2 Timothy 2

2 Timothy 2:1–26 (NLT)

1 Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.

“Sickly, emotional, young, timid one, be strong in grace,” said Paul to Timothy. I would have said, “Timothy, be strong emotionally. Get it together.” Or, “Quit your bellyaching and be strong physically.” But that’s not what Paul said. He said, “Be strong in grace.”

So, too, the Lord wants you who, like Timothy, feel you’re a little lacking in personality, somewhat weak emotionally, or less than impressive intellectually to be strong in grace—to expect the Lord to bless you not because of who you are, but in spite of who you are! God is looking for men and women He can bless not because of their prayer, their talent, their piety, or their devotion, but simply because of His grace—for they will be those through whom He is most glorified (1 Corinthians 1:27).

2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

In our educational system, there are few greater sins than that of plagiarism. “Be innovative, creative, and original,” our teachers say—which is fine for schoolwork, but not for ministry. Because there is no such thing as plagiarism in ministry, Paul told Timothy to take the very things he had heard Paul teach and pass them on to others.

3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.

Knowing they would be mowed down by Nazi machine guns, the first soldiers off the landing craft at Omaha Beach charged valiantly. Those who miraculously made it to shore safely began to climb the cliffs, knowing they were most likely climbing to their deaths. What would cause a man to hit the beach or to climb a cliff, knowing he would be gunned down in the process? Subsequent studies have shown that the heroes of D-Day did so out of respect and appreciation for their commanding officer and fellow soldiers. The concept of fighting for one’s country is sometimes too big, too abstract. But risking one’s life for the safety of one’s commander or for the safety of the soldiers right beside him makes sense.

Paul didn’t give Timothy ten theological reasons why he should serve the Lord. Rather, he gave him only one: to please the commanding officer and fellow soldier who had laid down His life for him.

5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.

Paul changes his analogy from warfare to athletics when he says, “You’re not going to get the gold medal if you break the rules.” So, too, we must know and abide by the principles found in the Scriptures.

6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (Chapter 2)

In his third analogy, Paul challenges Timothy to be like a farmer—to wait patiently.

I have seen a bunch of churches and people who were on the verge of seeing some wonderful things happen in their ministries give up prematurely. Whether it be in ministry, marriage, witnessing at the job, or on the campus, hang in there. The great need in many cases is just to be patient.

It wasn’t too many years ago that we met in a circle of about fifteen chairs for Sunday night service. For many years, Sunday night attendance at Applegate Christian Fellowship just never seemed to grow numerically. Many were the nights I would come home and wonder if we should just pull the plug on it completely. But I knew in my heart we had to keep on, for it was on Sunday nights that prayer was offered most deeply, where the gifts were expressed most freely, where Communion was served regularly. We did, indeed, keep on—and finally people realized the blessing of meeting together in that kind of atmosphere. So many things that have happened at the fellowship are like that. People who don’t know the background see them as overnight successes. But more often than not, there were years and years of just planting, watering, and waiting before any fruit was seen.

“Like a soldier, Timothy, please your commander,” said Paul. “Like an athlete, compete lawfully. Like a farmer, be patient—and you will see fruit eventually.”

7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.

In this verse we see a direct link between considering and understanding. “I don’t understand the Bible,” people say. “I just can’t get it.”

“Have you ever considered what you’re reading?” I ask. “Have you ever slowed down and talked to the Lord about what you’re reading? Have you ever waited quietly for Him to inspire your thoughts and touch your heart?”

We know that if we meditate on God’s Word, we will have prosperity and good success (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2). But what does the Bible mean by meditation?

The goal of Eastern meditation is to empty oneself of all thoughts until he becomes one with the universe. Biblical meditation is just the opposite. The Hebrew word for “meditation” is linked to what a cow does when it chews its cud. A cow constantly re-chews its food as it sends it to each of its seven stomachs.

That’s what we’re to do with Scripture. We’re to read a passage, stop and consider it, meditate on it, chew on it, think through it, and pray about it. If I just read a chapter or five verses and say, “I don’t get it”—I won’t! But if I wait on God, if I stop and consider it, if I meditate on it, the Lord has promised to give understanding.

