2 Timothy

Text: 2 Timothy

Background

Apparently, this book was written from jail in Rome (1:17;
4:16). Paul had already been to trial (4:16), and seems to
have known that the end of his earthly ministry and time of
death was at hand (4:6-8).

Purpose

In light of present (4:14-15) and future opposition to the
gospel (e.g. 3:1ff.), Paul again instructed Timothy to guard
the faith: "Retain the standard of sound words which you have
heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ
Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the
treasure which has been entrusted to you (1:13-14). Paul also
wanted Timothy to come to him (4:9), and bring some of his
possessions (4:13).

Content

The book explains how to guard the faith in light of present
and future opposition. Chapters 1 - 2:13 call for Timothy to
endure hardship for the gospel, rather than be ashamed or
fearful. Chapter 2 exhorts him to entrust the gospel to
faithful men, avoid worldly chatter (19-22), pursue virtue
(22), and correct with patience (23-26). Chapter 3 warns
Timothy to expect opposition (1-5a), avoid bad company
(5b-13), and continue in the Scripture (14-17). Chapter 4
charges Timothy to "preach the word" (1-8), and gives closing
remarks (9-22).

Theme: Guard the faith

Outline

1. By enduring hardship (1 - 2:13)

2. By teaching faithful men (2:2, 15)

3. By avoiding worldly chatter (2:14-23)

4. By pursuing virtue (2:22b)

5. By correcting with patience (2:24-26)

6. By expecting opposition (3:1-5a)

7. By avoiding bad company (3:5b-9)

8. By preaching the Word (3:10 - 4:8)

Closing remarks (4:9-22)

2 Timothy 1

Theme: Guard the faith

1) By enduring hardship (1:1 - 2:13)

Paul was in prison, and about to be put to death for
proclaiming the gospel (1:15-18; 4:6ff.). Believers should
not seek to suffer (even Christ asked to be delivered from it,
if possible [Lk. 22:42], as did Paul [2 Cor. 12:7-8]), but in
such a time as Christians are persecuted for their beliefs,
guarding the faith may require it (cf. 1 Peter 2:19 - 3:2). In
this chapter, Paul calls on Timothy not to be ashamed of
the gospel (8), says he is not ashamed of it (12), and praises
Onesiphorus for not being ashamed (15-18). Rather, guarding
the faith calls believers to "join with me in suffering for
the gospel..." (1:8).

A) Reasons to suffer for the gospel

1) Because it keeps you conscience clear (3a):

"I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience..." (NAS).
Our conscience is that internal witness which either accuses
or defends our conduct (Rom. 2:15). If we believe the
gospel, we would violate our conscience if we acted ashamed of
our "faith". Although we do not become saved, or stay saved by
obeying our conscience (2 Tim. 1:9), violating it can result
in spiritual "shipwreck" (1 Tim. 1:18-20), a seared
conscience, and departure (by those who professed, but
never really possessed saving faith) from the faith (1 Tim.
4:1ff.). In some situations, faith in Christ may call on your
conscience, to be willing to suffer for the gospel (e.g. Paul
[v12]; Onesiphorus [v15-18]; Christ [1 Pet. 2:21-25]; Peter
[Joh 13:37-38; cf. Matt. 26:69-75; cf. 1 Peter 2:18 - 3:2].

2 Timothy 1

Theme: Guard the faith

1) By enduring hardship (1:1 - 2:13)

A) Reasons to suffer for the gospel (con't)

2. Because it follows a godly heritage (3a, 5b).

"I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my
forefathers did..." (NAS). "I am mindful of the sincere faith
within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and
your mother Eunice..." (NAS).

True believers in ancient Israel waited in hope of the
promised Messiah (Gen. 12:1-3; 15:6; cf. Gal. 3:6-29). When
Paul became saved, he saw that Christ fulfilled this "promise
made by God to our fathers" (Acts 26:6; cf. Gal. 3). Knowing
you have a heritage which endured hardship for its faith, can
encourage you to suffer (if need be) for the gospel (see Heb.
11:24 - 12:13). Paul reminded Timothy that both his
grandmother and mother were believers of "sincere faith" (5).
Enduring hardship follows a godly heritage.

