2 Timothy 2:1-7 Bible Study

Introduction

Over the past several weeks we have looked at Paul’s introduction to Timothy, his relationship as as father, and seen Paul’s purpose to encourage Timothy to boldly and faithful proclaim this message. Tonight we are looking at 2 Timothy 2:1-7 to see what Paul has in mind for putting this message into practice. Paul started with and emotional push to be bold, and now he focuses in on defining that mission a little more clearly.

WHO (vs 1-2)

Track the participants here:

2 Timothy 2:1–2 CSB

You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

List the various people in verse 1-2

You (Timothy)> Jesus> Me (Paul) > Witnesses > Faithful men (or people) > Others

You: Timothy, who is told to be strong & teach what you’ve heard

Jesus: The source and sustainer of Timothy’s strength

Me: Paul. Has previously taught Timothy about Christ. We’ve read some of that teaching in chapter 1

Many witnesses: Other believers. To verify the truthfulness, or maybe to illustrate that Paul's model that Timothy is also called to teach many people as well.

Men: The people Timothy will teach. They will then become teachers. Although Paul says men here, it is not as clear in Greek that women are excluded. The only two qualities Paul requires are 1.faithfulness, 2. ability to teach.

Others: The people who will be taught by the faithful me.

Jesus > Paul > Timothy & Witnesses > Faithful Men > Others

The Cradle, the Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament III. Body Middle: Ministry Metaphors and Additional Exhortations (2:1–3:17)

When Jesus spoke his final prayer as recorded in John’s Gospel, he prayed first for himself (17:1–5), then for his immediate followers (17:6–19), and then for those who would become disciples through their ministry (17:20–25). For both Jesus and Paul, therefore, the key to the successful spread of the Christian faith lay in multiplying faithful generations of Christian witnesses.

WHAT (vs 2)

Question: Here in verse 1, what is Timothy called to do?

Answer: Entrust Paul’s message of the gospel to faithful men (people)

Lexham Theological Wordbook παρατίθημι

This word can indicate putting something in front of someone; in the NT it is used in this sense primarily of setting food in front of people for them to eat (e.g., Acts 16:34). However, it can also be used of entrusting something to someone. The most familiar passage displaying this sense is Jesus’ statement from the cross, “Father, into your hands I entrust (paratithēmi) my spirit” (Luke 23:46).

Question: Are we called to entrust teachings of the Bible in the same way today?

HOW (vs 3-6)

Paul goes on in the next several verses to tell Timothy HOW to do this.

A Good Soldier

2 Timothy 2:3–4 CSB

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer.

Question: When you think being soldier as soldier as a metaphor for being a christian, what do you think of?

Question: For Paul what aspect of being a soldier did he have in mind?

Answer: Focus, and mission

Question: What is the reward for the soldier who doesn’t get entangled?

Answer: Recognition from their commanding officer.

The Athlete (vs 5)

2 Timothy 2:5 CSB

Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

Question: The Superbowl is this Sunday. Let’s think through that sporting event. How do athletes competing in the super bowl illustrate HOW to fulfill the mission Paul is entrusting Timothy with in this section?

Question: Moving from metaphor to application, what rules does Paul have in mind for Timothy?

Question: What is the reward for the athlete who follows the rules?

Answer: A crown of victory.

The Farmer (vs 6)

2 Timothy 2:6 CSB

The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops.

Question: What is the metaphor Paul is using here?

Answer: HARD WORKING farmer

The Greek word for crops here is more literally fruit. It’s the same word for fruit of the spirit.

Question: What fruit or crops can we enjoy when we are faithful farmers for the gospel?

New believers

New leaders

Meaningful ministries

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control

Conclusion (vs 7)

2 Timothy 2:7 CSB

Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

We saw the chart, Jesus > Paul > Timothy > Faithful People > Others.

Which point in the chart does Paul point Timothy back to for Understanding?