8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach.

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (Chapter 2)

“Be strong in grace, Timothy,” exhorts Paul. “Be like a soldier, an athlete, a farmer. Meditate, slow down, and above all, remember Jesus Christ.”

Paul’s is a powerful and important exhortation: Don’t become so enamored with ministry and so caught up in theology that you forget that Jesus is risen.

How do we remember Jesus? “Do this in remembrance of Me,” Jesus said as He served His disciples Communion (Luke 22:19). Come to the Table, saint, and remember both the work Jesus did for you on the Cross and that He is risen and lives in you right now.

9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.

10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

“Even though I’m in prison, the Word is not bound, for I’m still sharing through the epistles I’m writing,” says Paul.

11 This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him.

If we’re dying for Jesus, we will also live with Him—not only in heaven, but presently—because for the extent to which we die to ourselves is the extent to which we will experience life abundantly. When I choose to die to my reputation, my rights, my ideas, and my pleasures—when I choose to take up the Cross and die daily as Jesus told me to, I live.

What does it mean to take up the Cross? Fighting the flu is not taking up the Cross. Grieving over the loss of a loved one is not taking up the Cross. Taking up the Cross is something we choose to do. Taking up the Cross means choosing to sacrifice something of yourself for the redemption of someone else.

What are you choosing to do for someone else’s redemption, for someone else’s spiritual growth? What are you choosing to let go of, to give up, to die to? Let go of self, and you’ll find life abundant. That’s a promise.

12 If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.

“I never knew the man,” Peter cursed vehemently (Matthew 26:74). Yet after His Resurrection, Jesus found Peter personally and ministered to him tenderly (John 21:16). Thus, this verse doesn’t refer to those who stumble like Peter, but to those who decide repeatedly that they want nothing to do with Jesus.

13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.

This is talking not about believing for salvation, but of the times when our faith is faltering, when we’re struggling, when we’re slipping and sliding.

Imagine that you travel with me halfway across the country to Yellowstone National Park. There we are, standing by the fence waiting for Old Faithful to erupt—as it does approximately every ninety minutes. But after about thirty minutes, you become bored and you see a goose that you follow into the woods. I remain by the fence and see the spectacle of Old Faithful’s geyser. You, on the other hand, miss out because you’re on a wild goose chase. Finally, you say, “This is dumb. I’m going back and position myself near Old Faithful again.”

Now, when Old Faithful sees you coming, it doesn’t say, “Well, well, well. Look who’s finally decided to show up. There’s no way I will erupt for you. You’ve been on a wild goose chase.” No, Old Faithful erupts regularly, faithfully no matter your position.

Paul is saying that God is, in the best sense of the word, like Old Faithful because His blessings are continually flowing. If I go off on a wild goose chase, I won’t be blessed—not because the blessings aren’t there, but because I’ve moved away. But once I realize I’m in the woods on some crazy excursion and return to the geyser of the goodness of God’s grace, I find that God is faithful still.

For years, I thought God had to be “primed” through praise, prayer, and devotion. And I thought if I could just pump the handle of His blessings hard enough, blessing would start coming my way. But then I realized His grace is there anytime I choose to come back to my senses and return to Him.

God cannot deny Himself, gang. He’s not faithful one day and frustrated the next. He’s not generous one day but stingy the next. He is continually and completely faithful.

14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

We are to understand how the Word is divided and then allow the Word to divide us (Hebrews 4:12).

16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.

Herein lies a perfect description of American television talk shows!

17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus.

18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.

Hymenaeus and Philetus were saying, “There is no real resurrection. Forget the Rapture. It’s all symbolic and not to be taken literally.” They claimed to be insightful, but because of their vain discussion of these things, the faith of some was hurt badly

19 But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”

Quoting from Numbers 16, Paul says, “Even though there are men causing problems with their erroneous teaching, the Lord will keep those that are truly His.”

