LESSON AIM

1. We will consider the resources that are available to help develop our faith

2. We will be challenged to commit ourselves to proactively disciple and mentor others in the development of their faith.

KEEP IN MIND

“Study to shew thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Timothy is instructed to teach so that he will be approved by GOD. Paul suffered for the Gospel and tells Timothy that he, too, should be ready to suffer for the sake of CHRIST and those chosen by HIM. Timothy is told that he should be strong in the grace of JESUS CHRIST and train other believers to teach others.

By way of background, Paul’s situation has changed significantly since he wrote his first letter to Timothy. Timothy had been a constant companion of Paul in a close relationship that lasted about two decades (ca. A.D.46-47).

Now a chained prisoner in Rome with only his physician Luke to assist him, Paul faced condemnation and likely death (2 Timothy 1:16-17). Demas had forsaken him and gone to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Except for Luke, Paul was now bereft of his closest associates (4:6-11).

The conditions of Paul’s imprisonment do not dim his concern for his long-term partner in the Gospel, Timothy (Philippians 2:20, 22-23). Paul now thinks about Timothy and longs to see him (2 Timothy 1:4). Having been a moral and emotional support to Timothy, Paul now needs the support of his loyal protégé. The specificity of Paul’s request for Timothy’s presence highlights the urgency of his need: “Do thy diligence to come shortly to me…to come before winter” (2 Timothy 4:9, 21). Knowing of the possibility that Timothy might be embarrassed to be associated with him in prison, Paul urges Timothy: “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our LORD, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of GOD” (2 Timothy 1:8).

While some had already turned away from Paul (v.15), probably out of embarrassment over his humiliating circumstances as a Roman prisoner, Paul informs Timothy with emphatic words, “I am not ashamed” (v.12). Two reasons may be cited for Paul’s refusal to be embarrassed by the situation that had befallen him:

1. Paul’s conviction that his chains were the result of the testimony he had given regarding CHRIST JESUS.

2. Paul’s conviction that JESUS will vindicate him for his faithfulness.

1. PAUL ENCOURAGES TIMOTHY TO BE STRONG (2 Timothy 2:1-2)

While being firm in his counsel and instruction, Paul is also very personal and tender; he calls Timothy “my son.” He then proceeds to remind Timothy that each generation of Christians is responsible to exercise the foresight necessary to pass its faith on to the next generation. The WORD OF GOD is not something to be obtained and kept only for oneself. It is to be shared and passed on to others.

In our world and culture, however, where there are so many voices vying for people’s allegiance, teaching and sharing the faith is rarely done without encountering severe opposition. Consequently, one must “be strong in the grace that is in CHRIST JESUS.” The WORED is only effective when those who handle it continue to be empowered by GOD.

If the faithful men Timothy teaches are to “be able to teach others,” Timothy’s teaching must evidence active cooperation with GOD. It takes much strength and prudence to handle GOD’S WORD rightly. Therefore, those who would commit the faith to future generations will want to live continually in the power and wisdom made available by GOD’S grace.

2. PAUL ENCOURAGES TIMOTHY TO BE DISCIPLINED (vv.3-4)

Since Paul was accustomed to ministering in a military state and was currently in a prison surrounded by Roman soldiers, it seems natural that he would use military illustrations. Here, he sets the stage by writing about the qualities and characteristics of a good soldier. These two verses highlight the need for endurance and focus.

Handling GOD’S WORD rightly in the war against evil will lead to varying levels of adversity and distress (2 Timothy 1:12). As a result, believers need discipline to “endure hardness, as a good soldier” (2:3) and to focus on carrying out the orders of “him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (v.4). Paul’s choice of words makes it clear that the “good soldier” does not work or suffer alone. To “endure hardship” literally means, “to suffer together with someone.” Moreover, the good soldier is available to carry out orders around the clock. A good soldier is a full-time soldier who gives undistracted and devoted attention to his commanding officer.

The believer’s commanding officer is JESUS CHRIST. HE desires and deserves our disciplined service and focused attention. Discipline to endure hardship, discipline to work with others, and discipline to remain focused in one’s service is essential to handling GOD’S WORD rightly.

3. PAUL REMINDS TIMOTHY TO BE FAITHFUL (vv.5-7)

In verses 5-7, Paul turns from a military illustration to illustrations drawn from farming and athletics. He reminds Timothy that athletes are only rewarded when they follow the rules and that farmers deserve the first share of the crops they have tended.

To be a great athlete requires a commitment to train and to follow the rules of the game. Adequate preparations for the race without obedience to the rules of the race lead to disqualification. No athlete can do as he pleases and win the prize. So it is with believers charged to handle GOD’S WORD rightly. They may have attended the best Bible schools, may be well versed in the Scriptures—but if they themselves do not obey the Scriptures, they do not qualify as persons who handle GOD’S WORD rightly.

