2Ti 2:19 What is the solid foundation of God? See Lk 6:47-49, 1 Cor 3:10-11, Eph 2:20. What is the purpose of an official seal upon something? What is the seal upon the solid foundation of God, and what does it authenticate? What is the significance of Paul’s statement in 2Ti 2:19 in light of the preceding context? Does the religious pretense of false Christians fool God? See Num 16:5 and its context from which Paul is quoting (LXX). How does one know for sure he is building on the authentic foundation laid down by God’s true apostles? See again Lk 6:47-48 as well as Mat 7:15-21.
2Ti 2:20-21 To what does the large house refer in Paul’s analogy? Note: Paul always uses “vessel” in reference to people; see Rom 9:21-23, 2 Cor 4:7, 1 Thess 4:4. Who would Paul have in mind as being vessels of silver or gold? Who would he have in mind as being vessels of wood or earthenware? See 2Ti 2:17. Notice that Paul’s use of terms in 2Ti 2:20 is identical to his use of terms in Rom 9:21 where he also speaks of some being vessels “unto honor” and some being vessels “unto dishonor”; how does 2Ti 2:21 here in 2 Timothy 2 argue against the Calvinist notion based on Rom 9:21-23 that God predestines some to damnation and there is nothing they can do (or could have done) to be saved? What are “these things” a man must cleanse himself of in order to be a vessel for honor? See 2Ti 2:14,16-18. In what 3-fold way does Paul describe such an honorable vessel in 2Ti 2:21? Are we sanctified, useful to our Master, and prepared for every good work? Name two vessels that Paul considered “useful” who at one time he would not have. See 2Ti 4:11 (cf. Acts 15:37-39) and Phm 1:11.
2Ti 2:22-23 What two words in 2Ti 2:22 summarize the substance of true religion? What does 2Ti 2:22 teach us about the sorts of things that those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart will pursue? Note: “pursue” is the same word also translated as “persecute” and means to pursue with all diligence. Do we “chase after” righteousness, faith, love and peace? What is the significance of Paul’s commands to Timothy in 2Ti 2:22 in light of his previous statement in 2Ti 2:21? Considering “these things” in 2Ti 2:14 & 16 that a man should cleanse himself of, as well as the context that follows in 2Ti 2:23, to what does “youthful lusts” seem to refer? Why would youth be more prone to wrangling about words and arguing about speculative teachings, and what is it about those who are elder that tempers that? Note: NASB “ignorant” means literally “uninstructed”; cf. KJV “unlearned”, or as one commentator put it, “half-educated”. Does age alone make one more educated and wise? Cf. Job 32:8-9. By what means does one flee such lusts that are more typical of youth? See 2Ti 2:15. Give examples of “foolish and ignorant speculations” people engage themselves in today. Why does Paul say we should refuse them? See also 1 Tim 6:3-5, Tit 3:9-10.
2Ti 2:24-26 Instead of being quarrelsome about words, what 3 things does Paul emphasize in 2Ti 2:24 that the Lord’s bond-servants must be? How should they deal with those who are in opposition to sound doctrine? See 2Ti 2:25 and cf. again Tit 3:10. Note: NASB “correcting” derives from the same root of the word used in 2Ti 2:23 for “ignorant” and means to instruct as one would a child (hence with correction). What do Paul’s words about being able to teach and “with gentleness correcting” teach us about the best way to overcome “ignorant” or “unlearned” speculations? What does 2Ti 2:25 along with Luke 13:3,5 teach us about God’s part and our part in repentance? About God’s sovereignty and man’s free will? See also 2 Pet 3:9. Are those Paul has in mind as being “in opposition” religious or non-religious? From what must they repent? See 2Ti 2:14,16,23. To what does true repentance from a pure heart lead? See 2Ti 2:25, 3:7, 1 Tim 2:4, Tit 1:1. How does Paul in 2Ti 2:26 describe those religious imposters who oppose the sound doctrine of the faith with their ignorant speculations? Note: “come to their senses” means literally to become sober; in what way is the intoxicating effects of alcoholic drinks a fitting picture of the effects of false or unsound doctrine? See also Rev 17:1-2. What is the nature of a snare? Does one wittingly fall into a snare? In light of the previous context what is the snare of the devil? Note: NASB “held captive” means literally to be captured alive. For what purpose does the devil capture alive in his snares religious pretenders? What does this teach us about the way Satan furthers his kingdom?