2 Timothy

Part One: Introduction to 2 Timothy

Paul's Last Letter

2 Timothy is the last letter Paul wrote, his final testament to his beloved son in the faith. "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dearly beloved son" (1:1-2). He wrote from a Roman prison, chained as a criminal (1:8, 16; 2:9), knowing that his execution was near: "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand" (4:6).

The Setting

After his release from his first Roman imprisonment (around AD 62), Paul travelled to Ephesus, Macedonia, Crete, Nicopolis, Troas, Corinth and Miletus (1 Timothy 1:3; Titus 1:5; 3:12; 2 Timothy 4:13, 20). He was then arrested again, perhaps during the persecution that followed the great fire of Rome in AD 64, when the emperor Nero blamed the Christians. This imprisonment was far harsher than the first. He was no longer in a rented house receiving visitors (Acts 28:30), but chained in a prison, hard to find (1:17). Early Christian tradition holds that he was beheaded (as a Roman citizen, he could not be crucified) on the road to Ostia outside Rome, around AD 67-68.

Paul felt keenly alone. "All they which are in Asia be turned away from me" (1:15). "Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world" (4:10). "At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me" (4:16). "Only Luke is with me" (4:11). Winter was coming, and he asked Timothy to bring his cloak, his books and the parchments, and to come quickly (4:13, 21).

Purpose and Theme

Paul wrote to urge Timothy to come to him before winter (4:9, 21), and to charge him to remain faithful: to guard the gospel, to suffer hardship for it, to pass it on to faithful men, to resist the rising tide of apostasy, to rely on the inspired Scriptures, and to preach the Word. The theme is faithfulness to Christ and His Word in the face of suffering and apostasy.

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.

2 Timothy 2:2

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

2 Timothy 3:16

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith

2 Timothy 4:7

The Faithful and the Unfaithful

2 Timothy names many people, showing the faithfulness and failures of believers in Paul's final days:

Outline of 2 Timothy

Part Two: Chapter-by-Chapter Analysis

Section I: Guard the Gospel (Chapter 1)

Chapter 1:1-5 — Thanksgiving for Timothy

Paul served God "with pure conscience" as his forefathers had, and constantly remembered Timothy in prayer "night and day" (1:3). "Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy" (1:4): Timothy had evidently wept at their last parting.

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

2 Timothy 1:5

Timothy's genuine faith had been passed down through godly women of two generations. Although his father was a Greek (Acts 16:1), his mother and grandmother had taught him the Scriptures from childhood (3:15). Faith cannot be inherited, but a godly home is one of God's chief means of producing it.

Chapter 1:6-12 — Stir Up the Gift; Don't Be Ashamed

"Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands" (1:6). Like fanning a fire into full flame, Timothy needed to rekindle his ministry gift, perhaps dampened by discouragement and fear.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

Timidity does not come from God. His Spirit gives power to serve, love for others, and a disciplined, self-controlled mind.

"Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God" (1:8). To be associated with a condemned prisoner and a despised message was dangerous, but Timothy must share in suffering, by God's power. Then Paul summarises the gospel:

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel

2 Timothy 1:9-10

Salvation is entirely God's doing: not by our works, but according to His purpose and grace, planned in eternity and revealed in history through Christ's first coming. Christ "abolished death," breaking its power over believers, and brought life and immortality into full light through the gospel. Paul faced execution, but death had lost its sting.

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

2 Timothy 1:12

Paul did not say, "I know what I have believed," but "whom." His confidence rested in a Person. He had entrusted himself, his life and soul, to Christ, and was fully persuaded that Christ was able to keep it safe until the day of His return.

Chapter 1:13-18 — Hold Fast and Keep

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

2 Timothy 1:13-14

"Form" means a pattern or model: Timothy must keep to the pattern of healthy teaching Paul had given him, holding it with faith and love. As Paul had committed himself to Christ's keeping (1:12), so God had committed the gospel to Timothy's keeping, and he must guard it, not in his own strength, but by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Paul then contrasted the unfaithful with the faithful. "All they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes" (1:15): perhaps they abandoned Paul out of fear, unwilling to be associated with him. But Onesiphorus "oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me" (1:16-17). In a city of a million people, searching the prisons for a condemned Christian was dangerous, but he persisted. Paul prayed for mercy on him and his household (1:18).

