67 AD (4 years later)

• Paul is in prison in Roman
• Nero has been persecuting the believers in Rome.
• Believers are staying clear of Paul.
• No one came to support Paul in his preliminary hearing.
• Luke visits Paul and pens the letter for Paul.
• Paul knows his time is near.
• Paul warns Timothy about those who will fall away from the faith.
• Needs to encourage Timothy to keep discipling.

 
2 Timothy 3
1 But know this: Difficult times will come in the last days.

• Last days = Season before the Lord Returns (Tribulation, etc.)?
• Today we are living in the last days, that period between Christ’s exaltation and his return.[1]
• So why worry about how bad things are?
• When the center of gravity in an individual shifts from God to self, a plethora of sins can spring up.[2]

2 For people will be lovers of self (self-centered, narcissistic, self-absorbed)1, lovers of money (money hungry), boastful (of their own importance, self-promoting), proud (in attitude, arrogant, stuck up), blasphemers (abusive to others, scoffing at God, profane), disobedient to parents (unresponsive to parental discipline, contemptuous), ungrateful (unthankful, unappreciative, crude), unholy (impure, nothing is sacred, coarse), 3 unloving (heartless, callous, hateful, dog eat dog), irreconcilable (unforgiving, unbending), slanderers (of others, speaking with malicious gossip), without self-control (impulsively wild), brutal (uncivilized, cruel, savage), without love for what is good (antagonistic, haters of good, no interest of good, cynical), 4 traitors (betrayal of friends, treacherous), reckless (headstrong, rash, ruthless), conceited (puffed up with pride, wrapped in a mist of self-delusion, bloated windbags), lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (devoted to personal pleasure, addicted to lust and allergic to God), 5 holding to the form of godliness but denying its power (religious). Avoid these people!

• This last characteristic makes clear that those individuals described in verses 2-4 would even claim to be Christians (i.e., false teachers and their followers).
• Timothy was to avoid association with people who demonstrated these characteristics except, of course, for purposes of evangelism and instruction.
• Who influences who?

 
6 For among them are those who worm their way into households and capture idle women burdened down with sins, led along by a variety of passions, 7 always learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

• These false religious leaders take advantage of the problems people have, and promise them quick and easy solutions.[3]
• TV evangelists are a great example for today.
• They were listening to the false teachers and judaizers.
• They had an insatiable curiosity about religion but little discernment to distinguish truth from error.[4]

8 Just as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so these also resist the truth, men who are corrupt in mind, worthless in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not make further progress, for their lack of understanding will be clear to all, as theirs was also.

• Paul used the Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses in the plagues (Exod. 7:11; 9:11) to illustrate the fate of these false teachers.
• 1,400 years earlier… they are still mentioned by name.
• They turned staffs into snakes but couldn’t compete with Moses in boils.
• Jewish oral or written tradition preserved their names even though the Old Testament did not.
• As these magicians, the false teachers opposed God's revealed truth, possessed corrupt minds, and were outside the fold of the faithful.
• They would proceed only so far, as their Egyptian predecessors did.
• Their foolishness would become common knowledge when their power would prove inadequate.

 
The Sacred Scriptures
10 But you have followed my teaching (ministry), conduct (ministry), purpose (ministry), faith (life), patience (life), love (life), and endurance (life), 11 along with the persecutions and sufferings that came to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from them all.

• The fact that Paul was delivered from his persecutions was to be encouragement to Timothy.
• Romans 8:38 - And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. [39] Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

12 In fact, all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

• Some “prosperity” messages will not filter here.
• This course is in opposition to the world system.
• Confrontation and conflict are inevitable.

13 Evil people and impostors will become worse, deceiving and being deceived.

• This statement does not contradict what Paul said in verse 9.
• In verse 13 he meant that evil becomes more intensive as time goes on.
• In verse 9 he meant that the teaching of evil does not necessarily become more extensive and capture a wider audience as evil becomes worse.

