GROUP NAMES AND NUMBERS
CALVARY CHAPEL GREEN VALLEY Find the fire within you 2 Timothy 1
If you’ve ever attempted to start a campfire and keep it going for any length of time you know it takes a lot of attention. Wood shavings, kindling, dry wood piled just right, and the proper airflow are all essential and work in concert to create a near perfect flame. Let’s not forget the power source needed to light the fire. Uncovering our God-given gifts, talents and abilities also takes careful attention. These are further ignited when we believe and use them for God’s purposes. Our heavenly father’s desire is to “fan into flame,” by giving us exactly what we need to identify and develop them: a spirit of boldness, power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:6-7). Our passions further reveal what God has given us when we love the way Jesus loves. To develop these into perfect instruments of God we must identify, apply self-discipline, regular maintenance and use. Letting God work through us for His purposes, as He gives us the power to use our gifts, talents and abilities in supernatural ways. The fire God ignites can never be contained, as we live in boldness through every opportunity and relationship He will fan our flame into a roaring bonfire whose light would pierce the darkness for miles (Matthew 5:14-16). Reflect: • Do you need help identifying your spiritual gift? What are you passionate about? What are you good at? • Is your next step to start serving in the church? What’s holding you back? • What would you do for God if you knew you couldn’t fail? How can you take a step this week toward pursuing that dream?
CALVARY CHAPEL GREEN VALLEY TheBookof2Timothy Lesson1Ͳ2Timothy1:1Ͳ14 PrescriptionforaHealthyChurch “Unashamed” AsyoureadPaul’stwoletterstoTimothy,youbegintounderstandtheproblemsof thisyoungminister.Foronething,hehesitatedtofacematterssquarelyandsettle themaccordingtotheWordofGod.Therewas“fear”inhislife,perhapsthefearof manthat“bringsasnare”(Prov.29:25).Hefacedtheusualtemptationsofayoung manandcertainlydidnotfeeladequateforthetask. Paulwasfacingpersecution,yethetooktimetoprayforTimothy.HeassuresTimothy ofhisloveandprayersandofhisgoodremembranceofhimnightandday.Hereminds Timothythatthereismuchtobethankfulfor,inspiteoftheproblemshewasfacing. HeremindshimofhisgodlyheritageandofthefaiththatGodhasgivenhim,notonly forsalvation,butalsofordailylivingandChristianservice.Whatablessingitistohave prayingfriends!Whatanencouragementitistoprayforothersandtohelpthemalong intheirspirituallives. OneofTimothy’sproblemswascowardice.Hisyouthfulnessprobablycontributedto this.PaulremindsTimothythathewasneglectingthegiftGodhadgivenhimandthat heneededtostiritup,asamanwouldfanintoflameofadyingfire.Paulwasnot suggestingthatTimothywaslosinghissalvation,butthathewaslosinghiszealforthe LordandenthusiasmintheLord’swork.PauliswritingabouttheHolySpiritinvs.7. TheSpiritdoesnotgeneratefearinus,butratherpower,love,andasoundmind. EveryChristianneedsallthree!WhentheSpiritisincontrol,wewillexperiencepeace thatsurpassesallunderstanding. ThepeopleatEphesusknewthatTimothywasPaul’sfriendandcoͲlaborer,butPaul wasnowaRomanprisoner!“Don’tbeashamedofmeoroftheGospel!”Paulwould say.“Oursufferingisallapartofourheavenlycallingasministers.”WhenChristians suffer,theysufferwithChrist.Thesamepowerthatsavesusalsostrengthensusfor thebattle.WhatanencouragementitistoknowthatChristisfaithfulandabletokeep Hisown.“IknowwhomIhavebelieved!”wasPaul’sconfidencenot“Ihope”or“I think.”PaulissayingthatheknowshecantrustChristtoprotecthim;butheisalso sayingthatheknowsChristwillenablehimtokeepwhatHehascommittedtohim. Read21Ͳ7andanswerthefollowingquestions. EversincehebecameaChristian,TimothyhasbeendevotedtohismentorPaul. Nowthementorischainedinprison,andtheyoungmanfacesaflockofimmature Christiansandawalloftrialsonhisown.Paulcouldn’tbewithTimothy,buthe knewwhatafearfulleaderneededtohear. 1. Whowasinspiredtowritethisletter?Explaintheworkofanapostleandwhat wasnecessaryforamantobecomeone? 2. Definethefollowingwords: a. Grace b. Mercy c. Peace 3. HowoftendidPaulprayforTimothy? 4. What was said about Timothy’s grandmother and mother? How would you define“genuinefaith”? 5. Whatinfluencecangodlyparentsandgrandparentshaveonaperson? 6. Whatis“thegiftofGodwhichisinyou”? 7. Thinkaboutthespiritwehavebeengiven(verse7).Whyarepower,loveanda soundmindallimportantforthosewhowanttoserveGod? Read2Timothy1:8Ͳ12andanswerthefollowingquestions. 8. Inverses9Ͳ11PauloutlinesthegospelhehasreceivedfromGodandentrusted toTimothy.WhatkeypointsdoesPaulmention? 9. Why is it important that God both “saved” and “called” us not because of anythingwehavedone? 10. Inverse1Paulmentions“thepromiseoflifewhichisinChristJesus.”Howdoes heexplainthispromiseinverse10? 11. ThispromisewasimportanttoPaulashefacedexecutioninRome.Whyisit importantforustofocusonthispromisetoday? Read2Timothy1:13Ͳ14andanswerthefollowingquestion. 