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2 Timothy Chapter Two

 

2 Timothy 2

The truth was the especial treasure committed to him; and he has not only to keep it as we have seen but to take care that it was propagated and communicated to others after him and perhaps still farther. That which he had heard from Paul in the presence of many witnesses (who could confirm Timothy in his convictions respecting the truth and certify others that it was indeed what he had received from Paul) he was to communicate to faithful men who were capable of teaching others. This was the ordinary means. It is not the Spirit in the assembly so that the assembly was an authority; it is no longer revelation. Timothy well instructed in the doctrine preached by the apostle and confirmed in his views by many other witnesses who had likewise learned of Paul so that it was common to all as known received truth was to take care that it should be communicated to other faithful men. Neither had this anything to do with giving them authority with consecrating them as has been said. It is the communication to them of the truth which he had received from Paul.

This procedure shuts out the idea of the assembly as the propagator of the truth. It was the business of the faithful son in the faith of the apostle of the ministry.

Timothy himself was not an authority either. He was an instrument for the communication of the truth and was to enable others to be so likewise: a very different thing from being the rule of the truth. That which he had heard-and the other witnesses served as a guarantee against the introduction of anything false or even of his own opinions if he had been inclined to entertain them-that he was to communicate.

It is thus that in the ordinary sense ministry is continued; care is taken by competent persons for the communication not of authority but of the truth to other faithful persons. God can raise up any one whom He chooses and give him the energy of His Spirit; and where this is found there is power and an effectual work: but the passage we are considering supposes the careful communication of the truth to persons fit for this work. Both principles equally shut out the idea of the communication of official authority and the idea of the assembly being either an authority with regard to the faith or the propagator of the truth. If God raised up whom He pleased in whatever way He pleased the means which He employed (when there was no special operation on His part) was to cause the truth to be communicated to individuals capable of propagating it. This is a widely different thing from bestowing authority or the exclusive or official right to preach. And it was known revealed truth he was to communicate that had the direct authority of revelation-what Paul's writings can alone furnish us now or of course other inspired writings.

The apostle goes on to shew the qualities that Timothy ought to possess in order to carry on the work amid the circumstances that surrounded him and in which the assembly itself was found. He must know how to endure hardships vexations difficulties sorrows as a good soldier of Jesus Christ; he must beware of entangling himself with the affairs of life. A soldier when in service could not do so but must be free from every hindrance that he may please the one who had called him to arms. So also as in the lists he must fight according to rule according to that which became the Lord's servant and was conformable to the Lord's will. And he must labour first that he may have a right to enjoy the fruit of his labour. These are the practical conditions of divine service for whosoever engages in it. He must endure be unentangled in the world fight lawful]y [1] before he looked for fruits. The apostle returns to the elementary but fundamental principles of the truth and to the sufferings of ministry which moreover were in nowise a hindrance to the operations of the Spirit of God in extending the sphere in which the truth was propagated and the word of God made known. Nothing could restrain the power of that instrument of the work of God.

The truth of the gospel (dogma is not the subject here) was divided into two parts of which the apostle speaks also in the Epistle to the Romans: the fulfillment of the promises; and the power of God in resurrection. "Jesus Christ of the seed of David; raised from the dead." These in fact are as it were the two pivots of the truth: God faithful to His promises (shewn especially in connection with the Jews); and God mighty to produce an entirely new thing by His creative and quickening power as manifested in the resurrection which also put the seal of God upon the Person and the work of Christ.

The afflictions found in the path of service in the gospel assume here a high and peculiar character in the mind of the suffering and blessed apostle. It is participation in the sufferings of Christ and in the case of Paul to a very remarkable degree. The expressions he uses are such as might be employed in speaking of Christ Himself as regards His love. As to the propitiation naturally no other could take part in that: but in devotedness and in suffering for love and for righteousness we have the privilege of suffering with Him. And here what part had the apostle with those sufferings? " I endure " He says " all things for the elect's sakes." This is truly what the Lord did. The apostle trod closely on His footsteps and with the same purpose of love-"that they might obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." Here of course the apostle has to add " which is in Christ Jesus; "still the language is marvelous in the lips of any other person than the Lord Himself. For it is what Christ did. Observe also here that the greater the sufferings are (how small are ours on this account!) as the fruits of this love for the objects of the counsels of God the greater is our privilege the more do we participate in that which was the glory of Christ here below.

