Preview: 2 Timothy 2:14-21

Due to discussion, we didn't get as far as originally planned last week. This week, we'll plan to get through verse 21. In addition to the questions regarding vv. 14-15 (from last week), consider the following:

(1) There's a whole lot of talking going on in Timothy's situation, and much of it seems to be coming from false teachers. What sort of ''talking" is Paul condemning in this section?

(2) Paul gives two examples of 'chatters' and 'talk' spreading like 'cancer': Hymenaeus and Philetus. How can such 'talk' stir up heresy in a church? How about among Christian friends?

(3) By their 'empty-talk' about resurrection, Hymenaeus and Philetus upset the faith of some. Our generation LOVES 'conversation', especially religious ones. What are some examples of conversations we should avoid? Are their times to argue? If so, when do we stop the argument?

(4) Verse 19 pictures a seal written on a foundation. What purpose does this serve in the first-century?

(5) How does the illustration in 2:20-21 relate to the immediate context? (Hint: Think 'useful' vs 'useless').

Preview: 2 Timothy 2:8-18

(1) How will 'remembering Jesus Christ' help Timothy suffer hardship for the Gospel?

(2) Reflecting on verse 9, how worried do you think Paul is about the progress of the Gospel though he is imprisoned?

(3) Compare 2:10 with information that Paul gives about himself in 1:1, 3, 8, 11-12; 2:3, 9; 3:10-11; 4:6-8, 16-18. What do you learn about Paul? What are his priorities?

(4) Verses 11-13 make up what was likely an early Christian saying or hymn. Why would Paul bring this up at this time?

(5) From 2:14 on, Paul begins to talk about false teaching and the dangers associated with arguing against such people. Why in 2:14 does Paul say such arguments are 'useless' and leads to 'ruin'?

(6) Verse 15 is often quoted without recognizing Timothy and his situation! It is the key verse for AWANA Clubs Int. (i.e., Approved Workman Are Not Ashamed). But in the context of this letter, what is Paul's point?

(7) In 2:15, what might Timothy be ashamed of? (Note other occurences of 'shame' or 'ashamed' in chapters 1 and 2!)

(8) Do we face a situation similar to that of Timothy today? How do we obey Paul's words to Timothy? (Be specific).

Preview: 2 Tim. 2:1-7

(1) In 2:1, Timothy is commanded to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." What does Paul mean by the word 'grace' in this context?  

[In Paul's language, this word can carry the following possible meanings: a. graciousness, b. unmerited favor ('saved by grace'), c. favor given (the gift itself), d. thanks (gratitude), e. enablement from God to accomplish something]

(2) In 2:2, what are "the things" which Timothy has heard from Paul? (see also 1:13)

(3) How do you think Timothy is to know which men are 'faithful' or 'worthy' to teach others?

(4) In 2:3, Paul uses the same word as in 1:8 to command Timothy to suffer hardship. Why does Paul then bring up the picture of a 'good soldier' (2:3-4)? In the Roman world, what characterizes a 'good soldier'?

(5) In 2:5, what do 'rules' have to do with Timothy suffering hardship for the Gospel?

(6) In 2:6, what should Timothy and a 'hard-working farmer' have in common?

(7) In 2:7, what does Paul want Timothy to do with what has been written so far? 

(8) Thus far in the book, what things emerge as Paul's top priorities as he faces execution? Do YOUR priorities line up with PAUL'S?

2 Timothy 1:1-18

Remember that context is everything in Bible study. Answers are most often found in the words, sentences, and paragraphs of 2 Timothy!

(1) Opening paragraphs of Paul's letters often function as a table of content of sorts. Important themes are introduced and expanded throughout the letter. What key words or phrases do you find in the opening paragraphs which introduce important topics?

(2) Why does Paul mention the fact that he serves God as his forefathers did (1:3)?

(3) Why does Paul use so much ink talking about 'memories' with Timothy?

(4) What is the 'gift of God' which is in Timothy through the laying on of Paul's hands (1:6)?

(5) In verse 7, Paul talks about the kind of spirit that he and Timothy have been given. The words 'spirit' can refer to attitude (i.e., 'mean spirited') or the Holy Spirit. Which do you think makes the best sense in the context (1:7)?

(6) For what cause does Paul insist Timothy suffer (1:8)?

(7) How does verse 12 fit with Paul's attempt to call Timothy to suffer together for the Gospel?

(8) In verse 14, Paul literally says: "Guard the good deposit." What is the good deposit and why would Paul call it that?

(9) Who was Onesiphorus?

(10) What purpose do verses 15-18 serve in calling Timothy to suffer for the Gospel?