Last Days: 2 Timothy

A person's LAST DAYS can tell us a lot about them. Through Paul's second letter to his spiritual son Timothy, God encourages us to see what is possible, expected, and hopeful in His church in these LAST DAYS. He challenges us to help others get ready for their LAST DAYS as we prepare for our LAST DAYS. #2timothy #2019

Starter

What is something that you tend to GUARD?

Pray

Lord we pray that you would teach us what we need to GUARD in our relationship with You and others. Help us to to get ready in these last days for our last days.

Study Questions for "Guard"

Paul has been in prison for 4 years. Timothy has been serving as the pastor in Ephesus during that time. Paul knows that he is coming to the end of his life most likely by execution. He has written a lot of letters but probably none more endearing than this second letter to his spiritual son Timothy. Timothy had been Paul's ministry partner traveling with him for more than a decade. This final letter is to encourage Timothy as he will be taking over in these last days.

READ Hebrews 1:1-3

1. Discuss what this passage means that we are in the last days.

READ 1 Timothy 1:1-3, 6:20-21

1. These passages are the beginning and end of Paul's first letter to Timothy. According to these passages what was God trying to communicate through Paul's first letter to Timothy?.. to us?

READ 2 Timothy 1:1-5

1. In Paul's opening statement He packs a lot or relational terminology. God=Yahweh of the Old Testament, Christ = Messiah, and Jesus = Yahweh who saves. How might the understanding of these names encourage Timothy and the readers of the letter?
1. How do you think the rest of this relational opening statement from Paul might encourage the faith of Timothy? Us? Explain.

READ 2 Timothy 1:6-8

1. What is evidence that we are walking in the power of the Holy Spirit?
1. We hear people speak and act sincere. What do you think made Paul believe that Timothy had a sincere faith?

READ 2 Timothy 1:9-14

1. Verses 8, 12, and 2:3 make a case for not being ashamed of our testimony about the Lord and sharing in suffering for the Gospel. How are these two concepts connected?