This thought sustains the soul in affliction of this kind: one has the same object as the Lord Himself. The energy of love in preaching the gospel addresses itself to the whole world. Perseverance in the midst of affliction and difficulties and desertion is sustained by the feeling that one is laboring for the accomplishment of God's counsels. One endures all things for the elect for God's elect in order that they may have salvation and eternal glory. This feeling was in Paul's heart. He knew the love of God and he sought-at the cost of whatever suffering it might be in the tumultuous sea of this world-that they who were the objects of the same love should enjoy the salvation and the glory which God bestowed. This was a faithful saying that is that which he had just declared; for if we should die with Christ we should also live with Him; if we should suffer we should also reign with Him. If any denied Him He would also deny them; the consequences of such an act remained in all their force they were linked with the immutability of His nature and His being and were displayed in the authority of His judgment; He could not deny Himself because others were unfaithful. Timothy was strengthened to maintain these great principles which belonged to the moral nature of the Lord and not allow himself to be drawn aside by speculations which only subverted souls and corrupted the faith. He was to shew himself a workman approved of God one who being filled with the truth and knowing how to unfold it in its various parts according to the mind and purpose of God would not be ashamed of his work in the presence of those who might judge it. The profane and useless thoughts of human speculation he was to avoid. They could not but go on to produce ungodliness. They might have a great show of depth and height (as in the case of the assertion that the resurrection had already taken place which in a fleshly way went beyond all bounds with regard to our position in Christ)-these doctrines which eat like a canker. Those of whom the apostle spoke had already overthrown the faith of some that is their conviction as to the truth and profession of the truth. But here the soul of the apostle found its refuge in that which is immutable be the failure of the assembly or man's unfaithfulness ever so great. The sure foundation of God remained. It had this seal: the Lord knew them that were His. This was God's side which nothing could touch. [2] The other was man's--he who professed the name of the Lord was to depart from all iniquity. This was man's responsibility but it characterised the work and fruit of grace wherever that work was genuine and the true fruit borne.

But here we have distinct evidence of the state of things which this epistle contemplates; namely that the outward assembly had taken quite a new character very different from that which it had at the beginning; and that now the individual was thrown upon his personal faithfulness as a resource and as a means of escape from the general corruption. The sure foundation of God remained-His divine knowledge of those that are His; and individual separation from all evil; but the outward assembly assumes in the eyes of the apostle the character of a great house. All kinds of things are found in it vessels of honour and vessels of dishonour precious and vile. The man of God was to purge himself from the latter to stand apart and not defile himself with that which was false and corrupt. This is a principle of all-importance which the Lord has given us in His word. He allowed the evil to display itself in apostolic times so far as to give occasion for the establishment of this principle by revelation as that which was to govern the Christian. The unity of the assembly is so precious it has such authority over the heart of man that there was danger when failure had set in lest the desire for outward unity should induce even the faithful to accept evil and walk in fellowship with it rather than break this unity. The principle therefore of individual faithfulness of individual responsibility to God is established and set above all other considerations; for it has to do with the nature of God Himself and His own authority over the conscience of the individual. God knoweth them that are His: here is the ground of confidence. I do not say who are. And let those that name the name of Jesus separate themselves from all evil. Here I get what I can recognize. To maintain in practice the possibility of union between that name and evil is to blaspheme it.

The whole of that which calls itself christian is looked at here as a great house. The Christian is of it outwardly in spite of himself; for he calls himself a Christian and the great house is all that calls itself christian. But he cleanses himself personally from every vessel which is not to the Lord's honour. This is the rule of christian faithfulness; and thus personally cleansed from fellowship with evil he shall be a vessel unto honour fit for the Master's use. Whatsoever is contrary to the honour of Christ in those who bear His name is that from which he is to separate himself.

Discipline for individual faults is not the subject here nor the restoration of souls in an assembly that has in part lost its spirituality; but a line of conduct for the individual Christian in respect of that which dishonors the Lord in any way.

