2 Timothy 2:3-4

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Being a Faithful Christian and a Good Soldier of Jesus Christ

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Like a soldier, the faithful Christian sacrifices his life of ease.

  2. Like a soldier, the faithful Christian sacrifices his security.

  3. Like a soldier, the faithful Christian sacrifices his independence.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Are we going to heaven as Christian soldiers or Christian pleasure- seekers?

  2. Let’s be real soldiers, and not toy soldiers.

QUESTIONS

  1. What was Paul’s primary purpose in writing this second letter to Timothy?

  2. List the two models given so far in this chapter that are used to illustrate what the dedicated Christian life is all about.

  3. What is the primary idea in the model given in 2 Timothy 2:3-4?

  4. List the doctrinal points discussed concerning this model.

  5. Discuss “earthly entanglements” vs. laying up treasures in heaven.

ANSWERS

  1. To encourage him in the faith, to stir up his spiritual gift, and to be dedicated to the responsibilities of his call to Christian service.

  2. A teacher and a soldier.

  3. Sacrifice.

  4. Like a soldier, the faithful Christian sacrifices his life of ease. Like a soldier, the faithful Christian sacrifices his security. Like a soldier, the faithful Christian sacrifices his independence.

  5. The soldier cannot be tied down with a lot of entanglements. He must be streamlined. He sacrifices his earthly security. We are not to lay up treasures on earth, but we are to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). Every earthly entanglement that saps away time and energy from the Lord’s work should be carefully evaluated and pared down.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Be honest with yourself when answering this question, “Do you put your life of ease ahead of sacrifices for the Lord?” What are your priorities when you are confronted with choices?

  2. List some of the entanglements in your life that sap time and energy that could be given to the Lord.

CHALLENGE

  1. Are you willing to sacrifice personal pleasures, security and independence in order to honor Christ by your life?

KEY VERSES

  • “…endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please Him who enlisted him as a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:3-4



2 Timothy, Talks, New TestamentDeb Harms2 Timothy 2:3-4