MACC Men’s Bible Study April 27, 2016
2nd Tim 4:9-18
9-13
1. Why do you think Paul asked Timothy to come to see him at this time?
2. Who would you call if you were in a situation similar to Pauls and why?
3. John Maxwell’s leadership law says “those closest to the leader determine their level of
success”. How does this apply in Paul’s case?
4. What books would you want if in a similar position to Pauls?
5. How would you grade yourself a reader/learner and what steps can you take to improve?
14-15
1. In your life, have you had people stand against you and your efforts?
2. What does it mean to allow the Lord to fight this kind of battle? What does it look like?
16-18
1. Have you had friends fall away in times of adversity?
2. Have you fallen away from a friend during their adversity?
3. Knowing that you should forgive and granting forgiveness are very different? Do you struggle
in this area?
4. Is there someone tonight that you should grant forgiveness and let God solve the situation?
How can we prepare our children and those under our mentorship to prepare for whats ahead as
our Country and culture descends to hedonism and anti-Christian beliefs?
Romans 11:36
For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
MACC Men’s Bible Study 2 Timothy 4:1-5
Finishing Well
2 Timothy 4:6-7 (NIV): 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for
my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
1. List a favorite epitaph that you know of personally or find during an internet search. Find at
least one humorous epitaph and a profound one that is meaningful to you. Share these with your
group as an opening to your study of these verses.
2. What do you think it means when Paul says he is being poured out like a drink offering? Why
this illustration? (Look at Exodus 29:39‐41 and Numbers 28:7‐8 and 2 Corinthians 2:14-16)
3. In 1 Chronicles 11: 17-19 water is offered as a drink offering? Water doesn’t seem like much
of a sacrifice. Why in this passage is it so fitting?
4. What sticks out to you about Paul’s reflection on how he lived his life? His motivation?
5. Paul compares his life to a race. This is an illustration he used frequently. His emphasis in
these verses is not on the start of the race but on finishing the race. Why is finishing strong so
meaningful?
6. Eric Liddell (“Chariots of Fire”), both in athletic competition and in life, chose the race that
God wanted him to run. He set the world record in the Olympics in the 400meters but is more
well known for a race he didn’t run and a life that represents a good race, a good fight and
keeping the faith. Find Eric’s story on the internet. It is fascinating and inspiring and may help to
illustrate what Paul is presenting to Timothy.
7. What does it mean to keep the faith?
8. What would it take for you to be at peace when you have completed your “race”? How would
you like to be remembered?
Check this out to see how you are doing in your study of 2 Timothy:
http://www.doinggood.org/BibleQuizzesQuizFaber/II%20Timothy.htm
MACC Men’s Bible Study 2 Timothy 4:1-5
A Soldiers Charge
1
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view
of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season
and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3
For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own
desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears
want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you,
keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the
duties of your ministry. (NIV)
Study Questions
1) When you read this charge from Paul to Timothy – Do you believe God is speaking to you?
Why or why not?
2) What are the implications if we do not take this charge seriously?
3) Do you have opportunities to the “preach the word”? If so, where and to whom?
4) Have you ever given your testimony (i.e. how did you come to Christ)? Why or why not?
5) We are to preach “with great patience and careful instruction”. What exactly are we to be
avoiding here? Can you give an example?
6) What is “sound doctrine”?
7) Is there a harsh teaching in the bible that you have difficulty accepting? How did you get over
that hurdle and learn to accept that teaching?
8) Why do some people reject the truth? Is there a possible subconscious motive for denying the
truths in the bible?
9) What is your ministry? Is there something holding you back from finding a ministry? If yes,
what can you do to conquer that barrier?