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, 15 and you know that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

• Jewish parents were expected to teach their children the Law from the age of five onwards.
              - Bate Safair (Torah – First 5 books)
              - Bate Talmude (Law & Prophets)
              - Bate Midrash (rabbi disciple)
• 1:5 - I know that you sincerely trust the Lord, for you have the faith of your mother, Eunice, and your grandmother, Lois.
• What you know is reliable and powerful.

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.[5]

• It is God's Word, the expression of His person (heart, mind, will, etc.). This was the view of the Old Testament that Jews in the first century commonly held.
• 2 Peter 3:15-16 (67 AD, same year as 2 Timothy) - And remember, the Lord is waiting so that people have time to be saved. This is just as our beloved brother Paul wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— [16] speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters around to mean something quite different from what he meant, just as they do the other parts of Scripture and the result is disaster for them.
• They are profitable for doctrine (what is right),
• for reproof (what is not right),
• for correction (how to get right),
• and for instruction in righteousness (how to be right)."
• “man of God” – direct reference to Timothy
• also to those who commit themselves to God
• What completes you for every good work?
              - The Helper
              - The Scripture
• “good work” is not the goal… it is the byproduct of what we have been given.

[1] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 223). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[2] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 224). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 250). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 228). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[5] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Ti 3:1–17). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

67 AD (4 years later)

• Paul is in prison in Roman
• Nero has been persecuting the believers in Rome.
• Believers are staying clear of Paul.
• No one came to support Paul in his preliminary hearing.
• Luke visits Paul and pens the letter for Paul.
• Paul knows his time is near.
• Paul warns Timothy about those who will fall away from the faith.
• Needs to encourage Timothy to keep discipling.

 
Be Strong in Grace
2 Timothy 2
1 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

• Be
• strong (dunamus = power) – empowered with grace
• We are empowered by Jesus… not our own strength.
• Continuous active cooperation & dependence with Jesus

2 And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

• Thankful to be gone occasionally
• Keith, Matt, Terry and others are incredible at teaching.
• “Faithful”… not ordained.
• We do not test modern teachers by their popularity, education, or skill.
• We test them by the Word of God, and particularly the doctrines of grace as given by Paul.[1]
• You are encouraged to do ministry here.
• Hand off… Figure this thing out… Go… Go…

3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

• We are in a spiritual battle. It is all around us.

4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the recruiter.

• Stay focused… don’t be distracted with nonsense.
• Our time can be consumed with “good things”…
• Bump that up to “excellent things”
• Choose right priorities

5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.

• Romans were enthusiastic about their sports.
• An Olympic athlete swore to an oath at a statue of Zeus that they had physically trained for at least 10 months.
• "It's been crazy for me," Joe Jr. said. "I never thought you'd see a 55-year-old running back. I'm just proud of him. He made his mind up to do something and stuck to it."

6 The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops.

• Planting and nurturing leads to a harvest.
• All three illustrations teach us that faithfulness is a huge portion of the formula that leads to reward.

7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

• Caught vs Taught
     - Avitar –
              Neytiri: Why save you? 
              Jake Sully: Yeah, why save me? 
              Neytiri: You have a strong heart. No fear. But stupid! Ignorant like a child! 
              Jake Sully: Well, if I'm like a child, then maybe you should teach me. 
              Neytiri: Sky People cannot learn, you do not see. 
              Jake Sully: Then teach me how to see. 
              Neytiri: No one can teach you to see

8 Keep your attention on Jesus Christ as risen from the dead and descended from David. This is according to my gospel.

• The mention that Christ 'descended from David' shows that Christ has messianic qualifications and is the heir to the glorious promises of God for David.
• “my gospel” – This message had been entrusted to Paul.
• The Truth is being distorted… among the Church… Facebook

9 I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God’s message is not bound.

• Paul had been the chief suppressor & oppressor of Christianity.
• Now he has suffered the most due to his gospel.

