Spirit gives us exactly what we need and when we need it, so we don’t need to be fearful of anything.

8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus

2 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The saying is trustworthy, for:

If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;

if we deny him, he also will deny us;

13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—

for he cannot deny himself.

A Worker Approved by God

14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.