Paul’s Final Farewell (2 Timothy 4:19-22)

Paul, the Apostle, writes to a dear friend. Paul writes to a young minister who is most likely seen as Paul's child in the faith. As Paul departs and says his farewell how do we know that this letter extends beyond even Timothy? How do we know that Paul intends to encourage us today?

Running on Fumes (2 Timothy 4:9-18)

Paul, the Apostle, knows that his apostolic ministry is coming to a close. He is not looking to a retirement in this age, but to the ultimate retirement and graduation to heaven. What do these verses teach us about Paul's farewell? What do these verses teach us about our ultimate Christian comfort in Christ?

I’ve Run the Race (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

The Apostle Paul is writing to assure his friend that ministry includes suffering, but also glory. This is very much an extension of Christ's life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Does this mean that we complete the work of Christ as we live out of gratitude? How should we understand the power in which we run the Christian race? Is that power our will or the Lord's power?

The Last Days of Preaching (2 Timothy 4:1-5)

The primary way that the church grows in faith and in number is through the preaching of the gospel. You would think that the church would love the preaching all the time and that the life changing power of the gospel would permeate our being so we cannot get enough of it. However, this is not the case. The incarnate word was sent to the cross by the will of God using the rejection of man. So, Paul warns Timothy that in the latter days the gospel will not be so joyfully received. What is the fundamental problem? Do we need to change the gospel message?

How Do We Persevere in Truth? (2 Timothy 3:10-17)

Paul has warned us about false teachers and our need to be discerning. The struggle we can have is when do we know the truth and when do we not know the truth. This is where Paul assures that the Lord has given us his proof and it is sufficient for us to know right from wrong.

Trials in the Last Days (2 Timothy 3:1-9)

Paul gives an exhortion to Timothy that not everything is going to go that well in the last days. There will be struggles and hardships for the church. When are these days? What are these hardships? How do we persevere in the truth? Paul answers these questions with the assurance that the Lord will prevail.

Discerning What is Pleasing to the Lord (2 Timothy 2:14-26)

When Paul exhorts the church he exhorts us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. This means that in our day to day lives there might be things that we do not fully understand nor do we know what to do. Paul gives us general exhortations to live for Christ, and in Christ. How do we know that we will continue to conform to the Lord as His redeemed?

Discerning our Strength in Christ (2 Timothy 2:1-13)

Paul gives us the assurance that where we are faithless God remains faithful. Does this mean that we do not seek and desire to live a Christian life? Are we indifferent or neutral to the plan of God? Paul does exhort Timothy and he exhorts us not to fall away as Paul also says, "If we deny him he will deny us." Do we seek to conform to the Lord our of fear? Do we seek to live for the honor and glory of our king just for our own benefit? What is Paul fundamentally teaching us about the Christian life?

Christ’s Prisoner or Imprisoned for Christ? (2 Timothy 1:8-18)

Paul is detained by Rome because of Christ's gospel. The good news of Christ seems to be halted because Paul is in prison. In fact, there are some who have turned against Paul because of his current circumstances. It would seem that this would deter Paul. He would see his imprisonment as a negative thing. However, he does not see himself as Rome's prisoner, but as Christ's prisoner. How is it a blessing to be Christ's prisoner? How does being Christ's prisoner shift his perspective from being Rome's prisoner?

Steadfast Love Endures Beyond Prison (2 Timothy 1:1-7)

Paul confers a greeting to Timothy that sounds consistent. However, Paul adds “mercy” to his greeting to Timothy. This is language the echos the Old Testament concept of steadfast love. Paul is in prison writing a friend who has grieved the loss of Paul, a friend who wonders if he will see Paul again, and so how is the Lord still showing his steadfast mercy? Is God’s steadfast mercy able to be conferred beyond Paul's current circumstances? How does this assure us that Paul's greeting applies even to us today?