12. WhatwasTimothytoholdfastto? Eunice:AMothersLegacy Eunice(2Tim.1:5)wasJewish,butapparentlyherfatherwasnotveryorthodox. Hehadviolatedoneoftheclearcommandsofthelawinarrangingamatchforhis daughterswithaGentile.LaterwhenTimothywasborn,hewasn’tcircumcised.So itseemsthatneitherEunice’sfathernorhusbandwereobservantofJudaism.But Eunicewas.Paulpraisedherforher“genuinefaith”whichshesharedincommon withLois,hermother(2Tim.1:5).Euniceimpartedthatfaithtoherson,Timothy, andmorethananyoneelseequippedhimforalifetimeofusefulnessforGod. Euniceisanencouragementforeverywomanfacedwiththetaskofnurturingthe spirituallifeofherchildren,especiallyifshecan’tcountonthehelpofastrong male.Eunicemayhavehadnoformalreligiouseducationandlittleencouragement fromherfamily,expectforLois.Butshehadtwocrucialthingsgoingforherthat offer hope for mothers today: The inherent power of being a mother and the dynamicpowerofalovingGod. NOTES Stop avoiding "the talk" 2 Timothy 2
The apostle Paul, a church planter and pastor, suffered harshly because he refused to stop talking about how Jesus changed his life. In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he talks about the troubles he faced as well as the joy he experienced serving others and helping them follow Jesus. Because of Paul’s faith, he knew that regardless of what he experienced, God had prepared him to push forward in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Like Paul, each of us has been given us a special gift to be used to bring others into a relation- ship with Jesus. Often these conversations are uncomfortable, but God has prepared us with a gift and connected us with the perfect person to share it with. 2 Timothy 2:21 says, “Those who cleanse themselves … will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” Not everyone we talk to will be ready to ask Jesus into their life. That’s OK! Maybe our role was simply to help that person get one step closer to a relationship with Jesus. We may never know how significant we were in someone’s salvation, and it really doesn’t matter. We have been called by Jesus Christ to spread the gospel, and we must be obedient (Matthew 28:19-20). As we grow in faith, we will become better prepared to handle tough salvation conversations. We will be willing to take more risks and put ourselves out there. Similar to Paul, we must press forward enduring any discomfort for the sake of Jesus Christ. Paul assures us in 2 Timothy 2:12, “if we endure, we will also reign with him.” Reflect • How can you use your story to spread the Gospel? Not sure where to start? Practice sharing your story here. • What gifts, talents or skills has God given you with that could open doors for you to share your story with others? • Is there someone you’ve been avoiding talking to about salvation? What’s holding you back? How can you reach out to that person today?
CALVARY CHAPEL GREEN VALLEY TheBookof2Timothy Lesson2–2Timothy1:15Ͳ2:13 PrescriptionforaHealthyChurch “Endurance” AllinAsiahadforsakenPaul.Thetwomenhenamesmayhavebeenmembersofthe Ephesianchurch,menwhomTimothywouldknowpersonally.Buttherewasanother manwhohadremainedtrue,Onesiphorus.Thisgodlymanwasprobablyadeaconat Ephesus.ThismancametoRome,soughtPaul,andservedhimwithoutfearorshame. “Myson”in2:1suggeststhatTimothyhadbeenbornintoGod’sfamilybyfaithin Christ.InEph.2:19,Paulcallsthelocalchurchthe“householdofGod.”Theonlyway toenterthisfamilyisbybeingbornoftheSpiritandtheWord. EveryChristianisalreadyasoldierinGod’sarmy;itisjustthatsometroopsareloyal andsomearenot.Wehavebeen“enrolled”byChrist,theCaptainofoursalvation. ChristiansmustlearnhowtoendurehardshipforChrist.TheChristianlifeisnota playground;itisabattleground. There are in Paul’s letters more than two dozen references to athletics: boxing, wrestling,running,tonameafew.Nomatterhowskilledtheathleteswere,theyhad toobeytherulesofthegame.Iftheywontheracebutbroketherules,theywere disqualified.Ittakesdiscipline,dedication,anddirectionforanathletetobeawinner, andittakesthesesamequalitiestoproduceawinningChristianlife. Wenowseethepictureofthehardworkingfarmer.Thechurchisagarden,andthe seedistheWordofGod.Variousservantsplant,water,andharvesttheseedindue season.Ittakestime,patience,andhardworktodevelopafruitfulgarden. PaulnowremindsTimothythathetoowassuffering,butthattheirsufferinghada dualblessinginit:theyweresufferingforandwithChrist,andtheirsufferingwasfor thebenefitofthechurch. Timothywasbeingattackedbyfalseteachers,justasthechurchisattackedtoday. Whatarewetodo?First,remindthepeopletosticktoessentialsandnottoargue about empty words and philosophies. Second, be sure to rightly divide the Word, beingdiligenttohandleitcarefully.Paulwarnsthatfalsedoctrine“eatslikeacancer orulcer,”andthattheonlyremedyisthe“healthydoctrine”oftheWordofGod. Read2Timothy1:15Ͳ18andanswerthefollowingquestions. 1. In1:15Ͳ18PauldescribestheactionsofsomeChristians.Manyhaddeserted him,butOnesiphorushasremainedcommittedtoPaul.WhydoyouthinkPaul insertedthesecommentsandprayersbetween1:1Ͳ14and2:1Ͳ13? 2. WhatfourgoodthingsaresaidaboutOnesiphorus? 3. Inverses16Ͳ18whattwothingsdidPauldesireoftheLord?