Numbers 16 is indeed an appropriate parallel.…

“Who gave you the right to rule over us?” Korah, Dathan, and Abiram asked Moses.

And Moses wisely responded by saying to the two hundred fifty men with them, “If I were you, I would depart from them. They’re causing division. They’re a big problem. Stay away.”

But Moses’ warning went unheeded. So the earth swallowed them all (Numbers 16:32).

If you want to find yourself swallowed up by despair or confusion, hang around those who cause problems. I have yet to see a man or a woman prosper who causes division and problems in a church.

20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use.

21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

“Consider the church a great house,” said Paul to Timothy. “Within it you will find many containers: Some are beautiful vases, others are garbage cans.” In reference to both the passage that precedes this as well as the passage that follows, Paul says, “Separate yourself from those who pollute or cause problems in the body—or you will end up as a garbage can rather than as a beautiful vase.”

22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

This doesn’t mean if you’re young, you’re to flee lusts. It means regardless of your age, you’re to flee youthful lusts. “I can watch HBO because I’m fifty and it doesn’t affect me,” some say. Or, “I can go in there because I’m not a kid anymore.” Those who think this kid themselves. For the lusts that were real when they were younger are real all the days of their lives.

When you’re struggling, if you don’t flee and run to those who call upon the Lord, you’re going to be tempted a second time even more heavily than you were the first time.

23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.

24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.

25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.

26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

Sometimes the hardest thing to do in ministry is to be gentle with people who “oppose themselves”—with people who continue to be at cross-purposes with their own welfare—not because they hurt us, but because they hurt themselves. Yet Paul says we must be gentle and patient with all men—even those who are their own worst enemies.

If you are one who blindly or foolishly opposes yourself, my prayer is that you will see the vanity, the foolishness of doing so. May you choose, instead, like a soldier, to obey your Commander. May you choose, instead, like an athlete, to live according to the principles of Scripture. May you choose, instead, like a husbandman, to not grow weary in well-doing.

In short, may you grow strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Rightly Dividing the Word

RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD

A Topical Study of

2 Timothy 2:15

Over the years, I have observed that many people who love the Lord Jesus deeply are, nonetheless, embarrassed occasionally when unbelievers raise questions like the following.…

“How could a God of love order the extermination of the Canaanite civilization?”

“How could a God of love mandate the slaughtering of bulls and goats and little lambs and pigeons for sacrifices?”

“Why does the Bible set guidelines for slavery rather than abolishing it altogether?”

On and on, questions come our way that cause some who love the Lord to feel embarrassed about parts of the Bible.

The problem isn’t with the Bible. The problem is with our inability to rightly divide it. The Greek word for “divide” means to cut a straight line, to make an incision. In order to rightly divide the Word, we need to understand first of all that the Bible is not simply a book of theology, but rather a drama through which we see the unfolding of God’s redemption of mankind. Viewed as a drama, we see seven scenes, or “dispensations,” into which all of Scripture is divided.…

Scene I

The Dispensation of Innocence

Psychologist B. F. Skinner voiced the belief of many when he said, “If you can change the external environment of a group of people, they will live at peace.” Scripture, however, says otherwise, for when God placed man in the perfect environment in the Garden of Eden, what did man do? He chose to rebel in the one and only way possible. He chose to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that was placed in the Garden as a way for him to choose for or against God’s love.

B. F. Skinner was wrong. Man chose to rebel. Consequently, those who say it’s okay to smoke marijuana because God created it don’t rightly divide the Word, for it was only during the age of innocence that God declared that which He had made to be good. But because the first dispensation came to a close when man fell, the Bible says at that point, all of creation entered into a fallen condition—groaning, aching, and longing for the day of restoration (Romans 8:22)

Scene II

The Dispensation of Conscience

Many think that if everyone simply followed their conscience, the world would be right. So in the period between Adam and Eve’s fall in the Garden of Eden and the Flood that covered the earth, God declared “If you do well, you’ll be accepted” (see Genesis 4:7). But it didn’t work, for the dispensation began with Cain killing Abel and ended with the imagination of man being evil continually (Genesis 6:5).

