2 TIMOTHY 4 WITH 1ST and 2ND TIMOTHY OVERVIEW

Paul's letters to Timothy are an excellent opportunity for us to understand the duties of a young pastor and teacher. Along with those duties we see a great message for all of us as representatives of Jesus in the world. Jesus left the disciples with a profound command. "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel".

What is that Gospel? In one simple answer; Tell the story of Jesus.

Today we are going to do an overview of 1st and 2nd Timothy and identify the main emphasis of each chapter. As we go through the chapters a common theme will stand out. Try to spot that theme as we go. Remember: there are 6 chapters in 1st Timothy and 4 chapters in 2nd Timothy. Paul did not write in chapters. He wrote in regard to subject matter. And each subject has a theme.

1 Timothy 1

Verses 3-7 NIV

[3] As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer [4] or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God's work---which is by faith. [5] The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. [6] Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. [7] 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

Ÿ Theme: Be aware of FALSE TEACHING. It promotes controversial speculations.

1 Timothy 2

Verses 1-6 NIV

[1] I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. [5] For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, [6] who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

Ÿ Theme: Through prayer God wants people to witness our love for people and thus shows His desire for all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.

1 Timothy 3

Verses14-16 NIV

[14] Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, [15] if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. [16] Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

Ÿ Theme: Godly conduct. Why? It represents the pillar and foundation of the truth.

1 Timothy 4

Verses 1-3 NIV

[1]The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. [2] Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. [3] They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.

Verse 6 NIV

[6] If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, a you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

Ÿ Theme: Be aware of FALSE TEACHING. Point them out using your knowledge of the truth.

1 Timothy 5

Verse [21]

This chapter covers the matter of RESPECT for others and how to spot those living in sin which is the power of Satan.

[21] I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

Ÿ Theme: Respect with understanding. Call out the sin that tears us away from God and affects the Body of believers negatively.

1 Timothy 6

Verses 2-6 NIV

[2]These are the things you are to teach and insist on. [3] If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, [4] they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions [5] and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. [6] 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Ÿ Theme: Godly teaching

2 Timothy 1

Verses 13-14 NIV

[13] What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. [14] Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Ÿ Theme: Guard the sound teaching with the help of the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 2

Verses 14-17 NIV

[14] Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. [15] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. [16] Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. [17] Their teaching will spread like gangrene.

Ÿ Theme: How to avoid false teachings.

2 Timothy 3

Verses 5-7 NIV

[5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. [6] They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, [7] always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Ÿ Theme: Avoid false teachers and understand who they are.

2 Timothy 4

Verses 1-5 NIV

[1]In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: [2] Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage---with great patience and careful instruction. [3] For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. [4] They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. [5] 5 But you, keep your head in all situations

Ÿ Theme: Give careful instructions to help avoid false teachers.

Chapter 4 is the last of the 10 chapters we have studied. Paul gives some more final instructions to Timothy and then closes with personal remarks.

****************************************

Throughout these two letters to Timothy, Paul gives very sound instruction and that instruction comes with a very definite theme.

Have you been able to identify this theme?

Ask one important question.

How will Timothy know what to teach and where will that knowledge come from?

HINT!!!!! God provides it through His teachings. THE WORD OF GOD.