10)
Give an example in the bible, where one of God’s people moved beyond just
understanding God’s word and became a doer. There are many examples – the challenge is to
have everyone in the group to come up with an example without repeating someone else in the
group. So speak up early and put a little pressure on the brother next to you. ;-)
MACC Men’s Bible Study 2 Timothy 3:10-17
The Protection from Apostasy
2 Timothy 3:10-17
10
You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my
love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at
Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued
me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil
people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for
you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you
learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which
are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed
out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in
righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
1. Paul includes a number of areas in verse 10 of his life where Timothy has been faithful to
follow. What are those?
2. Read Acts chapters 13 and 14. Paul lists three cities in verse 11 where he suffered
persecution. For each city, write out the persecutions he suffered and how the Lord rescued him
in each.
3. In verse 12, Paul again reminds Timothy, “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus
will be persecuted.” How has this been a reality for Timothy? How has this been a reality for
you?
4. Read verses 13 and 14. List four or five things that have you learned about Christianity? What
4 or 5 things about Christianity do you firmly believe? Whom did you learn these things from?
5. Read a number of different translations for verse 15. How long ago did you begin to read and
study the Bible? List three or four of “the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for
salvation through faith in Christ Jesus”.
6. Verse 16 is a popular passage. Explain how the Bible was written? Do the research. Did God
write it? Did men write it? Who wrote it? How many people were involved? What languages?
Over how many years? Anything else?
7. What are the four uses of Scripture identified in verse 16? For each of the uses, identify one
passage of scripture that Timothy could use against the apostasy challenges. For instance, if
people were becoming “lovers of self”, how could Timothy use scripture to combat that and what
passages could he use to “teach” against it, “reproof” it, “correct” it and “train” against it.
8. The benefit of us relying on scripture and not ourselves is? Verse 17. On a scale of one to ten,
how competent are you?
9. The topic of same-sex marriage continues to cause much division in the church. Use the
scriptures to “teach”, “reproof”, “correct” and “train” on that topic.
10. What topics in today’s culture do you not feel “equipped” to refer to scripture to teach,
reproof, correct or train others in?
MACC Men’s Bible Study 2 Timothy 3:1-9
A Soldiers Caution – The Peril of Apostasy
2 Timothy 3:1-9
1
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be
lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful,
unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4
treacherous, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of
God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For
among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins
and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of
the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men
corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their
folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.
1. Verse 3:1 uses the phrase “last days”. What is Paul referring to? Are we living in the last
days now? Defend your answer with verses.
2. Research and write out no less than three other translations for verse 3:1. Note any differences
and similarities for the use of the phrase “times of difficulty”. Summarize what Paul is trying to
say to Timothy.
3. Write out the list of characters Paul names in verses 3:1 through 3:5a.
4. Identify no less than three characters from the list that were/are convicting about your own
life? Which ones were they? Describe briefly why they convicted you?
5. Write out verse 3:5 and also Matthew 10:33. Denying God and His power has impacts on our
life – here and later. What are the specific things you’ve ‘denied’ about Him or His power that
contributed to the items you listed in question 4? Please be specific.
6. What are we to do with regards to “people” who possess such characters, appear to be godly
but continue to deny God? What might that look like practically for you?
7. Verses 3:6-7 uses the phrase “weak women” meaning people who are “vulnerable”. What are
some things that make a person vulnerable in todays church settings?
8. Verses 3:6-7 say they’re “learning” and “never able to arrive at a knowledge of truth”. What
are some examples of how this might be taking place in today’s church? Give examples of what
you’ve experienced, read or know to be true in relationship to this.
9. Who were Jannes and Jambres mentioned in verse 3:9? What was their involvement with
Moses? What made them “disqualified regarding the faith”? After you’ve gotten the biblical
definition of “folly”, identify areas in the church that you would classify as “folly”.
10. These verses are a caution for the soldier of Christ against apostasy. Apostasy is defined as
the abandonment or renunciation of a religious belief. Next week, we will look at the protection
against apostasy. Pray this week on what God showed you in the above questions – regarding
yourself, people you know and the church as a whole – and that apostasy would not happen.
