Survey of the Book of 2 Timothy
Paul's second letter to Timothy was written from prison. Paul wants to encourage Timothy by assuring him of his (Paul's) continuing love and prayers, and he reminds Timothy of his (Timothy's) spiritual heritage and responsibilities. At the same time, however, he warns Timothy that his teaching will come under attack as men desert the truth for "ear-tickling" words.

AUTHOR: Paul
TO WHOM: Timothy
PURPOSE: Paul wrote this book from prison to challenge Timothy to assume responsibility for the ministry which the apostle was handing over due to his forthcoming death. Paul knew he would soon be executed for his faith.
KEY VERSES:
1:8-10— "Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel"
3:14-17— "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 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. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."
LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: The divine pattern for multiplication of the Gospel message is "each one teach one to reach one."
MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Timothy

Outline

1. Persevere in Present Testings: 1:1-2:26
   
   1. Thanksgiving for Timothy's _______________: 1:1-5
      
      1. Introduction: _______________
      2. Thanksgiving: _______________
   2. Reminder of Timothy's ____________________ 1:6-18
      
      1. Use your spiritual _______________: 1:6
      2. Have a _______________ attitude: 1:7-8
      3. Recognize your _______________: 1:9-12
      4. Hold it fast: _______________
      5. The _______________ for the exhortation: 1:15-18
   3. Characteristics of a faithful _______________: 2:1-26
      
      1. Discipling _______________: 2:1, 2
      2. Single-minded _______________: 2:3-4
      3. Striving for sound doctrine like an _______________: 2:5
      4. Enduring like a _______________: 2:6
      5. The duty regarding sound _______________: 2:7
      6. _______________ for sound doctrine: 2:8-13
      7. Do not strive over _______________ issues: 2:14
      8. Study _______________ doctrine: 2:15
      9. Avoid irreverent _______________: 2:16-18
      10. Establish yourself on the true _______________: 2:19
      11. Be a vessel of _______________: 2:20-21
      12. Flee _______________ lusts: 2:22
      13. Pursue righteousness, _______________, love, and peace: 2:22
      14. Avoid foolish and unlearned _______________: 2:23-26
2. Endure in Future Testings: 3:1-4:22
   
   1. Approaching day of _______________: 3:1-17
      
      1. Announcement of coming perilous _______________: 3:1
      2. Description of evil men of ____________________ 3:2-8
      3. The limitation on such _______________ men: 3:9
      4. Timothy has followed Paul's teaching, _______________, faith, patience: 3:10
      5. Persecution in the _______________ days: 3:11, 12
      6. Evil people will go from bad to worse:_______________
      7. They will be _______________ themselves: 3:13
      8. Be established in sound doctrine and in the _______________: 3:15-17
   2. A charge to _______________ the Word:4:1-2
   3. In season and out of _______________, reprove, _______________, and exhort: 4:2
   4. Description of _______________ time: 4:3-4
      
      1. People will not endure _______________ doctrine: 4:3
      2. Will want teachers who teach what they want to hear: _______________
      3. They will turn away from the _______________: 4:4
      4. They will turn to _______________: 4:4
   5. Be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry: _______________
3. Approaching Death of Paul: 4:6-22
   
   1. Paul's _______________: 4:6-8
      
      1. He is ready to face _______________: 4:6
      2. He has fought a good _______________: 4:7
      3. He has finished the _______________: 4:7
      4. He has kept the _______________: 4:7
      5. There is a _______________ laid up for him: 4:8
      6. There is a reward laid up for those who follow his _______________: 4:8
   2. A request for _______________ to come: 4:9-13
      
      1. The request to come: _______________
      2. The _______________: 4:10-12
      3. Instructions for what to _______________: 4:13
   3. Paul's Trials: 4:14-18
      
      1. The evil done by _______________: 4:14-15
      2. Paul had to stand _______________ at first: 4:16
      3. But __________ stood with him through the trial: 4:17
      4. __________ will stand with him in future trials: 4:18
   4. Conclusion: 4:19-22
      
      1. Salutations to _______________, _______________, and the household of _______________: 4:19
      2. News regarding Paul's companions: _______________
      3. Special greetings: _______________
      4. Benediction: _______________

Further Study
Study the use of the word "charge" [as in "command"] in 1 and 2 Timothy. What are the things Paul charges [commands] Timothy to do?

Study the word "faith" used in these two books. What does Paul say regarding the faith?

