Sermon Tone Analysis

Text: 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

I.

The Appeal for Perseverance (14a).

Paul appeals for Timothy to continue on in the faith that had taken root in his life.

Timothy is to stay grounded in what he has previously learned and believed in.

This is tantamount to Timothy persevering in the faith.

This appeal being made by the Apostle Paul is set in contrast with the previous section in verse 13: while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

Paul understands that the believer will undergo persecution in the world.

While at the same time evil people will continue in their moral decline and practising their deception.

Timothy is to live out his faith before God in sharp contrast to the evil people in the world.

He is to persevere in the truth of the Christian faith.

What does this tell us about the responsibility of the Christian in our current day and time?

How does this truth contribute to the understanding of Elders in leading the church?

II.

The Appeal for Reflection (14b-15).

Paul appeals for Timothy to reflect upon those who have been used of the Lord to sow seeds of the faith into his life.

This certainly would include Paul himself but Paul may have Timothy’s mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois) primarily in mind here.

Paul has already mentioned them in II Timothy 1:5: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”

It would appear that Timothy became familiar with the word of God at an early age.

It is the Scriptures of the Old Testament that Paul is referring to.

What does this tell us about christian education in the home and in the church?

What contribution does it make to salvation?