Paul’s Final Words

Alan began a study of the book of 2 Timothy, the last letter Paul wrote before his death that we have in the Bible. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

Main Ideas in 2 Timothy

• Paul’s final words: Second Timothy was written from prison while Paul was waiting to be executed. These are his final words to his beloved spiritual son, Timothy.
• The necessity to hold fast to one’s faith in the face of cultural persecution
  • 2 Timothy 2:11-13 may have been an early hymn
  • endure (Greek: hypomeno): to stay under a load
• The description of a disciplined Christian life
• The problem of false teachers and dealing with them
  • how not to cave in to culture
  • Paul had no problem calling people out by name if they preached a different gospel
• The vivid description of the last days
• The nature of Scripture as God-breathed
• The importance of bringing up children in the faith
  • Timothy’s mother and grandmother brought him up in the faith
• The surety of Christ’s presence if and when others fail you

Paul’s Greeting (2 Timothy 1:1-2)

1. Two Things Paul Makes Clear of Himself
   • He is an apostle of God by the will of God to do the will of God
   • He preaches and lives the Gospel of Life in Christ
2. Paul’s Relation to Timothy
   • The necessity of producing spiritual children
   • What are we doing to encourage faith in other believers?
3. Three Blessings to Bless Others With
   • grace vs dogmatism
   • mercy vs vengeance
   • peace vs division
   • What are we spreading?

Outline of 2 Timothy

1. Chapter 1
   • Paul’s greeting (v. 1-2)
   • Paul’s Thanksgiving (v. 3-5)
   • Paul’s Gift to Timothy (v. 6)
   • God’s Gift to All (v. 7-10)
   • Paul’s Self-Assessment (v. 11-12)
   • Paul’s Charge to Timothy (v. 13-14)
   • Paul’s Words About Others (v. 15-18)
2. Chapter 2
   • Paul’s Charge to Timothy (v. 1-7)
   • Paul’s Call to Remember (v. 8-9)
   • Paul’s Hymn of Endurance (v. 10-13)
   • Paul’s Words on Avoidance (v. 14-19)
   • Paul’s Words on Purity of Living (v. 20-26)
3. Chapter 3
   • Paul’s Description of the Last Days (v. 1-5)
   • Paul’s Suffering (v. 10-14)
   • Paul’s Words About the Nature of Scripture (v. 15-17)
4. Chapter 4
   • Paul’s Charge to Timothy (v. 1-5)
   • Paul’s Testimony and Surety (v. 6-8)
   • Paul’s Assessment of Others, Requests, and Final Outcome (v. 9-17)
   • Paul’s Final Farewell (v. 19-22)