Help for our Calling

Pastorals: Message Thirty-Three

2 Timothy 3:10-17

ETS: Paul provided Timothy with sources of help to deal with his difficult calling and circumstances.

ESS: We should rely on the sources of help provided to us by God.

OSS: [MO: Supportive] {SO: I want the hearers to be aware of and rely upon the sources of help God has given them.}

PQ: What sources of help did Paul remind Timothy of?

UW: Sources

Introduction: While Paul included a little encouragement in the last passage (v. 9), still he felt the need to encourage Timothy more by reminding him of the sources of help amidst the “hard times” that he encountered. As we study the sources of help given to Timothy for his difficult ministry assignment, I hope we will be encouraged to acknowledge that we have the same sources of help for us today and that we might be encouraged to take full advantage of the sources of help. As you ponder your calling, maybe questions arise in your mind, “How can i possibly do this?”; “What has God given me to equip me to do this task?” Today, as we examine together the sources of help available, I pray we will be encouraged to know that we have support as we seek to fulfill God’s calling in our life.

TS: Let us now examine the sources of help in this passage:

The first source of help is the Christian examples of our peers and partners. (vv. 10-14)

Paul, not in a boastful way but in a teaching way, reminded Timothy of his example.

Firstly, the contrastive conjunction δὲ needs to be addressed: It serves a twofold function: (1) it sets a contrast between Paul and the false teachers, (2) specifically the vice list in 2-5 and the list following which spells out the character of the believer and the false teacher. This speaks to the character of Paul.

Secondly, the phrase “you have followed” or “you know” is a verb translated to mean that Timothy had traced very closely and was well acquainted with Paul. This speaks to the relationship of Paul and Timothy.

Thomas Lea wrote a rather helpful comment on this section, “The ‘teaching’ was the gospel message he had proclaimed. His ‘way of life’ referred to those guiding principles of his life which he had demonstrated in conduct. His ‘purpose’ was his resolve to show ‘single-minded commitment to Christ.’ His ‘faith’ described his stalwart confidence in God. The term ‘patience’ reflected a forbearance toward people and circumstances (4:2), and the term ‘love’ embraced both friend and foe alike. His ‘endurance’ was an attitude of perseverance that controlled discouragement under trying circumstances.” (Lea 231)

Furthermore, Kostenberger wrote, specifically regarding Paul’s conduct mentioned, “The passage makes clear that mentoring and disciple-making don’t merely involve imparting a body of information but most vitally entail modeling of one’s convictions in real life.” (Kostenberger 263)

Not only does Paul exemplify good character, but also under consideration is his suffering (v. 11). Timothy would have witnessed at least some of these sufferings.

Thirdly, highlighted here is the reality of the Christian life: it entails persecution (vv. 12-13). Lea highlighted that “Christians will suffer because the world is hostile to the kingdom of God.” (Lea 232)

APPLICATION: Amidst the difficulties of the times, the false teachers, and our callings lies the first source of help: the Christian example of our peers and partners in the Gospel.

The second source of help is all-sufficient, inspired Word of God. (vv. 14-17)

Again, the contrastive conjunction δὲ is repeated for the same reason as in v. 10.

Paul urges Timothy to remain loyal and continue in the teachings learned from him and those faithful examples.

Timothy, having a godly background and Jewish influence, would have began studying Scripture as early as 5. (Lead 233)

Furthermore, Paul reminded Timothy of the inspiration, purpose, and goal of Scripture:

Inspired by God : θεόπνευστος- God-breathed

Purpose: teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (Kostenberger suggested a chiasm for stronger emphasis)

Goal: the man of God (the believer) might be complete or proficient, equipped for every good work.

APPLICATION: Amidst the difficulties of the times, the false teachers, and our callings lies the second source of help: the Holy, inspired, purposeful, and fulfilling Word of God.

CONCLUSION: Though the times of the last days brings difficulty: difficult temptations, difficult tasks, etc., we are reminded that we have at least two sources of help: the examples of our partners in the Gospel and the Holy Word of God. These two help us as we serve and fulfill our calling in Christ Jesus.