Explore the Bible Sunday School Lesson for July 21

Explore the Bible Sunday School Lesson for July 21

By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

FOCUSED
2 Timothy 2:1–13

Future Focused (1–2)

Paul wrote to exhort Timothy to finish strong. He wanted Timothy to abide day by day depending on the enabling grace that flows from our union with Jesus. Paul did not tell Timothy simply to “be strong” or “pull yourself up by your own bootstraps.” Rather he told Timothy to be inwardly strengthened by the grace that is in Christ. The grace of Christ empowers all the exhortations in chapter 2.

If Timothy was to finish strong in Ephesus, the city with blatant heresy, widespread disbelief and an overall difficult church, it would be by the strength of Jesus. Our strength is in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Our strength comes from our union with Christ and is supercharged by our daily communion with Christ.

One sure way to be strengthened in grace is to transmit to others the truths that have embedded themselves in one’s heart. Timothy was to be a teacher. Even more he was to produce teachers. Timothy needed this experience and more importantly the church needed the teachers. Paul was about to depart from this life. He had carried the gospel torch and now he handed it to Timothy who in turn must pass it on to others. 

The deposit that had been entrusted to Timothy must be deposited with faithful men who could teach other faithful men. This critical process involves three components. First, careful observation is required. Pastors need to find some “faithful men.” Second, relationships must be developed. Third, pastoral coaching is necessary. 

Pastors need to help these faithful men teach and lead well by helping them discern their calling, cultivate godly character and increase their level of competency by providing feedback and support in their training. 

Mission Focused (3–7)

The ministry of entrusting the gospel to faithful men involves hardship. Paul exhorted Timothy to endure for the gospel. He was to be like a faithful soldier. Christians should expect opposition and persecution. We are at war. The soldier must not get distracted by things that do not really matter. Wholehearted devotion is required to be faithful in gospel ministry. Are any good things keeping you from doing the main things?

Likewise Timothy was to be similar to a disciplined athlete. Christians should desire to walk in godliness in accordance with God’s word. If athletes can train and compete for trophies and man’s applause, how much more should Christians train and sweat for Christ?  

Timothy also was to resemble a hardworking farmer. Farming is not glamorous or exciting. No one calls a press conference to bale hay. Farming involves sowing, planting, plowing and monitoring. Farming is endless. Ministry is the same. It is hard work. Disciple making takes time and entails energetic toil. Stay focused on the mission.

Christ Focused (8–13)

In view of raging persecution and opposition comfort was certainly needed. Faithfully proclaiming and preserving the gospel meant hardship. Timothy must not lose courage or fear death. If we are going to finish strong we must never lose sight of Jesus Christ. Israel had suffered from spiritual memory loss (Ps. 106:19–22), and so does the church. We are prone to forget whose we are and whose mission we have been called to join. 

When your tank is empty remember the tomb is empty and the throne is occupied. Keeping your eyes on Jesus will keep you in the war, in the game and on the farm. While the messenger may be bound the message can never be bound successfully. A lofty vision of the person and work of Christ will empower us to finish strong. The gospel of Christ will triumph. It will perform its preordained mission on earth. No enemy can thwart it. We must stay focused on Christ.