2Ti 2:8-10 What two aspects of the gospel message does Paul emphasize in 2Ti 2:8 to Timothy, and why is each of central importance? See 1 Cor 15:17; Ps 132:11, Is 9:6-7, 11:1-5, Lk 1:31-33, Acts 2:25-32, Rom 1:3-4. What was the result to Paul of proclaiming that gospel? See 2Ti 2:9. How were his present circumstances different from other suffering he had previously endured for the sake of the gospel? See Lk 23:32,33,39 for the only other NT instances of “criminal”. Was Paul ashamed of his conduct for having been branded a criminal? See 2Ti 1:12. Could the state-sponsored persecution and branding of Christians as “criminals” imprison the gospel from spreading? See also 2Ti 4:17, 1 Thess 1:6-8. Was Jesus the only one who had to suffer in order that we might be saved? See 2Ti 2:10, Col 1:24. Paul and many others like him throughout history have endured hardship in order that we might be saved; are we as willing to endure hardship in order that others might be saved? Who are the chosen or elect to whom Paul refers in 2Ti 2:10? See Mat 22:14, Col 3:12, 1 Pet 2:9, 2 Pet 1:10, Rev 17:14. What does Paul say in 2Ti 2:10 accompanies the salvation which is in Christ Jesus? How are the hardships we suffer in this life related to eternal glory in the next? See 2 Cor 4:16-18, 1 Pet 5:10. How is Paul an example to us of this truth, even as is Christ Jesus? See 1 Pet 2:19-21. Is there need for such examples today? Will we be one?
2Ti 2:11-13 What is the trustworthy statement (KJV = “faithful saying”) that Paul refers to in 2Ti 2:11: Is it his previous statement in 2Ti 2:10, or what follows in 2Ti 2:11-13? Note: some consider what follows to be the fragment of an early hymn or creed. What are the four other “trustworthy statements” he has given in these Pastoral epistles? See 1 Tim 1:15, 3:1, 4:9, and Tit 3:8. Are these 5 statements related in any way? Note: if the trustworthy statement in 1 Tim 3:1 refers to what precedes in 1 Tim 2:15, then all 5 would relate to some aspect of our salvation (see also 1 Tim 4:9 where the trustworthy statement clearly refers to what precedes). In what primary sense does it mean that if we died with Christ we shall also live with Him? See Rom 6:5-8, 2 Cor 4:10-11. In the context of Paul’s approaching martyrdom what does it mean in its fullest sense? See again 1 Pet 2:21. What assumption is inherent in the words, “If we endure”? See 2Ti 3:12. What is the importance of persevering in trials and enduring with Christ? See Mat 10:22, 24:13, 1 Cor 13:7, Heb 12:1-7, James 1:12, 1 Pet 2:20. In addition to eternal life, what is the promise in 2Ti 2:12 to those who persevere and endure hardship and suffering for Christ? See also Mat 19:28-29, Lk 22:28-29, Rev 5:9-10, 20:4-6. What is the warning to those who would deny Him? See also Mat 10:33, Lk 12:9. Are the past-present-future tenses used in the protasis of the 3 conditions in 2Ti 2:11-12 significant? What does 2Ti 2:13 mean, especially in light of 2Ti 2:12? See Rom 3:3-4 and note that Paul’s quote there is from Psalm 51:4.