These instructions are solemn and important. That which makes them needful is sorrowful in its nature; but it all helps to exhibit the faithfulness and grace of God. The direction is plain and precious when we find ourselves in similar circumstances. Individual responsibility can never cease.

When the Holy Ghost acts energetically and triumphs over the power of the enemy these individuals who are gathered together in the assembly develop their life in it according to God and His presence and the spiritual power which exists in the whole body acts upon the conscience if needed and guides the heart of the believer: so that the individual and the assembly flow on together under the same influence. The Holy Ghost who is present in the assembly sustains the individual at the height of God's own presence. Strangers even are obliged to confess that God is there. Love and holiness reign. When the effect of this power is no longer found in the assembly and by degrees Christendom no longer answers to the character of the assembly as God formed it yet the responsibility of the individual to God has not ceased on that account. It can never either cease or diminish for the authority and the rights of God Himself over the soul are at stake.

But in a case like this that which calls itself Christian is no longer a guide and the individual is bound to conform himself to the will of God by the power of the Spirit according to the light he has from God.

God may gather the faithful together. It is grace on His part; it is also His mind. But individual responsibility remains-responsibility not to break the unity feeble as it may be wherever it is possible according to God: but responsibility to preserve the divine character of Christianity in our walk and to respond to the revelation we have received of His nature and of His will.

By purging himself from all those who are unto dishonour the servant of God shall be unto honour sanctified and prepared for every good work. For this separation from evil is not merely negative; it is the effect of the realisation of the word of God in the heart. I then understand what the holiness of God is His rights over my heart the incompatibility of His nature with evil. I feel that I dwell in Him and He in me; that Christ must be honoured at all costs; that that which is like Him alone honours Him; that His nature and His rights over me are the only rule of my life. That which thus separates me unto Him and according to what He is separates me thereby from evil. One cannot walk with those who dishonour Him and at the same time honour Him in one's own walk.

That which follows shews the sanctifying character of this exhortation. The apostle says "Flee also youthful lusts; but seek righteousness faith charity peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." This is to breathe the pure atmosphere which is found in the Lord's presence; in which the soul enjoys health and strength. All that corrupts is far away. And further we find what is so often contested that we can and are to distinguish those who call on the name of the Lord out of a pure heart. We do not decide who are the Lord's: He knows them. But we are to associate ourselves with those who manifest themselves such as call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Those I am to know own and walk with. The statement that I cannot know who these are is in defiance of an express rule of scripture applicable to a state where through corruption many who may possess Christianity are not so manifested. As we find throughout these epistles the apostle exhorts to avoid vain questions in which there is no divine instruction. They only produce barren discussions and strife; and the servant of the Lord is not to strive. He comes on God's part to bring the truth in peace and love. He is to maintain this character in the expectation that God in His grace will give repentance to those who oppose (for it is the heart and conscience that are in question) that they may acknowledge the truth.

The truth of God is not a thing of human understanding; it is the revelation of that which God is and of His counsels. Now we cannot have to do with God without the heart and conscience being engaged. It is not the revelation to us of God if this is not the case. Christians are brought into connection with the divine Being Himself and in acts which ought to have the most powerful effect on the heart and conscience; if they do not both the one and the other are in a bad state and hardened. The Spirit of God no doubt acts on the understanding and by it; but the truth lodged in it is addressed to the conscience and to the heart and if these are not reached by the truth nothing is done. Nor indeed is anything really understood till they are. For in divine truth things are understood before words as " born again." (compare John 8:43) On the other hand by means of error by occupying the mind with the error Satan shuts God out of it and leads the whole man captive so that he does the will of that enemy to the soul.

Footnotes

[1] Read "laboring first."

[2] This while a profound source of comfort is a proof of decline; for men ought to know who are the Lord's too. It is not "The Lord added daily to the assembly such as should be saved."