Read2Timothy2:1Ͳ9andanswerthefollowingquestions. 4. InwhatdidPaulwantTimothytobestrongin? 5. Inyourownwords,defineGod’sGrace? 6. WhatdidPaulwantTimothytodowiththethingshehadtaughthim? 7. What three illustrations does Paul use to encourage Timothy to endure hardshipandtoworkhard? 8. PaulencouragesTimothyto“endurehardship,”andthenusesthreeexamples tomotivatehim.WhatpointisPaulmakingaboutTimothy’sworkwitheachof theseexamples?Toanswer,firstdescribethecharacteristicsPaulsaysmakea soldier,athlete,andfarmereffective.Thenexplainhowthosecharacteristics applytotheChristianservant. 9. ChooseoneofPaul’sthreeexamplesin2:4Ͳ6.Howdoesitslessonapplytoyou inyourservingtheLord? Read2Timothy2:10Ͳ13andanswerthefollowingquestions. 10. Paulrevealshisattitudetowardothersin2:10.Howcanyoudevelopasimilar attitude?Doesitrequireanyactiononyourpart? 11. Accordingtoverses10Ͳ13whatconvictionsenableandencouragePaultohave thisattitude? 12. In2:1Ͳ13whatmotivatesyouthemosttoendureinservingtheLord? Mentoring,KingdomStyle “Andthethingsthatyouhaveheardfrommeamongmanywitnessescommitthese tofaithfulmenwhowillbeabletoteachothersalso.”2Timothy2:2 HerePauldescribesthepowerfulprocessofmentoring(Adviseortrainsomeone, especiallyayoungercolleague).JustashehadhelpedTimothyduringaperiodin hisdevelopment,hechallengedhimtomentorothers,whointurncouldbecome mentorsandkeepthereproductivecyclegoing.Believerstodayshouldmodelthis patternofolderbelieversworkingwithyoungeronesto“passonthethingsthey havelearned.”HereareafewexamplesfromtheNewTestament. BarnabaswithPaul:AwealthylandownerfromCyprus,BarnabasstoodupforPaul. Heintroducedhimtochurchleadersandsupportedhisconversion. BarnabaswithJohnMark:InanintensesplitwithPaul,BarnabastookyoungJohn MarkhomewithhimtoCyprusandrebuilthisconfidence(Acts15:36Ͳ39).Years later,Paulchangedhisopinion,describingJohnMarkas“usefultomeforministry.” PriscillaandAquilawithApollos:Manufacturesoftemporarylivingunits(tents), PriscillaandAquiladrewalongsidegiftedbutconfusedApollos,tutoringhiminthe faithandsponsoringhisministry. PaulwithTimothy:PaulrecruitedyoungTimothyandbuiltonthefoundationlaid bythisyoungman’smotherandgrandmother,enlistinghimasafellowtraveler andmentoredhiminthefaith. PaulwithPhilemon:PaulhelpedPhilemon,awealthyleaderinColossaedealwith arunawayslavewhohadbrokenthelaw. TheBookof2Timothy Lesson3Ͳ2Timothy2:14Ͳ26 PrescriptionforaHealthyChurch “AWorkmanApproved” Timothywasbeingattackedbyfalseteachers,justasthechurchisattackedtoday. Whatarewetodo?First,remindthepeopletosticktoessentialsandnottoargue about empty words and philosophies. Second, be sure to rightly divide the Word, being diligent to handle it carefully. “Rightly divide” implies “cutting through” the Wordcarefully,thewayanengineerbuildsahighway.Paulwarnsthatfalsedoctrine “spreadslikeacancer,”andthattheonlyremedyisthe“solidfoundation”(sound doctrine)oftheWordofGod.Whenyoustartlisteningtotheoldfablesorthefalse teachers,youmaybecomespirituallysick.Oneliecangrowlikeacanceroustumor andeatoutthespiritualstrengthoftheChristianorthelocalchurch.Everychurch shouldbeaBibleschool,wheretheWordofGodistaughtaccurately. Paul describes the local church as a house with a solid foundation and containing vessels ofdifferent kinds. TheOld Testament Jews often put Bible verses on their houses,anditwasnotuncommonforGentilestowriteversesontheirhousestoo. God’shousehastwoaffirmationsonit,onethatisGodͲwardandonethatismanward. GodknowsHisown,andHisownoughttobeknowntoothersbytheirgodlylives. EachChristianisavesselinthegreathouse,butsomevesselsaredefiledandcannot beused.Timothyiswarnedtocleansehimselffromthedishonorablevessels,soheis notdefiled.Thisisthebiblicaldoctrineofseparation.Believersshouldbesetapart vesselsuntoGod’shonor.Fleeingyouthfullusts,andfollowingthatwhichisspiritual, wouldhelpTimothybeapreparedvesselthatChristcoulduseforHisglory.Verses 23–26goontoexplainhowtodealwithproblemsinGod’shousesothattheremight notbestrifeanddivision. Churchmembersneedtoprayfortheirpastorsandencouragethemintheworkof theLord.Churchleadersshouldfaithfullydotheirworksothatthepastorscandevote themselvestotheirownministry.Churchesshouldprovideenoughfinancialsupport fortheministerssothattheycanfullydevotethemselvestotheworkoftheministry. Inotherwords,ministersandmembersshouldlabortogetherintheworkoftheLord. Read2Timothy2:14Ͳ26andanswerthefollowingquestions. 1. Accordingto2:14,16,23,whyshouldChristiansavoidignorantdisputesand quarrelingaboutwords? 2. Whatdoesitmeanto“rightlydividethewordoftruth”?(2:15) 3. Accordingtothefollowingverses,howshouldaChristianrespondtofoolish arguments? 2:15 2:16,23 2:21Ͳ22 2:24Ͳ25 4. WhydoesPaulsostronglycondemntheteachingofHymenaeusandPhiletus? Whyistheirteachingabouttheresurrectionsodangerous?(See1Cor.15:12Ͳ 19). 5. Whyisitoftenhardtobekind,patient,andgentlewithquarrelsomepeople? 6. Eventhoughfoolishspeakingleadstofoolishteachingandimmorality,what confidencecanaChristianleaderhave?(2:19) 7. Whyisitwisetoflee“youthfullusts”(2:22)andto“avoidfoolishandignorant disputes”(2:23)?Whatisthedifferenceanyway? 