2 TImothy 4:1-4

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Paul’s Final Charge to Timothy to Be Faithful

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The faithful Christian preaches the word.

  2. The faithful Christian endures sound doctrine.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Beware of the itching ear syndrome.

  2. Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to witness.

QUESTIONS

  1. Does a Christian have to be in full-time ministry to preach the word?

  2. What does it mean to preach the word in season and out of season?

  3. How should the word be preached to believers?

  4. What are the motivating factors encouraging Christians to faithfully preach the word?

  5. What does it mean to have itching ears?

ANSWERS

  1. No. The command in 2 Timothy 4:2 is for all Christians.

  2. It means that Christians should be ready to share the word with non-believers on all occasions, not just when they feel like it, or not just when the opportunity is “right.”

  3. With patience or long-suffering, instructing the hearers.

  4. Because the lives of Christians will be reviewed at the judgment seat of Christ, when each one will give an account of himself to God. Another motivating factor is the Lord’s appearing and His kingdom. When the Lord Jesus returns to earth to set up His kingdom, Christians are going to reign with Him. The place and reward in the kingdom of Christ here on earth is determined by the faithfulness of each Christian now.

  5. Some believers will turn away from sound doctrine. Itching ears tolerate and even embrace false doctrine.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Do you preach the word to believers? Review 2 Timothy 4:2b as to how the word should be preached to believers.

  2. Do you preach the word because you are motivated by the factors given in 2 Timothy 4:1?

CHALLENGE

  1. Have you ever been guilty of having itching ears? If so, which doctrine was involved?

KEY VERSES

  • “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:1-2



2 Timothy, Talks, New TestamentDeb Harms2 Timothy 4:1-4