── John DarbySynopsis of 2 Timothy

 

2 Timothy 2

Chapter Contents

The apostle exhorts Timothy to persevere with diligence like a soldier a combatant and a husbandman. (1-7) Encouraging him by assurances of a happy end of his faithfulness. (8-13) Warnings to shun vain babblings and dangerous errors. (14-21) Charges to flee youthful lusts and to minister with zeal against error but with meekness of spirit. (22-26)

Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:1-7

(Read 2 Timothy 2:1-7)

As our trials increase we need to grow stronger in that which is good; our faith stronger our resolution stronger our love to God and Christ stronger. This is opposed to our being strong in our own strength. All Christians but especially ministers must be faithful to their Captain and resolute in his cause. The great care of a Christian must be to please Christ. We are to strive to get the mastery of our lusts and corruptions but we cannot expect the prize unless we observe the laws. We must take care that we do good in a right manner that our good may not be spoken evil of. Some who are active spend their zeal about outward forms and doubtful disputations. But those who strive lawfully shall be crowned at last. If we would partake the fruits we must labour; if we would gain the prize we must run the race. We must do the will of God before we receive the promises for which reason we have need of patience. Together with our prayers for others that the Lord would give them understanding in all things we must exhort and stir them up to consider what they hear or read.

Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:8-13

(Read 2 Timothy 2:8-13)

Let suffering saints remember and look to Jesus the Author and Finisher of their faith who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despised the shame and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God. We must not think it strange if the best men meet with the worst treatment; but this is cheering that the word of God is not bound. Here we see the real and true cause of the apostle's suffering trouble in or for the sake of the gospel. If we are dead to this world its pleasures profits and honours we shall be for ever with Christ in a better world. He is faithful to his threatenings and faithful to his promises. This truth makes sure the unbeliever's condemnation and the believer's salvation.

Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:14-21

(Read 2 Timothy 2:14-21)

Those disposed to strive commonly strive about matters of small moment. But strifes of words destroy the things of God. The apostle mentions some who erred. They did not deny the resurrection but they corrupted that true doctrine. Yet nothing can be so foolish or erroneous but it will overturn the temporary faith of some professors. This foundation has two writings on it. One speaks our comfort. None can overthrow the faith of any whom God hath chosen. The other speaks our duty. Those who would have the comfort of the privilege must make conscience of the duty Christ gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity Titus 2:14. The church of Christ is like a dwelling: some furniture is of great value; some of smaller value and put to meaner uses. Some professors of religion are like vessels of wood and earth. When the vessels of dishonour are cast out to be destroyed the others will be filled with all the fulness of God. We must see to it that we are holy vessels. Every one in the church whom God approves will be devoted to his Master's service and thus fitted for his use.

Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:22-26

(Read 2 Timothy 2:22-26)

The more we follow that which is good the faster and the further we shall flee from that which is evil. The keeping up the communion of saints will take us from fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness. See how often the apostle cautions against disputes in religion; which surely shows that religion consists more in believing and practising what God requires than in subtle disputes. Those are unapt to teach who are apt to strive and are fierce and froward. Teaching not persecution is the Scripture method of dealing with those in error. The same God who gives the discovery of the truth by his grace brings us to acknowledge it otherwise our hearts would continue to rebel against it. There is no "peradventure " in respect of God's pardoning those who do repent; but we cannot tell that he will give repentance to those who oppose his will. Sinners are taken in a snare and in the worst snare because it is the devil's; they are slaves to him. And if any long for deliverance let them remember they never can escape except by repentance which is the gift of God; and we must ask it of him by earnest persevering prayer.

── Matthew HenryConcise Commentary on 2 Timothy

 

2 Timothy 2

Verse 2

[2] And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses the same commit thou to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also.

The things — The wholesome doctrine 2 Timothy 1:13.

Commit — Before thou leavest Ephesus. To faithful men who will be able after thou art gone to teach others.

Verse 4

[4] No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

No man that warreth entangleth himself — Any more than is unavoidable.

In the affairs of this life — With worldly business or cares.

That — Minding war only he may please his captain. In this and the next verse there is a plain allusion to the Roman law of arms and to that of the Grecian games. According to the former no soldier was to engage in any civil employment; according to the latter none could be crowned as conqueror who did not keep strictly to the rules of the game.

Verse 6

[6] The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.

Unless he labour first he will reap no fruit.

Verse 8

[8] Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

Of the seed of David — This one genealogy attend to.

Verse 9

[9] Wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

Is not bound — Not hindered in its course.

