2014 New Year’s Study

PREACH THE WORD

2 Timothy 3:10-4:8

Key Verse: 4:2

* 2 Timothy is the last letter written by Apostle Paul. It was written from a Roman prison just before his death. This passage contains his last charge to dear spiritual son Timothy—like a last will and testament spiritually speaking.

1. What did Paul remind Timothy of (3:10-11; Ac 13:49-14:20)? Why was it important for Timothy to remember these things? In the midst of persecution, what did Paul exhort Timothy to do (12-14)? What does “But as for you” mean to you?

2. What are the Holy Scriptures uniquely able to do for us (15; Jn 5:39)? Why is it important to know that God is the author of Scripture (16a)? In what ways are the Scriptures useful (16b)? What does “thoroughly equipped” imply about the Scriptures (17)?

3. Read 4:1-2. What sense of urgency did Paul have? What supreme charge did Paul give? What does “Preach the word” mean, and how can we do it practically? Why should we preach (proclaim) the word absolutely?

4. Read verse 2 again. What does "be prepared in season and out of season" mean? Why is it important to "correct, rebuke and encourage" (1:13-14; 2:14-15)? With what attitude should these things be done?

5. What kind of times did Paul foresee (3-4)? How do we see these things happening in our times? In such times, what should God's servant do (5)? How did Paul’s life example encourage Timothy and us (6-8)?