3. Because it shows sincere faith (5a). "...I am mindful of
the sincere faith within you..." (NAS).

"Sincere", here, is translated "unfeigned" in the KJV.
Literally, it means "not hypocritical". To be a hypocrite
means "to play the part", "to wear a mask", "to fake", "to
pretend", "to speak, or answer on stage", etc. (see Luke
20:19-26). Timothy's convictions, however, were not merely
put on. Paul was sure that the same sincere faith which was
in his grandmother and mother, was also in him. A hypocrite
might make a profession of faith, but will probably be
unwilling to suffer for it. Knowing you have sincere faith
should motivate you to suffer for the gospel if necessary.

2 Timothy 1C

Theme: Guard the faith

1) By enduring hardship (1:1 - 2:13)

A) Reasons to suffer for the gospel (con't)

4) Because God's Spirit enables you (6-8).

"And for this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift
of God which is in you...For God has not given us a spirit of
timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do
not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me His
prisoner; but join with me in suffering for the gospel
according to the power of God" (NAS).

All the motive and ability to suffer for the gospel comes from
the believer's indwelling (John 14:16-17; Rom. 8:9,11; 1 Cor.
3:16; 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:22; 1 John 4:13) Holy Spirit,
through faith (cf. 2 Tim. 1:5). First, spiritual gifts for
service come from the Spirit (see 1 Cor. 12). Believers
should continue to "kindle afresh" ("anazopureo": a word in
the present tense [noting an on going action], coming from the
roots "ana" [meaning "by", "in the midst of"], "zao" ["to
live", "to breathe", "to be among the living", "to be full of
vigour"], and "pur" ["fire"]) their gift of service to the
body. Also, the Spirit delivers the believer from "cowardice"
(Rom. 8:15ff.), especially from the fear of physical death and
separation from God (cf. Rom. 8:15ff.; Heb. 2:14-15; Acts 6:8;
20:24; 21:13).

In contrast to a spirit of "timidity", the Holy Spirit is a
source of internal "power" (particularly, here, for witnessing
the gospel [see Acts 1:8; 6:8; 20:24; 21:13; 1 Cor. 2:4]),
"love" (one of the main fruits of the Spirit in a believer's
life: 1 Cor. 13; 1 John 3:17; 4:18; Rom. 5:5; Gal. 5:22; Col.
1:8; 1 Pet. 1:22; etc.), and "discipline" ("sophronismos":
comes from two roots, "sodzo" ["to save"], and "phren" ["the
middle", "the mind"], and means "salvation minded") to the
believer. Faith in the power of the indwelling presence of
God, should motivate believers to suffer for the gospel
if necessary.

1 Timothy 1D

Theme: Guard the faith

1) By enduring hardship (1:1 - 2:13)

A) Reasons to suffer for the gospel (con't)

5) Because it magnifys God's grace (8b-9).

"...join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the
power of God, who has saved us, and called us with a holy
calling, not according to our works, but according to His own
purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from
all eternity." (NAS).

At the time this letter was written, christians were often
persecuted for their faith. The alternative to being ashamed
or fearful, then, was to suffer for the gospel. God gives
believers the power to become saved, as well as endure
suffering (John 1:12; cf. 2 Cor. 4:6-18; 1 Pet. 1:5; etc.).
Such strength does not depend the least on our will, ability
or merits (Eph. 2:8-10; John 1:12-13; Rom. 9), but on the
sovereign purpose, power, and work of God (Rom. 8:28-39).
God's power actually shows in our weakness (see 2 Cor. 4:6-18;
12:6-10), and should motivate us to endure suffering for the
gospel.

6) Because immortality awaits (10-12).

"...our Savior Christ Jesus...abolished death, and brought
life and immortality to light through the gospel...for this
reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I
know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able
to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day..."
(NAS).

In places where believers are persecuted for their faith, the
prospect of death might make them timid, or ashamed of the
gospel. When you know Christ has abolished death, believe you
have eternal life, and hope for glory in God's presence, this
can motivate you to endure suffering for the gospel (see Phil.
3:8ff.; 2 Cor. 4:6-18).

2 Timothy 2A

Theme: Guard the Faith

1) By enduring hardship (1:1 - 2:13)

C) Ways (to endure hardship):

1) By letting God empower you (1)

Chapter one showed you must sometimes guard the faith by
enduring hardship. Chapter two (1-13) continues this theme, as
indicated by urging Timothy to be empowered by God's Grace
(1), to "suffer hardship with me" (3, 9), and by promising
that "If we endure, we shall also reign with Him" (12). You
guard the faith by enduring hardship, and you endure hardship
by letting God empower you.