MACC Men’s Bible Study 2 Timothy 2:24-26
He is a Servant – Mike Kohout
2 Timothy 2:24-26
24
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach,
not resentful.25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them
repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and
escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Day One:
What does it mean to be a servant or bond-servant of the Lord?
What is being quarrelsome, and why should we avoid it?
Why be kind? And why should we be kind to everyone?
Day Two:
Why and what should we teach?
Why should we not be angry or resentful?
When you tell others about God, where is your heart and mind?
Day Three:
Do you have this hope (repentance) for others?
What is the truth?
Do you believe in the devil? What is the purpose of his trap… for non-believers? What is the
purpose of his trap for believers?
MACC Men’s Bible Study 2 Timothy 2:20-23
He is Sanctified / Useful for Service in the Lord’s Army
Mar 9th/ Craig Corbin
2nd Tim 2:20-23 KJV
20
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of
earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor.
21
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and
meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
22
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on
the Lord out of a pure heart.
23
But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
2nd Tim 2:20 -2:23 NIV
20
In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some
are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the
latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do
any good work.
22
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those
who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid
arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
2nd Tim 2:20 -2:23 The Message
20-21
In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste
cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the
garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his
guests for their blessing.
22-26
Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—
joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane
discussions; they always end up in fights.
Outline:
Instructions for being of the best use to the Master
1. A great house has all kinds of vessels, some for honor and some for dishonor (20)
2. If anyone cleanses himself from things of dishonor, he will be a vessel of honor (21)
a. Sanctified and useful for the Master
b. Prepared for every good work
3. Instructions that will make one a servant useful to the Master:
a. Flee youthful lusts (22a)
b. Pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart
(22b)
c. Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes that generate strife – and avoid this influencing your
thinking – you must have a discerning mind. (23)
Applications for this teaching:
1. Use the mirror of scripture in your life – Live a life true to God’s word!
2. Choose your friends wisely – make no mistake you are becoming those you hang around.
3. Purify and live with a pure heart – FLEE, RUN, SPRINT AWAY
4. Live with a sharp and discerning mind - the world will want you to question the truth but the
truth is STILL the truth – What will you do? What will you believe? What will you argue about?
Questions for this study:
Day 1:
1. The general topic of 14-26 is Paul’s admonition to Timothy to be a workmen approved by God.
Why do you think Paul spends so much time in this book discussing expected conduct and
behavior and much less discussing doctrine?
2. (19) – What is the “seal” of God’s foundation? Can you say that God’s “seal” is on your life?
3. (19-20) Given where our culture is now and where it is going, how important is God’s “seal”?
5. Bonus – In 1st Cor 16:13 Paul exhorts – Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be
courageous; be strong, act like men! How does this verse relate V19-20?
Day2:
1. (20) What is the House Paul refers to?
2. (20) Provide your interpretation and examples of both kind of Vessels. Look into the mirror –
where are you and how can you keep advancing towards Honor/Gold/Silver?
3. (20-21) Explain what Sanctification is and how God intends it to operate? How do you know
you are being sanctified? Is there a way to accelerate this process and should you desire that?
4. Bonus: Paul spends a lot of time talking to Timothy about not being ashamed. Explain how
sanctification relates to not being ashamed.
Day 3:
1. (22) Give examples of youthful lusts that men experience? Can a middle aged man or older
man experience these youthful lusts? If a man pursues these lusts what does it do to his “vessel”
in the ‘house”?
2. (22) Why flee? Provide physical, mental, and biblical ways to flee lust.
3. (22) What exactly is a pure heart and how does a am obtain it? What does a pure heart have to
do with our witness and our usefulness to our Master?
4. (23) It’s clear that Paul foresaw that Timothy would be surrounded by many who would want
to twist or dispute the truth. How would you describe the dividing line between standing for the
truth and a foolish argument? How do you think Paul would feel today if he were alive and
would see so much division in the body of Christ? What does this division do to the Church’s
witness to a perishing world? How can we do what Paul admonishes Timothy to do in this area?
