2Timothy: The Last Epistle of Paul

“is an intermingling of personal sentiment and of administrative policy,

of reminiscence and instruction,

of sadness and of confidence.”

New Testament Survey; Merrill C. Tenney, p.341

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistle

A few things should be recalled from 1Timothy & Titus:

>They were written somewhere around 61-64 A.D. after Paul’s release from his first imprisonment.

>They were written to much younger (2nd

generation) preachers to whom the mantle was being passed and upon whom the responsibility was being placed to now

“preach the gospel”.

>As such, those epistles are full of instruction-both professional and personal.

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistle

2Timothy is a very different book:

>It was written later- after Paul had been takenprisoner to Rome a second and last time.

>It was written not so much as a professionalhandbook of administrative and doctrinalpolicy,

>but as a final charge intended to strengthenthe young Timothy for the arduous taskahead which he must now face alone.

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistle

If we’re not careful, misconceptions will creep in on us regarding 2Timothy.

We might be prone to pay too much attention to the subplots, by-products, and explanations- such as:

>favorite passages we like to apply toourselves, 2:15; 3:14-16; 4:6-8

>favorite themes which are only a part ofinstead of the context, 3:1-5; 4:3-4

and in so doing, miss the main thrust of the letter to whom it was written!

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistle

For example:Charles Ryrie, in his study bible introductory

notes for 2Timothy, identified “important subjects” from the book as:

“the apostasy of the last days” 3:1-9

“the inspiration of the Scriptures” 3:16

and “the crown of righteousness” 4:8

True enough, these are important biblical topics….

but they do not accurately convey the message of 2Timothy!

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistle

So, what is the message of 2Timothy? Try this with me….

Strip away everything but the action verbs (and verb phrases) which are directed to, command of, or urged upon Timothy.

This will give you perhaps a new but certainly an accurate view of what 2Timothy is all about!!!

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistle

Notice from chapter 1:>we love to talk about Lois & Eunice from v.5

But,

>v.6 begins “And for this reason….”

“Kindle Afresh….

the gift of God which is in youthrough the laying on of my hands.”

We want to concentrate on the benefits of godly grandmothers and mothers and their influence over young potential gospel preachers.

But Paul’s point is the Spirit’s influence over Timothy which needed to be kindled afresh for the tremendous task before him of preaching!

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistle

So let’s continue to notice the verbs from chapter 1 directed to Timothy:>“do not be ashamed….” v.8

“of the testimony of the Lord” Rom.1:16-17

“or of me His prisoner”

Why?

Because you may

>“join with me in suffering for the gospel” in your preaching of it! 3:12 & Luke 6:26

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistlethe verbs from chapter 1 directed to Timothy:

Also,

>“Retain the standard of sound words….” v.13

“in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” see also 3:14-17 & Titus 1:9

There was/is much need for preachers young & old to “not go beyond that which is written” in theirpreaching! 1Cor.4:6.

Therefore,

>“Guard”….the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” v.14

If Timothy (and all preachers) will guard the word, then God will guard their souls, v.12.

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistlethe verbs from chapter 2 directed to Timothy:

“You therefore, my son,

>“be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” v.1

Strength and Grace are not often thought of together….

But Timothy’s strength was to be in Christ’s grace! cf. Eph.6:10

How? And do what?

>“entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” v.2

Spiritual Biogenesis-

life begets life; kind begets kind.

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistlethe verbs from chapter 2 directed to Timothy:

Also,

>“suffer hardship with me….” v.3

“as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”

Suffer how? What kind of hardships?

v.4 no entanglements of everyday life

v.5 discipline to compete by the rules

v.6 hard work & patience like the farmer

v.7 much time in contemplative consideration to attainunderstanding from the Lord.

These sacrifices/hardships are part of preaching.

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistlethe verbs from chapter 2 directed to Timothy:

But why must I suffer hardship?

>“Remember….” vv.8-13

“Jesus” - He suffered for you and for allmankind, 2Cor.5:21 > Hab.1:13.

and Paul says “I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal” v.9

“I endure all things for the sake of thosechosen, that they also may obtainsalvation…. and eternal glory.” v.10

Such sacrifice and endurance is motivated by the supreme desire to “by all means save some” from eternal damnation!

>It is the heart of the evangelist! 2Cor.11:28<

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistlethe verbs from chapter 2 directed to Timothy:

Still noticing the action verbs commanded:

>“Remind them of these things….” v.14

“and solemnly charge them” cf.4:1-2

>“Be diligent to present yourself….” v.15

“approved to God” Rom.6:13a

“as a workman” Rom.6:13b

“not ashamed” Rom.1:16

“handling accurately the word of truth”

It is the only weapon we wield!

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistlethe verbs from chapter 2 directed to Timothy:

Again, on the negative side:

>“Avoid worldly and empty chatter….” v.16

as it leads only to “further ungodliness.”

>“flee from youthful lusts….” v.22

Pursue the positive instead:

+righteousness

+faith

+love

+and peace.

>“refuse foolish and ignorant speculations….”

“knowing they produce quarrels.” v.23

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistlethe verbs from chapter 2 directed to Timothy:

Then,

“If a man cleanses himself from these things,

he will be a vessel for honor,

sanctified,

useful to the Master,

prepared for every good work.” v.21

And also,

Known/claimed by the Lord, v.19!

He will be:

“the Lord’s bond-servant” in all that that name implies! vv.24-26

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistlethe verbs from chapter 3 directed to Timothy:

Paul says further to Timothy:

>“Realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come” v.1

-Men will be evil- vv.2-4

-While “holding to a form of godliness” v.5

-They will prey upon the weak, vv.6-7

-And they will oppose the truth, v.8

But,

-They will not make “further progress” v.9a

-For their folly will become obvious, v.9b

Why? How?

“You followed my teaching….” ! v.10

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistlethe verbs from chapter 3 directed to Timothy:

So,

>“Continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from

whom you have learned them;” v.14

You have further learned:

-the sacred writings, v.15a

-and have achieved wisdom that leads to salvation, v.15b

One who therefore knows the inspired text, v.16

is one who is adequate and equipped for every good work, v.17.

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistlethe verbs from chapter 4 directed to Timothy:

The final commands to Timothy?

>“Preach the word”! v.2

with reproof & rebuke when necessary,

with exhortation when possible,

but always with the readiness of greatpatience and instruction!

>“Do the work of an evangelist” v.5

Including:

-being sober

-enduring hardship

-and fulfilling your ministry!

2Timothy- Paul’s Final Epistlethe verbs from chapter 4 directed to Timothy:

Why were all these instructions necessary?

vv.6-8

Paul saw his life,

his work,

and his ministry,

being “poured out”!

His time was over and he knew it.

It was time for Timothy (and others like him) to take up the charge and

PREACH THE WORD!