"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in
Christ Jesus." (1a NAS)

First, you should let God empower you for service. No part of
our salvation depends on our merits or ability. The work of
guarding the faith by enduring hardship is not a term of
salvation, but the fruit of God's saving work your life.
Ephesians says, "for by grace are you saved, through faith,
and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of
works, lest any man should boast". The following verse
says, "for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for
good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk
in them." Philippians 2:12-13 says, "So then, my beloved, just
as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now
much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and
trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will
and to work for His good pleasure." (NAS) The good works God
calls you to do, are not terms of salvation, but they are the
fruit of salvation which God motivates and enables in your
life.

The phrase "be strong" in 2 Timothy 2:1, is in the passive
voice. God's grace is what does the action, and Timothy is
being acted upon by it. The verb is also in the present
tense, which means the believer should keep on letting God's
grace empower him for service. The believer's power to do
God's will, to bear the fruit of Christ's nature, and to gain
victory over sin in his daily life, come from the indwelling
Holy Spirit, as the believer yields his "members as
instruments of righteousness to God" (2 Tim. 1:7; cf. Rom.
6:1-13; 8:1-29; cf. Gal. 5:18-25).

Romans 6:1-13 gives the detailed explanation as to how this
"grace that is in Christ Jesus" works to empower the believer.
By His death, Christ has paid the full penalty which believers
deserve for failing to keep the law (cf. Gal. 3:13). By His
resurrection, He provides the power to live for God (cf.
Philippians 3:10). The Holy Spirit so baptizes or unites the
believer with the person and work of Christ, that he, also, is
said to have "died to sin" (6:4), and to have been raised with
Him to newness of life in Christ.

Because of the believer's death with Christ to sin, he is no
longer obligated to the death penalty of the Law, or the
slavish rebellion the Law motivates in his sin nature (see
Romans 7). Because of the believer's resurrection, with
Christ, to newness of life, he is empowered, by the same Holy
Spirit which raised Christ from the dead (cf. Rom. 1:4), to
live a life of victorious service for God. This victory comes
through faith "in the grace that is in Christ Jesus", as
the believer knows his position in Christ (Rom. 6:1-10),
counts it to be true (11), and yields his members as
instruments of righteousness to God (12-13ff.).

You guard the faith by enduring hardship, and you endure
hardship by letting God empower you.

2 Timothy 2B

Theme: Guard the Faith

1) By enduring hardship (1:1 - 2:13)

C) Ways (to endure hardship):

2) By avoiding worldly entanglement (4)

"Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs
of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted
him as a soldier." (3-4 NAS).

Verse one stated that you endure hardship by letting God's
grace empower you. The following verses, then, do not add
terms or conditions of salvation, but describe the fruit of
salvation when you yield to your commander. Like a soldier
endures hardship, Christ calls upon believers to suffer
hardship for the faith. Another way to do this (3), is by
avoiding worldly entanglement (4).

The word "affair", is "pragmateia". This comes from a root
word, meaning "to do". It speaks of matters of business or
conduct. The word "entangles", is "empleko". It comes from
roots meaning "in", and "to braid", or "weave".

In Luke 8:14, Jesus explained how the "cares and riches and
pleasures" of this life can "choke" the effect of God's Word
on a person. 2 Timothy 4:10 notes that "Demas, having loved
this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica"
(NAS). 1 Timothy, also warns that "those who want to get rich
fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful
desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the
love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by
longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced
themselves with many a pang." (6:9-10 NAS). In Acts 6,
spiritual leaders of the church said, "It is not desirable for
us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables...But
we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the
word." (2b, 4 NAS).

As soldiers of Christ, all believers (but especially those who
instruct and lead the church) should endure hardship for the
faith, by avoiding worldly entanglements.

2 Timothy 2C

Theme: Guard the Faith

1) By enduring hardship (1:1 - 2:13)

C) Ways (to endure hardship):

3) By keeping the rules (5)

God's grace alone, is what empowers you to endure hardship for
the gospel (1). Ephesians says the good works we do after we
are saved, are those God ordained for us to walk in (2:8-10).
Philippains confirms it is God who works in us both to will
and to do of His good pleasure (2:13). Galatians strongly
warns that anyone who seeks salvation through the Law, or any
other rules of personal merit, believes a false gospel which
will result in eternal damnation (1:9). Nevertheless, God
does expect believers, as a fruit rather than term of
salvation, to live like Christ.