Section II: Pass On the Gospel and Endure (Chapter 2)

Chapter 2:1-2 — Commit to Faithful Men

"Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2:1).

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.

2 Timothy 2:2

Here are four generations of teaching: Paul to Timothy, Timothy to faithful men, and they to others also. The gospel and sound doctrine must be passed from one generation to the next through faithful, capable teachers. This is the principle of discipleship and of training ministers.

Chapter 2:3-13 — Pictures of the Faithful Servant

Paul uses three pictures of dedication:

• The soldier (2:3-4): "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 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." A soldier on duty endures hardship, avoids distractions and seeks to please his commanding officer.
• The athlete (2:5): "And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." The athlete must compete by the rules to win the prize; the servant of Christ must serve in God's way.
• The farmer (2:6): "The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits." The hard-working farmer is the first to enjoy the harvest; diligent labour brings reward.

"Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things" (2:7).

"Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel" (2:8). In discouragement, remember the risen Christ, the Son of David, the heart of the gospel. Paul suffered as an evildoer, "even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound" (2:9). Chains could hold Paul, but not the Word. He endured everything "for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2:10). Then another faithful saying:

It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

2 Timothy 2:11-13

Those who have died with Christ will live with Him; those who endure will reign with Him. Those who deny Him, in final, persistent rejection, will be denied by Him (Matthew 10:33); such denial shows that a profession was never genuine (1 John 2:19). But "if we believe not" (if we are faithless, weak and failing), "yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself." Christ remains true to His character and promises even when His people falter, as with Peter.

Chapter 2:14-19 — A Workman Approved

Timothy must remind the believers not to quarrel about words, which is useless and ruins the hearers (2:14).

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

"Study" means "be diligent," "make every effort." The goal is God's approval, not man's. The minister is a workman whose work will be inspected. "Rightly dividing" literally means "cutting straight," like a builder cutting a stone accurately or a farmer ploughing a straight furrow. The Word of truth must be handled accurately: interpreted correctly in context, applied rightly, and taught without distortion. (Many Baptist teachers also apply this to recognising the distinctions in God's dealings with people in different periods of Scripture.)

"But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker" (2:16-17): false teaching spreads like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus taught "that the resurrection is past already," destroying the faith of some (2:17-18). Yet the church stands firm:

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.

2 Timothy 2:19

God's foundation, His true church, cannot be shaken. It bears a seal with two inscriptions, drawn from the rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16:5, 26). On God's side: "The Lord knoweth them that are his": He knows His own, and none can be lost. On man's side: "Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity": those who truly belong to Him prove it by turning from sin. Divine security and human responsibility stand together.

Chapter 2:20-26 — A Vessel of Honour and the Lord's Servant

"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 honour, and some to dishonour" (2:20). In a large household there are fine vessels for honourable use and common ones for menial use.

If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

2 Timothy 2:21

A believer who separates himself from false teaching and sin becomes a vessel the Master can use for honourable purposes, set apart, useful and ready. "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2:22). "Youthful lusts" include not only sexual desires but impatience, pride, love of argument and novelty. "But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes" (2:23).

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

2 Timothy 2:24-26

The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome, but kind, able to teach, patient, and gentle in correcting opponents. The goal is not to win an argument but to win the person, hoping that God will grant repentance, so that they escape the devil's trap.

Section III: Continue in the Gospel (Chapter 3)

Chapter 3:1-9 — Perilous Times

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

"The last days" began with Christ's first coming (Hebrews 1:2) and will intensify toward His return. Paul lists nineteen marks of the age. The list begins with "lovers of their own selves" and ends with "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God": love of self and pleasure displaces love for God, and every other sin follows. Strikingly, these people are religious: "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." They keep the outward appearance of religion but reject the life-changing power of the gospel. "From such turn away."

