Jensens survey of the old testament adam 547
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Observe the variety of references. Do you
sense a climax in the brief phrase, “Preach
the word”?
5. The three-part outline of challenge
reveals the major ow of Paul’s writing.
Read the section 1:3—2:13 and observe the
di erent ways Paul urges Timothy to su er
hardship with him. Then note in 2:14—4:5
the repeated theme of warning to avoid evil
men. Observe the two subjects of endurance
and separation in the title assigned to the
epistle.
6. Compare the outlines shown on the
chart with your own observations of the
epistle’s organization.
XX. PROMINENT SUBJECTS OF 2 TIMOTHY
A. FOUNDATIONS OF CHRISTIAN
SERVICE (1:3-18)
The burden of Paul’s heart was to inspire
and challenge his young successor Timothy
to keep witnessing for Christ. It was no easy
task to tell Timothy that a ictions were
part of the price to pay for being faithful to
his calling in Christ, especially since the
young evangelist was already experiencing
deep trials and shedding tears in travail
(1:4). But Paul had the answers, learned by
experience at the feet of his Master, whom
he rst had met thirty-four years earlier.
The apostle knew that the foundations of the
gospel were impregnable, and that if
Timothy could be reassured about this, he
would not falter.
Read the passage. How does Paul show
the following to be foundations for Christian
service: home training, 1:3-5; God’s work,
1:6-10; divine call to serve, 1:11-14; bond of
fellowship, 1:15-18?
B. CHAPTER OF METAPHORS (2:1-26)
After
reassuring
Timothy
about
foundations of Christian service, Paul writes
about the ministry itself. He is a master in
using metaphors to describe persons, things,
and actions.21 In this chapter he uses a
number of them, such as athlete and farmer,
to describe the Christian servant and to
challenge Timothy to be a good one.
Because Paul writes from prison and sees
soldiers every day, it should not surprise us
that one of the rst metaphors he uses is
that of soldier: “Timothy, be a good soldier
of Christ Jesus” (see 2:3).
Read the chapter, observing each
metaphor and what Paul teaches in each
instance.
C. THE LAST DAYS (3:1-9, 13)
Paul the realist forewarns Timothy about
the di cult times — times of stress —
which were yet to come upon the world.
The apostle identi es the times as “the last
days” (3:1). Sometimes the New Testament
p h r a s e last days refers to the entire
Messianic age, including the rst century
(cf. Acts 2:16-17; 1 John 2:18). Homer Kent
writes, “Within this period of the last days,
which has already extended more than
nineteen centuries, there will set in shorter
seasons. … These will occur from time to
time (even during Timothy’s lifetime), but
conditions will become
progressively
worse.”22 When you study this passage
observe not only the description of the times
but also the strategy for triumph that Paul
shares with his readers, to inspire to greater
heights of endurance.