"And also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win
the prize unless he competes according to the rules" (5 NAS).

God's Word is clear that this verse cannot speak about winning
salvation. But what then is the prize? There are at least a
couple possibilities. One view is that this refers to rewards
(not affecting salvation) the believer earns (1 Cor. 9:24-27).
Another is that the "prize" refers to the gracious fulfilment
of God's promise to all believers of a glorified body, freedom
from the sin nature, and citizenship in heaven. This is the
prize for which Paul waited, "pressed", and suffered wrong for
the gospel (see Romans 8:18-30; Philippians 3:7-21). He
attributed this reward entirely to the righteousness and power
of Christ, as opposed to any merit of his own, and referred to
it as a "crown of righteousness" which all believer's
will receive (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

God's plan of salvation for the believer includes
justification, sanctification, and glorification (Rom.
8:29-30). His ultimate goal is to bring the believer into
complete conformity to the likeness of His Son. The moment
one trusts Christ, his sins are transferred to Christ's
account, and Christ's righteousness is transferred to his
account (2 Cor. 5:21). On this basis, God declares the
believer "righteous" (Romans 3). This is justification.

Being thus separated from his sins, and placed into Christ,
the believer is also "sanctified" (positionally). This is why
every believer is called a "saint" (Rom. 15:16; 1 Cor. 1:12;
6:11; Eph. 1:1; 5:26). Even though the believer is 100%
sanctified, positionally, "in Christ", he still retains his
sin nature (Romans 7), and is only gradually delivered from
the power of sin in his daily life, as he yields to God by the
power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, through faith in Christ
(Rom. 6:1-14). This is what is called positional and
practical, or progressive sanctification.

God's ultimate call for the believer, though, is one of
complete conformity to Christ, both in his position and
personal walk. This goal is called "glorification", and will
not be completed until God deliver's the believer from the
very presence of his sin nature, in heaven (Romans 8:18ff.)
The hope of such a glorious prize should motivate the believer
(because he has been blessed [Eph. 1] rather than to get
blessed] to meet standards of godliness during life on earth,
even if it means suffering for the gospel (see Romans 8:18-25;
1 Cor. 3:10-15; 9:24-27; Philippians 3:7-21; 1 Peter 1:3-9;
2:13-3:6 Hebrews 12:1-17).

2 Timothy 2D

Theme: Guard the Faith

1) By enduring hardship:
C) Ways (con't)
4) By remembering Christ Jesus (2:6-13)

"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of
David, according to my gospel" (8 NAS).

Chapter 2, verse 3, says, "Suffer hardship with me, as a good
soldier of Christ Jesus" (NAS). In the three illustrations
which follow, the believer who endures suffering for the
gospel is likened to a soldier (3-4), an athlete (5), and a
"hard working farmer" (6). All three types of people endure
some kind of suffering in the hope of glory. Christ, too,
endured the suffering and shame of the cross, before He
rose (8) and God highly exalted Him (Philippians 2:5-11;
Hebrews 12:1-17). Christ's resurrection from the dead, offers
every gospel believer the hope of future resurrection and
glory, when "we shall also reign with Him" (10-12a; cf. Rom.
6:1-13; 1 Cor. 15; Philip. 3:8-21). This should motivate
christians to endure hardship for the gospel (2 Tim. 2:9; cf.
1 Pet. 1:1-9; 2:13 - 3:6), especially since faith in Christ is
the only way God has ordained for the elect to become saved
(10; cf. Rom. 10:11-15).

The statement "If we deny Him, He also will deny us;" (12b
NAS) cannot mean loss of salvation for a true believer. Romans
8 indicates nothing can separate such from the love of God,
and that everyone whom God justifies (the moment they trust
Christ), He also glorifies (something which occurs in the
future). It would seem, then, that this phrase can only refer
to Christ's denial of those who temporarily professed faith,
but never truly believed and then permanently denied
Him, or to the possible loss of rewards which do not affect
the believer's salvation (cf. 1 Cor. 3:10-15). Peter denied
Christ temporarily, but later repented (Matt. 26:33-35; cf.
69-75; Luke 22:31-32).

"If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny
Himself." (13 NAS) This may refer to times when believers
doubt or disobey, and indicate that even in such times, Christ
cannot deny those who are truly members of His body. But the
idea may be that Christ, rather than our faith in Christ, is
the object on which we should focus (cf. Heb. 12:1ff.), since
His reliable character does not change the way our perception
of Him may.

