Equipped for Every Good Work

Lessons from 2nd Timothy

● Acts 2:1714 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17 "'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;

● Hebrews 1:1-21 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days He has spoken to us by his Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world.

“…in the last days…”● The last days is a

phrase that means the last period of time or dispensation.

● The last days began when the Law of Christ began (Hebrews 10:26 – “…there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.”). Therefore, we are living in the last days.

Lovers of Self● Selfishness means a focus on self, not

on God.● Matthew 16:24● This also shows up as lovers of pleasure

and a lack of self-control because they only seek to please themselves and the desires of the flesh (3:4). See also Luke 8:14.

● These people cannot be appeased. (3:3)

Avoiding Godless Men

Lovers of Money● Covetousness is a danger to every person.● 1 Timothy 6:5-10● Luke 12:15● Hebrews 13:5-6

Proud and Arrogant● It is to be haughty and thinking too highly

and too often of oneself.● Proverbs 16:5● Romans 12:16● 1 Timothy 3:6● They are swollen with conceit. (3:4)

Disrepectful / Disobedient● This attitude shows itself in being

disrespectful to parents and authority.● Deuteronomy 21:18-21● Ephesians 6:1-4● This disrespectful attitude leads to

ungratefulness as well. (Luke 17:11-19, 1 Thess. 5:18, Col. 3:17)

● It can also show itself in being heartless (3:3) - or without any natural affection – and brutal (3:3).

Unholy● Wicked or irreligious● Related to one who does not love good

(3:3), which should define those who claim to follow God. (Prov. 6:18, Titus 1:8).

● They become treacherous (3:4) and reckless (3:4).

Avoiding Godless MenHaving the Appearance of Godliness● We must on guard against

serving God only to be seen by others, and not with a converted heart.

● Matthew 23:23-32

● Paul’s advice regarding these men – who could even profess godliness and to be followers of Christ – is to avoid them.– 1 Corinthians 5:13 – 1 Timothy 1:20– 2 Thessalonians 3:6

● Their end is sure – “…they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all.”

Following a Godly PathTeaching● Timothy was very

familiar with Paul’s teaching in the gospel of Christ.

● Paul encourages him to continue to follow it.

Conduct● It wasn’t just what Paul

said, it was how he lived. Timothy knew this as well.

● Philippians 1:21● Galatians 2:20

Purpose● It became Paul’s sole

aim in life, to follow Christ in all situations.

Faith ● Paul’s faith in Christ did not

waver. (2 Tim. 1:12)

Patience● This falls in line with the

theme of Paul’s 2nd letter to Timothy – to remain steadfast in the face of trials and persecutions.

● 2 Timothy 3:12

Love ● Paul’s love for God and his

love for the brethren were evident by his actions. Timothy was to follow his example.

Learn Early● Never underestimate

the ability of children to learn.

● Never underestimate the good influence of the assembly.– Hebrews 10:24-25– 1 Timothy 3:14-16

Learning from the Scriptures

Scriptures are suitable for…● Teaching: Contain the information to build and maintain a

standard of faith and practice in life.● Reproof: Convicting the heart of sin. ● Correction: “Restoration to an upright state…”● Training in Righteousness: It is an instruction manual

on how to live.

Learning from the Scriptures