The last words of a dying person often have a significant impact on others. In a sense, 2 Timothy is like that. It's advice from someone who knows he's come to the end of life. Paul, imprisoned in Rome for the second time, realized he would not be released. Facing death as a martyr, he wrote carefully and deliberately to the heart of the gospel. His "dying words" are words for us to live by, and a great topic to study with your small group.
Session One
Foundation for Life
What is your foundation for life when most everything comes against you?
2 Timothy 1:1-7
As Paul writes this personal letter to Timothy, he wants to encourage him to continue on in the Christian life, even when it gets tough. Paul's words have extra power, since he, himself, is in prison, awaiting his execution.
Session Two
Guard the Gospel
We need to unashamedly protect the gospel.
2 Timothy 1:8-18
In this last letter that Paul is to write, he makes clear what is most important in his life and what he hopes is most important in Timothy's life—that the gospel is powerful, life-changing, and worth guarding with all of our energy.
Session Three
Stand Strong in Grace
We need to be strong in grace to fulfill our mission.
2 Timothy 2:1-7
Paul is very practical as he points to a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer to help us grasp how we should live the Christian life. But he also lets us know that it can't be done without God's grace.
Session Four
Be Willing to Suffer
Endure hardship for the sake of others' salvation.
2 Timothy 2:8-13
Most of us don't like to think about suffering, but Paul makes a case for it in this passage. He reminds us that Jesus and his gospel are worth suffering for, and that giving our lives for this purpose has great value.
Session Five
Be Pure and Fruitful
Get the gospel right to become a useful and honorable vessel.
2 Timothy 2:14-26
Rarely does anyone outside of Christian circles speak of purity these days, but Paul says we should be pure. What does that mean and why is it important? And how does it lead to fruitfulness in our lives?
Session Six
Challenge Empty Religion
Watch out for those who have the appearance of godliness, but deny its power.
2 Timothy 3:1-9
Our ability to live holy lives that please God has a whole lot to do with what we believe to be true about God and the gospel.
Session Seven
Be Faithful
Continue in what you've learned from the sacred writings.
2 Timothy 3:10-17
Faithfulness in our faith is impossible without a commitment to the truth of Scripture. How strong are your convictions when other's opinions conflict with yours?
Session Eight
Proclaim and Listen Well
It's very easy to get sidetracked from the truth.
2 Timothy 4:1-5
We have to speak out when we can, but we also need to listen to make sure we've got the message right.
Session Nine
Finish Well
Christians have the wind of the world, the flesh, and the devil against them.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
To finish well, we need to be caught up in God's grace, focus on key spiritual areas, and keep our eye on the prize.
Session Ten
Faithful in Life's Winter
We want to face the end of our lives as ones who bring great glory to God and know great gladness of heart.
2 Timothy 4:9-22
With the Lord's strength, the help of others who love him, and our own commitment to continue to learn, we can face life's winter faithfully.
Total number of pages - 77
