Introduction
Written by Paul, to his “dear son Timothy”, from a Roman prison to encourage him to carry on the work which Paul saw was coming to an end for himself in the near future.
2 Timothy, Chapter 1
This second letter to Timothy is thought to have been written during Paul’s second imprisonment in Rome. In this letter, rather than encouraging Timothy to remain in Ephesus as he did previously, he asks Timothy to come to him as soon as possible. Paul believes his life is nearing its end and 2 Timothy is, in fact, thought to be the last writing of Paul.
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each set of questions.
1. Also read Act 28:16-31.
a. Why was Paul imprisoned in Rome (Acts 28:17-19)?
b. What were the conditions he lived under (Acts 28:30-31)?
2. How did Paul’s imprisonment affect his efforts and effectiveness in his ministry?
Review 2 Timothy 1:1-4
3. From verse 1, what was Paul’s calling?
4. Read Acts 23:1, 24:16, and 1 Corinthians 4:4. What is Paul emphasizing about himself in these verses?
5. Read Psalm 38:4, 1 John 3:21-22, and Romans 14:23. A clear conscience means we are free from guilt.
a. What can cause guilt in the life of a believer?
b. What role does a clear conscience play in our lives as believers and why is it important?
6. List the things Paul says he is doing in 2 Timothy 1:3-4?
7. What do these tell you about the relationship between Paul and Timothy?
Review 2 Timothy 1:5-11
8. What did Paul recall about Timothy in verse 5?
9. What did Paul encourage Timothy to do?
10. In 1 Timothy 4:14 Paul had also reminded Timothy to use his spiritual gift. In today’s passage, as translated in many versions, he calls on Timothy to “fan into flames the spiritual gift…” What do you understand Paul to be saying and how does this apply to your life?
11. In verse 8, Paul tells Timothy to never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. Read 1 Peter 3:15-17. Discuss how we can/should balance this boldness in sharing our faith with gentleness and respect.
12. Review verses 9-11. Also read Ephesians 1:4-12. What was God’s plan from the beginning and how does this plan apply to us?
Review 2 Timothy 1:12-14
13. Where was Paul as he wrote to Timothy?
14. Why was Paul not ashamed of being in prison?
15. What was he encouraging Timothy to do? What was Timothy to depend on for the power and ability to do this?
16. Read John 14:15-17; John 16:6; and Galatians 5:16. Do we have this same help mentioned to Timothy to live our lives as we should, and how can we access and take advantage of it?
Review 2 Timothy 1:15-16
17. Paul tells Timothy that he was disserted by the church leaders when he was taken to prison. Read Mathew 26:31 and 26:56. Who else was disserted by his followers?
18. Why might people fall away in the circumstances described?
19. In what ways do people abandon or turn their backs on Jesus today? Describe how this might be true of both believers and unbelievers.
2 Timothy, Chapter 2
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each set of questions.
Review 2 Timothy 2:1-7
1. In verses 1-2, Paul gives a pattern for the spread of the gospel. Describe this pattern.
2. Give some examples of how this happens today. State in what ways you think this is effective and where it is less effective.
3. What are the three metaphors Paul gives in verses 4-6?
a. b. c.
4. Put into your own words what Paul is trying to communicate through the use of the metaphors you listed above. Also read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and 1 Corinthians 9:7-10.
Review 2 Timothy 2:8-13
5. Read Romans 1:16 and 10:9-17. What does Paul say about the Good News/gospel he is preaching?
6. Why is it significant that Jesus was a descendant of King David? Read Isaiah 9:6-7.
7. From Scripture we understand that suffering and endurance are to be part of our experience (2 Timothy 2:3). Read 2 Corinthians 11:23-27; Romans 8:17 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-7.
a. What are some of the ways Paul suffered for Christ?
b. What are some of the ways believers suffer today?
c. What is God’s promise in times of suffering?
8. What is the difference between suffering for Christ’s sake and general suffering in life?
See 1 Peter 4:12-16.
Review 2 Timothy 2:14-19
9. What are some of the arguments that Paul says are false, useless and destructive? Also read 1 Timothy 1:3-4, 4:3 and Titus 3:9.
10. What are similar false teachings today?
11. What does Paul say caused people to engage in false teaching (verse 18)?
12. What is the remedy to keep us from being swayed by false teaching?
Review 2 Timothy 2:20-22
Paul’s metaphor of the great or wealthy household continues his thought about the foundation of God’s truth and the true members of the church.
13. What do you see as the meaning of Paul’s metaphor of the utensils? Think about what the different uses would be for the gold and silver versus the wood and clay. Read also 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.
