day 4

Read 2 Timothy 2

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%202&version=NIV


2:1-2 Paul’s circumstances during his second Roman imprisonment (2:9) were quite different from his first imprisonment as described in Acts 28:16, 23, 30–31. Paul’s conclusion in 2:1 was based on the preceding examples. Timothy must have strength (Eph. 6:10; Phil. 4:13; 2 Tim. 4:17) for passing on the truth. Paul used seven illustrations in chapter 2 to emphasize the need for diligence and sacrifice in serving Christ: a son (2:1), a soldier (2:3), an athlete (2:5), a farmer (2:6), a workman (2:15), an instrument (2:21), and a servant (2:24). Paul’s concern was for the faithful proclamation of his teaching without addition or subtraction. The key was to find those who were faithful (trustworthy, reliable) and capable (competent, qualified).

2:3–7 In 2:2 Paul presented two important concepts: faithfulness and the necessity of transmitting the gospel message. Paul used three parables to describe a faithful person. Male images were used because he was discussing the pastoral role. The Christian life involves warfare (2:3; cf. Eph. 6:10–17), and the Christian soldier must regard hardship as inevitable in a world that is hostile to Christ (John 15:18–25). Paul emphasized that hardship, struggle, discipline, and labor precede the enjoyment of reward. For any working person the master’s pleasure is most important. The soldier always seeks to please his commander (2:3–4). The athlete abides by the rules for his event to win the prize (2:5). Only after the farmer has worked his fields long and hard may he accept his privilege to feed himself first (2:6). Paul made it clear that the prize to be won in the Christian life would only come after hardship and sacrifice.

2:8–13 God’s promises to David as fulfilled in Christ were the foundation of Paul’s hope for deliverance after suffering. The present suffering and opposition could not deter God from keeping his promises (2:9). The word Paul used for “criminal” (2:9) was a strong word used to describe the two criminals who hung beside Christ at his crucifixion (cf. Luke 23:32–33, 39). Paul’s chains did not hinder his proclamation of the gospel (2:10).

Paul appealed to a familiar Christian poem or hymn to emphasize that present suffering was necessary for future glory (2:11–13). The four lines are built around an “if-then” logic. It is a powerful and uncompromising statement of the commitment of God to furthering his gospel message. Even if many (like the examples in 2:17–18; 3:1–5) should end up denying Christ, Christ will be faithful to continue to proclaim his gospel through someone else. The fact that some “disown” Christ (2:12) may indicate that their initial faith was not genuine. Such a denial would be the evidence of unbelief. It is also possible that Paul was referring to a temporary denial of Christ such as Peter’s (Matt. 26:69–75). The character of God is the foundation for faithfulness and strength. He is faithful (Rom. 3:3) to his mission of world redemption and judgment. Believers may disown him, but he will not disown those who believe in him. The faithful person is the one who acts like Jesus to bring redemption to the elect. The believer’s strength is found in Christ Jesus and his strength and commitment to the task.

2:14–19 God’s laborers were to handle his word accurately, proclaiming and applying it to life (2:15). The expression “correctly handles” (2:15) literally means “to cut straight” and may have it’s background in Paul’s tent-making business. At any rate, it is the opposite of the condition described in 2:16–18. These two false teachers taught that the resurrection was already past, apparently suggesting that the resurrection was a spiritual rather than a physical reality. The “God’solid foundation” (2:19) describing God’s truth refers to the foundation of the church
(Matt. 16:18; 1 Tim. 3:15; Eph. 2:19–22). This foundation is based on God’s faithfulness in fulfilling his promises.
2:20–26 Honored vessels are cleansed vessels (2:20–21). Paul gave three descriptions of how to find cleansing: flee lusts (2:22); refuse arguments or speculations (2:23); and be patient and gentle (2:24–26). These attributes describe a useful vessel (2:21) and one that will keep the gospel, not self-interest, in mind (2:10). The statement “come to our senses” is important for us to do so we can “escape from the trap” of Satan (2:26).

Discussion question. What is Paul saying in verse 25 when he says, “ ….God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth…?”