Such people "creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts" (3:6), exploiting the spiritually weak. They are "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (3:7). "Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth" (3:8). Jannes and Jambres are the names Jewish tradition gave to Pharaoh's magicians, who imitated Moses' miracles (Exodus 7:11, 22). False teachers often counterfeit the truth. But "their folly shall be manifest unto all men" (3:9).

Chapter 3:10-13 — Paul's Example and the Certainty of Persecution

In contrast, Timothy had closely followed Paul's "doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra" (3:10-11), the very places in Timothy's home region where Paul had been driven out and stoned (Acts 13-14). "But out of them all the Lord delivered me."

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

2 Timothy 3:12-13

Persecution is not exceptional but normal for those who are determined to live godly lives. And deceivers will grow worse, deceiving others and themselves.

Chapter 3:14-17 — The Sufficiency of Scripture

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:14-15

The answer to apostasy is to continue in the truth already learned from trustworthy teachers, and above all in the Holy Scriptures, which Timothy had known since early childhood. The Scriptures make a person wise unto salvation, by leading him to faith in Christ.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

This is the foundational statement on the nature of Scripture:

• "All scripture": every part, not merely some portions; the Old Testament, and by extension the New Testament writings, which Peter already ranked with "the other scriptures" (2 Peter 3:15-16; compare 1 Timothy 5:18).
• "Given by inspiration of God": one Greek word, theopneustos, "God-breathed." Scripture is the product of God's own breath, His very words, written through human authors as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:21). Because it comes from God, it is true and without error.
• "Profitable": it is useful for four things:

• "That the man of God may be perfect": complete, fully equipped.
• "Throughly furnished unto all good works": Scripture is sufficient. The believer needs no other revelation, tradition or authority to be fully equipped for everything God calls him to do.

Section IV: Preach the Gospel (Chapter 4)

Chapter 4:1-5 — The Solemn Charge

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

2 Timothy 4:1-2

Paul gave his final charge in the presence of God and Christ, the coming Judge of the living and the dead. The command: "Preach the word." Not opinions, philosophies or entertainment, but the inspired Scripture just described. "Be instant" means be ready, urgent, whether the time seems convenient or not. The preacher must reprove (convict), rebuke (warn) and exhort (encourage), with patience and sound teaching.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

2 Timothy 4:3-4

The urgency is that a time is coming, and has often come, when people will reject healthy teaching. Wanting their ears tickled, they will gather teachers who say what they want to hear, turning from truth to myths. The answer is not to give people what they want, but to preach the Word faithfully.

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

2 Timothy 4:5

Timothy must stay alert, endure hardship, evangelise the lost, and fully carry out his ministry.

Chapter 4:6-8 — Paul's Farewell

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

"Offered" means poured out as a drink offering (Philippians 2:17): Paul's life was already being poured out on God's altar. "Departure" was used for a ship loosing its moorings or a soldier striking camp: death meant setting sail for home. Looking back, Paul could say:

• "I have fought a good fight": like an athlete or soldier, he had contended faithfully.
• "I have finished my course": like a runner, he had completed the race God set for him (Acts 20:24).
• "I have kept the faith": like a steward, he had guarded the truth entrusted to him.

Looking forward, he saw "a crown of righteousness," awarded by the righteous Judge, not only to Paul but to everyone who loves Christ's appearing.

Chapter 4:9-22 — Final Requests and Greetings

"Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world" (4:9-10). Demas, once a fellow labourer (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24), had abandoned Paul for love of the world. Crescens had gone to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia (4:10).

Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

2 Timothy 4:11

Luke, the faithful physician, remained. Mark, the young man Paul had once refused to take with him because he had deserted the mission (Acts 15:37-39), was now "profitable... for the ministry." Failure need not be final.

"The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments" (4:13). Facing a cold dungeon and death, Paul wanted his cloak for warmth, and his books and parchments (perhaps copies of the Scriptures) to keep studying to the end.

"Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also" (4:14-15). Paul left vengeance to the Lord.

