Bible Study - What Matters Most - The Reward of Endurance - 2 Timothy - February 24, 2013

Bible Study – What Matters Most – The Reward of Endurance – February 24, 2013


This is our final lesson in our series entitled “What Matters Most.”

Our scripture is 2 Timothy 2:1-13.

After the Apostle Paul was arrested the first time in Rome, he was released and during this time of freedom, he wrote 1Timothy and Titus. In 64 A.D. Nero decided to blame the Christians for setting the great fire of Rome. Speculation is that during this time, Paul was arrested for the second time when he returned to Rome. Paul sent word to Timothy that he wanted him to bring Mark with him along with scrolls and parchments. Paul was certain that he was going to be executed as we read the background scripture.

Let’s read 2 Timothy 4:6-15: (Background)

6 For I am already being poured out as a •drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing. Final Instructions 9 Make every effort to come to me soon, 10 for Demas has deserted me, because he loved this present world, and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry. 12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak I left in Troas with Carpus, as well as the scrolls, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his works. 15 Watch out for him yourself because he strongly opposed our words.

Let’s read 2 Timothy 2:1-2:

Be Strong in Grace

1 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ 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.

These are the final words written by Paul to Timothy, his son in CHRIST, and to Christians everywhere. Paul has fought the good fight and he urged Timothy to be strong in the grace that is only provided through our relationship with CHRIST JESUS. Paul likely saw difficult times ahead for Christians.

The Greek word used for “strong” carries the idea of “keeping on being strong.” When tough times come into our lives and Christians face very difficult times in their lives, they must focus upon the grace and strength that GOD provides through CHRIST. Grace is unmerited favor. GOD’S grace cannot be earned, it is a free gift which GOD bestows upon all Christians to lift them out of the valley of despair. GOD’S grace and mercy carries Christians through the darkest times of their lives even when they may be kicking and screaming at GOD. Christians must keep in mind that GOD’S desire is for HIS children to worship HIM in Spirit and truth. Our true feelings may not be very pretty but that is okay. GOD wants us to let HIM know how we really feel, so that healing can take place with HIS help.

Paul urged Timothy to teach faithful brothers and sisters in CHRIST to train others in the fundamentals of the Christian walk. This principle is valuable for teaching today; each one, teach one. If Christians would apply this principle, every person in the world would be presented the gospel. Some may choose to reject it at that moment but they will know it and it will continue to work in their hearts to bring about salvation or final rejection. GOD’S Word is power and when combined with the Spirit of GOD, Who speaks to the heart of every person, is designed to produce either acceptance or rejection.

Paul knew that Timothy knew the truth and had the experience to instruct others. Timothy understood GOD’S Word and applied it as he obediently served GOD. This principle is just as vital today as it was then. Christianity is but one generation from extinction. Are you willing to share the Good News with others?

After I committed my life to CHRIST, the Christian Business Men’s Committee (CBMC) was formed in Spartanburg and they have a program for new Christians called “Operation Timothy.” We were searching for how to have an intimate relationship with CHRIST. Several of us had rededicated or recommitted our lives to CHRIST and used “Operation Timothy” to guide us as we sought truth and understanding. Several of us met each week and studied scripture, recited verses we had memorized, discussed various aspects of salvation, assurance of salvation and prayed. This was a special time in my Spiritual journey.

I believe this is an area where many churches fall short. When a new Christian accepts CHRIST as Savior or a Christian has rededicated his/her life to CHRIST and seeks a deeper walk with the LORD, most often does not receive the individualized instruction to help understand the fundamentals and application of the Christian faith. Some denominations have catechisms for new church members but often the missing link is those who teach only have head knowledge of the gospel and not heart knowledge.

Paul gives a clue in 2 Timothy 1:13-14 - 13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who lives in us, that good thing entrusted to you teaching.

Teachers need to have walked with the LORD and taught by the Holy Spirit. Teaching is not based upon the physical age of the teacher, but it is a calling. Teachers must keep in mind that they are more accountable to GOD because they are instructing based upon their knowledge of the truth. Teaching is not to be taken lightly. It is an awesome responsibility.

Let’s read 2 Timothy 2:3-10:

3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the recruiter. 5 Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 8 Keep your attention on Jesus Christ as risen from the dead and descended from David. This is according to my gospel. 9 I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God’s message is not bound. 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.

