Faithful Men in Perilous Times 2 Timothy Faithfull

Faithful Men in Perilous Times 2 Timothy

Faithfull Men in Perilous Times Ø What was Paul’s Purpose: to pass on the baton to Timothy and faithful men. Ø What was Paul’s Problem: feeling intimidated by a Christless environment "don't be ashamed". . . of the Lord, of me, (1: 8), the gospel (1: 10 -12) or your integrity (2: 15) Ø What was Paul’s Passion: loved Jesus’ appearing

Chapter 1 Take courage/heart How does Paul encourage Timothy? Paul reminds Timothy of the following realities: Ø His tears (repentance) 4 Ø His faith (conversion) 5 Ø His gift (anointing of the Spirit) 6 Ø His Lord (allegiance) 8 Ø His call (mission) 9 Ø His living examples (fellow brothers Paul & Onesiphorus) 11 -18

Chapter 2 Take charge (2: 14) How does Paul motivate Timothy? Urges Timothy to remember: Ø Glory is preceded by bravery/endurance (soldier) Ø Rewards come with perseverance (athlete) Ø Satisfaction is the result of hard labour (farmer) Ø Honour is the fruit of integrity (v 14 -26) - in our conversation with one another - in our confrontation with temptation

Chapter 3&4 Take care (3: 1 -4: 1) a. Dangers outside “Them”: Ø Misdirected affections – the “I” culture…. Ø Empty religion: attack the vulnerable, appeal to the man’s lust, appeal to the man’s curiosity “…But you”: Ø “My teaching is proven with my conduct” - the Power of a Godly Life Ø “My teaching is proven with my suffering” - the Power of an Enduring life Ø “My teaching is God’s very inspired Word” - the Power of the Living Scriptures

Important Questions Ø Who are the examples that you follow? Ø For whom are you an example / a role model?

Chapter 3&4 Take care (3: 1 -4: 1) b. Dangers within “In the last days the Bible says that men will have itching ears, but my God hasn’t commissioned me to scratch them…” L. Ravenhill Because of their “itching ears”…. v people will feel easily offended / “ not endure” v people will impose their will / get “their own teachers” v people will apostate / “turn away”

Chapter 3&4 Take care (3: 1 -4: 1) Watch out (v. 5): endure, evangelize, fulfil your ministry, persevere because Christ is coming Soon Watch me (v. 6): PAUL COULD FINISH WELL BECAUSE: Ø HE HAD REPLICATED HIMSELF IN OTHERS Ø HE VIEWED HIS LIFE AS AN OFFERING TO GOD Ø HE VIEWED HIS IMPENDING DEATH AS A DEPARTURE Ø HE HOPED TO MEET THE LORD, THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE HE LIVED IN VIEW OF THAT DAY.

Chapter 3&4 Take care (3: 1 -4: 1) Conclusions: • Paul challenges us to pass the faith on to the next generation. • Paul seeks to prepare us for the persecution that is coming, especially as the last days draw near. • Paul challenges us to find the Scriptures absolutely accurate, authoritative, and sufficient for ministry to others (as well as to ourselves). • Paul’s words to Timothy not only inform us that the great apostle was prepared for his death, they give us comfort as we face the certain reality (unless the Lord returns) of our own death. • Paul’s last recorded words urge us to finish well the course that God has laid out for us