sf1038 - Gods Design For Developing Disciples (2 Timothy 2 1-7)

2 Timothy 2:1-7

Introduction

Timothy was wavering in his faith and commitment. Paul writes to encourage and challenge his son in the faith.

Paul chooses to accomplish this by setting before Timothy the reality of His calling to be a disciple of Christ Jesus.

Paul summarizes his appeal to Timothy (and us) in one statement:

“Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

“Be strong” is a passive imperative

Indicating that Timothy’s source of strength was not in himself but “in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

More correctly “by the means of the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

Let’s examine Paul’s instructions to Timothy concerning how he can become a disciple developing disciple:

1A. The Profile of a Disciple Developing Disciple

1B. A Son (2:1)

A son of God by new birth

A son of Paul’s by spiritual association – Paul had been instrumental in Timothy coming to faith in Christ. (2 Timothy 1:13)

A good son, loves his parents, learns from his parents, obeys his parents, and lives like his parents.

2B. A Soldier (2:3-4)

Will suffer hardships (Literally to suffer along with)

Ø Suffering is and imperative - expected, normal

2 Timothy 3:12 (NASB) Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

Refuses to become distracted by the world

Ø Does not become entangled (PPI) in the mundane things of this world

Matthew 16:24 (NASB) 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

Desires to please Christ alone

Ø Not a man pleaser but a God pleaser.

Galatians 1:10 (NASB) 10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

3B. An Athlete (2:5)

Determination - “Competes as an athlete”

Ø To contend, wrestle, struggle

Philippians 3:14 (NASB) I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Dedication - “According to the rules”

Ø Three rules:

Greek citizen

Train for 10 months

Compete within the specific event rules

Ø Christ’s rules

Born again

Preparation (2:15)

Performance

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NASB) Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

4B. The Farmer (2:6)

Industry – “Hard-working”

Ø To toil intensely, to sweat and strain to the point of exhaustion.

Isolation

Ø Tends to work alone without any outward recognition.

Ø A farmer: breaks up the soil, sows the seed, cultivates, and reaps.

2A. The Procedure for Developing Disciples

1B. The means for developing disciples (2:2)

“The things which you have heard from me…”

Ø Hearing involves a total life commitment

Hearing is an exchange of life between two people. (3:10-11)

Ø Teaching – doctrine

Ø Conduct – manner of life

Ø Purpose – consecrated living (showbread in the Temple)

Ø Faith - faithfulness

Ø Patience – longsuffering

Ø Love – agape

Ø Perseverance – patient enduring for good

Ø Persecutions and sufferings – afflictions

2B. The mandate to develop disciples - “Entrust these…”(imperative)

Invest your life in others - “Entrust”

Ø To set before

Ø Put on deposit for safekeeping

Choose carefully – “Faithful men”

Ø Men who give evidence of faith in and to Christ.

Ø Men who will not only receive the truth but will teach the truth.

Ø Men of high spiritual character

3B. The model

Paul to Timothy

Timothy to faithful men

Faithful me to others…

Application (2:7)

“Consider” (imperative)

To perceive clearly, understand fully, ponder, mull over.

Are you devoting yourself to the Word?

Are you denying self and following the Lord?

Are you preparing yourself for service?

Are you investing in others?

2 Timothy 2:1-7

1A. The _______________________ of a Disciple Developing Disciple

1B. A ___________________ (2:1)

2B. A ___________________ (2:3-4)

Will suffer hardships