8. Paul not only tells us to flee from sin, but also to purse righteousness. Practicallyspeaking,howcanyoupursuerighteousnessthisweekwithyour words,youractions,andyourattitudes? 9. WhatattitudedoesPaulwantTimothytohavetowardthosethatopposehim? (2:24Ͳ26) 10. Chooseyourfavoriteversefrom2:14Ͳ26.Inwhatpracticalwaycanyouapply thisversetoyourlife? GreatWordon2Timothy2:15fromJonCourson BediligenttopresentyourselfapprovedtoGodaworkerwhodoesnotneedto beashamed,rightlydividingthewordoftruth.2Timothy2:15 Over the years, I have observed that many people who love the Lord Jesus deeply are, nonetheless, embarrassed occasionally when unbelievers raise questionslikethefollowing:“HowcouldaGodofloveordertheextermination of the Canaanite civilization?” “How could a God of love mandate the slaughtering of bulls and goats and little lambs and pigeons for sacrifices?” “Why does the Bible set guidelines for slavery rather than abolishing it altogether?”Onandon,questionscomeourwaythatcausesomewholovethe LordtofeelembarrassedaboutpartsoftheBible.Theproblemisn’twiththe Bible.Theproblemiswithourinabilitytorightlydivideit.TheGreekwordfor “divide”meanstocutastraightline,tomakeanincision.Inordertorightly dividetheWord,weneedtounderstandfirstofallthattheBibleisnotsimply abookoftheology,butratheradramathroughwhichweseetheunfoldingof God’sredemptionofmankind. Truly,there’saflow,adramathatunfoldsthroughoutScripture,whichisnot seenbythosewhosimplyfocusononesection.That’swhyPaulsaidtoTimothy, “Study.”That’swhywemeettogetherregularlytostudy.Andinsodoing,we areabletosaytotheJehovah’sWitness,forexample,thatthe144,000among whichhenumbershimselfarepartofadispensationyettocome.Andweare abletotelltheAdventistthat keepingtheSabbathinthe“AgeofGrace”is impossibleiffornootherreasonthanthefactthatattendingchurchonthe Sabbath is in direct violation of the law that prohibits travel beyond one hundredyards. AnunderstandingofGod’sunfoldingplanofredemptionwillcauseonetoread the Scriptures with an awareness of the scope and purpose of any given dispensation.However,onecanrightlydividetheWordandstillmissthepoint iftheWordofGoddoesn’tdividehim(Hebrews4:12).Thatis,theWordofGod mustnotonlylodgeinourminds—itmusttouchourhearts. HowcanweknowiftheWordistouchingourhearts?InRevelation10:10,we readthatwhenJohnateofthescroll,signifyingtheWord,itwassweettohis mouth,butbittertohisbelly.So,too,whenIstudytheology,(thepromiseof heaven,theassuranceofsalvation,thedoctrineofjustification)Ifindthemoh, sosweet.ButIknowtheWordistrulyaccomplishingitsworkwithinmewhen, uponfurthercontemplation,IfindthembitterasIrealizetheplightofthose aroundmewhodon’tyetknowJesus.Inotherwords,IknowtheWordishaving itsintendedeffectwhenitnotonlysatisfiesmyspirit,butwhenitmotivatesmy soultoministry,toservice,toprayer,andtolove. Maywebethosewho,likeaskilledsurgeon,rightlydividetheWord.Andmay webethosewho,likeawillingpatient,allowtheWordtodivideus,andtomake usmorelikeJesus. How to know the truth 2 Timothy 3
Everyone is born with a desire to understand the world around us — where we came from, how we fit in and what we’re here for. Each day, we’re bombarded with ads, articles and products promising to satisfy our desire to know more, have more and be more. But eternal life and quality of life are what our hearts are really seeking, and only a relationship with Jesus can provide that (John 17:3). We’re not saved because of what we do; we’re saved by Who we know. When we ask Jesus into our lives, it changes our destiny and our reality. This one decision opens the door to a relationship with God now and for eternity. There are three types of people in the world: people who have asked Jesus into their lives, people who have not (and don’t care to), and people who call themselves Christians without having submitted their lives to Jesus. It is possible to associate with a particular religion and call yourself a Christian when nothing is further from the truth. In 2 Timothy 3:5, the apostle Paul describes this as “having a form of godliness but denying its power.” Just like Paul and Timothy, we will come across fake Christians and preachers teaching a message other than Jesus’. So how are we to know the difference? We can always determine the truth by comparing what someone says to be true against the Truth, the Bible. If what we think or hear does not line up with God’s Word, we are the ones who must change our minds. Reflect: • When did you ask Jesus into your life? Can you remember a time and place where you made the decision to follow Him forever? Learn more about salvation here. • Following Jesus means aligning our desires with His. What is one way you’ve seen your actions or opinions shift as you’ve started reading the Bible and doing what it says? • Paul warned Timothy not to associate with those who pretend to follow Jesus for their own gain. Is there anyone in your life that you need to distance yourself from?
