The storeroom of a large Roman house in morning light: gold and silver cups on a wooden shelf, plain clay jars and wooden bowls on the floor below, and one simple clay cup standing apart on a clean linen cloth.

The Book of

2 Timothy 2

From his prison cell Paul gives Timothy pictures to live by: a soldier, an athlete, a farmer, a workman and a clean vessel.

26 verses≈ 4 minBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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Where we are

1Not ashamedGuard the gospel, share the suffering
2Be strongSoldier, athlete, farmer, workmanChapter 2
3Hard timesLast days and the God-breathed Word
4Finish wellPreach the word; the race is run

Grace and Perseverance

You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

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And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.

Passing it on

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One verse holds four generations of believers. Paul taught Timothy in front of many witnesses. Timothy is to hand the same truth to faithful men, and they will be “qualified to teach others as well.” The gospel has come down to us the same way, from one faithful life to the next.

Paul

Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.

A rolled, tied scroll lying on the stone sill of a small barred opening high in a prison wall, a wide, bright dawn sky beyond the iron bars.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel, for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained! For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

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Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

This is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with Him,

we will also live with Him;

if we endure,

we will also reign with Him;

if we deny Him,

He will also deny us;

if we are faithless,

He remains faithful,

for He cannot deny Himself.

The trustworthy saying

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The saying begins with promise: united with Christ, we live and we will reign with Him. Then a real warning, to anyone who turns his back on Christ for good. Then a real comfort, for every believer whose faith has wavered: “He remains faithful,” because faithfulness is who He is.

Reflect

He remains faithful

Paul is chained “like a criminal,” yet he writes that “the word of God cannot be chained!” And he holds on to this: “if we are faithless, He remains faithful.” Where has your faith felt weak lately? What would it mean to lean today on His faithfulness rather than your own?

The Lord’s Approved Workman

Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.

A stonemason’s hands, seen close, guiding an iron chisel struck by a wooden mallet along a straight scored line on a squared limestone block.

But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness, and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some.

Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”

2 Timothy 2:19

Question

Quick question

Paul wants Timothy to be a workman with nothing to be ashamed of.

What does Paul’s approved workman do with the word of truth?

A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.

Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.

And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.

2 Timothy 2:24–25

Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.

Pray

Useful to the Master

Ask the Lord to make you “a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.” Ask Him for the grace to “pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace,” and to be “kind to everyone,” gentle even with those who oppose you, hoping and praying for them.

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2 Timothy 2

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A verse to carry with you

Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

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