Background

2 Timothy is a personal letter from the apostle Paul to Timothy, a young leader in the church at Ephesus. Paul probably wrote this letter in 67 AD while he was in prison in Rome, not long before his execution (4:6). Timothy is facing difficulties and opposition, and is in need of encouragement and exhortation.

Salutation

* Read 2 Timothy 1:1-2.
1. Considering the great difficulties that Paul is facing (and Timothy too), how does Paul's mention of "the will of God" and "the promise of life" help?

Thanksgiving

* Read 2 Timothy 1:3-7.
2. Paul is chained up in a prison. He is facing death. How can he be thankful? Does this mean that Paul is totally happy?

3. Though Paul is imprisoned as a criminal, he has a "clear conscience" (1:3). He is "not ashamed" (1:8, 11-12). Why?

4. Paul mentions his forefathers (1:3) and also Timothy's mother and grandmother (1:5). In a sense, both Paul and Timothy have a Judeo-Christian heritage. How might this be encouraging to Timothy?

* Certainly, a Judeo-Christian heritage can be very helpful when a Christian's faith is challenged. What if a person does not have a Judeo-Christian heritage?

Encouragement

* Read 2 Timothy 1:6-7.
5. Paul reminds Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God" that he received (1:6). How does one "fan into flame" his/her spiritual gift?

? As a Christian, what is your spiritual gift? Are you neglecting it, or are you fanning it into flame?

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV).

6. How can we actually benefit from the truth in verse 7? What do we need to understand and do?

* As a Christian, do you allow others who are not faithful to God discourage you in your service of Him? Is there something you feel God wants you to do, but you are afraid to do it for some reason? If so, verse 7 applies.

Reflection/Application

† Timothy could be encouraged in his vocation because his calling, abilities, purpose, life, and hope came from God. What about you? What is the basis for encouragement in your life? Consider Christianity's claim that true meaning, purpose, life (abundant and everlasting), and hope are found only in Jesus Christ.

† Christians, review the above questions (under Encouragement) and respond appropriately.