5. Bonus - Pray and consider and write down 10 things you can do to improve your usefulness to
our Master. Consider your role as a man, husband, father, friend, workplace evangelist, and
servant in the church.
MACC Men’s Bible Study 2 Timothy 2:14-19
The Character of a Soldier:
He is Sound in Faith
Day 1
Paul has emphasized at least 3 characteristics of a soldier that is Sound in Faith:
He holds fast to sound doctrine. He commits what he has learned to faithful men. He is not
distracted by civilian affairs.
1. What do you think Paul is referring to in verse 14 when he speaks of “quarreling about
words”? Why is this of no value?
2. Can you give some examples of people arguing over issues that are not central to the gospel?
For Example: What one should wear to church? What kind of movies a Christian should watch?
Should Christians drink alcohol?
3. Have you ever found yourself arguing over these issues? If so, what have you learned from
this?
Day 2
16
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more
ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and
Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken
place, and they destroy the faith of some.
I’m sure we’ve all heard people in the church gossip about others but what Paul is talking about
here is much more serious. He’s speaking about false teaching, which is truly heresy!
4. What is the danger in indulging in “godless chatter”?
5. To what does Paul compare false teaching? Review the definition of gangrene and compare
its effect on the body versus false teaching.
6. Hymenaeus and Philetus were the false teachers who had departed from the truth and taught
that there would be no physical resurrection of believers when Christ returns. Unfortunately, they
like many others had been influenced by false teaching, which had come from Jewish sects.
What does Paul say about the resurrection of believers? (I Thessalonians 4: 13-18)
Day 3
Study to show thyself approved
II Tim 2:15- Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman need not be ashamed rightly
dividing the word of truth.
7. This verse is our defense against false teaching and it is foundational to our growth in Christ!
Besides being a strong defense against false teaching what else do we gain by a diligent study of
the scriptures? How high is our standard of approval?
8. Paul uses the example of a workman to illustrate how God’s Word is to be handled. Who do
you think were some of these workmen in his day? Why was it so important for them to be
accurate?
9. In our chosen careers our bosses demand excellence from us and I’m sure the men in this
study perform at the highest levels. However, accurately handling the scriptures requires
excellence as well. On a scale of 1-10, ten being the highest how would you rate your
commitment to studying the Word? Can you give an explanation of your score?
Final Comment: The Bereans were an example of the diligent workman of the first century
Acts 17:11
Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received
the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said
was true.
MACC Men’s Wednesday Night Bible Study
Wednesday February 24
He is Secure
2 Timothy 2:11-13
The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure
with Him, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us; if we are faithless,
He remains faithful – for He cannot deny himself.
Day One:
We are given great assurance. If we endure and are faithful, He will be faithful to us.
1. What does Paul mean when he says “if we have died with Him (Christ)?”
Reference Romans 6:3, 1 Cor 15:31, 2 Cor 4:10.
Is he speaking of the death to sin through our union with Christ, death to one’s self by taking up
our cross or perhaps it’s both?
2. What does it mean to die to one’s self? Give some examples of how one must die to self.
Day Two:
3. When Paul writes that we will “live with Him”, we immediately think of our life in heaven
with Christ. But how do we “live with Him” today, here on earth?
4. To what degree do you think we would have to deny Christ, before He would deny us before
the Father? Also reference Matthew 10:33
5. We are not left to our own to stand firm and not deny Him? See Mark 13:11. Do you think the
Holy Spirit has ever helped you in standing firm for the gospel?
Day Three:
6. God is always faithful. In the context here, do you think this means He will never turn away
from us, though we have turned from Him, or that He must remain faithful to His nature and will
deny us?
MACC Men’s Bible Study – 2 Timothy 2:5-10
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Character of a Solider of the Lord
He is “Strict”
** Challenge this week **
Use the Bible, prayer, meditation and the Holy Spirit as you answer the following questions
Day 1
Read 2 Timothy 2:5-6
5
An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working
farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.
