Survey of 2 Timothy

I. General information

New Testament Specific Letters Romans through Hebrews

Author Paul as guided by the Holy Spirit

To Whom Written Timothy --- to Christians everywhere

Timothy’s name is found more often in the salutations of Paul’s letter than any other. It is found it: 2 Corinthians • 2 Thessalonians Philippians • 1 Timothy Colossians • 2 Timothy 1 Thessalonians • Philemon

Paul asks Timothy to: Bring him his books, and especially the parchments. Bring him his cloak (coat). To do all of this before winter sets in.

Why it was written To encourage Timothy to be faithful to the Lord in the face of death --- to set forth his final testimony for the faith and to request Timothy’s presence for his last days

Outstanding features of the book This is Paul’s final letter that we have in the N.T. Paul’s farewell message!

Brief Outline I. Timothy’s preparation – chap. 1 II. A workman approved of God – chap. 2 III. The apostasy foretold – chap. 3 IV. The last solemn charge – chap. 4

Expanded outline of 2 Timothy Outline of 2 Timothy (Bob Winton) 1. Chapter One. a. 1:1-5: Introduction and Salutations. b. 1:6-12: Life and Immortality are Brought to Light Through the Gospel. c. 1:13-18: Hold Fast the Form of Sound Words.

2. Chapter Two. a. 2:1-7: Be Strong in the Grace Which is in Christ. b. 2:8-14: Paul Suffered for the Gospel. c. 2:15-26: Sundry Admonitions.

3. Chapter Three. a. 3:1-9: The Approaching Apostasy. b. 3:10-13: Persecutions are Companions of Christianity. c. 3:14-17: The Inspired Word of God.

4. Chapter Four. a. 4:1-5: Preach the Word. b. 4:6-8: The Crown of Righteousness. c. 4:9-15: Personal Matters. d. 4:16-18: Paul’s Trial. e. 4:19-22: Closing Salutations.

II. Key points from each chapter

1:12 – Do we really know the one whom we have believed? [12] For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day

“The Christian life is aptly depicted by the statements of the verse: a faithful Christian is one who has committed his life and well-being to the Lord, fully trusting him to fulfill his promises, and to help him when his faithfulness leads him into hardships.” (Bob Winton)

Heb. 13:5-6 [5] Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. [6] So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Heb. 6:10-12 [10] For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. [11] And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: [12] That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

2:15 – Study God’s word and handle it properly [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Study = “to hasten to do a thing, to exert oneself, endeavour, give diligence” (Vine Exp. Dict. Vol. 1, p.311). Approved unto God = present ourselves before God in a condition which God approves

We must be faithful in life, in word, in motive, in disposition --- we must fulfill our God given duties Workman – not ashamed = a workman is a laborer; if we are approved of God we will not be ashamed

Rightly dividing the word = the Bible must be handled accurately if is to be understood --- if it is to be of benefit to us

3:16-17 – God’s inspired word is profitable, perfect and all sufficient [16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works

Inspired of God = “God-breathed Profitable = beneficial; designed for practical use Doctrine = teaching Reproof = convince one of wrong- doing

Correction = the Bible is able to correct false knowledge and things done in error Instruction in righteousness = the Scriptures instruct us in right living; they show us how to live a holy life

Man of God = applies primarily in this context to gospel preachers, “but it applies generally to any person who seeks to be a child of God”

Thoroughly furnished unto all good works = The Bible is all sufficient --- it is all we need – it furnishes us with everything necessary to present ourselves as approved children of God

4:2 – Preach the word [2] Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Preach the word = to preach the gospel, all of it When men want to hear and when they don’t want to hear – PREACH THE WORD

Conclusion 2 Tim. 4:7-8 [7] I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.