Auditorium Class Fall 2013

Setting Audience: Timothy Location of writing: Rome Date of letter: During the persecutions of Nero in A.D. 65/66 Historical Setting: Paul has journeyed confirming the word where he preached Persecutions under Nero are in full swing Paul has been taken prisoner in Rome for a second time Paul stood at his first hearing “alone”. Forsaken. Timing is before winter because Paul asks for this coat Paul indicates they type of death that individuals are facing Purpose: No matter what, do not give up!!!

2 Timothy 4:1-8 Preach the word! 4:1 I charge thee therefore Based upon the fact that 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is so, preach the word. Read 2 Timothy 3: Acts 20:32 God’s word is able to build us up and give us an inheritance Isaiah 55:11 God’s word will accomplish his purpose, even though his word might not be favorable to everyone and their purpose. John 6:66-69 some walked no more with him, some stayed Acts 17:32-34 some mocked, some believed 1 Corinthians 1:18 some think it foolish, some believe

2 Timothy 4:1-8 Preach the word! 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Other examples of similar charges: 1 Timothy 5:21 follow the instructions regarding elders without partiality 2 Timothy 2:14 don’t strive about words to no profit Maybe because the temptation to hold back from teaching the word will be strong (i.e. some will not want sound doctrine 4:3), Paul wants Timothy to know who is behind these instructions and before whom he should clearly recognize his responsibility. Paul describes to Timothy that preaching the word will not be easy (3:10-13; 4:3-5), but it will be worthy it (4:7-8).

2 Timothy 4:1-8 Preach the word! 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord On the question of oaths. I don’t believe that Paul is doing what Jesus and James said not do. Jesus said “swear not at all, neither by heaven...” (Matthew 5:34) James said, “swear not, neither by heaven...neither by any other oath” (James 5:12). I believe we can “call God to record” or say that “God is our witness” to state that God recognizes something is true whether anyone else does or not. We can make a charge to someone “before God” to emphasize to them that God is near (Philippians 4:5) and that He is backing our commission. In Jesus’ charge of Matthew 5:33-34, I don’t believe Jesus was simply discussing “frivolous oaths”, but any oath, because in the contrast between verses 33 and 34, Jesus was forbidding even the good oaths that they could once “perform to the Lord” (33b) when he said that now we should “swear not at all” (34).

2 Timothy 4:1-8 Preach the word! 4:1 who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing John 5:28-29 all that are in the graves will hear his voice 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 The literal dead (13) would be literally raised (16) and come with the Lord one day. Those who are alive (17) will meet them in the air. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 both rest and destruction will be given at Jesus’ appearing 4:1 who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing Hebrews 9:28 Although there have been many figurative comings of the Lord (e.g. our discussions of Joel 2:1, etc), I believe that the Hebrew writer refers to a second literal coming of the Lord because he contrasts the second coming with the Lord’s first literal coming. The first and second coming are of the same nature (literal). The Lord came once for sin, and he will come the second time for salvation.

2 Timothy 4:1-8 Preach the word! 4:1 and his kingdom 2 Timothy 4:18 “and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom” Matthew 25:31-46 “everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (41) “everlasting punishment”(46) “life eternal” (46) What do those things sound like? That’s what I believe they mean : ) “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (34) The kingdom that Christians are in that will be delivered to God in the end (1 Corinthians 15:24) will enter this “heavenly kingdom” and enjoy its righteousness. 2 Peter 3:13 We look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

2 Timothy 4:1-8 Preach the word! 4:2-5 Do your job as an evangelist 4:2 In season, out of season. When convenient or not. Paul didn’t just preach the word “when he could find a church to preach for” and “get paid” (2 Thessalonians 3:6-10). Paul didn’t just preach because he thought everyone would accept the message (Acts 17:32-34; 2 Tim 3:11). We don’t need a “permit” for the season like in hunting in order to preach what is needful. God’s word won’t always be politically correct or easy to teach. homosexuality Romans 1:26-27 baptism for the forgiveness of sin (Acts 2:38, 22:16) vs. denominational baptism because of the forgiveness of sin 4:3 They will not endure sound doctrine. Timothy, it won’t be easy, you may be swimming against the tide and people will be looking for other things than God’s word. 4:3 Itching ears. Jeremiah 5:31 “my people love to have it so”

2 Timothy 4:1-8 A crown of righteousness is waiting for me 4:6 I am ready to be offered / I am already being poured out as a drink offering Acts 9:15-16 The Lord said to Ananias, “I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Reference Numbers 28 and sacrifices such as meat and drink offerings (Numbers 28:7ff) Paul was ready to die. 4:7 fought a good fight, finished my course Acts 13:36 Paul definitely “served his generation” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Timohty, a fight is not easy, but you want the prize.

2 Timothy 4:1-8 A crown of righteousness is waiting for me 4:7 kept the faith The reason Paul could be assured of salvation by God’s grace and mercy is because he kept the faith. We receive forgiveness by God’s grace and mercy when we keep the faith, NOT when we don’t. I John 1:7, reference discussion on 2 Timothy 1:18. To illustrate. When someone meets God’s terms of pardon to become a child of God, as did Paul (1 Timothy 1:13-16) that is where grace comes in. When one meets the terms of pardon as a Christian (e.g. Acts 8:22, 1 John 1:7-9), that is where grace comes in. When we are faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10), we will receive a crown of life. Salvation is conditioned on keeping the faith. We can keep the faith (John 14:15) We have the capability to keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 21) God will help us find as we seek (Matthew 7:7) God will help us know his doctrine (John 7:17) God will give us wisdom when we ask (James 1:5) God will strengthen us and help us (1 Peter 5:10, Jude 24)

2 Timothy 4:1-8 A crown of righteousness is waiting for me 4:8 Henceforth is laid up for me a crown of righteousness Remember that Paul’s confidence was not unconditional (I have kept the faith) What if we know that we are not doing right? 1 John 3:20-24 But we have the avenue to make things right with God through Jesus our advocate. 1 John 2:1-5 Yes, the believer “hath everlasting life” even now, but it is in prospect. John 3:36, Revelation 2:10 Paul was looking to dwell in a place of righteousness (2 Peter 3:13) as a reward for righteousness (Revelation 22:14).

2 Timothy 4:9-22 Personal notes 4:9-13 Do diligence to come shortly Some have left Demas forsook me, he loved this present world Crescens went to Galatia Titus went to Dalmatia Only Luke is with me Bring Mark, he is profitable With Paul at the time of Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 24 Bring the cloak and parchments 4:14-15 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil 4:16-18 I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion No one but the Lord stood with me at my first defense The Lord strengthened me so that the Gentiles would have opportunity to hear

2 Timothy 4:9-22 Personal notes 4:19-22 Salutations Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick Come before winter

Schedule Next: Introduction to Titus, Titus 1:1-16