The Word Proclaimed2 Timothy 4:1-8; 16-18

Mary Cain

George Gipp

DISCUSSION GUIDE

1. What is the context from which Paul provides his charge to Timothy? (2 Timothy 4:1)

Paul reminds Timothy that God and Christ Jesus are observing their actions and that

Christ will one day return to judge the living and the dead.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

2. Paul lists nine final orders for Timothy. What are they? (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

a. Preach the Word.b. Be ready in season and out

of season.c. Correct.d. Rebuke.e. Encourage.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

2. Paul lists nine final orders for Timothy. What are they? (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

f. Keep your head in all situations.h. Endure hardship.i. Do the work of an evangelist.j. Discharge all the duties of your

ministry.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

3. Paul told Timothy to “Preach the Word.” Obviously this was written before what we know as the New Testament was complete and

considered scripture. To what does “the Word” refer?

DISCUSSION GUIDE

4. What do you think it means to “be ready in season and out of season?”

DISCUSSION GUIDE

5. Are Paul’s “final orders” just for paid church staff members or for all believers? Support your answer.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

6. What do people with “itching ears” want? (2 Timothy 4:3)

They do not want to be challenged. Instead, they want to be told what they

want to hear.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

7. Do you see verses 3 and 4 being fulfilled today? How? What are some ways that

these verses are true in your own life?

DISCUSSION GUIDE

8. How does Paul summarize his life? (2 Timothy 4:6-8)?

a. I have fought the good fight.b. I have finished the race.c. I have kept the faith.d. God will provide a crown of

righteousness for me.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

9. Paul has said to Timothy, “I have finished strong.” If we were to take inventory today what would we say of our

lives? What criteria should we use in making this judgment?

DISCUSSION GUIDE

10. What happened at Paul’s first defense? (2 Timothy 4:16)

Everyone deserted Paul.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

11. How was Paul delivered? Why? (2 Timothy 4:17)

God was with Paul and strengthened him to share the message of Christ so that the

Gentiles might hear.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

12. In whom did Paul have complete confidence? (2 Timothy 4:18)

Paul was confident that the Lord would rescue him, keep him from every evil

attack and transport him safely to heaven.