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Overview Of 2nd Timothy

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Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles

This epistle is the conclusion of Paul’s last message to his most faithful co-worker, Timothy, and all other faithful servants of Christ to (1) preach the word (2 Timothy 4:2) and (2) keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). This letter is an encouragement to all Christians to be (1) vessels suitable for the master’s use and (2) prepared for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21). We are also admonished to (1) fight the good fight; (2) finish the course; and (3) keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).

With these thoughts in mind, the following overview of 2nd Timothy is presented:

Chapter 1

  • We need to continually remember our brethren in our prayers (2 Timothy 1:3; cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
  • We need to use our God-given abilities knowing that He has “not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:6-7).
  • We should never be “ashamed of the gospel of Christ” (2 Timothy 1:8; cf. Romans 1:16).
  • We should “hold fast” (steadfast adherence to) the pattern of the sound words of Christ (2 Timothy 1:13).

Chapter 2

  • Commit the gospel of Christ to “faithful men” who will be able to teach others the exact same gospel (2 Timothy 2:2).
  • As Christians, we must not entangle ourselves with the affairs of this life so we can be faithful soldiers of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3-4; cf. Romans 12:1-2).
  • If we are willing to “suffer” for Christ, we will “reign” with Christ (2 Timothy 2:12; cf. 2 Timothy 3:12).
  • We are to “study” (give diligence to – ASV) to show ourselves approved unto God not unto man (2 Timothy 2:15-17 – ASV).
  • The Lord “knows” them that are His (2 Timothy 2:19; cf. John 10:14).
  • Christians are instructed to “depart” or flee from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19).
  • We need to purge ourselves from all evil influences so that we can be “fitted” and “prepared” for the master’s use (2 Timothy 2:20-21).
  • We should “flee also youthful lusts” and follow righteousness, faith, love, and peace with them that “call on the Lord” (2 Timothy 2:22; cf. Psalm 145:18; Acts 2:21; Acts 22:16).
  • We need to avoid “foolish and unlearned questions” (2 Timothy 2:23).
  • We are instructed to be gentle, ready to teach, and forbearing to all men (2 Timothy 2:24).
  • We must “instruct” those that oppose themselves with the hope that they will come to acknowledge the truth, repent, and thus escape the devil’s hold on them (2 Timothy 2:25-26).

Chapter 3

  • Perilous times shall come “in the last days” (2 Timothy 3:1).
  • We are to “turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5) or (withdraw ourselves) from the people described in 2 Timothy 3:2-4; cf. 1 Timothy 6:5).
  • All Christians “shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
  • We are instructed to “continue” in the things we have learned from the inspired apostles (2 Timothy 3:14; cf. 2 Timothy 1:13).
  • We as Christians are made spiritually mature and “thoroughly furnished unto all good works” through the inspired word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Chapter 4

  • We are to “Preach the word” in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2).
  • We are to fight a good fight, finish our course, and keep the faith in order to attain “a crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7-8; cf. Matthew 24:13; Revelation 2:10).
  • God will deliver us “from every evil work” (rescue from every evil attack) and will preserve us (bring us safely to) unto His heavenly kingdom only if we are faithful and obedient to Him (2 Timothy 4:18; cf. Psalm 121:7; Romans 6:17; Revelation 2:10).

Paul’s last solemn charge to Timothy was to:

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2 – KJV).

How the church today needs preachers who will truly “heed” this message! The word of God is the only message that Christ has authorized us to preach (Gal. 1:6-12). Only the inspired Scriptures can save us and make us perfect or complete (Romans 1:16 – NKJV; 1 Corinthians 1:18 – NKJV; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – NKJV).

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