Verse 10

[10] Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Therefore — Encouraged by this that "the word of God be not bound." I endure all things - See the spirit of a real Christian? Who would not wish to be likeminded? Salvation is deliverance from all evil; glory the enjoyment of all good.

Verse 11

[11] It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him we shall also live with him:

Dead with him — Dead to sin and ready to die for him.

Verse 12

[12] If we suffer we shall also reign with him: if we deny him he also will deny us:

If we deny him — To escape suffering for him.

Verse 13

[13] If we believe not yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

If we believe not — That is though some believe not God will make good all his promises to them that do believe.

He cannot deny himself — His word cannot fail.

Verse 14

[14] Of these things put them in remembrance charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit but to the subverting of the hearers.

Remind them — Who are under thy charge. O how many unnecessary things are thus unprofitably nay hurtfully contended for.

Verse 15

[15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth.

A workman that needeth not to be ashamed — Either of unfaithfulness or unskilfulness.

Rightly dividing the word of truth — Duly explaining and applying the whole scripture so as to give each hearer his due portion. But they that give one part of the gospel to all (the promises and comforts to unawakened hardened scoffing men) have real need to be ashamed.

Verse 16

[16] But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

They — Who babble thus will grow worse and worse.

Verse 17

[17] And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

And their word — If they go on will be mischievous as well as vain and will eat as a gangrene.

Verse 18

[18] Who concerning the truth have erred saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

Saying the resurrection is already past — Perhaps asserting that it is only the spiritual passing from death unto life.

Verse 19

[19] Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure having this seal The Lord knoweth them that are his. And Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

But the foundation of God — His truth and faithfulness.

Standeth fast — Can never be overthrown; being as it were sealed with a seal which has an inscription on each side: on the one The Lord knoweth those that are his; on the other Let every one who nameth the name of the Lord as his Lord depart from iniquity. Indeed they only are his who depart from iniquity. To all others he will say "I know you not." Matthew 7:22 23

Verse 20

[20] But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour and some to dishonour.

But in a great house — Such as the church it is not strange that there are not only vessels of gold and silver designed for honourable uses but also of wood and of earth - For less honourable purposes. Yet a vessel even of gold may be put to the vilest use though it was not the design of him that made it.

Verse 21

[21] If a man therefore purge himself from these he shall be a vessel unto honour sanctified and meet for the master's use and prepared unto every good work.

If a man purge himself from these — Vessels of dishonour so as to have no fellowship with them.

Verse 22

[22] Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness faith charity peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Flee youthful desires — Those peculiarly incident to youth.

Follow peace with them — Unity with all true believers. Out of a pure heart-Youthful desires destroy this purity: righteousness faith love peace accompany it.

Verse 24

[24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men apt to teach patient

A servant of the Lord must not — Eagerly or passionately.

Strive — As do the vain wranglers spoken of verse 23.

But be apt to teach — Chiefly by patience and unwearied assiduity.

Verse 25

[25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

In meekness — He has often need of zeal always of meekness.

If haply God — For it is wholly his work.

May give them repentance — The acknowledging of the truth would then quickly follow.

Verse 26

[26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil who are taken captive by him at his will.

Who — At present are not only captives but asleep; utterly insensible of their captivity.

── John WesleyExplanatory Notes on 2 Timothy

 

Chapter 2. Be Strong in Service

Able to Teach
Not Resentful

I. Good Soldiers of Christ Jesus

  1. No Involvement with Civilian Affairs
  2. Rules of Competition
  3. Hard-working Farmers

II. A Workman Approved by God

  1. No Quarreling
  2. Correctly Handle the Word of Truth
  3. Avoid Godless Chatter

III. Turn Away from Wickedness

  1. Cleanse Yourself from the Ignoble
  2. An Instrument for Noble Purposes
  3. Pursue out of a Pure Heart

── Chih-Hsin ChangAn Outline of The New Testament

                             
Chapter Two General Review
                             
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
 
1) To appreciate the need for endurance and faithfulness to the will of
   Christ
 
2) To note the warnings against profane and vain babblings
foolish and
   ignorant disputes
 
3) To consider how the servant of the Lord can be a vessel for honor
   useful for the Master and prepared for every good work
 
SUMMARY
 
Paul continues with exhortations to Timothy in this chapter
with an
emphasis on endurance and diligence.  Encouraging him to be strong in
the grace that is in Christ Jesus
Paul then charges Timothy to commit
what he has learned to faithful men who can pass it along (1-2).
 