Paul instructed Timothy and Christians today, to consider themselves as soldiers of CHRIST JESUS. As a soldier, you train and discipline yourself to be ready for whatever your commander tells you to do. The soldier is focused on obediently serving his/her commander and is not distracted from that goal. Paul referred to an athlete competing in a contest, he/she must be disciplined, trained and play by the rules. There are no short cuts to winning in this life and the race to eternity. He referred to the hardworking farmer who had to be disciplined to be diligent to take care of the crops in order to reap a harvest. The farmer was the first one to see the fruits of his/her labor.

Paul encouraged Timothy to stay focused on the fundamentals of the gospel, which is JESUS CHRIST as a descendant of King David as the scriptures prophesied. HE came in the flesh, lived upon earth without sin and was crucified on the cross. HIS shed blood paid in full the debt for sin, died. HE was buried and on the third day was raised from the dead by GOD, HIS Father. HE walked the earth after HIS resurrection where over 500 people witnessed HIS resurrection. HE ascended back into heaven to take HIS seat at the right hand of GOD and GOD sent the Holy Spirit to earth to indwell every person who accepts CHRIST as his/her Savior. Paul is at the end of his earthly journey and he had written all the letters that we read today. In his writings, we read the gospel as he presented it and lived it. All was embodied in his message to Timothy and to all Christians today.

Paul wanted Timothy and all Christians to know that just because he was bound (in prison) for preaching the gospel of CHRIST, the gospel would not be bound. Often, people look at the hardships of those who have been faithful, obedient followers of CHRIST and wonder why GOD allowed them to suffer. CHRIST has made it clear that those who love HIM will suffer. That is why all followers of CHRIST must think of themselves as soldiers in the army of CHRIST. CHRIST will never leave us or forsake us but HE stands alongside us in the fiercest of battles.

Paul knew that the gospel was for the salvation of all who GOD knew before HE created the world as captured by Paul in Ephesians 1:4 - For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love 5 He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus.

HIS foreknowledge did not override our freewill to choose. HIS foreknowledge allowed HIM to know how we would choose and then protect us from Satan preventing it from happening. These are the elect that Paul referred to. All people are considered GOD’S elect until they reject CHRIST. Salvation through CHRIST is open and available to all who will receive HIM as their Savior. Unfortunately, all people will not accept CHRIST as their Savior. But the calling of every Christian is to present the gospel when GOD gives the opportunity. GOD brings about the results.

Let’s read 2 Timothy 2:11-13:

11 This saying is trustworthy: For if we have died with Him, we will also live with Him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us; 13 if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

Paul gave his last trustworthy saying. When Christians accept CHRIST as their Savior, in essence, they died when CHRIST died and were resurrected when CHRIST was resurrected. Christians no longer live for themselves but live for CHRIST. They have died to self.

Paul went back to his analogy of Christians running in the race of life. He emphasized the importance of finishing the race by enduring the pain that comes from those last few steps before the runner crosses the finish line. CHRIST is faithful even when we do not think HE is still running with us. CHRIST is truth and can be embraced as genuine. The assurance and confirmation that CHRIST is genuine is the indwelling Holy Spirit. Paul wrote about this in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22:

21 Now it is God who strengthens us, with you, in Christ and has anointedz us.

22 He has also sealed us and given us the Spirit as a down paymenta in our hearts.b

CHRIST is the Savior of all who will place their faith in HIM. Paul was stating that was a fact and CHRIST cannot and will not deny that fact. Humans can argue whether or not CHRIST is truth but truth is truth and will be confirmed. Truth can always be counted upon. So Timothy and all Christians who tell others about CHRIST can do so with full confidence that CHRIST is truth and the Savior of all who place their faith in HIM. All who receive HIM, receive the indwelling Holy Spirit to confirm truth.

Have you placed your faith in CHRIST? If not, now is the time. Ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life and help you to become an obedient follower of CHRIST. The indwelling Holy Spirit is your guarantee and down payment that your faith in CHRIST is genuine. It is not based upon feeling but is based upon fact. GOD said it; I believe it and that settles it. This is GOD’S plan for salvation. It was not created by man but by GOD. It is so simple that it is hard. It is free. It is up to you. If you asked CHRIST into your heart, then I rejoice with you and welcome into the family of GOD. Blessings!!!