Only one athlete can win the crown. In order to even compete, you had to know and abide by the
rules of the games.
1). Consider any one of today’s individual sports. Within that sport, what are some of the rules?
What happens if a rule is broken? How much knowledge training and physical training is
involved for an athlete to win first place?
2). Relate your answers from #1 to your life as a Christian. What are the rules for Christians?
How do we find the rules? What happens when a rule is broken? How should you train as a
Christian? Explain
Farmers live a very strict life – they have to. Consider their professions, their diligence and the
schedules they have to maintain. Tilling the soil, laying the seed, watering, weeding, harvesting,
clearing the debris and then repeating for the next crop or next season.
3). If a farmers only source of food is his crop, how important would his work ethic need to be?
What if he misses a day of turning soil? What if he missed the date to harvest the crop?
4). Relate your answers from #3 to your life as a Christian. What fruit (crops) should we expect
to get based on our current strictness to the obedience to the Word? Explain
Day 2
Read 2 Timothy 2:7
7
Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
5). Would you say your life as a Christian is “strict” or “soft”? Is your commanding officer
pleased? (2 Timothy 2:4). Why or why not?
6). Consider the verse for today (2 Timothy 2:7). What are two things the Lord would ask you to
start doing in order to change your life to be a better athlete and/or farmer? Be specific.
7). What are two things the Lord would ask you to stop doing in order to change your life to be a
better athlete and/or farmer? Be specific.
Day 3
Read 2 Timothy 2:8-10
8
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my
gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not
bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the
salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
8). In verse 9, Paul makes a comparison between his being “bound” and the Word of God “not
bound”. Bound means locked up, secured, unable to move. While we are not in chains and
bound like Paul, how do our answers to questions #4 and #5 keep the Gospel message from
getting out of us? Explain
9). Verse 10 brings us back to the main message Paul had for Timothy. Not that we as athletes
should win a crown. Not that we as farmers should receives shares of the crop. What’s important
is that the Gospel message will be spread (not bound) even if we suffer. How might your answers
to questions #6 and #7 improve on your sharing the Gospel? Explain
MACC Men’s Bible Study – 2 Timothy 2:3-4
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Suffer for the Gospel (No Pain, No Gain)
The Dedicated Soldier
Day 1:
1. The image of a soldier is used to convey the concept of enduring hardship or suffering as one
of King Jesus soldiers. How is Paul familiar with the hardships of a soldier’s life?
2. Check out the following link concerning ADM Bill Lawrence. Concerning the hardship
endured during his POW experience, Lawrence said the following: "all the veneers of a person
are stripped away and the heart of a person is constantly exposed." He listed qualities, beginning
with a deep religious faith, which he said were magnified by his POW experience. How do you
think Lawrence’s experience impacted the lives of people under his leadership during the rest of
his life? How does this apply to Paul’s ministry, which involved significant hardships?
http://media.sbhla.org.s3.amazonaws.com/7954,31-Mar-1995.PDF
3. Paul endured many hardships. List some of the specific examples he describes in the bible.
He shares these hardships in several of his New Testament letters. Why? (Good reference: 2
Corinthians 11:23-28)
Day 2:
4. Are hardships and sacrifice still required of followers of Jesus today? Looking at your own
life experiences, how have you suffered for the gospel? What does enduring hardship look like
for modern day followers of Jesus?
5. Paul uses the soldier metaphor many times throughout the New Testament. Name some
qualities of a good soldier that would apply to our call to be soldiers for Christ. Focus on
parallels between being a soldier and a follower of Christ.
6. In Paul’s metaphor of the soldier, why does he caution against getting involved in civilian
affairs? Who is our “commanding officer”?