CALVARY CHAPEL GREEN VALLEY TheBookof2Timothy Lesson4Ͳ2Timothy3:1Ͳ9 PrescriptionforaHealthyChurch RejectersofTruth Paulnowlooksdownthroughtheyearsandwiththeeyesoftheprophettellsus whattoexpect.ThischapterishispropheticappealtoTimothy,hischargeinthe lightofthefutureofthechurch.“Thelastdays”isaperiodoftimethatactually beganwiththelifeandministryofChristonearth.However,theNewTestament indicatesthat“thelastdays”refersparticularlytothestateofthechurchbefore thecomingofChrist.Theseshallbe“perilous”times,thatis,“difficult,hardtodeal with.”Weareinthosedaysnow!SelfͲlovewillbethehallmarkofthelastdays. ThisselfͲlovewillleadtoagraspingattitudeandaboastfulspirit.Trueaffection willalmostdisappear;unnaturalaffectionwillprevail. Verses5–8indicatethattherewillbeplentyofreligioninthelastdays,butitwill beamereimitation,aformofgodlinesswithoutthelifeͲchangingpowerofGod. ThedepartingfromthefaiththatPaulpredictedin2Thess.2isuponustoday,yet thereisstillplentyofreligion!TheBiblecontinuestobeanationalbestͲseller,yet thecrimerateincreasesandproblemsmultiply.TrueChristiansareintheminority. ThesefalseteachersofPaul’sdaypreyedespeciallyuponwomen. Paul compared the apostate teachers to the Egyptian magicians Jannes and Jambres,whoopposedMosesbyimitatingwhathedid.Satanisanimitator,and his imitation gospel and church will spread in the last days. But just as Moses overcametheseimitatorsbythepowerofGodcomingingreatjudgment,soChrist will ultimately overcome these latterͲday deceivers. “From such turn away!” warnsPaul(vs.5). Read2Timothy3:1Ͳ5andanswerthefollowingquestions: 1. WhatdoesPaulpredictwillhappeninthelastdays? 2. Listthecharacteristicsofthepeopleinthosetimes(See3:2Ͳ5).Defineeach one. 3. Foreachoftheseviceswritedownawordorphrasethatdescribesitsopposite, “thetraitaChristianshouldhave”. 4. WhatdoesitmeantoloveGodratherthanselforpleasure?Howdoesloving Godaffectwhatapersondoes? 5. ThedefinitionofGodlinessis:“apersonalattitudetowardGodthatresultsin actionsthatarepleasingtoGod,”“devotioninaction.”Howmightthepower ofgodlinessenableyoutogrowlessattachedtothingsofthislifeandmore attachedtoyourloveforGod? 6. ThepicturethatPaulpaintsinverses2Ͳ5bearsastrikingresemblancetowhat we see in our world today. What are some ways that you see this godless mindsetinoursociety? Read2Timothy3:6Ͳ9andanswerthefollowingquestions: 7. Whatkindofinfluencedothesemenhaveoversomewomen?(See3:6)In whatsensedosuchmen“makecaptives”ofwomen? 8. Givesomecurrentexamplesofthetypeofmenwhohavethiskindofinfluence overwomen. 9. What does it mean to be “always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledgeofthetruth”? 10. Whereistheultimatetruthfound? 11. Whatisacorruptmind? 12. ComparePaul’sdescriptionofacorruptpeoplein2Tim.3:2Ͳ8toanotherin Rom.1:28Ͳ32.Howaretheysimilarandhowaretheydifferent? 13. Whatkindofmindshouldabelieverhave?(SeeRom.12:2,Eph.4:22Ͳ24,Col. 3:1Ͳ3). CounterfeitChristianity WheneverpeopleacceptthetruthofGodandbeginpracticingit,counterfeitssoon surface.That’swhatPaulfoundatEphesus,andwhathewarnsTimothyabout(2 Tim.3:8Ͳ9).Hementionstwocharacters,JannesandJambres,whosenamesmean “hewhoseduces”and“hewhoisrebellious.”NeithernameisintheOldTestament, butJewishlegendheldthatthesewerethenamesoftwoEgyptianmagicianswho opposedMoses’demandofPharaohtofreetheIsraelites.Theytriedtoduplicate themiraclesofMosesinanattempttodiscredithim.ButGodshowedthatMoses’ authoritywasmorepowerful(Ex.7:11Ͳ12,22).Paulfacedasimilarexperienceat Ephesus.FortwoyearshetaughtthemessageofChristthere,inacultureheavily steeped in pagan idolatry and occultism. God confirmed His teaching through powerful miracles and the release of many from evil spirits. But local exorcists attempted to duplicate the miracles. Their scheme backfired, however to the benefit of the gospel. Counterfeits to the truth of Christ abound today, as Paul predicted they would. If we effectively communicate the gospel to friends and coworkers, we can virtually count on the fact that competing systems and worldviewswillsoonappear.That’swhywemust“continueinthethingsyouhave learned and been assured of,” basing our lives and our witness on the firm foundationofScripture(2Tim.3:14Ͳ17). TheBookof2Timothy Lesson5–2Timothy3:10Ͳ17 PrescriptionforaHealthyChurch “Timothy’sGuides” IfJannesandJambreswereministersofSatan’swork,thenPaulisourbestexampleofa workerfortheLord.Hehidnothing.PaulnamesthecitiesintheareanearTimothy’s home,becauseTimothywouldbefamiliarwiththem.TimothyknewPaul’steaching,his conduct,thepurposethatmotivatedhislife,thefaiththatsustainedhimintrials,the longͲsuffering, love, and endurance that he showed, even when persecuted, and the wonderfulwayGodtookcareofhimthroughitall.Paul’slifehadbeenanexampleto youngTimothy,asoursoughttobetootherstoday.Persecutionisnotsomethingthat Christians should deliberately encourage, but if they live godly lives, persecution will comeautomatically.