10 This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 This saying is trustworthy:
For if we have died with Him,
we will also live with Him; (positive)
12 if we endure, we will also reign with Him; (positive)
if we deny Him, He will also deny us; (negative)

• Great White Throne Judgment (nonbelievers) of the Judgment Seat (believers).

13 if we are faithless, He remains faithful,
for He cannot deny Himself. (negative)

• Jesus will fulfill His Word either way.

 
14 Remind them of these things, charging them before God not to fight about words; this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

• What are subjects that are causing Christians to “split hairs”?
     - Reformed Theology; Evolutionism
     - What about Law & Grace

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.

• Just as a construction worker can point out “bad work”… so can a teacher.

16 But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness. 17 And their word will spread like gangrene; Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them.

• Paul had already turned Hymenaeus over to satan in 1 Timothy 1:20.
• Get to a point where you can distinguish “religious talk” vs truth.
• Gangrene is described as a sore that eats at the flesh.

18 They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are overturning the faith of some.

• Certain carryovers from their pagan religions.
• Spiritual resurrection – sinless perfection?

19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription:
The Lord knows those who are His, and
Everyone who names the name of the Lord
must turn away from unrighteousness.

• We still have to make choices.
• Repentance – change your mind about your behavior.

20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, but also those of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

• Those who become students of the Truth vs.
• Those who have a lack of commitment to study & even proclaim false truths.
• There will be a separation… not a salvation issue.

22 Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

• Youth movements: Veganism, peace, etc. Passion, reformed theology…

23 But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels.

• These questions are going to be brought before you…
     - Calvinism vs Arminialism
     - Law vs Grace

24 The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, 25 instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. 26 Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s trap, having been captured by him to do his will.[2]

• Who grants repentance? God does…
• Through His kindness…
     - Should I de-friend blatant sinners on Facebook?
     - There is a difference between acceptance & teaching with gentleness.
     - How will those who have a sinful nature or are walking in their flesh ever come to know how much Jesus loves them?
     - How will the addicted ever come to know how much Jesus loves them?
     - How will a left-wing liberal tree-hugging hippie ever come to know how much Jesus loves them?
     - How will the staunch right-wing, good doing, 10 commandment card carrier ever come to know how much Jesus loves them?
     - Why would the younger generation want to have anything to do with that type of religious condemnation?
     - How do I engage them in conversation enough to intrigue them?

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 245). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (2 Ti 2:1–26). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

63 AD
- Some historians have estimated that half of the population of the Roman Empire was composed of slaves.

• Many of these people were educated and cultured, but legally they were not considered persons at all.
• The Gospel message of salvation and freedom in Christ appealed to the slaves, and many of them became believers.
• When slaves were able to get away from their household duties, they would fellowship in local assemblies where being a slave was not a handicap (Gal. 3:28).
• But there was a problem: Some slaves used their newfound freedom in Christ as an excuse to disobey, if not defy, their masters.
• They needed to learn that their spiritual freedom in Christ did not alter their social position, even though they were accepted graciously into the fellowship of the church.[1]

 
1 Timothy 6
1 All who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters to be worthy of all respect, so that God’s name and His teaching will not be blasphemed.

• Paul is encouraging Christian slaves to be role models for the unbelieving masters.
• God’s kindness leads to repentance.

2 Those who have believing masters should not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers, but should serve them better, since those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved.

• Sometimes we believe because we are working for a Christian boss that we don’t have to work as hard.
• We have the same rights that they do because we are both believers.
• We should have the desire to serve believing masters even more than others.

 
Teach and encourage these things. 3 If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness,

• 1) They must teach the Bible.
• Isaiah 8:20 - To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, there will be no dawn for them.[2]
• They are totally in the dark.
• Everything has to filter through the 66 books.
• Don’t believe what I am saying.
• Filter my notes, interpretation and opinions.
• “Hacksaw Ridge” – “Murder is worst sin of them all. It is an abomination to the Lord.”
• Immediately discussed as false after the movie.

