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Sunday School 2-19-06 2nd Timothy (3:10 - 4:8)

2^nd Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

An open life

Paul started this chapter by revealing the dangerous times which would come upon this world in the “last days.” I firmly believe we are living in those days right now. This dissertation ended with Paul speaking about the false prophets that would come. In our lesson Paul contrasts their ministry with his. He reminds Timothy that he has lived his life in the open for all to see. His struggle with Satan has been open. His faithfulness to God has been available for all to see. Notice what aspects of Paul’s life he has shown to the world.

Doctrine= teachings, precepts, instruction. Paul has not run away from the teachings he has proclaimed. He taught the Word of God and he stood by it through thick and thin. Paul never wavered from the inerrant Holy Word of God.
Manner of life= the life led, way or course of life, conduct. Paul led his life among the world the same way as he appeared when in the Church. I can barely stand two faced people. I have known Christians who speak in Biblical language in the church and filthy curse words when among their unsaved buddies. Be what you are no matter where you are! If you are saved, act like it no matter who you are around. That way the world knows you have something they do not. When you live an unholy lifestyle and do not bridle your tongue in the world; your witness is ruined.
Purpose= My set aim, or resolution. What is our purpose? The answer is to live for Christ in order to win others to Him. When Christ saved us He expects us to influence others. Our purpose is to snatch a few souls out of the eternal flame of Hell. Have you attempted to invite someone to Christ today?
Faith= the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ. There was no doubt who Paul served. He proclaimed Christ as his saviour. He lived His life in service to his Lord. Do your friends know who your saviour is? They should! Proclaim Christ in your daily walk; someone is watching your life. They may be just waiting for you to ask them.
Longsuffering= patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance. Oh, how we could use some more longsuffering in our lives. I know I often get aggravated with people; I have no right to do so. Jesus is longsuffering towards me and my many failings; He expects me to return the favor to those who are of His family.
Charity= brotherly love, affection, good will, love, benevolence. Paul was mistrusted and disliked by some people in the church of God. He never let their feelings deter him from doing right. When the saints in Jerusalem suffered through a famine, it was Paul who gathered up help for them. This is the same bunch of people who did not believe in Paul’s conversion and questioned his ministry to the Gentiles. Paul returned charity and love for scorn.
Patience= in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings. Oh, how Paul did suffer. Let me let him tell you about it! 2^nd Corinthians 11:23-28 “Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.” Have you ever thought about what the early Apostles and Christians suffered and compared their trials with the trivial problems we face today. They were martyred in every wicked way the Devil could envision, but most remained loyal to Christ. Tradition tells of how they amazed the Romans by singing as the lions roared in the Coliseum. They suffered the slings and arrows of persecution. As we sit in our air conditioned churches, we should thank God for the price they paid that we might hear the message of salvation.
Persecutions= to afflict, injure, or distress because of religion. The distinction between persecution and trials are that persecution comes from the unsaved world while trials are brought upon us by the vagaries of life or by the direction of God. The goal of persecution is to cause us to stop following God. God’s goal in allowing us to go through trials is to strengthen us. God is not trying to get us to stop; He is equipping us to go on. Persecution will occur in every Christian life. I think it helps when we realize the person doing the persecuting is under the influence of Satan. Satan hates the Christian. If he is tormenting you; he doesn’t have you!
Affliction= suffering, also the afflictions which Christians must undergo in behalf of the same cause which Christ patiently endured. Afflictions are not necessarily brought on by unsaved people, but are things which we must suffer in order to follow Christ. It could be illness, loneliness, losing some friends, peer pressure, lack of social standing, losing out on a work promotion, or any other such thing which our relationship to Christ would cause us to endure. Please remember this verse: Romans 8:18 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” We have a day coming in which anything we have suffered for Christ will be long forgotten. The glories of heaven will make it “worth every mile.”

From Easton’s Bible Dictionary

Antioch= · In the extreme north of Pisidia; was visited by Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:14). Here they found a synagogue and many proselytes. They met with great success in preaching the gospel, but the Jews stirred up a violent opposition against them, and they were obliged to leave the place. On his return, Paul again visited Antioch for the purpose of confirming the disciples (Acts 14:21). It has been identified with the modern Yalobatch, lying to the east of Ephesus.
Iconium= the capital of ancient Lycaonia. It was first visited by Paul and Barnabas from Antioch-in-Pisidia during the apostle's first missionary journey (Acts 13:50,51). Here they were persecuted by the Jews, and being driven from the city, they fled to Lystra. They afterwards returned to Iconium, and encouraged the church which had been founded there (14:21,22). It was probably again visited by Paul during his third missionary journey along with Silas (18:23). It is the modern Konieh, at the foot of Mount Taurus, about 120 miles inland from the Mediterranean.
Lystra= a town of Lycaonia, in Asia Minor, in a wild district and among a rude population. Here Paul preached the gospel after he had been driven by persecution from Iconium (Acts 14:2-7). Here also he healed a lame man (8), and thus so impressed the ignorant and superstitious people that they took him for Mercury, because he was the "chief speaker," and his companion Barnabas for Jupiter, probably in consequence of his stately, venerable appearance; and were proceeding to offer sacrifices to them (13), when Paul earnestly addressed them and turned their attention to the true source of all blessings. But soon after, through the influence of the Jews from Antioch in Pisidia and Iconium, they stoned Paul and left him for dead (14:19). On recovering, Paul left for Derbe; but soon returned again, through Lystra, encouraging the disciples there to steadfastness. He in all likelihood visited this city again on his third missionary tour (Acts 18:23). Timothy, who was probably born here (2 Timothy 3:10,11), was no doubt one of those who were on this occasion witnesses of Paul's persecution and his courage in Lystra.