These two books contain much about the ministry of teaching. Study all that Paul writes regarding teachers, teaching, and the responsibility to teach.

Study the word "godliness" in 1 and 2 Timothy. Summarize what is taught regarding godliness.

Believers are compared to several things in the book of 2 Timothy: Write the comparisons from each of the following verses:

• 2:3— __________________________________
  
  
• 2:5— __________________________________
  
  
• 2:6— __________________________________
  
  
• 2:15— _________________________________
  
  
• 2:21— _________________________________
  
  
• 2:24— _________________________________
  
  

Read Paul's summary and evaluation of his own ministry in 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

Write the qualifications for elders and deacons given in 1 Timothy 3:1-13:

In addition to the information about Timothy in the books of 1 and 2 Timothy, study and write what these other Bible passages tell us about him:

• Acts 13:5; 14:19-20; 16:1-3; 17:14; 19:22; 20:4—
  

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• 1 Corinthians 4:17; 9:20; 16:10—
  

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• 2 Corinthians 1:1,19—
  

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• 1 Thessalonians 3:2,6—
  

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• Philippians 1:1; 2:19-23—
  

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• Colossians 1:1—
  

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• Philemon 1:1—
  

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• Hebrews 13:23—
  

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Survey of the Book of Titus
The Apostle Paul has installed Titus, a young pastor, to oversee and set in order the churches in Crete. Not only does Paul instruct Titus to appoint elders to supervise or manage the work of the Church, but he instructs him in requiring all members to excel spiritually. Men and women, young and old, all have their vital functions to fulfill if they are to be living examples of the faith they profess.

This short letter focuses on Titus' responsibilities in the organization and supervision of the churches in Crete. Paul's intent in this letter is to strengthen and exhort Titus to firmly exercise his authority as an apostolic representative to churches that need to be put in order. The task that lies ahead for this young pastor is not an enviable one, as he will have to refute [prove to be untrue] false teachers and dissenters, and replace immoral behavior with good deeds.

AUTHOR: Paul
TO WHOM: Titus, a Greek convert and fellow worker with Paul.
PURPOSE: To correct problems and establish proper order in the churches located on the island of Crete.
KEY VERSES:
2:11-14— "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."
3:8— "The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people."
LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Founding a good work is not enough. That work must be established and organized according to the principles of God's Word.
MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul and Titus

Outline

1. Appoint Elders: 1:1-16
   
   1. Introduction: 1:1-4
   2. Ordain qualified _______________: 1:5-9
      
      1. This is why Paul left Titus in _______________: 1:5
      2. Qualifications for _______________: 1:6-9
   3. Elders must recognize and _______________ false teachers: 1:10-14
      
      1. False teachers: 1:10-16
      2. To the pure, all things are pure: _______________
2. Set Things in Order: 2:1-3:11
   
   1. Speak sound doctrine: 2:1-15
      
      1. Older _______________: 2:2
      2. _______________ women: 2:3, 4
      3. Young _______________: 2:4, 5
      4. Young _______________ develop similar qualities as the young women: 2:6
   2. Titus should be a _______________ of good works: 2:7-8
      
      1. Show integrity and dignity: _______________
      2. Sound speech that cannot be condemned: _______________
   3. Those in service to _______________: 2:9-10
      
      1. Submissive, _______________, not argumentative: 2:9
      2. Not _______________: 2:10
      3. An example of good _______________: 2:10
   4. All believers: 2:11-14
      
      1. Renounce ungodliness and worldly passions: _______________
      2. Live self-controlled, upright, and _______________ lives: 2:12
      3. Wait and watch for the _______________ of Jesus: 2:13
      4. Live a redeemed and _______________ life: 2:14
   5. Declare, exhort and rebuke with all _______________: 2:15
   6. Believers are to maintain _______________ works: 3:1-11
      
      1. Submit to rulers and _______________ , ready for every good work: 3:1
      2. Speak evil of no one, avoid quarrels, be gentle, and be courteous: _________
      3. Our past _______________: 3:3
      4. God loved us and saved us despite our conduct: _______________
      5. Believers should devote themselves to good _______________: 3:8
      6. Avoid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels: ______________
      7. Avoid someone who stirs up _______________: 3:10, 11
   7. Conclusion: 3:12-15

   Further Study
   The subject of good works recurs frequently in the book of Titus. Read the following verses and write what is taught about the believer and good works:
   

   • 2:7—
     

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   • 2:14—
     

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   • 3:1—
     

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   • 3:4—
     

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   • 3:5—
     

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   • 3:8—
     

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   • 3:14—
     

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   Study and write the qualifications for church leadership Paul gives in the book of Titus:

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   Notice and write the three tenses of salvation in 2:11-13:

   • Past: ____________________________________________________
     
     
   • Present: __________________________________________________
     
     
   • Future: ___________________________________________________

   For the geographical background of Crete, see 1 Samuel 30:14, Ezekiel 25:16, Acts 2:11 and 27:17.