At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

2 Timothy 4:16-17

At his preliminary hearing, every human friend abandoned him; like Christ (Luke 23:34) and Stephen (Acts 7:60), Paul prayed for their forgiveness. But the Lord stood by him and strengthened him, so that he proclaimed the gospel even before the Roman court, and he was rescued for the time being "out of the mouth of the lion" (Psalm 22:21).

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Timothy 4:18

Paul knew he would soon die, but he was confident that the Lord would keep him from every evil and bring him safely into His heavenly kingdom. Death would be his final deliverance.

Paul greeted Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus (4:19). "Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick" (4:20). (Paul did not, or could not, heal his co-worker; the apostolic sign gifts were not used for personal convenience, and seem to have been diminishing.) "Do thy diligence to come before winter" (4:21): sailing ceased in winter, and if Timothy delayed, it might be too late. Greetings from Eubulus, Pudens, Linus (traditionally a leader of the Roman church), Claudia and all the brethren (4:21). Paul's last recorded words:

The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

2 Timothy 4:22

Part Three: Christ in 2 Timothy

Portraits of Christ

Pictures of the Christian Servant

The Crowns of Reward

Part Four: Prophecies Fulfilled and Future

Part Five: Key Passages in Depth

2 Timothy 1:7 — Power, Love and a Sound Mind

Fear and timidity do not come from God. His Spirit gives believers power for service, love for others, and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:9-12 — Saved by Grace; Kept by Christ

Salvation is God's work, by His purpose and grace from eternity, revealed through Christ who abolished death. Believers can say with Paul, "I know whom I have believed," and trust Him to keep what they have committed to Him.

2 Timothy 2:2 — Faithful Men

The truth must be passed on from generation to generation through faithful, capable teachers. Every believer should be both learning from someone and teaching someone.

2 Timothy 2:3-6 — Soldier, Athlete, Farmer

The Christian life requires endurance, single-minded devotion, discipline according to God's rules, and diligent labour.

2 Timothy 2:15 — Rightly Dividing the Word

Diligently seek God's approval by handling His Word accurately and faithfully.

2 Timothy 2:19-22 — God's Sure Foundation

God knows His own, and His own depart from iniquity. Those who cleanse themselves from sin and error become vessels fit for the Master's use.

2 Timothy 2:24-26 — The Gentle Servant

The Lord's servant must patiently and gently instruct opponents, hoping God will grant them repentance and freedom from the devil's snare.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 — The Last Days

In the last days people will love themselves, money and pleasure more than God, and keep an outward form of religion while denying its power.

2 Timothy 3:12 — Persecution

All who determine to live godly lives in Christ will be persecuted.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 — The Inspired, Sufficient Scriptures

All Scripture is God-breathed, profitable for teaching, rebuke, correction and training in righteousness, making the man of God complete and fully equipped. It also makes people wise unto salvation through faith in Christ.

2 Timothy 4:1-5 — Preach the Word

The preacher's task is to proclaim God's Word, in season and out of season, especially when people prefer teachers who tickle their ears.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 — Finishing Well

Paul faced death with the testimony of a finished race, a fought fight and a kept faith, and the certainty of a crown laid up for him and for all who love Christ's appearing.

2 Timothy 4:16-18 — The Lord Stood with Me

When every human friend fails, the Lord stands by His servants, strengthens them, and will bring them safely into His heavenly kingdom.

Part Six: The Major Teachings of 2 Timothy

1. The Gift and Calling of the Minister

God gives gifts that must be stirred up and used (1:6).

2. Salvation by Grace

Not by works, but by God's eternal purpose and grace in Christ (1:9).

3. The Abolition of Death

Christ has destroyed death's power and revealed life and immortality (1:10).

4. Assurance

Christ is able to keep what believers commit to Him (1:12).

5. Guarding the Truth

The pattern of sound words must be held fast and guarded by the Spirit (1:13-14).

6. Discipleship and Teaching

Truth must be passed on to faithful men (2:2).

