The Shoulds From 2 Timothy 2

(by Bill Stevenson)

On Wednesday night, November 15, 2006, while hearing a sermon on half of 2 Timothy 2, the
Holy Spirit told me that I was to do more with it. I said to Him that I have so much else to do,
but no change of His mind. A few months ago, when I was wanting to 2 Timothy 3:15, the Holy
Spirit had me go to the same verse number in the previous chapter instead. That verse and some
other verses nearby were actually more appropriate for the e-mail I was responding to. But last
night, I thought there were some lessons from this chapter for those who read my blog and many
of the verses were appropriate for the blog series the Holy Spirit has been urging over the past
few weeks. 2 Timothy was written to a young pastor, but there is much that is applicable to all
true Christians. I hope you will prove that via answering thought-provoking questions. If you do
so, please e-mail me the results at for_sharing_truth@yahoo.com. Also, try to figure out why I
bolded certain words in relation to the title of this study guide.

2 Timothy 2
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
What does being strong in the grace in Christ Jesus personally mean to you?

2 And the things that you has heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit you to
faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Do you think that every true Christian should be able to teach God’s truths to others? Why do
you think more of such is needed in this world? To whom and how do you do spiritual teaching?

3 You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Why is this necessary now? Why is it not just for men? How do you endure hardness and be a
good Christian soldier? (Do you remember the words of the hymn “Onward Christian
Soldiers”?

4 No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who
hath chosen him to be a soldier.
What does spiritual warfare personally mean to you? What does it mean to be a Christian
soldier? What about the spiritual armor listed in Ephesians 6? Who enlisted you to be a
Christian soldier? What does entangling oneself in the affairs of this life? (Matthew 6 has some
good verses against such.)

5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 6 The
husbandman who labors must be first partaker of the fruits. 7 Consider what I say; and the
Lord give you understanding in all things.
How would you teach these three verses to a teenager?

8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my
gospel:
Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ so important?

9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the Salvation
which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 It is a faithful saying: “For if we be dead with
Him, we shall also live with Him. 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny

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Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, yet He remains faithful: He cannot deny
Himself.” 14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord that they strive
about words to no profit, but to the ruin of the hearers.
Read Romans 5:17 & 8:17 and Matthew 10:33 and their contexts. Then rewrite 2 Timothy 2:9-
14 in a personal way.

15 Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth.
Why does studying the Bible help you to be approved to God and be a good shameless worker?
How do you rightly divide the Bible? Why is looking at a verse’s context so important? How
can rightly dividing occur when you or your pastor is going through a Bible chapter verse by
verse be done? (I have to rightly divide when I do the logical indent format,)

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more unGodliness. 17 And
their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who concerning the
truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
What are profane and vain babblings? How should a true Christian shun(go against) such?

19 Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, “The Lord knows them
that are His.” And, “Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 20
But in a great house, there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of
earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these,
he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and useful for the Master's use, and prepared unto
every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts: but pursue righteousness, faith, agapè, peace,
with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and unlearned
questions, knowing that they do generate strife.
Reread John 10, 1 Corinthians 3, and Ephesians 2. How would you teach the truths of 2
Timothy 2:19-23 to a teenager?

24 And the servant of the Lord must not quarrel; but be gentle unto all, able to teach, patient,
25 in meekness correcting (KJV instructing) those who oppose themselves; if God perhaps
will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the Truth, 26 and that they may recover
themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
How do you do such with others? How does the Bible and the Holy Spirit help you?

Finally, make a short statements list of the shoulds.