“Yes,andallwhodesiretolivegodly”isthebesttranslationofv.12. WhenourwillisdedicatedtoGod,thenSatanwillattackus.Youcanbesurethatduring theselastdays,itwillbemoreandmoredifficulttoliveforChrist.Asneverbefore,we needChristianswhowill,likePaul,liveforChristcompletely. Since these satanic seducers are going to continue, what should the Christian do? ContinuetobefaithfultotheWordofGod.TheonlyanswertoSatan’sliesisGod’struth. IfeverylocalchurchwouldgetbacktotheWordofGod,andifeverypastorandSunday SchoolteacherwouldteachtheWordofGod,Satan’sdiscipleswouldbedefeated. Timothy’srelationshiptotheBibleisoutlinedintheseverses.Itbeganwhenhewasa childandlearnedtheOldTestamentScripturesfromhismotherandgrandmother.They didnotmerelyteachhimthefactsoftheBible;theygavehimassuranceandspiritual understanding.TimothyknewforhimselfthetruthoftheWord;hedidnotdependon otherstodefendtheWordforhim. TheBibleistheinspiredWordofGod.Theword“inspired”means“GodͲbreathed,filled withthebreathofGod.”TheSpiritofGodenabledmenofGodtowritetheWordofGod, fortheSpiritofGodisthe“breath”ofGod.“AllScripture”meansthateverywordofGod isinspired. WhatisthepurposeoftheBible?Ofcourse,salvationisthefirstpurpose,butChristian livingisalsoincluded.TheWordisprofitableforteaching,conviction,settingright,and discipline.ItenablesthechildofGodtobecomeamanorwomanofGod,maturedinthe thingsoftheLord.ItisfineforChristianstotakestudycoursesandlearnmethodsof ministry,butthebestwayforthemtoequipthemselvestoserveGodistostudyand practicetheWordofGod.Studybookstellushow,buttheBiblegivesusthemotivation andpowertolivewhatwelearn. ThegreatneedamongchurchesandChristianstodayistoreturntotheBible.Ifthe churchesdonotgetbacktoGod’sWord,thesatanicdeceiverswilltakeoverand millionsoflostsinnerswillgotohellbecausetheywereledastraybyreligiouslies. Read2Timothy3:10Ͳ13andanswerthefollowingquestions: 1. WhyshouldPaul’swords,lifestyle,goals,characterandexperiencestrengthen Timothy(See3:10Ͳ11)? 2. ListPaul’squalitiesthatTimothyfollowed.Defineeachone. 3. Hasanyoneservedasthiskindofexampleforyou?Ifso,howhasthatperson strengthenedyourservicetoGod? 4. 2Timothy3:12saysthatacommittedChristiancanexpectpersecution.Why isthisso?(See2Tim.3:12,John15:18Ͳ25,James1:2Ͳ4,1Peter1:6Ͳ7). 5. WhobesidesPaulwillbepersecuted? 6. HasGodpromisedHispeoplealifeofeaseonearth?Dogodlypeopleinevery agesufferexactlylikePauldid?Explain. Read2Timothy3:14Ͳ17andanswerthefollowingquestions: 7. Asothersbecomemoreevilandcausepersecution,whatshouldTimothydo (See3:14)?Accordingtowhatwehavestudied,fromwhohadhelearnedthese things? 8. WhatroledidScripturehaveinTimothy’seducation? 9. WhyshouldchildrenbetaughtGod’sWord? 10. Whatcanwelearnfromvs.14Ͳ15aboutstayingfaithfulevenasothersbecome unfaithfulandaswesufferforthetruth? 11. GodͲbreathed,“InspiredbyGod”intheNKJV.TheGreekwordtheopneustosis composedoftheo,meaning“God,”andpneustos,whichreferstobreathing, blowing,orsendingforthone’sspirit.IntheBible,thebreath,wind,orSpiritof GodiscloselyconnectedwithHiscreativeWordandinspiredspeaking(Genesis 1:2Ͳ3,1Kings19:11Ͳ13,Acts2:1Ͳ4).WhenGodbreathedHisspiritintomenso thattheymightbeHisspokesmen(prophets,writersofScripture),Hedidnot takeovertheirmindsorwills,butsomehowguidedthemtospeakHistruthas theygaveHimtheirattention.“AllScriptureis‘GodͲbreathed’andisusefulfor teaching,rebuking,correctingandtraininginrighteousness”2Timothy3:16 NIVWhatisthesourceofScripture?Whyisthisimportant? 12. List4usesofScriptureaccordingto3:16. 13. WhatcanScripturedoaccordingto3:17? LeadingbyExample Brethrenjoininfollowingmyexample,andnotethosewhosowalk,asyouhaveus forapattern.Phil.3:17 As Paul recognized leaders always lead by personal example, whether they are awareofitornot.Andtheirexampleextendsfarbeyondthenatureofthetaskat hand.Peoplepatterntheirmotivesandvaluesafterexecutives,supervisors,and otherleaders.Paulencouragedotherstofollowhisexample.Whatsortofexample doyousetforothers?Areyouawareofhowyouinfluencethem?Areyouclose enoughtothepeoplearoundyou,andintouchenoughwithyourowntendencies tohaveconfidenceinhowothersmightfollowyou? NOTES Prepare yourself for any circumstance 2 Timothy 4
