Day 1: Orientation and Expectations
Read Acts 16:1-5; Acts 20:17-38; skim 2 Timothy.
Memory verse: 2 Tim 1:7 – God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Context: What do these Acts passages reveal about Paul, Timothy, and Ephesus?
Acts 16 informs us how Paul met Timothy in Lystra. It shows us how Timothy came from mixed parentage but had a good reputation among the folks in Lystra, so Paul picked him to be a part of the crew. To do that, Paul essentially made Timothy acceptable to Jews by circumcising him – a very interesting act. Timothy becomes part of Paul’s crew, which informs the saints about the Jerusalem council’s decision regarding what Gentiles should and shouldn’t do. Ironically, this decision states that Gentiles do not have to become Jews.
The section in Acts 20 outlines an important final message Paul gave to the elders in Ephesus. This highlights what Paul did for the Ephesian church, emphasising the importance of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth being taught. It was stressed because Paul knew that the church would be susceptible to false teaching, so it was important that Paul left the elders without any shadow of doubt as to what mattered in their duties to the church. This same stress can be seen in how Paul instructs Timothy in the first letter. It also underpins key factors Paul will go over with Timothy in the second letter.
Content: While skimming 2 Timothy, list words or ideas that repeat.
Trust/Entrust, suffering, gospel, worker, truth, continue, salvation, false vs true, the times are only getting worse, so be prepared to help God’s people to do better, God to the rescue, and proclaiming the message boldly.
Concept: Which big themes emerge (e.g., suffering, guarding the gospel, Scripture’s sufficiency)?
Importance of the gospel. Centrality of the truth of Jesus Christ. Being diligent and faithful in God’s calling in the light of opposition.
Conclusions: What do you hope God will teach or change in you during this study?
During this study, I hope God will teach me more about what it means to be a man of God. I’m hoping God will guide and shape me in ways that align more closely with who He’s called me to be and what He’s called me to do. I trust that God will help me to value His Word, the gospel, and the centrality of the Kingdom in all of life. I also hope that whatever I take on will equip me to help others in these same pressing areas. I want to be more like Jesus because of this study, and I want to see that experience evidenced with others who go through this study.
2 Timothy – Day 2: Introduction and The Spirit Timothy Has
Read 2 Timothy 1:1-7
Memory verse: 2 Tim 1:7.
Context: How does Paul introduce himself and Timothy?
Content: What specific memories of Timothy does Paul name?
Concept: Define “a spirit … of power, love and self-control.”
Conclusions: Where do fear or timidity restrict your witness?
We can be all God calls us to be as we get the Word In to get the Word Out!
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
Life With CD 