2Ti 4:9-12   In what way was Paul in his last days like Jesus at the end of His life?  See also 2Ti 4:16, Mat 26:31,69-74, 27:46.  For what purpose does Paul say Demas deserted him?  How should the example of Demas be a warning to every believer?  See 1 Jn 2:15, James 4:4; cf. Col 4:14, Phlm 1:24, Mat 10:22, Lk 8:13-15, Heb 3:14.  Consider that it is easy to remain steadfast when there is little or no cost for doing so, and easy to assume we shall be able to remain so even in time of trial (cf. Peter’s example in Mat 26:33); and yet as in the case of Peter and here Demas, we understand that even our earnest expectations may prove hollow; what then is necessary for us as believers to ensure we will remain steadfast even in the midst of fiery trials, endure until the end, and not deny the Lord?  Mk 14:38, Lk 21:36, 22:40,46, Mat 6:13, 1 Cor 10:13, 2 Pet 2:9, Rev 3:10.  Recall that the book of Acts was written by Luke and ends with Paul’s first Roman imprisonment; considering that Paul engaged in several years of additional ministry after his release and before writing 2 Timothy, what does 2Ti 4:11 indicate about when the book of Acts was written?  Is it likely Luke would have omitted mention of Paul’s release and this additional ministry, which he must have been aware of, had he penned it even at the time of this writing?  What does this then indicate about the time of the writing of Luke’s gospel?  Compare Acts 1:1-2 with Lk 1:1-4, 24:49-53.  Most scholars believe Mark’s gospel was written prior to Luke, and there is good evidence Matthew’s was also; what does this indicate about the time when the first gospel was written?  In light of 2Ti 4:11 (cf. Col 4:10,14, Phlm 1:24), is it surprising that Luke’s gospel contains much of the same information as Mark’s?  Recall also that Mark was Barnabas’ cousin (Col 4:10) whom Paul had refused to take with him on his second missionary journey and as a result separated from Barnabas (Acts 15:37-39); what does 2Ti 4:11 indicate about this falling out and the benefit to Paul of Barnabas’ forbearance with Mark?  Consider too that Mark ultimately penned the gospel that bears his name.  What does this teach us about the importance of not giving up hope on even those who have deserted us?  What indication do we have that Paul had a better understanding of this truth at the end of his life than he did at the beginning of his second missionary journey?  See 2Ti 4:16.

2Ti 4:13-16 What do these verses tell us about the suffering Paul experienced at the end of his life?  Why would Paul be anxious that Timothy “make every effort to come to me soon” (2Ti 4:9) and “bring the cloak” he had left at Troas?  See 2Ti 4:21.  What books might Paul be referring to that he wants Timothy to bring?  Note: parchments were made from animal skins; they were very durable, but expensive, and so used for matters of great importance, such as the Scriptures and legal documents.  Is the Alexander Paul refers to in 2Ti 4:14 the same as that Alexander he delivered over to Satan in 1 Tim 1:20?  What harm might he have done to Paul, and how does Paul’s response exemplify what our response should be to others who have done us harm?  See Rom 12:19.

2Ti 4:16-18 When friends or even family forsake us, who always remains with us?  See 2Ti 4:17.  For what purpose did the Lord strengthen Paul?  In times of trial and hardship, for what purpose does the Lord strengthen us: so that we will always prevail and be justified before men, or so that we might fully accomplish His will?  Considering that Paul as a Roman citizen could not legally be thrown to the lions, what does he mean that he was “delivered out of the lion’s mouth”?  See 1 Pet 5:8.  What does this context teach us about the way Satan seeks to devour God’s people, and how we are delivered from him?  Have we the same faith as Paul expressed in 2Ti 4:18, even when he knew he was to be executed?

2Ti 4:19-22 What does 2Ti 4:19 indicate about where Timothy was at when Paul wrote this letter?  See 1:16-18, Acts 18:18-19, 1 Cor 16:19 (written from Ephesus).  What does 2Ti 4:20 teach us about Paul’s ability as an apostle to heal every sickness?  Cf. Phil 2:25-30.  Was Paul completely alone at the end of his life?  See 2Ti 4:21.