7. Endurance in Suffering

Believers must endure hardship like good soldiers; the godly will be persecuted (2:3; 3:12).

8. Faithful Handling of Scripture

Diligent, accurate interpretation and teaching (2:15).

9. The Security of God's People

The Lord knows them that are His; He remains faithful (2:13, 19).

10. Personal Holiness

Flee youthful lusts and depart from iniquity (2:19-22).

11. Apostasy in the Last Days

Increasing self-love, pleasure-seeking and empty religion (3:1-9; 4:3-4).

12. The Inspiration and Sufficiency of Scripture

All Scripture is God-breathed and fully equips the man of God (3:16-17).

13. The Priority of Preaching

Preach the Word in season and out of season (4:2).

14. The Second Coming and Rewards

Christ will judge at His appearing and reward the faithful with crowns (4:1, 8).

Part Seven: Connections — How 2 Timothy Links to the Rest of the Bible

2 Timothy and the Old Testament

2 Timothy and the New Testament

Themes That Run from 2 Timothy Through Scripture

Part Eight: Practical Lessons

• Pray for others night and day (1:3).
• Pass on genuine faith in your home (1:5).
• Stir up the gift God has given you (1:6).
• Reject the spirit of fear (1:7).
• Don't be ashamed of the gospel or of Christ's suffering servants (1:8).
• Know whom you have believed, and trust Him to keep you (1:12).
• Hold fast the pattern of sound words (1:13).
• Be an Onesiphorus: seek out and refresh those who suffer (1:16-17).
• Be strong in grace (2:1).
• Teach faithful people who will teach others (2:2).
• Endure hardness as a good soldier (2:3).
• Don't get entangled with this life's affairs (2:4).
• Serve by God's rules (2:5).
• Work hard, and you will share the harvest (2:6).
• Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead (2:8).
• Study the Word diligently and handle it accurately (2:15).
• Shun empty, ungodly talk (2:16).
• Rest in the truth that the Lord knows His own (2:19).
• Depart from iniquity (2:19).
• Keep yourself clean and ready for the Master's use (2:21).
• Flee youthful lusts (2:22).
• Be gentle and patient with opponents (2:24-25).
• Recognise the marks of the last days (3:1-5).
• Turn away from those with a form of godliness but no power (3:5).
• Expect persecution for living godly (3:12).
• Continue in what you have learned from Scripture (3:14).
• Teach children the Scriptures from infancy (3:15).
• Trust the Bible as God-breathed and sufficient (3:16-17).
• Preach the Word, in season and out of season (4:2).
• Don't seek teachers who tickle your ears (4:3).
• Do the work of an evangelist (4:5).
• Aim to finish well (4:7).
• Love His appearing (4:8).
• Don't love this present world like Demas (4:10).
• Give failures a second chance, as Paul did with Mark (4:11).
• Keep reading and studying to the end (4:13).
• Trust the Lord to stand with you when others forsake you (4:16-17).

Part Nine: Key Verses to Memorize

Conclusion

2 Timothy is Paul's farewell. Chained in a Roman prison, abandoned by many, awaiting execution, the aged apostle wrote to his beloved son in the faith with urgency and tenderness. He urged Timothy to stir up his gift, to reject fear, and to share in suffering for the gospel, because God saved us by His own purpose and grace, and Christ has abolished death. Paul's confidence was personal: "I know whom I have believed." He charged Timothy to guard the truth and to commit it to faithful men who would teach others, to endure as a good soldier, compete lawfully as an athlete, and labour as a farmer, to handle the Word of truth accurately, to keep himself a clean vessel for the Master's use, and to correct opponents gently. He warned of perilous last days, when people would love themselves and pleasure more than God and keep a form of godliness without its power, and he pointed Timothy to the unchanging anchor: the God-breathed Scriptures, able to make him wise unto salvation and fully equipped for every good work. Then came the final charge: "Preach the word." And with death before him, Paul wrote words that have inspired believers ever since: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Though all men forsook him, the Lord stood with him, and Paul was certain that the Lord would preserve him unto His heavenly kingdom.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8