2 TIMOTHY 2:1 - 22

THOU therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3. Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 6. The husbandman that laboreth must be first partaker of the fruits. 7. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. 8. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9. Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evildoer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 10. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13. If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

ADVICE ON PERSONAL CONDUCT AND RELATIONSHIPS

14. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting to the hearers. 15. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17. And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus; 18. Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and over throw the faith of some. 19. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. 21. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. 22. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid knowing that they do gender strifes. 24. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25. In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26. And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. KJV

-------WHAT THE VERSES MEAN-----

2: 1-7 -- Paul warns Timothy of the difficulties of the ministry and urges him to be strong, in contrast to those who defected. Faithful men were to be selected and trained to be leaders and teachers. Thus, personal discipleship was to be a vital part of Timothy’s leadership. Endure hardness, suffer affliction: Paul illustrates this truth by a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer, all of whom suffer privation in order to be rewarded. Strive lawfully means to play according to the rules. 2:8-10 -- Paul cites two examples of endurance: the supreme example of One who endured such hardship -- Jesus Christ -- and the human example of one who endured such hardship --Paul himself. 2:11-13 -- The principles of endurance are enumerated on the basis of the assurance of salvation. 2:14,15 -- The command to put them in remembrance means to remind them of these truths. The command to study means “give diligence and be zealous.” It involves a total effort of mind, emotion, and will. Rightly dividing “cutting straight” the word of truth. The apostle appeals for effort to be made properly interpret the Word of God. 2:16-21 -- Shun profane and vain babblings refers to useless disputes about genealogical histories and hair-splitting debates over the law. Eat as doth a canker “” like gangrene” Useless bickering is a dangerous cancer that destroys the church. Hymeneus is the one who Paul delivered to Satan (1Tim. 1:20, and Philters is unknown apart from this mention. Hymeneus and Philetus were false teachers who denied the literal resurrection of Christ. 2:22 --Youthful lusts are deep-seated desires that are particularly perilous to those who are youthful and inexperienced. Follow “pursue with intensity” righteousness, those things that are consistent with character of God. Faith is belief in God’s Word. Charity is volitional love, given regardless of its recipient’s worthiness. 2:25 -- Repentance “change of mind” refers to the conviction that precedes genuine faith in Christ. The preaching of repentance clearly ought to accompany the proclamation of the gospel (Acts 20:21). KJV

With God’s Love,

Lois J.

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