2 Timothy Series Study Guide
14-Week Reading and Sermon Schedule
(currently updated through week 4)
Sep 15
Transformed Disciples Create Spiritual Friendship
2 Timothy 1:1-7
Sep 22
Transformed Disciples Live for the Gospel
2 Timothy 1:8-18
Sep 29
Transformed Disciples Focus on the Kingdom
2 Timothy 2:1-7
Oct 06
Transformed Disciples Persevere in their Faith
2 Timothy 2:8-13
Oct 13
Transformed Disciples Live in the World
2 Timothy 2:14-26
Oct 20
Transformed Disciples Stand Firm Against the World
2 Timothy 3:1-9
Oct 27
Transformed Disciples Know the Word
2 Timothy 3:10-17
Nov 03
Transformed Disciples Proclaim the Word Communion
2 Timothy 4:1-8
Nov 10
Transformed Disciples Develop Gospel Partnerships
2 Timothy 4:9-22
Study Guide Archive
2 Timothy
Pathway Church Message Series
Fall 2019
Timothy: A Transformed Disciple
Although 2 Timothy can be approached in different ways, I have chosen to focus on the idea of transformed disciples. Not only is 2 Timothy’s Paul’s last book, but it’s his most personal one as well. One can view this book as Paul’s guide for discipleship. Or to put it another way, Paul is spiritually mentoring Timothy with this letter.
Timothy’s had a mixed religious background. His father was Greek (16:1, 3), but not a “God-fearer”—Gentiles who worshiped God and were sympathetic to some of the Jewish teachings). Timothy’s mother, Eunice, was Jewish as well as his grandmother Lois. Timothy wasn’t circumcised (16:3; probably against his father’s wishes), but received biblical teaching from his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5; cf. 3:14-15).
On Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey (Acts 13-14) they visited many cities including Lystra (Acts 14:8-23), probably Timothy’s home city (cf. Acts 16:1-5 implies that that he was from either Derbe or Lystra and Acts 20:4 suggests he’s not from Derbe). Although Acts 14:8-23 does not mention it, it’s likely that all three—Eunice, Lois, and Timothy were converted during this time.
Let me suggest two reasons for this conclusion: First, Paul refers to Timothy as “my beloved and faithful child in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17), “my true child in the faith,” (1 Timothy 1:2), and “my beloved child” (2 Timothy 1:2).
Second, when Paul and Silas revisited Derbe and Lystra (Paul and Barnabas had gone on their separate missionary journeys), Timothy and his mother (and grandmother: 2 Timothy 1:5) were already considered believers (16:1).
Paul was impressed by Timothy’s faith and character and invited him to join them on their impending missions trip (16:1-3). Timothy served on Paul’s second (15:26-18:22) and third missions trip (18:23-21:17). Before departing, Paul had Timothy circumcised (Acts 16:3) because he didn’t want him to be a stumbling block to the Jews. In addition, Timothy was ordained by the local church elders/leaders in Derbe and/or Lystra (Acts 14:23; cf. 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6).
The elders’ “laying of hands” on Timothy does not support the idea that church leaders (elders) have the authority to distribute or allocate spiritual gifts. Rather, it’s a sign of a church’s affirmation and blessings bestowed on an individual for ministry and service.
As a co-laborer with Paul, Timothy received “on the job discipleship training.” Timothy served Paul “as a son with a father” (Philippians 2:22). Timothy was with Paul during his first Roman imprisonment (Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; Philemon 1:1). Timothy’s also mentioned in Paul’s greetings (not Prison epistles) in 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and 2 Corinthians. Paul asked Timothy to visit him during his second Roman imprisonment (2 Timothy 4:9).
Due to the space limitation, we can only highlight some key features of Timothy’s development of a transformed disciple. Let me share several observations (Paul modeling transformed discipleship to Timothy). First, a transformed disciple discerns God’s calling and the Spirit’s leading (listening to God’s call to come to Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10).
Second, a transformed disciple proclaims the gospel and teaches the Word (Lydia in Philippi: Acts 16:11-15; Philippian jailor: 16:25-34; synagogue in Thessalonica: 17:1-9; Bereans study the Word daily: 17:10-15; Areopagus in Athens: Paul by himself 17:16-34; in Corinth: 18:5-11; 18; Paul corrects some disciples in Ephesus about the Spirit: 19:1-7).
Third, a transformed disciple prays (prayer meetings: 16:13, 16; praying while in prison: 16:25). Fourth a transformed disciple is ready for spiritual warfare (slave girl and divination in Philippi: Acts 16:16-18; casting out demons in Ephesus: Acts 19:11-20). Fifth, a transformed disciple perseveres through persecution (Paul and Silas confront by a crowd; thrown in prison: 16:19-24; Thessalonica agitators followed them to Berea: 17:13; Jews brought charges against Paul in Corinth: 18:12-17).
Sixth, a transformed disciple spiritually grows, matures, and takes on more spiritual responsibility. Paul sent Timothy sent to Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 3:2, 3:6), Macedonia (with Erastus: Acts 19:22), Corinth (1 Corinthians 4:17), hoped to send him to Philippi after his first Roman imprisonment (Philippians 2:19-24), and Ephesus to serve as a “pastor” (1 Timothy 1:3).