Scene III

The Dispensation of Government

Mankind still has a tendency to think that if we could only elect good leaders, the problems of the world would be solved. Following the Flood, based upon the right and responsibility of capital punishment given to Noah, mankind was to govern himself.

Yet the “Dispensation of Government” began and ended dismally. No sooner had God given Noah responsibility to govern the world than, unable to govern even himself, Noah ended up drunk in his tent, fathering two peoples who would be problematic to the people of God throughout their history. The end of the dispensation is typified by the Tower of Babel—a government project constructed of mud and slime whose end result was total confusion.

Scene IV

The Dispensation of Promise

“We need a promise, a hope that good is coming,” says man. God gave Abraham such a promise when He said He would make of Abraham a great nation (Genesis 12:2). Yet when famine hit, Abraham’s descendants lost hope, disobeyed God, and headed for Egypt (Genesis 26:2).

Scene V

The Dispensation of Grace

“You tried a perfect environment. You tried to live by your conscience. You’ve given human government a whirl. You tried rules and regulations. Now,” says God, “try this: For by grace are you saved, not of works. It’s a gift of God” (see Ephesians 2:8, 9).

All of the previous dispensations lead to the one we are in right now—grace. We admit that government isn’t the answer, that environment won’t solve the problem, that our consciences are corrupt and seared. We admit we’re sinners in desperate need of a Savior.

But some say, “I don’t really know if I can believe in the idea of a free gift of salvation. I want to see some proof.” And this leads to the next scene.…

Scene VI

The Tribulation

After the church is taken to heaven, God will begin to make himself known powerfully and visibly to those who don’t believe on Him, to those who want nothing to do with Him. Hundred-pound hailstones will pelt the earth, and blood will fill valleys two hundred miles long as God employs terrible tragedy in a wake-up call to earth.

Scene VII

The Kingdom Age

At the end of the Tribulation, Jesus Christ will come back to rule and reign in Jerusalem for one thousand years. It seems all would be well at last. But in Revelation 20, we read an amazing thing: After one thousand years of such peace that the lion will lie down by the lamb, after one thousand years of such health that those who are one hundred years of age are considered children, after one thousand years of perfect conditions for humanity, guess what happens? Man rebels against God once again. Not you and me—but many of those who are on the earth in a human state will turn away from Jesus, ushering in the creation of a new heaven and earth.

Truly, there’s a flow, a drama that unfolds throughout Scripture, which is not seen by those who simply focus on one section. That’s why Paul said to Timothy, “Study.” That’s why we meet together regularly to study. And in so doing, we are able to say to the Jehovah’s Witness, for example, that the 144,000 among which he numbers himself are part of a dispensation yet to come. And we are able to tell the Adventist that keeping the Sabbath in the “Age of Grace” is impossible if for no other reason than the fact that attending church on the Sabbath is in direct violation of the law that prohibits travel beyond one hundred yards.

An understanding of God’s unfolding plan of redemption will cause one to read the Scriptures with an awareness of the scope and purpose of any given dispensation. However, one can rightly divide the Word and still miss the point if the Word of God doesn’t divide him (Hebrews 4:12). That is, the Word of God must not only lodge in our minds—it must touch our hearts.

How can we know if the Word is touching our hearts? In Revelation 10:10, we read that when John ate of the scroll, signifying the Word, it was sweet to his mouth, but bitter to his belly. So, too, when I study theology—the promise of heaven, the assurance of salvation, the doctrine of justification—I find them oh, so sweet. But I know the Word is truly accomplishing its work within me when, upon further contemplation, I find them bitter as I realize the plight of those around me who don’t yet know Jesus. In other words, I know the Word is having its intended effect when it not only satisfies my spirit, but when it motivates my soul to ministry, to service, to prayer, and to love.

May we be those who, like a skilled surgeon, rightly divide the Word. And may we be those who, like a willing patient, allow the Word to divide us, and to make us more like Jesus.