2 Tim. 2:1-13: "Be Strengthened"

Intro:

Pics of Father Son

Timothy was not Paul’s biological child, but he was Paul’s child in the faith.

Timothy’s Dad was not a believer according to Acts 16:1 “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.”

Does anyone know what this is? You may feel a little like my sump pump this week! Try as hard as you may, you cannot keep up with the rising water. What was working before just aint working now.

Outline:

Personally: “Be Strengthened” (vs. 1-9)

Prayerfully: “Endure” (vs. 10-13)

Summary: Being a grace-filled man preceeds being a faithful father.

Prayer:

Personally: “Be Strengthened” (vs. 1-9)

Be strengthened by grace (v. 1)

You then- singular, talking to Timothy

my child- in the faith, not biological

be strengthened- “endynamou” pres, pass, imperative (command), 2nd, sg, to be enabled, capable for some task. This is the word we get dynamite from. The singular points to the individual nature of the task as well as the uniqueness of the individual.

by the grace- be strengthened by something outside of yourself in a way that you don’t deserve and could never work hard enough to acquire.

that is in christ Jesus- Timothy, be strengthened as an individual by the work of Jesus in the unique ministry that God has given you.

This is not a going to the gym thing, unless you could have someone else do the work and you reap the benefits.

what you have heard- “ekousas” aor, act, ind, 2nd, sg, to learn hear

from me- trusted, reliable source

in the presence of many witnesses- not just personal preference or family tradition, it is transfereable. The grace that is in Christ is transferable.

Entrust to faithful men (v. 2)- “parathou” aor, mid, imperative, 2nd, sg, to put into the care or protection of someone

to faithful men- faithful, reliable, believing, responsible, or accountable

who will be able to teach others also- “didaxia” aor, act, inf, to teach

Start with your family

God the Father started with entrusting His creation to His creation…Adam and Eve.

Share in Suffering (vs. 3-6)

Soldier- “stratiwt-eh-s”, one who serves in an army

share in suffering- “synkakopath-eh-son” aor, act, imperative (command) 2nd, sg, to suffer together- “syncopation”

as a good soldier of Christ Jesus- notice the commander and chief

no soldier (participle, active in duty) gets entagled in civilian pursuits (work, business, occupation)- wrapped up, tangled fishing line. It keeps you from fishing!!

since his aim (appropriate analogy)

is to please- “ares-eh” aor, act, subj, 3rd, sg, to delight, to give pleasure to or be pleasing to.

the one who enlisted him- “stratolog-eh-santi” aor, act, part, dat, mas, sg, to enlist (draft)

An athlete- “athl-eh” pres, act, subj, 3rd, sg, to compete for something

is not crowned- “stephanoutai” pres, pass, ind, 3rd, sg, to be crowned

unless he competes- same as athlete before

according to the rules: the ends do not justy the means. How the athlete plays the game matters just as much as the outcome. There seems to be the possibility of not being crowned even though you “win”.

There is a need for a ref during the game, not just to declare the winner.

Farmer- “gewrgon” a person who operates a farm

It is the hard-working farmer- “kopiwnta” pres, act part, acc, mas, sg, to toil, to do wearisome labour, or labour unto extreme fatique

who ought to have the first share of the crops

As a man and a father, self control and discipline are vital.

Think about what I say (v. 7)

Think over what I say- “noei” pres, act, imperative (command), 2nd, sg, to think ponder, understand. Presently think over what has presently said

for the Lord

will give (future) you understanding in everything- that has been spoken about

Remember Jesus (vs. 8-9)

Remember Jesus Christ- “mn-eh-moneue” pres, act, imperative, 2nd, sg, to remember and respond

risen from the dead- “eg-eh-germenon” perf, pass, part, acc, mas, sg, to resurrect

the offspring of David

as preached in my gospel

for which I am suffering- “kakopathw” pres, act, ind, 1st, sg to suffer pain

bound with chains

as a criminal

But the Word of God

is not bound- “dedetai” perf, pass, ind, 3rd, sg, to be restricted, be bound

If only I could get free of …then I would be a godly man or a faithful father. Can I challenge you, the word of God is not bound and can set you free!

Application/Implications:

Renew the Mind (the Scriptures):

What caught your attention in this section? What does God want you to “think over” what has been said?

Which verses or words would you like to study a little more this week?

Engage the Heart (humility vs. pride):

Aren’t we glad for the Grace! Especially the grace that is in Jesus, the work of another man. Not everyone has a great heritage of godly men in their lives, but all of have at least one, JESUS!

Jesus was and still is the mighties warrior, the greatest Althelete of all Time (GOAT), Payton Manning’s show History’s Greatest of all time was inaccurate. Many others played the game, but they all broke the rules.

What cammander and cheif are you seeking to please today men?

Enlist the Body (Words, actions, emotions):

Being strengthened by the grace that is in Jesus means we can share in suffering and not get tangled up in pleasing any other commander and cheif than Jesus

Being strengthened by the grace that is in Jesus means we can be crowned for competing well in this life even if we don’t “win” in the eyes of the world.

Being stregthened by the grace that is in Jesus means we can work hard and enjoy the fruit of our labour without becoming a slave to work.

Transitional phrase: Alright PJ, you have shown me that I am commanded to be strengthened by the work of another, as much as I wish that could happen by someone else going to the gym on my behalf, that is not what you are pointing out in the text. How does this work?

Prayerfully: “Endure” (vs. 8-13)

Life is not about me (v. 10)

Therefore I endure everything- “hypomenw” pres, act, ind, 1st, sg, to endure (withstand with courage) because the Word of God is not bound! Not because things are easy.

for the sake of the elect- not just himself

that they also may obtain the salvation

that is in Christ Jesus

with eternal glory

He is always faithful (vs. 11-13)

This saying is trustworthy

If we died with Him

we will also live with Him (picture of baptism)

If we endure

we will also reign with Him

If we deny Him

he also will deny us (superficial, religious experiences)

If we are faithless

He remains faithful

for He cannot deny Himself- even when His children are not faithful it doesn’t mean He won’t be.

Application/Implications:

Renew the Mind (the Scriptures):

What caught your attention in this section?

Which verses or words would you like to study a little more this week?

Engage the Heart (humility vs. pride):

What area out of the 5 listed above is God calling you to endure in today?

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Enlist the Body (Words, actions, emotions):

Men and fathers, would you mind standing? I am going to pray for you as our Pastoral Prayer. Then I want you to pray with your families or with those around you. Pray for each other.

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Transitional phrase:

Summary

PASTORAL PRAYER TIME: you might be saying, there is no way I am praying for my father, Luke 6:27-28 ““But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”

Song:

Benediction/Looking ahead: INVITE PEOPLE TO THE CAFE

Discussion questions

Worship- Renew the Mind (Scripture)

What passage of Scripture did we look at? Summarize it in your own words.

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Grow- Engage the Heart (Conversation)

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Serve- Enlist the Body (Action)

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