3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

Persecution

Paul never promises the believer a life without any hardships. Persecutions and trials will come. What Paul does promise though is God’s grace will be sufficient. The Bible does not tell us we will avoid all the rough spots in life if we come to Christ; it does promise that He will go with us and help us endure. Paul also promises that this pattern of false teachers will grow worse. Today we are up to our eyeteeth with false religions and false prophets. They deny the Holy Scripture and the Lord that bought them. The worse part is the modern church sanctions these charlatans in the name of ecumenism. The scripture tells us to separate from such people and to have no dealings with them. (Titus 3:10)

3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 3:15 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.

No Excuse

Although the world will increase in wickedness and the church will move into apostasy, none of that is an excuse for Christians to fall back on the Lord. We must only continue in the things we have learned, knowing who we have learned them from. We must stay true to the Bible even if society seems to dismiss God’s word as myths and fables. It is this Holy Word of God which is able to guide us to our heavenly destination. Through the preached word we obtain faith in Christ Jesus. Through the study of God’s word, we learn the principles of God which will stand when the world’s on fire. Stay true to the Word of God; it has been tried throughout the ages and still stands firm today.

3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

All Scripture

There are some today who try to weigh the different parts of the Scripture as to their importance. This is a mistake. I have heard preachers say they only read the New Testament or some only the words in red which represent the words of Jesus. These folks reason if the Lord Himself said these words they must be truer than those spoken by Moses, David, Isaiah or others. The problem with this is that the Holy Ghost is the true author of the entire Book. Listen to these words to back up what I am saying. 2^nd Peter 1:20: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” The Bible is made up of 66 Books, but in reality it is one Book. It is Holy Ghost inspired from the first chapter of Genesis until the last chapter of Revelation. It cannot be believed in part. Anything less than total trust in the Bible is unbelief and only believers can be saved. The purpose of the Word of God is to furnish the man of God so that he can be perfect and prepared to do good works. The word perfect does not mean what we call perfect. No man or woman, as long as they are in this body will ever be perfect. The word perfect means mature or fully grown. It is through studying the Bible we become mature in Christ and fit to do His work.

2^nd Timothy 4:1 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; 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Directions to the Young Minister

The 4^th chapter of the Book of Timothy contains, without doubt in most Biblical scholars minds, the last written words of the Apostle Paul. In this part of the Scripture, Paul begins to give a charge, or a challenge, the young minister. These things Paul wants to encourage Timothy to remain faithful toward. What a blessing and benefit they are to us today.

Preach the word= the word means to be a herald, to publish, proclaim openly. This seems such a simple command, but in a lot of our churches today we have neglected to obey. Everything in the world except the word is preached. We need to get back to proclaiming the Word of God from the pulpits of our churches. It is the word of God preached which allows sinners to obtain faith to be saved. it is by the word of God preached that our faith is increased. Activities, charities, self-help ideas, boy scouts, and all of these other things have their place, but the church’s main job is to distribute the Word of God to a lost and dying world. Paul’s command to Timothy is “preacher, preach!
Be instant in season, out of season= the word instant means to be on standby, to be at hand, be ready. Preachers need to be ready to preach, both in season and out of season. In other words, when they feel like and when they don’t feel like it. The word translated season means when the opportunity occurs. We should be ready when the opportunity presents itself and when the opportunity doesn’t seem as inviting. The Word of God is precious. If we preached it only when the world wanted to hear it we wouldn’t preach much.
Reprove= to bring to light, expose, to call to account, show one his fault, to convict. It is the job of the Pastor to preach the Word even if it admonishes someone for their wrong deeds. I would rather someone preach the true Word of God to me and let me be offended than for someone to sugar-coat a message and I not understand what God wants me to hear. Often our preachers are afraid today to rebuke folks out of fear of losing parishioners. I share that same emotion. I don’t like to offend anyone and I certainly do not wish to run someone off from church, but I must be loyal to preach the Word as God gives it to me.
Rebuke= to censure severely, to admonish or charge sharply. The difference between reprove and rebuke is severity. Reproof contains the idea of warning; rebuke is the action taken when someone refuses reproving. Rebuke means to severely chastise someone. This is not an easy job for a Pastor. It is necessary, and the good ones will do it, but we should pray for our Pastors to have the courage and commitment to obey God in this area of ministry.
Exhort= to encourage, strengthen, instruct, teach. Pastors need to remember to exhort also. Some fall in love with reproving and rebuking and forget to exhort their people. Exhortation is needed in our society today. It is speaking kindly and with encouragement to someone who is discouraged or depressed. If you have a pleasant, kind personality you have a great ministry to perform. Love someone! Urge them on in the Lord. God will pay you back in kind!
Longsuffering= patience, forbearance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrong. Many is the church that has been ripped apart to a lack of longsuffering. We must learn to put up with people; there are things others must put up with about us. We need to remember the adage; no one can make me mad; I choose my reactions myself. If I am patient, it will help my brethren and also be a big benefit to my own peace of mind.