Think back to when you were in high school. Before you had a test, you would study the subject matter to prepare yourself to answer the questions. You might have even stayed up all night reviewing the material to make sure you were ready for the test. You would feel pretty confi- dent that you could answer whatever question came at you. In his final advice to his pupil, the apostle Paul said, “I give you this charge: preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:1-2). In other words, if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail. Paul wanted to make sure that Timothy prepared himself. He knew following Jesus was hard, and he wanted to make sure Timothy was ready for whatever came at him. Like Timothy, we are going to face challenges as we follow Jesus. So what can we do to prepare ourselves? First, we have to study the subject matter. We can’t be ready if we don’t read God’s Word. Second, we need to pray. Praying and reading the Bible are how we learn from our teacher, Jesus. Lastly, we prepare ourselves by consistently attending church. Without the church, we won’t know the material we need to be prepared for whatever may come our way. Reflect: • Are you ready for whatever may come your way? • What next step do you have to take to prepare yourself?
CALVARY CHAPEL GREEN VALLEY TheBookof2Timothy Lesson6Ͳ2Timothy4:1Ͳ8 PrescriptionforaHealthyChurch PassingtheMantle ThischapterrecordsthefinalmessagefromtheinspiredpenofPaul.Shortlyafter dictatingthesewords,PaulwasmartyredforthecauseofChrist.Itisnosurprise, then, that we find in this chapter an intense personal appeal for Timothy’s faithfulnesstotheLordandtohismentorPaul. PaulclosedthepreviouschapterbyexhortingTimothytocontinueintheWordin hisownpersonallife;nowheexhortshimtosharethatWordwithothers.Wemust firstreceivebeforewecantransmit.SoimportantwasthepreachingoftheWord toPaulandtotheministryofthechurchthathegaveTimothyacharge—a“military command”—to keep on preaching the Word. And Paul called upon Christ to witnesshischargetoTimothy,remindingTimothythatChristwouldonedayreturn andtesthisministry. WhymustweChristiansproclaimtheWordofGod?“Becausethetimewillcome” whenpeoplewillnotwanttheWordofGod.Thattimeisuponus!Manychurch attenders do not want “healthy” doctrine; instead, they want religious entertainmentfromChristianperformerswhowilltickletheirears.Toooftenthe personwhosimplyopenstheBibleandteachesitisignored,whiletheshallow religiousentertainerbecomesacelebrity.Verse4indicatesthat“itchingears”soon become“deafears”aspeopleturnawayfromthetruthandbelievemanͲmade fables. Paulwasabouttofinishhiscourse,butTimothy’slifeandministrystilllaybefore him.OurtaskistofindHiswillanddoitaslongaswelive.Thisinvolveswatching, enduring,andworking.Paul’sargumentisclear:heisnowabouttoleavethescene, and somebody must take his place. Young people in our churches need to be remindedthattheyarethefutureinthechurch.Paulhasnoregretsashefaces eternity:hehadbeenagoodsoldier,afaithfulrunner,afaithfulstewardofthe treasureoftheGospel.HelookedforwardtoreceivinghisrewardfromtheLord. Read2Timothy4:1Ͳ5andanswerthefollowingquestions: Whenhelefttheworld,ElijahgavehismanteltoElishatosignifythattheyoung manwhohadservedhimwouldnowsucceedhimasIsrael’schiefprophet.When atiredrunnerfinisheshislapinarelayrace,hepassesthebatontoafreshrunner andthengoesontorest.PaulwasnotpassinghisapostolicstatustoTimothy,but hewaspassingonhistaskofguardingandspreadingGod’struth. 1. WhatdoesPaulchargeTimothytodoin4:1Ͳ2? 2. Whatdoesitmeanto“bereadyinandoutofseason”? 3. Listanddefinethekeywordsin4:2. 4. Accordingtoverse2,howshouldwedealwiththisproblem? 5. DoeswhatPauldescribesin4:3Ͳ4happentoday?Ifso,canyouthinkofsome examples? 6. Definetheword“Evangelist.” 