A PERSONAL MESSAGE TO TIMOTHY--II TIMOTHY--LESSON 1

A PERSONAL MESSAGE TO TIMOTHY

II TIMOTHY--LESSON 1

by E. L. Bynum

Lesson: II Timothy1:1-18

Memory Verse: II Timothy 1:12

Introduction:

If Paul was imprisoned twice, then this epistle was written during his second imprisonment. We believe it to be the last of his epistles, and it was likely written in about 66 A.D.

The apostle knew that the martyr's death was soon to be his lot. He had a strong desire to see Timothy (II Timothy 1:4; 4:9,11, 21). He had some things given to him of the Lord that he desired to pass on to Timothy. This is revealed in this divinely inspired letter.

The underlying thought is the prophesied apostasy and what the believer should do about it. (II Timothy 3-4)

I. THE INTRODUCTION. vs. 1-5

A. The Salutation. vs. 1-2

1. The source of Paul's apostleship. v. 1a

2. The purpose of his apostleship. v. 1b

3. The relationship of Timothy. v. 2a. This is stronger than I Timothy 1:2

4. The bestowal of a divine blessing. v. 2b. When Paul wrote to pastors he added mercy to his greetings. Pastors need mercy. I Timothy 1:2; II Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4

B. The Thanksgiving. vs. 3-5. His thanksgiving and love for Timothy is shown by:

1. Unceasing prayer. v. 3. What a blessing to know that the Apostle Paul was praying for him.

a. Before his conversion he persecuted Christians, even consenting to the death of Stephen. John 16:2-3, They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.

b. Now after his conversion, he served the God of his forefathers with a pure conscience.

2. His intense longing for Timothy's coming, for he knew he must soon die. v. 4. II Timothy 4:6; Romans 1:11; I Thessalonians 3:6; Philippians 1:8, For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

3. His memory of Timothy's faith. v. 5

a. It is real for it is unfeigned. Timothy may have been saved on Paul's first missionary journey and called to preach when Paul returned on his second missionary journey.

b. Its immediate source was Timothy's mother and grandmother. They had taught him the Scriptures. (II Timothy 3:15)

II. EXHORTATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR A FAITHFUL PASTOR. vs. 6-18

A. The Preacher's Afflictions. vs. 6-8

1. Afflictions demand the exercise of all God's gift. v. 6. Paul had been on Timothy's ordination council when the local church ordained him. I Timothy 4:14. He needed nothing new, but only to stir up and use that which God had already given.

2. Afflictions demand that fear be overcome. v. 7. This is done by utilizing the spirit power, love, and of a sound mind. I John 4:18. We should not grieve or quench the Spirit. Ephesians 4:30; I Thessalonians 5:19

3. Afflictions demand an unashamed stance. v. 8

a. Not ashamed of the testimony of the Lord. v. 8a

b. Not ashamed of the faithful servants of the Lord. v. 8b

4. Afflictions are a part of the faithful gospel testimony, and God gives the power to endure. v. 8. We should never suffer for wrongdoing, but for doing right. I Peter 2:20, For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. I Peter 3:16-17, Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

B. The Preacher's Appointment. vs. 9-11

1. The description and character of the gospel call. vs. 9-10

a. The call is divine, God "called."

b. The call is sanctifying, "an holy calling," setting the called ones apart.

c. The call is gracious, "not according to our works but...grace."

d. The call is purposeful, "according to his own purpose."

e. The call was preplanned, "given us ... before the world began."

f. The call revealed through Christ's incarnation. v. 10

2. The call's purpose. v. 10.

a. Why be timid or live in fear? Christ has defeated death. v. 10a. I Corinthians 15:55

b. Why be afraid? We have life and immortality through the gospel. v. 10b

c. In our resurrected bodies we will not he Abject to decay or corruption. I Corinthians 15:49-58

3. The call illustrated. v. 11

C. The Preacher's Faith and Confidence. vs. 12-14

1. Why he could suffer and not be ashamed. v. 12

a. He knew whom he believed. v. 12a. Salvation is in the person of Jesus Christ. Romans 1:16

b. He knew God's keeping power. v. 12b

c. He knew what he had committed to Him. v. 12c

2. The results of assurance. vs. 13-14

a. He could admonish others to hold fast to sound doctrine. v. 13a. Form means "a pattern, an architect's sketch." Paul and the first Century churches put great emphasis on sound doctrine.

b. He could admonish them to put this sound doctrine into practice. v. 13b

c. He could admonish others to guard or keep, by the help of the Holy Spirit, this ministry for Christ intact. v. 14. This is a constant battle the guarding of sound doctrine.

D. The Preacher's Trials And Joys. vs. 15-18

1. The trials. v. 15

a. The churches of Asia had turned away from the message of grace. Paul had stayed 3 years in Ephesus and had evangelized the whole area of Asia. Acts 20:31. Now they are ashamed of his imprisonment.

b. Two defectors are named. They were church leaders who turned others against Paul. It was a trying time, for Demas had forsaken him also. II Timothy 4:10

2. The joys. vs. 16-18

a. Onesiphorus had not defected, but had helped Paul in Rome and in Ephesus. Thank God for the people who stand by the pastor as he stands for the truth.

b. Paul desired blessings for this faithful man. He had traveled to Rome and sought out Paul. Paul was chained to a Roman soldier 24 hours a day, but Onesiphorus was not ashamed of him.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. How did Paul describe himself to Timothy at the beginning of this letter?

2. Why was Timothy a cause of thanksgiving to Paul?

3. Name three things that God has given believers, and one thing He has not given them.

4. What do afflictions demand?

5. How did Paul describe the method of salvation?

6. Why was Paul not ashamed despite insult and injury?

7. What had happened to the churches of Asia?

8. Name two men involved in this.

9. Who had helped Paul, and where was he when this happened?