Using the illustrations of a soldier
athlete
and farmer
Paul exhorts
Timothy to endure hardship
to be faithful
and to work hard.  Writing
of his own endurance in hardship
Paul stresses the need to be true to
the Lord (3-13).
 
The last half of the chapter is devoted to telling Timothy how to be
"useful to the Master"
a worker who does not need to be ashamed.  With
warnings to shun profane and vain babblings
and avoiding foolish and 
ignorant disputes
Paul reminds Timothy of things he should flee 
(youthful lusts) and what he should pursue (righteousness
faith
love
peace).  Properly handling the word of truth
and correcting others 
with gentleness and humility
Timothy can truly be a servant of the 
Lord who is prepared for every good work
especially when dealing with
those who have been ensnared by the devil (14-26).
 
OUTLINE
 
I. EXHORTATION TO TRANSMIT THE TRUTH TO OTHERS (1-2)
 
   A. A PLEA TO BE STRONG (1)
      1. Directed to Timothy as his son (1a)
      2. To be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (1b)
 
   B. COMMIT WHAT HE HAS HEARD TO FAITHFUL MEN (2)
      1. Those things he heard from Paul among many witnesses (2a)
      2. Commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others (2b)
 
II. EXHORTATION TO ENDURE HARDSHIP (3-13)
 
   A. AS A SOLDIER
ATHLETE
AND FARMER (3-7)
      1. Endure hardship as good soldier of Jesus Christ (3)
         a. Not entangled with the affairs of this life (4a)
         b. That he might please the One who enlisted him (4b)
      2. As an athlete
follow the rules of competition in order to win
         (5)
      3. It is the hard-working farmer who will be the first to partake
         of his crops (6)
      4. May the Lord give him understanding as he considers what Paul
         is saying (7)
 
   B. THE EXAMPLE OF PAUL HIMSELF (8-13)
      1. Remember that Jesus was raised from the dead
according to the
         gospel (8)
         a. For which Paul suffered trouble as an evildoer
even to the
            point of chains (9a)
         b. Yet the word of God was not chained (9b)
      2. Paul endured all things for the sake of the elect (10a)
         a. That they might obtain the salvation in Christ Jesus with
            eternal glory (10b)
         b. A faithful saying to encourage us to endure hardship 
            (11-13)
            1) If we died with Christ
we shall live with Him
            2) If we endure
we shall also reign with Him
            3) If we deny Him
He will also deny us
            4) If we are faithless
He remains faithful for He cannot
               deny Himself
 
III. EXHORTATION TO DILIGENCE AS A SERVANT OF THE LORD (14-26)
 
   A. INSTRUCTIONS RELATED TO HIS WORK (14-19)
      1. Remind others
charging them not to strive about words (14)
         a. Words that do not profit
         b. Words that only produce ruin of the hearers
      2. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God (15)
         a. As a worker who does not need to be ashamed
         b. As a worker who rightly divides the word of truth
      3. Shun profane and vain babblings (16-18)
         a. For they only increase to more ungodliness (16)
         b. For their message will spread like cancer (17a)
            1) Hymenaeus and Philetus are example (17b)
            2) Who have overthrown the faith of some by saying the
               resurrection is already past (18)
      4. God's solid foundation stands
having this seal:
         a. The Lord knows those who are His (19a)
         b. Let those who name the name of Christ depart from iniquity
            (19b)
 
   B. INSTRUCTIONS FOR BEING USEFUL TO THE MASTER (20-26)
      1. A great house has all kinds of vessels
some for honor and 
         some for dishonor (20)
      2. If anyone cleanses himself from things of dishonor
he will be
         a vessel of honor (21)
         a. Sanctified and useful for the Master
         b. Prepared for every good work
      3. Instructions that will make one a servant useful to the
         Master:
         a. Flee youthful lusts (22a)
         b. Pursue righteousness
faith
love
peace with those who 
            call on the Lord out of a pure heart (22b)
         c. Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes that generate strife
            (23)
         d. Do not quarrel
but be gentle to all
able to teach
            patient (24)
         e. In humility correct those in opposition (25-26)
            1) Perhaps God will grant them repentance
so that they may
               know the truth (25)
            2) Perhaps they may come to their senses and escape the 
               snare of the devil who has taken them captive to do his
               will (26)
 
