2 Timothy Bible Class

Introduction:

Second Timothy is Paul’s departure letter.

Written probably around AD 64-65 during Paul’s second imprisonment, Paul penned this letter to his faithful protege Timothy shortly before his martyrdom for Christ at Rome.

The purpose of the letter was to challenge Timothy to continue to preach the Word and to keep the faith (Know Your Bible, Dunn, 560ff).

He desired for Timothy to do the work of an evangelist.

Timothy was to teach Christians to be ready for every good work, to fight the good fight of faith, and to finish the course.

Paul’s circumstance in writing his 2nd epistle:

2 Tim. 4:6

2 Timothy 4:6 NKJV

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.

2 Tim. 4:9-11

2 Timothy 4:9–11 NKJV

Be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.

2 Tim. 4:16

2 Timothy 4:16 NKJV

At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.

Paul must have been incredibly lonely, and even though he was courageously facing his impending death, still, his death was impending, and that can take a toll.

Remember though Paul’s words from Php. 1:23

Philippians 1:23 NKJV

For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

From a section titled “Paul’s last epistle” from Know Your Bible by Frank Dunn:

“This is the last will and testament of the great apostle to all future ministers and soldiers of Christ. It is less formal and more personal than his other epistles. ‘The writer’s heart beats in the writing.’ In it, Paul mentions 23 persons, some unfaithful, as was Demas (4:10), but mostly they were fellow Christians who were very dear to him, among whom were Onesiphorus, Mark, Luke, Titus, Tychicus, Aquila and Prisca (Priscilla, TCG), and others.” (Page 561)

Another section - “Appeal for faithfulness — The highest goal and attainment of the Christian life is to be ‘faithful unto death’ (Rev. 2:10). ‘Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful’ (1 Cor. 4:2). Paul’s example is our inspiration, as he faced martyrdom with these words: ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing’ (2 Tim. 4:7-8).” (Page 561)

Main Points of Second Timothy:

(Page 561 of Know Your Bible)

“Chapter 1 - Do we really know the one whom we have believed? (v. 12)”

“Chapter 2 - Study God’s word and handle it properly (v. 15).”

“Chapter 3 - God’s inspired word is profitable, perfect, and all sufficient (v. 16-17).”

“Chapter 4 - Preach the word, keep the faith (v. 2, 7).”

Chapter 1:

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Chapter 2:

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Chapter 3:

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Chapter 4: