Frameworks:
2 Timothy 2
For
preliminaries see chapter 1
[Chapter
2 Synopsis: Further encouragements to pursue his ministry,
not being distracted by opposition, being righteous and holy and
utterly available to God]
v.1-13
A Call to endure Suffering
v.14-26
Be Sober & Watchful in your teaching ministry, maintaining
righteous living
v.1-13
A Call to endure Suffering
[Passage
Synopsis: Stay strong, pass on the teaching, be totally focused
on your ministry and don't be deflected by persecution; die to
self, live to him, stick with it and reign.]
v.1
(so let God's
grace keep you strong) You then,
my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
v.2
(make sure you
pass on the message) And the
things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses
entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach
others.
v.3
(put up with
the suffering (opposition), seeing it as part of the package)
Join with me in suffering, like a
good soldier of Christ Jesus.
v.4 (remember
a soldier is focused on his service) No
one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but
rather tries to please his commanding officer.
v.5
(likewise an
athlete is focused on winning) Similarly,
anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's
crown except by competing according to the rules.
v.6
(and it's a
diligent farmer who gets the crops) The
hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the
crops.
v.7
(the Lord will
help you understand all this) Reflect
on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all
this.
v.8,9
(focus on Jesus
who died and rose, often the cause of the opposition we face)
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from
the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which
I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal.
But God's word is not chained.
v.10 (we
put up with it for the sake of the other believers) Therefore
I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may
obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
v.11-13
(remember the
saying about dying, living, enduring and thus reigning and what
follows it) Here is a trustworthy
saying: If we died with him, we will also live with
him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we
disown him, he will also disown us; if we are
faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown
himself.
v.14-26
Be Sober & Watchful in your teaching ministry, maintaining
righteous living
[Passage
Synopsis: Maintain your ministry of teaching and sharing the gospel,
avoiding silly thinking, trusting in God and seeking to be most
available to Him]
v.14 (teach
this and teach peaceful living) Keep
reminding God's people of these things. Warn them before God against
quarrelling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those
who listen.
v.15 (fulfil
your ministry and don't be ashamed) Do
your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker
who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the
word of truth.
v.16
(avoid gossip
and foolish speculations) Avoid
godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more
and more ungodly.
v.17,18
(beware those
who do that) Their teaching
will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection
has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.
v.19
(there will
be detractors but God knows and keep those who are His) Nevertheless,
God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription:
“The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses
the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
v.20
(remember, different
people, different levels of belief and service) In
a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver,
but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some
for common use.
v.21
(those who hold
themselves holy will be used by Him) Those
who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for
special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared
to do any good work.
v.22
(escape youthful
passions and go for goodness) Flee
the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love
and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure
heart.
v.23
(avoid silly
arguments that only cause upsets) Don't
have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because
you know they produce quarrels.
v.24
(but you, as
God's servant must be a peacemaker, a gentle bringer of truth)
And the Lord's servant must not be
quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
v.25,26 (gently
correct the wrong in the hope they will come to repentance)
Opponents must be gently instructed,
in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to
a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses
and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive
to do his will.
(CONTINUE
to CHAPTER 3)