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
 
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Exhortation to transmit the truth to others (1-2)
   - Exhortation to endure hardship (3-13)
   - Exhortation to diligence as a servant of the Lord (14-26)
 
2) In what did Paul want Timothy to be strong? (1)
   - The grace that is in Christ Jesus
 
3) What did Paul want Timothy to do with the things Paul had taught 
   him? (2)
   - Commit them to faithful men who would teach others
 
4) What three illustrations does Paul use to encourage Timothy to 
   endure hardship and to work hard? (3-6)
   - Those of a soldier
an athlete
and a farmer
 
5) What did Paul want Timothy to remember? (8)
   - That Jesus Christ was raised from the dead
 
6) What did Paul suffer in behalf of the gospel?  Did it hinder the
   gospel? (9)
   - Trouble as an evil doer
even to the point of chains
   - No
 
7) Why was Paul willing to endure all things? (10)
   - For the sake of the elect
that they also might obtain salvation
     with eternal glory
 
8) What encouragement is given by "a faithful saying"? (11
12a)
   - If we died with Christ
we shall also live with Him
   - If we endure
we shall also reign with Him
 
9) What warning is given by "a faithful saying"? (12b)
   - If we deny Him
He also will deny us
 
10) What was Timothy to charge others? (14)
   - Not to strive about words to no profit
 
11) What was Timothy to be diligent in doing? (15)
   - Presenting himself approved to God
a worker who does not need to
     be ashamed
rightly dividing the word of truth
 
12) What was he to shun?  Why? (16)
   - Profane and vain babblings; because they lead to more ungodliness
 
13) What two individuals had been guilty of spreading such things? (17)
   - Hymenaeus and Philetus
 
14) What had they taught?  What was the effect of their teaching? (18)
   - That the resurrection was already past
   - It overthrew the faith of some
 
15) What is the "seal" of God's solid foundation? (19)
   - "The Lord knows those who are His"
   - "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity"
 
16) What will a "vessel of honor" be? (21)
   - Sanctified and useful for the Master
   - Prepared for every good work
 
17) What was Timothy to flee?  What was he to pursue? (22)
   - Flee youthful lusts
   - Pursue righteousness
faith
love
peace
 
18) What was he to avoid?  Why? (23)
   - Foolish and ignorant disputes
   - They generate strife
 
19) List what must be true of a servant of the Lord (24-25a)
   - Must not quarrel
   - Be gentle to all
   - Able to teach
   - Patient
   - In humility correcting those who are in opposition
 
20) Why must a servant of the Lord be this way to those in opposition?
    (25b-26)
   - Perhaps God will grant them repentance
so that they may know the
     truth
   - Perhaps they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the
     devil
for they have been taken captive by him to do his will

--《Executable Outlines

 

Be strong in service

Able to teach

Not resentful

 

I.  Good soldiers of Christ Jesus

1.    No involvement with civilian affairs

2.    Rules of competition

3.    Hard-working farmers

II.A workman approved by God

1.    No quarreling

2.    Correctly handle the word of truth

3.    Avoid Godless chatter

III.       Turn away from wickedness

1.    Cleanse yourself from the ignoble

2.    An instrument for noble purposes

3.    Pursue out of a pure heart

 

Be strong in service

Able to teach

Not resentful

 

IV.      Good soldiers of Christ Jesus

1.    No involvement with civilian affairs

2.    Rules of competition

3.    Hard-working farmers

V.       A workman approved by God

1.    No quarreling

2.    Correctly handle the word of truth

3.    Avoid Godless chatter

VI.      Turn away from wickedness

1.    Cleanse yourself from the ignoble

2.    An instrument for noble purposes

3.    Pursue out of a pure heart

-- Chih-Hsin ChangAn Outline of The New Testament