II Timothy Discussion Questions

I.Introduction:

Where is Paul when writing this letter?

How are things looking for Paul?

What was on Paul’s mind in his situation, that probably wouldn’t be with most people?

What would be your attitude if you were in Paul’s situation and why?

Do you think you could be more like Paul in his dark situation?

II. Section 1:Verses 1:1-2:13:Accept your calling:

Verses 1:1-5: Timothy’s Godly Upbringing:

What did Timothy have with his family, and how is that awesome?

Do you appreciate your upbringing in the church, like Timothy?

Verses 1:6-18: Don’t Be Ashamed:

Why does Paul have to tell Timothy not to be ashamed?

Would you be ashamed and why or why not?

Would you go see Paul, or someone personal(like a family member or a friend) who was in prison for Jesus sake, even if it was risky?

Verses 2:1-13: Following Christ Takes Sacrifice.

What is your favorite of the metaphors that Paul uses(athlete, soldier, and farmer) and what was Paul trying to teach by these?

What is the foundation of Christian hope?

What is the foundation of Christian hope?

Verses 2:11-13:

What does God promise for those who take a the risk and sacrifice for following Jesus?

Hope, vindication, and life.

What do those who reject Him get, and why?

They get rejection.

Because God is honoring their decision, and going to force Himself on anyone.

What is awesome about God’s faithfulness and what does that mean?

III.Section 2: Verses 2:14-4:5:Deal with corrupt teachers:

What does the false teaching spread like, and what do you think about that?

What hint do we have of what the false teaching is?

That the resurrection has already taken place.

What have they abandoned?

The hope of resurrection and new creation.

What have they embraced?

A private hyper-spiritualized version of Christianity that is disconnected from day to day life.

What is the nature of all scripture according to Paul?

It is divinely breathed, or God spirited.

What did God’s Spirit do for the authors of the Bible?

God’s Spirit guided the authors, so that what they wrote is what God wants people to hear.

How is the Bible useful for you?

Useful for teaching:

Telling me things I didn’t know before.

Challenging, teaching , training

Getting in my face for the things I say I believe, but don’t live consistently with.

Correcting me:

Exposing my messed up ways of thinking and behaving.

Training me in righteousness:

Showing me a new way to be truly human.

All so God’s people can be prepared for doing good.

IV. Section 3: Verses 4:6-22: Conclusion:

What does the letter of II Timothy stand as a reminder of?

That Paul’s very influential life and mission, were marked by persistent challenge, suffering, and struggle.

Following Jesus means inviting what into your life?

Risk and tension.

What does this not mean, when these things happen?

That Jesus is absent.

What does it mean in dark times?

That Jesus’ love and faithfulness can become the most tangible and real.