Recap

So far in 2 Timothy we've read as Paul encouraged Timothy to remain steadfast in ministry, and started the section focused on preparing for the challenges of ministry. Paul wrote 2 Timothy, likely his final letter, to encourage Timothy in leading the church in Ephesus and continue in his ministry..

He opened with gratitude and urged Timothy to remain bold in faith. It was God's strength, not how qualified he was, that would sustain his ministry. Paul urged Timothy to hold on to the gospel's truth. He was to be like a soldier, athlete, and farmer. Disciplined, dedicated, and patient in service.

Paul cautioned Timothy against fruitless arguments and false teachings. Avoid people like Hymenaeus and Philetus, who distorted the gospel. They wanted to claim that there was only a spiritual resurrection and that it had already happened. Believers just need to be enlightened enough to access it.

Paul likened believers to special utensils, urging them to avoid harmful influences and live with purpose and integrity. He emphasised that Timothy should correct his opponents gently, remaining steadfast in the true gospel message.

2 Timothy 3-4

Paul then warns Timothy about what to expect in the last days. In one sense, ‘last days’ is the time before Jesus’ return, but in another, Paul and Timothy would have believed this was soon. In other words, they were, and therefore we are, living in the last days.

He lists qualities that he has seen in his time leading churches, and that Timothy will see in his. The qualities include selfishness, materialism, pride, disobedience, ingratitude, and a lack of empathy.

Their behaviour shows a rejection of genuine goodness, a preference for pleasure over devotion to God, and a superficial display of godliness that lacks true spiritual substance.

Essentially, it describes individuals who put themselves and worldly pleasures above moral values, community, and connection with God. They might mask at being godly or spiritual, but in reality they are lacking.

Paul encourages Timothy to have nothing to do with these people, but the unspoken context is when they claim to be believers (see 1 Corinthians 5:9-11). Those who don’t yet know Jesus have not yet had the opportunity to experience his freedom from these things. Those that do know him should know better.

Of those who engage these qualities, Paul notes two groups. There are those who go around teaching people in a way that leads to these qualities, and there are those who are convinced and led by these teachers.

Paul describes the second group as ‘silly women’, but this is likely because that has been his experience. We read in 1 Timothy 5:11-15 that there were many uneducated women in Ephesus that were easily swayed by whatever teaching tickled their ears.

But this group shouldn’t be limited to just women. They are defined as people who are overwhelmed by their sin. They’ve not learnt to tame their desires or bring them in line with the Holy Spirit. They are also able to be part of church and listen to lots of great teaching, but not actually let any of that teaching sync in and change them.

Paul then references the two magicians that supported Pharaoh when Moses went to rescue his people from slavery (see Exodus 7:11, 8:7). They are never mentioned by name, but Jannes and Jambres became the names for them according to Jewish tradition.

Just like these men set themselves up against Moses, but God’s authority clearly defeated them, God’s authority in his good leaders will overcome any false teachers.

And so Paul turns to Timothy and charges him to continue in the faith. He has seen from Paul that difficulties and sufferings are part of this walk. Paul persevered, and the reality is all who walk with Jesus will face some degree of persecution and suffering.

Meanwhile, there will always be false teachers who deceive people that you don’t need to suffer or struggle while following Jesus.

But Timothy knows better. He has learnt better from Paul and he’s learnt better from his studying of scripture. Scripture, Paul notes, is God breathed (2 Timothy 3:16).

There’s a few things to note here. The first is the meaning of scripture. Paul here is talking about the Hebrew scriptures. But it wouldn’t take long for some of the writings we know as the New Testament to start to be considered as scripture. We’ll read in 2 Peter as Paul’s writings are considered on par with the Old Testament scriptures (see 2 Peter 3:15-16).

The second is ‘God breathed’. The Greek word is theopneustos and has two key interpretations. The first is that Paul is referring to the source of scripture. God breathed the scripture into its authors so they could write it.

The other is that Paul is referring to the nature of scripture. Theopneustos was often used to mean something was godly. In other words, all scripture is godly. It is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

Either way, the point is that scripture is good, and it has a purpose “so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17).

Therefore, Timothy should preach the word of God both in good times and in bad times. He should be ready to convince, rebuke, and encourage his people with it, and through it all, do it with patience.

He has to be okay with the fact there will always be those who reject good teaching, but focus on the teaching that they like and makes them happy. Timothy should not see that as a reflection on him. Instead, he should continue and endure in his ministry.

And so Paul begins his closing thoughts. Pointing back to his own life, he realises he is pretty close to the end. He has given all that he has and now his time has almost come.

Calling back to the metaphors of the soldier, athlete, and farmer, Paul has fought well, run his race, and remained faithful in his service. Paul is confident in the promise of the resurrection for himself and everyone who faithfully looks forward to Jesus’ return.

Then comes some personal instructions. Paul encourages Timothy to come visit him before he dies. Many others have left Paul and gone back to support the other churches that he planted.

When Timothy comes, he should bring Paul’s cloak because he is likely cold in prison, and some books and parchment, presumably so he can write some more final letters.

Paul warns Timothy against Alexander the coppersmith, presumably because he’s the very kind of person Paul has been warning Timothy of throughout this letter.

When Paul was first arrested, everyone deserted him. They were clearly scared, so Paul asks that it not be held against them. God sustained him and has continued to rescue him from danger and attack.

Finally, Paul ends with some greetings and another encouragement to come soon. In many ways, 2 Timothy is the same sort of letter as 1 Timothy, this time accentuated by the fact that Paul is on his deathbed.

It is a letter from a well-experience church leader to a much younger one, encouraging them in their ministry, and warning them of the challenges they will face. Its words are just as helpful today for young, and old church leaders alike who need some encouragement. That is 2 Timothy.

Psalm 20

This psalm is attributed to king David and falls into the category of royal psalm. It was likely used in a service where the people pray over their king. Some believe this was in special services held just before the king would go out to battle. We see an example of such a service in 2 Chronicles 20.

Psalm 20:1-5- A prayer for the king

Psalm 20:6-8 - Our trust in God

Psalm 20:9 - A prayer for the king

The psalm launches straight into a prayer over someone. As we’ve mentioned already, the ‘you’ is likely the king. In many ways, this is less of a prayer and more of a blessing, as these words are aimed directly to the king and not to God.

The people speak God’s protection over their king, that his presence would follow the king as he leaves the temple and Jerusalem (Zion) to do battle.

As these words are being spoken, the king was likely giving sacrifices to God, so the people ask that these sacrifices be accepted by God. May God bless their leader, granting him success in all he does.

This blessing isn’t just for the king. A victory for the king is a victory for Israel, and so they ask for victory so they, too, can rejoice because God has saved them.

Having prayed for their king, the people focus on God. They recognise that their confidence isn’t in their king. It isn’t in the might of his army. It is in God’s name, for he is the one who saves and strengthens their king.

In the Hebrew, all this is in what is called the perfect tense. This gives it a sense that all these things are already completed. In other words, what they are declaring is a ‘done deal’. Other nations may trust in their armies, but the Israelites trust in God. Other nations will fall, but the Israelites will be saved.

And finally, the people turn directly to God and offer up their prayer. They ask God to save their king. And they echo their opening lines. Just as they ask that God might answer the king when he is in need, they now ask that their king may answer them when they are in need.

This psalm invites God into the needs of the people’s lives. Their situation meant that war was not uncommon. But through it all, they weren’t to trust in their own ability to get through it. They were to seek God’s help and have confidence in his ability to save them.