2 Timothy 2E

Theme: Guard the Faith

2) By teaching faithful men (2)

"And the things which you have heard from me in the presence
of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be
able to teach others also." (NAS)

The "standard of sound words" (1:13) Timothy heard from Paul,
were the gospel truths about Jesus Christ (1:8-14). Christ
died and rose to offer salvation by grace, through faith,
apart from human merit (1 Cor. 15:1ff.; Eph. 2:8-9). Jesus
preached this message from "all" of the OT (Luke 24:27). Paul
persuaded Jews, from same (Acts 17:1-4). 2 Timothy 3:16-17
indicates that "all Scripture is inspired by God and
profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for
training in righteousness; that the man of God may be
adequate, equipped for every good work." The whole Bible
reveals God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, and
forms the "standard of sound words".

One way to "guard" this "treasure", is by entrusting (from
"paratithemi", meaning to "put near", "deposit", "commit") it
to faithful men (those who believe the gospel truths and show
reliable character) who "will be able to teach others also".
God's standard of sound words is the Bible alone (2 Tim.
3:16-17; cf. Acts 17:11), but He uses faithful men, gifted for
teaching (Eph. 4:8-13), to perpetuate it.

Apparently, God's institution for training christian leaders
is the local church. It seems that the responsibility is on
the leaders to recognize those who are faithful and gifted for
teaching, and to deposit gospel truths with them (1 Timothy
3:1, however, does seem to indicate that such individuals
will express a desire for the office), so they may do the
same. There is no extra Biblical body of doctrine, or field
of study, which is necessary or capable of making the man of
God "adequate" or "equipped" for "every good work" (2 Tim.
3:17).

2 Timothy 2F

Theme: Guard the Faith

3) By avoiding worldly chatter (2:14-23)

"...charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about
words, which is useless, and leads to the ruin of the hearers.
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman
who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word
of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will
lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like
gangrene..." (NAS)

The curriculum of the man of God should be "sound words" of
the Bible alone. These are what he is to guard (1:13-14),
entrust to faithful men (2:2), remind believers of (2:14), and
be diligent to handle accurately (2:15).

By contrast, the man of God should "not wrangle about words"
(14b), should "avoid worldly and empty chatter", "abstain from
wickedness", and "flee youthful lusts". All of these pertain
to false doctrine and the ungodly fruit it bears (18).

The reason to avoid and "flee" false teaching altogether, is
because it "is useless", "leads to the ruin of the hearers"
(14b), will lead to "further ungodliness" (16), "will spread
like gangrene" (17), will "upset the faith of some" (18), and
produces "quarrels" (23). Positively, the man who flees and
"cleanses himself from these things...will be a vessel for
honor, sanctified, useful to the Master", and "prepared for
every good work" (21).

There is a temptation, today, when guarding the faith, to give
attention to false views. It is argued that one must study
and know the enemy in order to defeat him. Although this idea
sounds reasonable and is popular, it runs contrary to what we
are taught in 2 Timothy. The man of God should guard the
faith by teaching Bible truth, and by avoiding worldly chatter
altogether.

2 Timothy 2G

Theme: Guard the Faith

5) By pursuing virtue (22b)

"Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness,
faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a
pure heart." (NAS)

"Youthful lusts" could refer any lusts of the flesh (Gal.
5:16-26), but the context seems to specifically indicate
fleeing from false teachers and doctrines. The whole chapter
contrasts the importance of teaching sound doctrine and
avoiding worldly chatter such as the false words of "Hymenaeus
and Philetus" (17-18). The verse preceding the command to
flee, makes the statement that God knows who are His, and
the call to "abstain from wickedness". This seems to refer to
Numbers 16, where the Lord approved Moses against a challenge
by Korah and other rebels, commanding His people to separate
from them (21, 24). Also, the verses following (23-26)
indicate that separation from quarrelsome, false teachers is
in view.

Rather, the man of God should pursue virtue. Specifically,
"righteousness, faith, love, and peace". These are all fruit
which the indwelling Holy Spirit bears when believers yield to
God through faith in Christ's death and resurrection (Gal.
5:16-26; cf. Romans 6:1-14).

False teachers promote ungodly lifestyles and upset the faith
of some with their teachings (2 Tim. 2:16-18). You guard the
faith, then, by fleeing these youthful lusts and pursuing
virtue.

