2 Timothy 4

Bible Study with Pastor Terry Gray


2 Timothy 4:1-5


Our first priority as Christians is to PREACH THE WORD!


We are to preach God's Word by referring to the Bible. We are not to preach other Christian books.


We are to preach the WHOLE Word, not just the parts we like. Preach the Old Testament as well as the New Testament.


We are to be prepared to share the Truth "in season and out of season" and not just say things to please our listeners. Paul warns, there will be a time when people will suit their own desires and gather around teachers who say what they want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4). We therefore must stay true to God's Word and preach ONLY God's Word! We are not here to please man. We are here to spread the Good News!


We are to "correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction" and not be over-zealous Bible thumpers who relentlessly flaunt judgment in the face of Christians who deem others to be not good enough. We need to learn to rebuke with love, not rebuke with contempt!




2 Timothy 4:6-8


How did Paul view death and the life he led?


Throughout his life, Paul was able to conquer all difficulties because God was by his side and protected him (2 Timothy 4:18). Paul therefore knew that if it was God's will for him to keep doing God's work, God will provide a way. Paul therefore had no fear of death, for death is simply the end to his mission on Earth; death meant he get to go Home to the Father!


Because Jesus conquered death, death has no hold on the followers of Jesus. And without such a fear, Paul gave his life to Jesus, trusting and knowing that if God wanted him to continue his work, God will provide a way; and if his mission has come to an end, then he will depart knowing he gave it his best. Paul was therefore able to look back on his life knowing he "fought the good fight", that he "finished the race", that he "kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).




2 Timothy 4:9-13


Paul mentioned 3 people:


- Demas: He gave up his walk in pursuing Jesus


- Luke: He continues in his walk in Jesus


- John Mark: He and Paul parted ways because of differences in opinion (Acts). They did not differ in their faith in Jesus, but they did not see eye to eye in regards to how to spread the Word. However, we see here that some time along the way, they made up! We, too, will meet fellow Christians with whom we may not get along. However, as long as we continue in our ways to becoming better Christians by following Jesus, we will one day overcome our differences and work together in the name of Jesus.




2 Timothy 4:14-18


No one was there to support Paul during his last trial. As he looked forward and back, Paul held no grudges. Alexander did much harm to Paul, but he handed Alexander over to the Lord. Paul trusted in the Lord that the Lord will judge Alexander accordingly.


Paul also asked for understanding and forgiveness for those who deserted him in time of need. Again, Paul is handing the judgment of these people over to God.


Despite these setbacks, Paul was still able to move forward with his mission because he had God by his side. He allowed God to use him fully so that the Gospel could be fully proclaimed to the Gentiles.


No matter what we suffer in the hands of man, we need to remember that we are not the Judge. Jesus is the Judge. And if we were to let differences in opinion get in the way of our God-led missions, how much loss is that to us and to those who didn't hear the Gospel!