   Note the relation concerning the Gospel between 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus:
   

   • 1 Timothy: _________________________ the Gospel.
     
     
   • 2 Timothy: _________________________ the Gospel.
     
     
   • Titus: _________________________ the Gospel.
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   Survey of the Book of Philemon
   Does Christian brotherly love really work? For example, will it work between a prominent wealthy slave owner and a runaway slave?

   That is the question assumed in Paul's letter to Philemon, a prominent Christian in Colosse as he writes to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus — a deserter, thief, and formerly worthless slave, and now Paul's and Philemon's brother in Christ.

   Paul not only asks Philemon to receive back Onesimus with the same grace he would extend to Paul, but Paul also promises to repay or restore whatever Onesimus owes to Philemon. Knowing Philemon personally, Paul is confident that brotherly love and forgiveness will prevail. Just as Philemon was shown mercy through the grace of Christ, so now Paul asks him to graciously forgive his repentant runaway.

   This letter is also addressed to a few other Christian's known to Philemon because Paul wants it to have an impact on the Colossian church as a whole.

   AUTHOR: Paul
   TO WHOM: Philemon, a Christian who lived at Colosse
   PURPOSE: To appeal for Onesimus, the runaway slave of Philemon who had become a believer.
   The book serves as a practical example of Christian principles applied to social relationships. It also illustrates the principle of forgiveness, and the ministry of intercession.
   KEY VERSE: 1:10&3151; "I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment."
   LIFE AND MINISTRY PRINCIPLE: Christian principles must be applied to social relationships.
   MAIN CHARACTERS: Paul, Onesimus, Philemon

   Outline

   1. Introduction: 1:1-7
   2. The request: 1:8-21
      
      1. Paul's personal interest in _______________: 1:8-14
         
         1. He was an _______________ servant: 1:11
         2. He is now a _______________ believer: 1:11,13
      2. Paul's plea for _______________: 1:15-18
         
         1. _______________ him for your sake: 1:15
         2. _______________ him for his sake: 1:16
         3. _______________ him for my sake: 1:17-18
      3. The basis of his _______________: 1:19-20
      4. _______________ in an answer: 1:21
3. Conclusion: 1:22-25
   
   1. Paul's proposed _______________: 1:22
   2. Greetings: 1:23-25

Further Study
The Apostle Paul reveals many things about the man Philemon in this short book. Study the following summary:

• Philemon was a friend:
  to Paul in Rome: 1:2
  to Christians in Colosse: 1:5, 7
  
  
• He was a man of wealth:
  since he had servants (1:15-16)
  and extra room for guests (1:22).
  
  
• He owed Paul his life: 1:19
  
  
• He had a church in his home: 1:2
  
  
• He was a fellow-laborer with Paul: 1:1
  
  
• He had positive Christian qualities shown by his:
  love: 1:5;
  faith: 1:5;
  communication of his faith: 1:6;
  refreshing of the saints: 1:7;
  obedience: 1:21; and
  prayerfulness: 1:22
  
  
• He apparently visited those in prison, as Paul asked him to salute Epaphras, a fellow prisoner in bonds in his city: 1:23
  
  

We learn many things about Paul, too:

• He was a prisoner: 1:1
  
  
• He was a man of prayer: 1:4
  
  
• He had joy in the midst of bad circumstances: 1:7
  
  
• He did not take advantage of a relationship although he could have: 1:8-9, 13-14, 19
  
  
• He was reproducing spiritually even in prison: 1:10
  
  
• He was unselfish: 1:13-14
  
  
• He was a man of love: 1:18-19
  
  
• He was a man of faith: 1:22
  
  
• He was a man who cherished relationships: Onesimus, Philemon, and others he salutes in the chapter as well as in other epistles.

Make a list of things you learn about Onesimus from this chapter.

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