Verse 1 obviously gives great solemnity and significance to the charge in verse 2; how does it also give the reason for the charge and the motivation to heed it? – ie. How does v.1 lead to v.2?
What does Paul want Timothy to do, and how?
Why should there be such an emphasis on preaching the Word? [cf. end of ch.3]
Why is this charge necessary?
What sort of things do “itching ears want to hear”?
Faced by such pressures, what is the temptation Timothy faced?
This charge is addressed to Timothy, whose ministry was different in some respects from ours. How should we apply these verses to ourselves?
Verses 6-8
How do these great verses follow on from v.5?
What might we learn from how Paul sees and describes his impending death?
What is the implicit challenge, and encouragement, to Timothy (and us) in vv.7,8?
Do we “long for his appearing”? How should we live if we do?
Verses 9-22
What does it mean that Demas “loved this world”?
How might we?
How is it the antithesis of the attitude Paul exemplifies in vv.6-8?
Paul clearly sees himself as on his last lap in the race, though with a little distance still to go. What can we learn from Paul about finishing the race well?
In the light of the fact that Paul seems to expect to be executed, what does mean by saying “the Lord will rescue me from every evil attack” (v.18)?
Conclusion
Looking back over the letter, how can we ensure we keep the faith and finish the race?
What lesson do you particularly want to hold on to?
We are a friendly, evangelical church in the centre of Oxford. As those seeking to love and follow Jesus Christ we welcome people from all walks of life and all parts of the world. We believe that in the Bible God speaks a message of hope and forgiveness that is life-giving and life-changing.