4 he is conceited, understanding nothing, but has a sick interest in disputes and arguments over words.

• 2) There is an attitude that is conveyed.
• Proud vs humble
• Brain vs heart
• Argumentative vs listening and instructing
• Conceited, ignorant and desired confrontation over the little things.
• This attitude destroys any sense of community.

From these come envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain.

• The heretics viewed religion as a means of making a quick dollar.
• In character they were greedy and materialistic.
• Paul’s strong words described false teachers who exploited the church for their own ends without caring about the havoc they created[3]
• Do you not think Satan uses the same tactic today?
• One of the top reasons men don’t come to church.
• The church is always needing their next dollar.

6 But godliness with contentment is a great gain.

• Financial guys in the room.
• They have much more to offer than growing your account.
• There is a spirit about them.
• Even Cory, moving up to accelerated level.
• Ecclesiastes 1:18 - For with much wisdom is much sorrow; as knowledge increases, grief increases. [4]

7 For we brought nothing into the world,
and we can take nothing out.

• Job, David & Solomon all said this.

8 But if we have food and clothing,
we will be content with these.

• What is our level of contentment?
• “What do you want for Christmas?” “I’m good”
• Too many of us know the “price of everything and the value of nothing.”
• We are so glutted with luxuries that we have forgotten how to enjoy our necessities.[5]

9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.

• It is a dangerous thing to use religion as a cover-up for acquiring wealth.
• God’s laborer is certainly worthy of his hire (1 Tim. 5:17–18), but his motive for laboring must not be money.[6]
• “A” root… my trees have multiple roots.
• Where does that craving come from?...

 
11 But you (utter contrast), man of God (identity), run from these things,

1. The word “flee” that Paul used here did not refer to literal running, but to Timothy’s separating himself from the sins of the false teachers.[7]

and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,
love, endurance, and gentleness.

1. Separation without positive growth becomes isolation.[8]

• Character and conduct
• Gentleness… it is through kindness…

12 Fight the good fight for the faith;

• Present tense… continuous struggle.
• Who is this fight with?
• Ask this question every time you get in an argument?
• Who is real struggle against?
• The evil one

take hold of eternal life
that you were called to
and have made a good confession about
in the presence of many witnesses.

• Paul was encouraging Timothy to fight through his timidity.

13 In the presence of God, who gives life to all, and of Christ Jesus, who gave a good confession before Pontius Pilate, I charge you 14 to keep the command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

• Like a commander in the military giving orders.

15 God will bring this about in His own time. He is
the blessed and only Sovereign,
the King of kings,
and the Lord of lords,
16 the only One who has immortality (not subject to death),
dwelling in unapproachable light;
no one has seen or can see Him,
to Him be honor and eternal might.
•Amen.

• Exodus 33:18-23 - 18 Then Moses said, “Please, let me see Your glory.”

19 He said, “I will cause all My goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name Yahweh before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” 20 But He answered, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.” 21 The Lord said, “Here is a place near Me. You are to stand on the rock, 22 and when My glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back, but My face will not be seen.” [9]

• Colossians 1:27 – God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.[10]

17 Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good reserve for the age to come, so that they may take hold of life that is real.

• Share with me your stories of this passage…
• Paul closes his letter to Timothy with this…

20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding irreverent, empty speech and contradictions from the “knowledge” that falsely bears that name. 21 By professing it, some people have deviated from the faith.

• This is a great week for us to be reminded of our conversations and in who we put our trust.

Grace be with all of you.[11]

• It is with us.

Receive it and share it.

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 233–234). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Is 8:20). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 167). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[4] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ec 1:18). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 235). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 235). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[7] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 235–236). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[8] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 236). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[9] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ex 33:18–23). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[10] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Col 1:27). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[11] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Ti 6:1–21). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.