2 Timothy 2H

Theme: Guard the Faith

6) By correcting with gentleness (24-26)

"And the Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be
kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with
gentleness correcting those who are in opposition..." (24-25a
NAS)

There are several reasons to correct with gentleness when
guarding the faith. For one thing, it helps prevent
"quarrels" (24-25a). Another reason is because you represent
God. Timothy is called "the Lord's bond-servant".

A third reason to correct with gentleness is because God may
grant repentance to those who oppose sound doctrine (25b).
Romans 2:4 notes that it is the goodness, patience, and
forbearance of God which leads people to repentance.

Also, people who oppose sound doctrine are apparently not in
their right mind. Verse 26 says if God grants them
repentance, they then "come to their senses".

A final reason to correct with gentleness, is because those
who oppose sound words are tools of the devil. 26b says
they're in "the snare of the devil, having been held captive
by him to do his will." (NAS) 2 Corinthians 4 describes
Satan's influence on the lost: "...even if our gospel is
veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose
case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the
unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel
of the glory of Christ..." (4:3-4 NAS)

2 Timothy 3

Theme: Guard the Faith

7) By expecting opposition (3:1-9)

"But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will
come." (3:1 NAS)

Rather than getting better and better, departure from doctrine
and a resulting decline in morals will mark unsaved men (some
of whom will profess faith), in the last days of the church
age. "Jannes and Jambres" may have been two magicians in
Pharaoh's court, who imitated but opposed God's work through
Moses, and were ultimately defeated (Ex. 7:11ff.) If you're
guarding the faith, you need to expect difficult opposition
from ungodly men, some of whom may profess religion.

8) By avoiding ungodly men (5-9)

"avoid such men as these"

These are men who profess religion, but lead an ungodly life.
1 Corinthians 5:10-11 says, "I wrote you in my letter not to
associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the
immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and
swindlers, or with idolaters; for then you would have to go
out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to
associate with any so-called brother if he should be an
immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or
a drunkard, or a swindler--not even to eat with such a one."
(NAS)

2 Timothy 3B

Theme: Guard the Faith

9) By following godly examples (10-13)

"But you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith,
patience, love, persecutions, and sufferings..." (10-11a NAS)

In contrast to those who profess religion but lead an ungodly
life (1-9), Timothy should follow Paul's example of suffering
persecution for his faith and godly conduct (11). Ungodly men
have always and will always mistreat those who practice their
faith: "And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ
Jesus will be persecuted." (12 NAS)

10) By continuing in the Scriptures (14-17)

"You, however, continue in the things you have learned...from
childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to
give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith
which is in Christ Jesus..." (14-15 NAS)

The Bible is God's means of delivering men from the penalty,
power, and presence of their sins through faith in Christ
(Rom. 1:16-17; 3; 6:1-14; 8; 10:14-17). Christ preached the
gospel of His death and resurrection from the entire OT (Luke
24:13-27). Paul also persuaded Jews from the same (Acts
17:1ff.). Verses 16-17 say, "All Scripture is inspired by God
and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for
training in righteousness; that the man of God may be
adequate, equipped for every good work." (NAS)

There is no extra Biblical doctrine, psychology, philosophy,
discipline, or field of study which is necessary or capable of
delivering the man of God from sin or equipping him for "every
good work. The man of God should guard the faith by
continuing in the Scriptures.

2 Timothy 4

Theme: Guard the Faith

11) By preaching the Word (1-8)

"I solemnly charge you...preach the word" (1-2 NAS)

Verse two explains several ways to preach the word. 1) by
staying "ready" (lit. "to stand by"). The phrase "in season
and out of season", may mean the minister should be ready to
apply God's word, even at times he normally would not. It may
also mean there is no time when preaching God's word is
unprofitable for believers (cf. 3:16-17).

2) By reproving. This means to expose and convince people of
sin. In Matthew 18:15, this word occurs in the phrase "tell
him [any erring brother] his fault". John the Baptist
"reproved" Herod, telling him it was unlawful for him to have
his brother Philip's wife (Luke 3:19ff.). John 3:20 indicates
those who do evil hate the light [of truth], because it
exposes [reproves] their deeds. When Jesus said,
"He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first
stone", "they which heard, being convicted [reproved] by their
own conscience, went out one by one" (John 8:7ff.).