4:3 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;4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Last days

Paul warns that a day will come when church people will no longer desire to hear the Word of God preached in purity and with authority. They will heap to themselves, or hire their own Pastors without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, teachers to tickle their itching ears. Itching ears means desirous of hearing something pleasant. They don’t want to be challenged to lead Holy lives. They don’t want to be reminded they must be born again. They want to come together and celebrate a formal service which they can forget about as soon as they leave the church. They don’t want God to be involved in their lives on Monday. They want to attend church because they think it is the thing for “proper” people to do. Shame on us today! We need to be willing to hear what God has to say to us. Search the Scripture! If what the preacher is preaching is Biblical, live up to it! Support Him and thank him for looking out after your soul.

4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

More cautions

Paul gives Timothy a few more warnings for his own Spiritual well being.

Watch in all things-to be sober, to be calm and collected in spirit. We should not panic at every howl of the enemy. We need to be in control of our emotions and remember the promises of God. The Scripture teaches us to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. We need to be aware, but not in fear.
Endure afflictions- Timothy cannot ask his people to persevere if he isn’t going to. Life sometimes is difficult. No one goes through life without trials and tribulations. We must be prepared to endure those God allows to come our way. He has promised that no temptation will come upon us that we are unable to bear and to provide a way of escape in each situation. Trust Him!
Evangelistic work= the name given to those who are New Testament heralds of salvation through Christ who are not apostles. The Pastor can do the work of an evangelist although it is not exactly his calling, but the evangelist should never attempt to do the work of a Pastor. A Pastor administers and preaches to one main body of believers. An evangelist has the mission of preaching in different churches with the goal of seeing folks saved. it is not he job of the evangelist to organize the church. He is to preach to the unsaved; not try to criticize the Pastor. Successful evangelists are valuable to the body of Christ. They often hurt themselves by accepting pastorates and make themselves miserable in the process. God has not give them the personality and desire to administer the day to day activities of a church.
Make full proof of they ministry= the phrase means to fulfill in all its requirements, leaving nothing undone. It should be the goal of the Pastor to edify his church, see sinners converted to Christ, and to bring glory to God. He must strive to perform the duties of a minister. We should attempt to leave no part of our mission unfulfilled.

4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 4:8 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.

Last will and testament

Oh, how I long to be able to say the parting words of the Apostle Paul when my time to leave this world comes. I want to be able to say I’m ready to go. The reason Paul was ready was because he had worked to the best of his ability for the Lord. He had tangled with Satan for the souls of lost men and women. No doubt, he had lost some battles, but through Jesus Christ, he had won the war. I want to say I’ve fought a good fight. I don’t want Satan to not know I was here. I want to stand up for God and be counted. I know we can’t win them all, but we can let Satan know he has been in a tussle. I would love to have the satisfaction of knowing I’ve finished my course. My course is the mission which Christ has given me. I can’t fulfill Billy Graham’s course, but through Christ, I can fulfill mine. I can’t be expected to achieve things which are not in my capabilities, but I want to get done what Christ has empowered me to do. I most of all want to be able to say I’ve kept the faith. I want to be loyal to my Lord until the end. I want to die on the battlefield, not in the field hospital. I want my children and grandchildren to be able to tell people I kept my faith in Christ until He called me home. I know that if I do that thee is a crown of righteousness awaiting me in that coming city of God. I won’t have it long as I will cast it at the feet of Jesus the first chance I get. Everything I’ve accomplished has been through His mercy and power. I am glad I can say the promise is not only to me, but to all who desire this crown and love His appearing. If I was the only one to make it, heaven would be a lonely place. I think there will be plenty of folks there. We’ll celebrate the victory in Christ throughout all eternity!

New Living Translation (to be used as a commentary only)

10 But you know what I teach, Timothy, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith and how long I have suffered. You know my love and my patient endurance. 11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord delivered me from all of it. 12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will go on deceiving others, and they themselves will be deceived.14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. 17 It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.CHAPTER 41 And so I solemnly urge you before God and before Christ Jesus—who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and follow strange myths.5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you.6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his glorious return.

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PASTOR RICK BARCUS

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