Likewise, the farmer who wants a bountiful harvest but does not work hard for it will not get it. Just as the good soldier disciplines himself to train and follow the game rules, and both are prepared to suffer with others so also is the farmer. The farmer who actively demonstrates the determination of the disciplined athlete and the obedience of a good soldier qualifies to “be first partaker” (v.6) of the crops he has tended.

In verse 7, Paul calls Timothy to think about the practical implications of these three illustrations for our own life and ministry. Paul’s brief prayer that the LORD would give Timothy understanding in all things is a veiled suggestion that through Timothy’s prayers GOD will give him wisdom and insight into deeper meanings of these three illustrations. When thought and prayer exist together, prayer becomes a way to “think things through” with GOD. As Timothy thinks things through with GOD, he will understand more fully what all believers must understand: to handle GOD’S WORD rightly, one must be prepared to suffer with others and stay focused as a good soldier, dedicated in obedience to GOD; one must have the stamina of an athlete and a readiness to follow the game rules; and one must embrace the adversities, hard work, and uncertainties that “come with the territory” of being a farmer.

4. PAUL COUNSELS TIMOTHY ABOUT SUFFERING (vv.8-10)

Great understanding may be garnered and encouragement received from the analogies of the good soldier, the athlete, and the farmer. But the greatest understanding and of encouragement comes from JESUS CHRIST.

Paul wants Timothy to know that there is no need to be ashamed of unjust suffering. Remember JESUS CHRIST. HE suffered as a malefactor (i.e., unjustly; see John 18:30). In the eyes of the law, JESUS was an “evil doer,” but what HE did was honorable in the eyes of GOD. Consequently, GOD raised HIM from the dead. Then Paul adds, “I suffer trouble, as an evildoer, even unto bonds; but the WORD OF GOD is not bound” (v.9). The clear implication is that Paul’s suffering and the suffering of all who labor for the sake of the Gospel, like JESUS’ suffering, will meet with GOD’S vindication.

Unjust suffering “for the elect’s sakes, that they may…obtain the salvation…in CHRIST JESUS” (v.10) is best understood when viewed in the light of the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST. Therefore, Paul counsels Timothy (and all other believers) to prepare himself to endure that others may be saved. Even though such suffering may end one’s life, it cannot bring an end to the WORD OF GOD. For “the WORD OF GOD is not bound,” nor can it be.

5. PAUL AFFIRMS THAT CHRIST IS ALWAYS FAITHFUL (vv.11-13)

This “faithful saying” may have been part of an early Christian hymn or catechism that exhorted believers to share in CHRIST’S life and death. It is only through identification with CHRIST in HIS death that we can live with HIM in newness of life. If we continue to endure as good soldiers of JESUS CHRIST to the end of this life, we shall reign with HIM in the life to come (cf. Matthew 10:22).

There is also a negative thrust to this positive and faithful saying: “If we deny him, he also will deny us” (2 Timothy 2:12b; cf. Matthew 10:33). Paul goes on in verse 13 to remind Timothy that one’s denial, doubt, or disbelief of CHRIST does not change who CHRIST is nor what HE has done for us. “If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful” (2 Timothy 2:13; cf. Romans 3:3-7).

What a source of encouragement to know that GOD REMAINS FAITHFUL EVEN WHEN WE PROVE FAITHLESS OVER AND OVER AGAIN. GOD’S LOVE for us remains unalterable. HIS LOVE never changes; it endures forever. Even if we should prove faithless in the handling of HIS WORD, still, HIS WORD remains faithful and true. GOD’S saving purpose will never retreat, even in the face of our doubt and denial. GOD’S WORD will fulfill itself. We can count on it!

6. PAUL URGES TIMOTHY TO AVOID QUARRELING (vv.14-15)

Paul urges Timothy to not argue over meaningless words that only destroy listeners, but rather as GOD’S prepared and approved servant, to teach only the true message of GOD. Striving “about words to no profit” (2 Timothy 3:14) benefits no one. Consequently, GOD’S WORD should never be the occasion for arguing about words. Such conversation only confuses, and in some instances, ruins the faith of those who listen.

The believer’s handling of GOD’S WORD, in word and in deed, is constantly under inspection. Therefore, the believer is called to do his or her best to handle it rightly. Paul’s counsel to Timothy is good for believers in every age: “Study to shew thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The word “study” here, means to do one’s best, to make haste, to be zealous or eager, or to make every effort. “Dividing” means to be careful so as to cut or walk a straight path. Paul uses this metaphor to speak of correct behavior in handling THE WORD OF GOD.

THINK ABOUT IT!!!!

Spiritually Yours,

Rev. Chris Lowe, Sr. DD

email Dr. Lowe

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