3) By rebuking. The context of other references to this word
seem to indicate rebuke involves sharp, correcting
instruction, aimed at getting the person to show proper honor
[lit. "to tax with fault"] (see Mt. 8:26; 12:16; 16:22; 17:18;
19:13; 20:31; Mk. 1:25; 3:12; 4:39; 8:30,32,33; 9:25;
10:13,48; Lu. 4:35,39,41; 8:24; 9:21,42,55; 17:3 18:15,39
19:39 23:40; Jude 1:9, for illustrative usage of this
word).

4) By exhorting. Exhorting means to "call near". It means to
entreat, plead with, encourage, comfort and instruct someone
in the way they should walk (see Mt. 2:18; 5:4; 8:5,31,34; Mr.
1:40; 5:10,12,17,18,23; 6:56; Lk. 3:18; 7:4; 8:31,32,41;
15:28; 16:25; Ac. 2:40; 8:31; 9:38; Ro. 12:1,8; 15:30; 16:17;
1Co. 1:10; 4:13,16; 14:31; 16:12,15; 2Co. 1:4,6; 2:7,8; 5:20;
6:1; 2Co 13:11; Eph. 4:1; 6:22; Php 4:2; Col 2:2; 4:8; #
1Th. 2:11; 3:2,7; etc.)

All of these ways to preach God's word should be done with
"great patience and instruction" (2b). Chapter 2:25-26
indicates this is the kind of treatment God uses to grant
repentance to the knowledge of truth by those who are in
error.

Several reasons for this strong charge are: 1) Because Christ
will judge the living and the dead at His appearing (1; cf.
5-8). With regard to believers, verse 8, and 1 Cor. 3:10-15
seem to indicate the substance of a minister's preaching will
be tested. That which does not build Christ-likeness in
believers will be consumed by fire, that which does will be
rewarded. Hope of reward motivated Paul to sacrifice himself
for the ministry of guarding the faith, and he called on
Timothy to do the same (5-8). With regard to the unsaved,
Christ's judgment concerns their sentence to eternal hell (cf.
Rev. 20:11-15), as revealed by their belief or disbelief of
gospel preaching here on earth (cf. Rom 10:17ff.; 2 Thess.
1:7-10; Heb. 9:27).

2) Because apostasy is coming (3-4). "For the time will come
when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have
their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves
teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn
away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths."
(NAS) Both the coming of Christ and increasing apostasy
should motivate the man of God to guard the faith
by preaching the word.

2 Timothy 4B

Theme: Guard the Faith

12) By supporting the persecuted (9-22)

"Make every effort to come to me soon...At my first defense no
one supported me, but all deserted me...But the Lord stood
with me..." (9, 16, 17 NAS).

Apparently, Paul was in prison for the faith and had given his
first defense at a hearing (16). All but Luke had deserted
him--some perhaps for good reason, Demas for loving the world
more than enduring "ill treatment with the people of God "
(10; cf. Heb. 11:24-25). By contrast, the Lord stood with
Paul (17), and believers should also support the persecuted.
Our text seems to show a couple ways:

1) By going to them. Twice in this passage, Paul asks Timothy
to "make every effort to come" (9, 21). He wanted this to
occur "soon", and "before winter".

2) By bringing what they need. Paul asked Timothy to "pick up
Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for
service" (11). He also requested his cloak, books, and
parchments (13).

This passage also seems to reveal several reasons to endure
hardship for the gospel:

1) Because some will oppose the faith (14-15). Alexander had
apparently opposed Paul's teaching vigorously. Paul warns
Timothy to "be on guard against him yourself" (15).

2) Because the Lord strengthens the persecuted (17). Though
others desert, the Lord stands with and strengthens those who
suffer hardship for proclaiming the gospel.

3) Because endurance furthers the gospel (17b). The reason
the Lord stood with Paul and strengthened him against
persecution, was "in order that through me the proclamation
might be fully accomplished, and that ll the Gentiles might
hear". Paul's imprisonment and trial gave him opportunity to
witness.

4) Because the Lord delivers the persecuted (18). There is no
evil deed from which the Lord does not deliver. Even if a
believer is killed, this will only usher him safely into the
presence of Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 5:8).

--
Have you heard Christ died for our sins, and God raised Him
from the dead? Did you know God saves you from hell and
gives you eternal life through faith in this finished work alone,
not your merits (Jn. 3:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Eph. 2:8-10; 2 Thess.
1:8-9)? This is so man cannot boast, and God alone gets the
glory (Eph. 2:8-9).
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