Stapleton Baptist Church

2 Timothy 1:8-18

We begin our study in 2 Timothy 1:1-7 as Paul writes his final letter from prison in Rome to his beloved son in the faith, Timothy. Paul gives us a great example of someone who is deeply invested in the faith of a fellow believer and desires to see them continue to grow spiritually. 

Paul ends his letter of 1 Timothy with a final charge to Timothy, the man of God, to fight the good fight of the faith and take hold of the eternal life that he has been called to. In these instructions we find what it takes to be a man or a woman of God.

In 1 Timothy 6:3-10 Paul comes full circle in his argument against those teaching a "different doctrine." The hinge of this whole passage is verse 6, "But godliness with contentment is great gain." We find that contentment is a surprising difference maker in whether or not we follow God's truth or try to substitute it with our own version of the truth.

This Resurrection Sunday we look to Luke 24:1-12 and explore the resurrection of Jesus Christ and why the resurrection matters. Thank God for the empty tomb!

1 Timothy 5:1-6:2, bring us Paul's instructions regarding showing honor to different subgroups within the church. As the household of God, we should treat one another with mutual respect and love in all of our interactions. By doing so, we ultimately honor God the Father.

1 Timothy 4:11-16 brings us Paul's standing orders for Timothy in Ephesus. He has a tough task of overcoming opposition to bring the church into greater health. He can do so through setting the example, teaching the Word, using his gifts, and keeping a close watch on himself and the teaching.

In 1 Timothy 4:6-10, Paul charges Timothy to be a good servant of Christ Jesus who focuses on truth, godliness, and God. This will require maximum effort on Timothy's part. It is the same with us. To grow and mature in Christ will require our maximum dedication, energy, and commitment. And the reward of growing closer to God is worth every ounce of energy invested in it!

In 1 Timothy 4:1-5 Paul lets Timothy know that the Spirit had warned them that false teaching would arise. And it is important to know what false teaching is, where it comes from, and how it gets here. Our goal is to maintain a good conscience by devotion to God's Word.

In 1 Timothy 3:14-16 Paul puts an exclamation point on the spiritual identity of the church calling it the "household of God," the "church of the living God," and a "pillar and buttress of the truth." Let's explore the wonder of each of these descriptions to enable us to see the church the way God sees the church.