N. T. Wright begins this chapter with a story of he and his roommate putting off difficult tasks. He then asks the question, “How do you respond to difficult tasks?”
I confess that, at times, I can be a procrastinator. I often need deadlines to spur me on.
Paul gives instructions to Timothy on avoiding this habit, and being diligent about serving King Jesus.
In 2 Timothy 2:2, what instructions does Paul give Timothy about what he has heard about The Gospel? (Scripture lesson is in comments.)
What instructions are given in 2 Timothy 2:3-6? What are the three examples Paul gives?
What traits are exhibited by Paul’s examples of the soldier, athlete, and farmer?
According to verse 8, what is The Gospel which Timothy has been taught?
Think about what Paul means in verse 9 that the Word of God is not imprisoned.
Concerning verses 11-13, Paul says that if we died with Him we also lived with Him, if we endure with Him we will reign with Him.
There seems to be a discrepancy is the next verse—If we deny Him, He will also deny us, but if we are faithless, He remains faithful. Wright explains this in that we all wobble from time to time. If however, we turn away from the Lord, and deny Him, there is a real problem.
Verses 14-16 tell us not to wrangle about useless words, however, we need to be diligent and unashamed about handling God’s Word.
In verses 20-26, Paul talks about earthen vessels. What are the things which Paul instructs Timothy to stay away from?
As you review this passage, what do you need to do in order to grow as a servant of Jesus?
PRAYER: Ask the Lord how you may more effectively serve Him.
- Pastor John