BaptistWay Bible Series for July 30: Paul provides Timothy with direction for living

Posted: 7/19/06

BaptistWay Bible Series for July 30

Paul provides Timothy with direction for living

• 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 10-17

By Joseph Matos

Dallas Baptist University, Dallas

I don’t think we can adequately appreciate the struggles Timothy encountered in Ephesus. We read the letter written so long ago, and perhaps we lose sight of the very real and acute opposition he faced. We are so quick in our attempts to “translate” Paul’s words to Timothy to our own circumstances that we tend to forget Timothy’s own experiences and the encouragement and strength he derived from Paul’s words.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

This especially is so in light of Paul’s mention of the “last days.” We see that phrase and immediately think of our own time, as if Paul could see 2,000 years into the future and give a portrait of our time. But how meaningless for Timothy would this portrayal be if Paul meant our time and had little or nothing to do with Timothy’s time. Rather, Paul gave a grim portrait to Timothy.

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How do we know this? Two imperatives bracket the description of the last days and its people. First, Paul told Timothy to “mark this” (literally, know this). Second, Paul told Timothy to “have nothing to do with them” (literally, avoid them).

Timothy was to know things would be “terrible” in the last days (v. 1). Why should he know this if it didn’t directly apply to him? The biblical definition of the “last days” is the interim between Christ’s ascension to the Father and his return at the end of the age. Sure, there was a tendency in the early church to believe Christ would return in their lifetime, but that does not mark them off as any different from the generations since. Timothy, and Christians of all generations, would experience the difficult times of the last days.

What would make the times so difficult for Timothy and for generations afterward is people (v. 2). Just read the adjectives Paul used to describe the people (vv. 3-5). Nearly 20 characteristics paint the picture. These are far from flattering. Some of the descriptions describe their distorted views of themselves (boastful, proud and conceited). Many relate their actions towards others (abusive, disobedient to parents, slanderous, brutal). Others reflect their self-destructive nature (without self-control, rash). Still, many characteristics reflect their disregard for relationships (ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, treacherous). Four of the descriptions incorporate some form of the word “love.” But even these reveal their misplaced affection (lovers of themselves, lovers of money, not lovers of good, lovers of pleasure, not lovers of God).

The most damaging of Paul’s descriptions is the last one, revealing their hypocrisy and self-deceit. People would have a form of godliness but deny its power. Despite all their vices, they would still view themselves as good and godly. The only problem is their “godliness” would have no real impact in their lives.

Timothy had to avoid such people. Whether Paul was further describing the false teachers or people in general, he enjoined Timothy to keep away from them. Association with them would be counterproductive to his growth in the faith and in his ministry.

2 Timothy 3:10-17

A proper diet is not just about the kinds of foods to avoid, but also about the proper foods to eat. In the same way, Paul does not stop with telling Timothy what kinds of people would be detrimental to his faith and ministry. He guides Timothy in what would build up his faith.

First, Paul reminded Timothy of the example that was laid by Paul himself (vv. 10-13). Paul provided Timothy with the proper teaching. In addition, Paul, though not perfect, was an example for Timothy in his life. Paul had the proper purpose and faith. He exemplified patience and love. He also practiced endurance in the face of persecution and sufferings. And Paul experienced plenty of those. Paul could thus testify to the faithfulness of the Lord who rescued him from them all.

Paul was honest with Timothy. The last days could be hard. Persecution follows those living a godly life, and evil people only get worse, deceiving and being deceived. He earlier exhorted Timothy to join him in those sufferings (1:8); now he assures Timothy of God’s faithfulness in the midst of them.

Second, Timothy was to build on the foundation already set for him. He was to continue in what he learned, being confident of those from whom he learned it (an allusion to his mother and grandmother from chapter 1).

Third, Paul directed Timothy to the Scriptures. At the time Paul wrote to Timothy, this was the Old Testament. They were full of benefits for Timothy. Knowledge of the Scriptures makes one “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

The Scriptures are the repository of faith. Reading the words of Scripture leads one to the word of God (John 1:1-3, 14). Paul commended the Scriptures to Timothy, as well, because of their origin. They are “God-breathed.” As a result, they are useful to fulfill a fourfold function—teach, rebuke, correct and train in righteousness. All this is with a view to making one “thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Conclusion

Imagine Timothy’s task in Ephesus. Envision the challenges he faced. Before we read Paul’s words (and Scripture in general) with ourselves in mind, try to see how meaningful they were for Timothy. Then, knowing our circumstances often parallel Timothy’s, we can appropriate Paul’s words for ourselves. We are equipped to face challenges when we draw on the life, teaching and experiences of godly mentors coupled with the wisdom of Scripture.

Discussion questions

• Why did Paul tell Timothy to avoid people like those he described in 2:3-5? How could he have influenced them for Christ if he avoided them? Similarly, how do we balance Paul’s command to avoid certain people with the commission to preach the gospel?

• Who do you emulate as you live the Christian life?

• How would you describe your Bible study habits? Would you say you are well equipped?

• When have you experienced the Bible’s rebuke or correction?

• When have you experienced its teaching and training in righteousness?