7. Whatroleshouldevangelistsplayindealingwiththeissuesinverses3Ͳ4? Read2Timothy4:6Ͳ8andanswerthefollowingquestions: 8. Accordingto4:6,whatfuturelaysaheadforPaul? 9. List3actionstatementsPaulusedtosummarizehislifein4:7. 10. WhatwouldittakeinyourlifetosayasPauldid,“Ihavefoughtthegoodfight, Ihavefinishedtherace,Ihavekeptthefaith.”? 11. WhatrewardawaitedPaul?Whoelsecanreceivethiscrown? 12. Whichreasonsin4:1Ͳ8mostmotivateyoutoservewithjoyandendurance? 13. Read2Timothy4:1Ͳ8fromtheNewLivingTranslation.Noteyourfinalthoughts andhowtoapplythemtoyourlife. IsolemnlyurgeyouinthepresenceofGodandChristJesus,whowillsomedayjudge thelivingandthedeadwhenhecomestosetuphisKingdom:2Preachthewordof God.Beprepared,whetherthetimeisfavorableornot.Patientlycorrect,rebuke, andencourageyourpeoplewithgoodteaching.3Foratimeiscomingwhenpeople willnolongerlistentosoundandwholesometeaching.Theywillfollowtheirown desiresandwilllookforteacherswhowilltellthemwhatevertheiritchingearswant tohear.4Theywillrejectthetruthandchaseaftermyths.5Butyoushouldkeepa clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at tellingotherstheGoodNews,andfullycarryouttheministryGodhasgivenyou.6 Asforme,mylifehasalreadybeenpouredoutasanofferingtoGod.Thetimeof mydeathisnear.7Ihavefoughtthegoodfight,Ihavefinishedtherace,andIhave remained faithful.8Andnowtheprizeawaitsme—thecrownofrighteousness, whichtheLord,therighteousJudge,willgivemeonthedayofhisreturn.Andthe prizeisnotjustformebutforallwhoeagerlylookforwardtohisappearing.NIV TheBookof2Timothy Lesson7–2Timothy4:9Ͳ22 PrescriptionforaHealthyChurch PersonalNeeds WhywasTimothytohurry?DemashadforsakenPaul.CrescensandTituswere awayministering;TychicushadbeensenttoEphesus;andonlyDr.Lukewaswith him.AshewaitedpatientlyfortheLordtocallhimhome,Paulyearnedforthe Christiancompanionshipofhissoninthefaith.Invs.21Paulurgedhimto“come beforewinter”becausetheshippingseasonwouldsoonend;itwaslikelythatPaul wouldbedeadifTimothywaitedtoolong. WefirstmetDr.LukeinActs16:10.ItwasatthispointthatLukejoinedPaul’sparty. HewasaGentileandwastheauthoroftheGospelofLukeandtheBookofActs. LukeismentionedwithDemasinCol.4:14andthecontrastisclear:Demaswas unfaithfulwhileLukewasfaithfultoChristandPaul. JohnMarkhadbeenrejectedbyPaulbutnowwasaccepted.Markhadproved himselfinhisministrywithBarnabas.Paulwaswillingtoforgiveandforget,the markofagreatman. PaulaskedforthecloakhehadleftatTroas;winterwascoming,andhewouldneed itinhisRomanprison.The“books”wereprobablysomeofhisownwritings;the “parchments”wouldbehiscopiesoftheOldTestamentScriptures.Whileawaiting trial,PaulwouldspendhistimestudyingtheWord.Whatanexampletofollow!He warnedTimothyaboutAlexander,whowithstoodhiswords.AtPaul’sfirstdefense, nobelieverstoodwithhim;buttheLordwasstillwithhim,andthatisallthat mattered!Thishadalwaysbeenhisencouragementindifficulttimes. Thoughfacingcertaindeath,Paulstillthoughtaboutothers.HowlikeChristwhen Hewashangingonthecross.“Gracebewithyou!”saysPaul,andcloseshispartof theNewTestamentwritings.“Grace”wasthekeywordinhisministry.Mayitbe thekeywordinourlivesaswell. Read2Timothy4:9Ͳ22andanswerthefollowingquestions: 1. WhatdidPaulurgeTimothytodo?(See4:9) 2. What did Demas do? (See 4:10) What does it mean to “Love this present world”? 3. WhoisstillwithPaulandwhatdoweknowabouthim? 4. WhatthingsdidPaulwantTimothytobring?Whatdoesthistellyouabout Paul’sneedsandinterests? 5. WhodidPaulwarnTimothyabout?(See4:14).Why?Whatwarningdidhegive aboutthisman? 6. What can we learn about naming individuals and warning other people to avoidthemandtheirsin? 7. WhattroubledPaulabouthisfirstdefense?Whatcanwelearn?(Seevs.16) 8. WhathopedidPaulhave?Whatkindofdeliverancedidhehaveinmind?(See vs.18) 9. WhodidPaulgreetin4:19?Whatdoweknowabouteachofthesepeople? 10. After reading this whole letter, what caused Paul to persevere despite the emotionalsetbackofsomeofthesehardsituations? 11. Whatisthemostimportantlessonyoulearnedfromourstudyin2Timothy about: a.God’sCharacter b.TheChristianlife c.ThecharacterofaChristianleader d.TheresponsibilitiesofaChristianleader e.Obstaclestohealthychurchgrowth f.Reasonsforgodlyleadership 12. Haveyounoticedanyareas(thoughts,attitudes,opinions,behavior)thatyou have changed as a result of studying 2 Timothy? Note those changes for discussion. TakesometimetoprayandthankGodforHisamazingGrace…….