Day 3:
7. In Randy Frazee’s book “Think, Act, Believe Like Jesus”, he identifies Single-Mindedness as
one of the 10 key disciplines or practices of the Christian lifestyle. The key idea is focusing on
God and His priorities for our lives. Reference Matthew 6:33 and John 4:34. How could you
incorporate the practice of single-mindedness in your daily life? Comment on the following
statement: In the midst of our chaotic and complex lifestyles, a single-minded focus on God
actually offers simplicity and unclutters our lives.
8. What can a single-minded follower of Jesus accomplish? Check the following link to find out
what Katie Davis has been doing through Amazima Ministries International to meet the physical,
emotional, and spiritual needs of orphaned children in Uganda. Pray about and list some areas
where you can develop and practice single-mindedness.
https://amazima.org/about-us/katies-story?/katiesstory.html
9. Can you think of some things, although perfectly innocent in themselves, that actually hinder
you as a soldier of Christ?
Good references for 2 Timothy Study:
1. The Message of 2 Timothy, John Stott, Intervarsity Press, 1973
2. Truth for Life. The Bible Teaching Ministry of Alistair Begg
https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/discipleship-3-d-part-one/
MACC Men’s Bible Study - 2 Timothy (NIV)
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Homework – 2 Timothy 2:1-2
Consider using a study Bible or additional commentaries for this series.
Day 1: Read 2 Timothy 2:1-2
1. What is the “grace that is in Christ Jesus”? Ref 2 Tim 1:9-10
2. Finish this sentence: To be strong is to be _________. Give examples. (g)
3. What is Timothy to be strong in doing? (g)
Day 2: Read 2 Timothy 2:1-2
4. How is Jesus strong? Ref Luke 2:40 (g)
5. Do you believe you are strong? Why or why not. Ref 1 Corth 1:25-27 (g)
6. What are you to be strong in doing?
Day 3: Read 1 Timothy 4:1-15
7. What is Timothy to command and teach?
8. Describe “reliable” men. (g)
9. How do you obtain sound biblical teaching? Give examples?
10. Are you training yourself to be godly? Are you training others?
MACC Men’s Bible Study - 2 Timothy
Wednesday , January 20, 2016
2 Timothy 1:13-18
“Guard the Gospel”
Day One
First let us review verse 12 from last week. Paul proclaims that he “knows in whom he believes
and that He is able to guard...what has been entrusted to him.” Although God Himself is the
ultimate guardian of the gospel, He has chosen to use disciples of Christ, like us, to teach, preach
and proclaim the gospel.
1. How does Paul instruct Timothy in verse 13 to do this?
2. Paul instructs Timothy to follow the teaching given to him by Paul himself. Where did Paul get
this teaching?
3. The original Greek translated in verse 13 as “sound words” is used elsewhere in the bible to
describe that which is whole, healthy, safe and sound, and in good health. Does this have any
bearing on what Paul is saying here?
4. Paul is interested not only in what Timothy teaches, but also in how. What two words does
Paul use to explain how the gospel is to be taught? (1:13) Why is this important?
Day Two
5. Paul implores Timothy to teach what he has heard from Paul “in faith and love that are in
Christ Jesus”. What does he mean by “in Christ Jesus”? (1:13 ESV)
6. What is the “good deposit”? (1:14 ESV)
7. Why does it need to be guarded? See 1 Timothy 6:3-5
8. What can we do to ensure the gospel is guarded, defended and kept true?
9. What do people today want to add or take away from the gospel?
Day Three
10. Paul is abandoned by everyone else in Asia. (1:15 ESV) Why do you think everyone deserted
Paul? Do you think they abandoned the gospel as well?
11. Paul contrasts two who “turned away” with one whom “sought him out earnestly and often
refreshed him and was not ashamed of his chains”. Do you know anyone who you would call
spiritually refreshing? Anyone who could use a refreshing friend?
12. Have you ever been tempted to abandon a fellow Christian? Do any situations give rise to
such temptations for you?