14. What actions on our part are needed to be sure that we are honorable utensils?
15. What is the goal of an honorable utensil (member of God’s household) (see verse 21)?
16. (For personal reflection) What are some of the things in your life that you need to flee from in order to be pure?
Review 2 Timothy 2:23-26
Paul returns to his advice about foolish arguments.
17. What is a believer to do rather than get involved in foolish arguments?
18. What are some ways it is possible to defend the truth yet not quarrel or argue?
19. Sometimes we are reluctant to share the truth because we feel inadequately prepared. What does Paul say in verse 25 will cause change in people’s hearts and how should that impact our sharing?
20. Prior to God’s work of salvation in a person, what is their condition or circumstances?
2 Timothy, Chapter 3
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each set of questions.
Review 2 Timothy 3:1-2
Paul reminds Timothy of what to expect in the last days.
1. From 2 Timothy 3:1-2; Isaiah 2:1-4; Acts 2:17-21; and 1 John 2:18:
a. What would you say the “last days” refer to?
b. What can we expect in the last days?
2. According to Mathew 24:6-7 and Luke 21:11 what other signs will we expect to see happening?
3. According to Mark 13:32, who can know the exact time of the Lord’s return?
Review 2 Timothy 3:2-5
Here Paul focuses on those opposing the church.
4. What did Paul say that people would be like in the last days before Christ’s return?
5. Pick several of these that you see in the world today and explain how you see them impacting the church today.
6. Do you think we will see any of these characteristics in people in the church? Explain why or why not.
7. What is to be our response to these kinds of people? Also read 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15.
Discuss if there are to be differences in our response for those in the church versus out of the church.
Review 2 Timothy 3:6-9
8. Write in your own words what Paul is saying about women in verses 6 and 7.
9. Do you see women today having similar vulnerabilities? Explain why or why not. Discuss how this applies to men.
10. What does Paul say about what those who are teaching these vulnerable people? (verse 8)
11. What encouragement do you see in verse 9?
Review 2 Timothy 3:10-13
12. How are Paul’s teachings and purpose reflected in the way he lives?
13. What does Paul say will happen to everyone who wants to live a godly life? (verse 12) Read also John 15:20.
14. Can you think of any popular teachings today that conflict with this teaching? Explain.
15. What can be expected for the evil people and imposters?
Review 2 Timothy 3:14-17
16. What does Paul tell Timothy to do to stand strong in opposition to the false teachers?
17. What was the source of the things Timothy was taught?
18. From today’s reading and Hebrews 4:12, what should Scripture be doing in our lives?
19. What are some of the benefits you have seen in your own life from studying Scripture?
20. From verse 17, what is the end result of how God uses Scripture in us?
21. Reflect on God’s equipping in your own life. How have you seen God’s equipping and preparation play out?
2 Timothy, Chapter 4
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each set of questions.
Review 2 Timothy 4:1
1. What does Paul remind Timothy about Jesus Christ?
2. According to the following verses, what will accompany Christ’s setting up His Kingdom?
Acts 10:42
1 Corinthians 3:13-14
1 Corinthians 4:5
Romans 14:10-12
2 Timothy 4:8; 4:18
2 Timothy 4:2-5
3. What did Paul instruct Timothy to do as he waits for Christ’s return?
4. How did Paul describe the time that he saw coming in the future?
5. Describe which of these you see happening today?
6. Explain how this passage applies to you today.
Review 2 Timothy 4:6-8
7. Read also Leviticus 23:12-13 and Philippians 2:17.
a. What does Paul mean by the metaphor of his life “poured out like a drink offering”?
b. Paul believes his life will be over soon. As he reflects on it, what are his conclusions?
c. What is the prize he will receive? Who will also receive this prize? Read James 1:12 and 1 Peter 5:4.
8. As you reflect on your own life, what do you look forward to at Christ’s return? Will you be able to say with Paul, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race”?
Review 2 Timothy 4:9-15
9. What does Paul ask Timothy to do in verses 9-13?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
10. What do you think these final instructions tell us about Paul and the way he lived his life?
11. What does Paul tell Timothy in regard to Alexander the copper-smith/metalworker?
Review 2 Timothy 4:16-22
12. As Paul recounted those who abandoned him in his time of need, what does he pray for?
13. What were other occasions where this same thing was prayed? Read Luke 23:34 and Acts 7:59-60.
14. What example does this give us in our own lives?
15. What gave Paul strength in this time of suffering and desertion by his companions?
16. Read and meditate on Psalm 91. How have you seen these verses to be true in your life?
17. What are the main lessons you learned from the study of 2 Timothy? How will these impact the way you live your life?