2 Tim 3:10-17, Living as Disciples in the Last Days

Outline (my edits to Constable's original outline)
1. Salutation 1:1–2
2. Faithful Service 1:3–18
1. Fan the flame 1:3–7
2. Don't be afraid 1:8–14
3. Examples of faithful and unfaithful service 1:15–18
3. Exhortations to discipleship 2:1–26
1.  Making disciples 2:1–13
1. Picture of Discipleship 2:1–2
2. Characteristics of Disciple-Makers
3. The examples of Jesus and Paul 2:8–10
4. Importance of Faithfulness 2:11–13
2. Serving as  Disciples 2:14–26
1. Handling the word 2:14–18
2. Being an example to others 2:19–21
3. Living as a disciple 2:22–26
4. Directions concerning the last days 3:1–4:8
1. Characteristics of the last days 3:1–7
2. Warnings about false teachers 3:8-9
3. Conduct of a disciple in the last days 3:10-17
1. Example of Timothy the disciple following Paul 3:10-13
2. Importance of the word of God for disciples 3:11-17
3. Paul's charge to Timothy 4:1-5
4. Paul's role in the last days 4:6-8
5. Concluding personal instructions and information 4:9–22
1. Fellow workers and an opponent 4:9–15
2. Paul’s preliminary hearing in court 4:16–18
3. Additional greetings and instructions 4:19–21
4. Benediction 4:22


2 Timothy 3:10–13 (ESV) —
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.


• This is the contrast to the false teachers (and is a good argument why the "health and wealth" gospel is wrong and of the devil
• First, Paul is positive toward Timothy, why?
• Because, as a disciple, he imitated his teacher
• In what ways, did Timothy as a disciple imitate Paul and what does it mean?
1. Followed teaching -- strong biblically based teaching
2. Followed conduct -- it is not just knowing, but it is doing. If the bible does not affect your life, you are not applying it
3. Followed aim of life -- what was Paul aim?
• Love for God
• Love for the world's lost
• Love for the church
• Love for discipleship
4. Followed faith -- Same belief and trust in God
5. Followed patience -- later in life Paul faced a lot of disappointments and shows considerable grace
6. Followed love -- Paul lived for others, not for himself -- he exemplified Jesus' admonition in this regard
7. Followed steadfastness -- this is probably what got him arrested. He did not denounce Jesus or what he believed
8. Followed persecutions -- it is hard to see this, except at these cities, Timothy was there as well and had to deal with as well
• Verse 12 is a verse that few Christians every quote
• … all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, …
• Here is a very small subset of cross-references. There were quite a few of them
• Matthew 5:10–12 (ESV) — 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
• John 15:19–21 (ESV) — 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.
• 1 Thessalonians 3:1–5 (ESV) — 1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
• John 16:33 (ESV) — 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
• 1 Peter 4:12–16 (ESV) — 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
• 1 Peter 2:21 (ESV) — 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
• Revelation 1:9 (ESV) — 9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
• Suffering is a natural part of the Christian life


2 Timothy 3:14–17 (ESV) —
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.


• The junction "but" tells us that this is the key verse for the entire chapter. What is Paul's main point?
• You need the word
• The word will equip you for every good work
• Look up Greek word for "God-breathed"
• The word does 4 things, what are they?
• Teaches -- it explains to us how to live life, what the path looks like
• Reproves -- tells us when we are wrong, off-track
• Correction -- it tells us how to recover and get back on track
• Trains us -- it shows us how through training to stay on the track. This comes through specific application of the word of God


APPLICATION: I have said this over and over again, but you will struggle until you develop a habit of daily time with God. I urge you to memorize scripture. You need to change the way you think. We easily remember sayings the world makes. Let's change our focus from the world's cute proverbs and replace them with powerful proverbs from God's word