Endnotes
1. Gospel. Original Greek euaggelion, noun meaning “good news” or euaggelizo, verb meaning “I
bring good news”. Both the noun and the verb are used extensively in the New Testament. It
developed a distinctly Christian use and emphasis because of the glorious news announced to
mankind of salvation and victory over sin and death that God offers to all people through the
accomplished work of Jesus Christ on the cross as proven by His resurrection, ascension, and
session at God’s right hand. See the following.
(1 Corinthians 15:1-8), (Acts 20:24), (Matthew 4:23), (Romans 1:16), (Ephesians 6:15),
(Ephesians 1:13) Strong’s Concordance http://biblehub.com/greek/2098.htm
2. hygiainontōn (3 John 1:2), (Luke 7:10), (Luke 5:31) See Strong’s Concordance
3. (2 Timothy 1:1), (1 Timothy 1:1), (Ephesians 1:1), (1 Corinthians 1:2), (Ephesians 2:13)
(1 Corinthians 4:15)
4. (1 Timothy 6:20),
http://biblehub.com/strongs/greek/5198.htm
All of these references can be easily found on any number of sites on the web. Two I would
suggest would be www.blueletterbible.com and www.biblehub.com. Both of these sites offer
many if not all of the various translations as well as word for word translations from the original
Hebrew and Greek. They offer many commentaries and concordances as well.
MACC Men’s Bible Study - 2 Timothy
January 13 – Homework – 2 Timothy 1:8-12
Read: 2 TIMOTHY 1:8-12
Day 1
What two things did Paul not want Timothy to be ashamed of? (v8)
Was Timothy ever a prisoner—and called to courage himself? (Hint: Hebrews 13:23)
* What did Jesus say about our testimony or “acknowledgement” of him? (Hint: Luke 12:8;
Matt 10:32)
Day 2
There is a secret path we can take to cheat death and live forever, right?
There is a pathway to live forever… but it isn’t a secret. So, what act, accomplishment or
effort can we do to live forever? (v9)
So, how do we escape death and live beyond our lifetime on Earth? (v10)
* Is there a difference between Grace and Mercy? Define both.
Day 3:
What three functions had Paul been appointed relating to the gospel? (v11)
Provide a short definition of each function
* Though Paul suffered, why was he not ashamed? (v12)
Bonus!
What purpose are you, Christian, “saved and called”(v9)? (See Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians
2:1-10)
January 6 – Homework – 2 Timothy 1:1-7
Consider using a study Bible or additional commentaries for this series.
Day 1: Read and familiarize yourself with the background of this Letter
1. Where is Ephesus? How would you describe the city and those living in it during the 1st
century?
2. What kinds of challenges did Christians face in Ephesus and is that similar to what Christians
face today in our city? (g)
3. Why did Paul write a second letter to Timothy and would you write a similar letter to our
Pastor today? (g)
4. Who is Timothy and what characteristics do you see in him that you also see in you?
Day 2: Read 2 Timothy 1:1-2
5. Why does Paul need to give this kind opening of himself? What is his point?
6. What does it mean to be an apostle? Read Mark 3:14 and Hebrews 3:1. Do you think Jesus
calls us to be apostles? (Ref: John 15:27) (g)
7. Do you think the “promise of life” that Paul states is a life persecution (Ref: John 15:20) or of
eternal life (Ref: John 17:3) or both? (g)
8. Do you think Timothy’s understanding of grace, mercy and peace is the same as that of Paul’s?
Why or why not? (g)
Day 3: Read 2 Timothy 1:3-7
9. Verse 5 Paul is a reminder of Timothy’s “Sincere Faith”. When you hear that phrase who
comes to mind? What things about their life demonstrate that to you? Do you have that kind of
faith?
10. Verse 6 Paul reminds Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God”. What “gift” is Paul talking
about? How does a person “fan that into flame”? (g)
11. How would fear (verse 7) affect our ability to fan into flame that gift?
12. How would power, love and self-control (verse 7) affect our ability to fan into flame that gift?
(g)