June 21, 2010 Lesson 4 of 2 Timothy 4

What ministry is Paul urging Timothy to fulfill here? Make a list of the main points in Paul’s charge to him. How does this chapter also indicate the possibilities of failure, and its causes? What challenge ought I to find here concerning my own Christian service? Answer: Paul is charging Timothy to continue to preach the Word when he is gone. He tells Timothy to know the Word and correct and encourage those who don’t with patients and “careful instruction.” He reminds Timothy that some may not want to hear the Good News. They will listen to what they want to hear, what makes them feel good (sounds a bit like our culture today). They will turn aside from the truth to myths. However, he further instructs Timothy to “keep his head in all situations, endure hardships, do the work of an evangelist, [and] discharge all the duties of your ministry.” I think that not being sucked into worldly things is kind of hard. I can stand up for the Word pretty well. However, I fear that there may come a time when the world may wear me down enough that I “give in.” I have never been in such a situation so I don’t know for sure, but that has always been a fear of mine. Thankfully I have been blessed enough to truly experience the love and grace of God up to this point in life that I feel confident (again through God not myself) that He would get me through such a situation.


Consider Paul as he faces death. Note: a) his consciousness about the past; b) his confession about, and his confidence in, the present; c) his hope for the future. How far can and do I share his experience and his outlook? Note Paul’s words in 1 Cor 11:1. Answer: I like to believe that I share his outlook. I believe that God intends us to continue to try to spread the Word until the end.