Spreading the Gospel

God’s Strategy for Spreading the Gospel

2 Timothy 2:1–2 NIV

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

Timothy is to continue in the strength of God’s grace.

Timothy is to pass on what he has heard (the Gospel).

In the presence of witnesses

To trustworthy, faithful men

Who are able to teach others also

Explain the multiplication principle of discipleship vs. evangelism only

The Disciple’s Responsibility in Spreading the Gospel

The picture of the good soldier

2 Timothy 2:3–4 NIV

Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.

Eliminates external entanglements - There is no room for conflicting interests

Follows his superior’s commands - There is no room for personal agendas

The picture of the athlete

2 Timothy 2:5 NIV

Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.

Other passages emphasize training and discipline

Paul’s focus here is competing according to the rules

Winning depends on not being disqualified

There is no room for playing by our own rules

The picture of the farmer

2 Timothy 2:6 NIV

The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.

Hard work is assumed - There is no room for easy short-cuts

Hard work is required to have a harvest - There is no room for circumventing the process.

The Importance of the Gospel

Understanding the Gospel

2 Timothy 2:7 NIV

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

We are to seek understanding by studying the Gospel

This understanding is ultimately given by God

The essence of the Gospel

2 Timothy 2:8 (NIV)

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,

This summary recognizes both the humanity and deity of Jesus

This summary recognizes the incarnation, death and resurrection of Jesus.

The Gospel is worth our earthly suffering

2 Timothy 2:9–13 (NIV)

For which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him, we will also live with him;

if we endure, we will also reign with him.

If we disown him, he will also disown us;

if we are faithless, he remains faithful,

for he cannot disown himself.

Our suffering leads to the salvation of others

Our suffering leads to eternal rewards.