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Sunday Morning Study (SMS) meets at 9:30am for hot coffee, delicious snacks, a time of  fellowship, and prayer, our study begins promptly at 9:45am. 

PAUL’S TRAINING OF TIMOTHY
2 TIMOTHY CHAPTER 4

Remember when we were reaching the  the end of our study in  Acts, Paul was saying goodby to the Churches as he began his journey to Rome. The letter he wrote to the Philippians from his prison cell in Rome is especially poignant; although he does mention his hope of returning to them, (see Phil 2:24) most of the letter is in the vain of a  final fair well. 

We see In this personal letter to Timothy he is saying goodby again but his earth journey is coming to an end. Ever the teacher he gives instructions; encouragement, what to expect  in the future, and how to meet the trials that are sure to follow in the community of believers.  

On of the main themes in this forth page of his letter he says,  “I solemnly charge you,” Timothy, “in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus. . . to preach the Word of God.” And then he adds  “For the time is coming when men will not tolerate wholesome teaching. They just want something to “tickle their own fancies; they will listen only to teachers who will pander to their own desires. . .” (Phillips Paraphrase). And in verse 3:13 Paul warns “evil men will grow worse and worse. . .”  Isn’t it true that no matter what age we are now as adults from 25 to 90 and counting, we make comments about how much better the times were when we were growing up?  The world is going to hell in a hand basket we say. 
 In your own words explain the advise Paul gives Timothy and us to do in Verse 2.
 “Never lose your sense of urgency in season or out of season. 2. Prove, correct, and encourage, 3. using the utmost patience in your teaching. . .

What is his challenge in Verse 5.

“Stand fast in all you are doing, meeting whatever suffering this may involve. go on steadily preaching the gospel and carry out to the full commission that God gave you. In Verses 6-8 he talks about death and what he says reminds me of his words in Phil. 1:19-20

“. . .according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. . . For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better — Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. . .”

What is your hope for the future in life and in death? I have to admit that I am more in tune with the second part of Paul’s words; feeling that I need to be here for the sake of my dysfunctional family, I cannot at this point in my life say with Paul, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, all I think I can say is I have kept the faith. I have some rethinking to do on the first part of Paul’s statement also. Do I have more of a desire for God to take me out of this awful mess of a world, to be safe in heaven rather than the joy of being with Jesus.  The words of that hymn ring out the truth.  “I know not why God’s wondrous grace to me He hath make known. Nor why, unworthy Christ in love redeemed me for His own.”  Changing my words,  I say with Paul “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able To keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day.”  

When I read his words“finally there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord. . . will give me on that day. And not to me only but also to all who have loved his appearing.  I do not think of rewards or mansions in heaven. I look forward to that place Jesus has prepared for me, where he lives.  (John 14:1)

What is your idea of this “crown of righteousness that the Lord is holding for us?”
Paul answers that question in 1 Thess. 2:18-20, at least for me, “. . .For what is our hope, or joy or crown or of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.”   I’m not only rejoicing in “meeting”  Christ bodily, but meeting all those others “who have loved his appearing.”  I will meet Adam and Eve, and all the ancient Fathers, the  disciples and Paul, I’ll see the generations of my family,  my beloved counselor, Bob St Clair, C.S. Lewis and the book writers,, living now and or living in heaven.  and all those other men women and children in between.  That will be reward enough for me.  Talk about laughter and rejoicing in the Kingdom of God. . .
Paul’s Humanity and his character He was not a super spiritual giant. He was very human as 9 to 17 shows us.

Verse 9 — He was lonely, “Be diligent to come to me, quickly Timothy. Vs. 11 only Luke is with me,

Verse 10 — He had many disappointments. Demas has forsaken me, having loved the world more than Christ. Verse 16  At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me.

Verse 13  — He was cold. Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus when you come. Vs 21 Do your best to come before winter,  And uncomfortable in chains.  Roman prisons were not a good place to be.

Verse  11— Faithful to the mission “bring Mark to me I could use him in the ministry,” verse 12 I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

In verse 13 when you come he  - bring the books especially the parchments, (scriptures)  Not only did he tell Timothy to study the apostles doctrine and the scriptures, he was still studying himself.

And last but certainly not least he was faithful and grateful to God, he  worshiped, prayed  and praised him at every opportunity, In verses 4:17- 18 “The Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might  be preached fully through me and that the Gentiles might hear. And God rescued from the mouth of the lion, He delivered me from every evil work and preserved me for his heavenly kingdom. And he ends his letter. 
To Him be glory forever and ever, Amen

But then as usual Paul thinks of  one more thing to say, a list of names.. At the end of most of Paul’s letters you will find he lists the names of friends, and you can cross reference many of these names and find their stories throughout  Act’s and his other letters. 

PS —  Give my greeting to Priscilla and Aquilla and Onesiphorus and his family. Erastus is still at Corinth, and Trophimus was sick, so I had to leave him at Miletus. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all send their greetings to you.  The Lord Jesus Christ be with your Spirit. AMEN
 
What did you find new and/or uplifting in Paul’s personal letter to Timothy?

Remember this simple statement of Carl Barth. “The world was lost but Christ was born,  rejoice."

We are beginning the first chapter of John’s gospel, with that statement.