Paul’s Last Admonition to Timothy

 Temple Baptist Church - 10-16-2022

2 Timothy 3:14-4:4

 

Introduction:

 

A.  We believe that the Book of 2 Timothy was probably the last of the Pauline or Church Epistles.  Written around 65 AD just before his death.  Paul is now an old man and on his way to heaven, so he writes the Pastoral Epistles to anchor and stabilize two young pastors: Timothy and Titus.  1 and 2 Timothy and Titus are pastoral in nature.

 

B.  Young Timothy is pastoring in a tough and dangerous place, Ephesus. 

 

1.  He is a young man.  1 Timothy 4:12  Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

 

2.  He is charged with a great responsibility.  1 Timothy 1:3-4  As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,  (4)  Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

 

C.  Paul’s charge to Timothy was a needed one so I want to break these verses down this morning.

 

1.  The Admonition concerning God’s Word.  (3:14-15) 

 

a.  Verse 14.  Holy men.  The men from whom thou hast learned.  Stay with the men of God that you placed your confidence in; those who walked the Old Paths.

 

b.  Verse 15.  Holy Scriptures.  The Things thou hast learned.  The Word of God and its pure doctrines.

 

2.  The Authority of God’s Word.  (3:16) 

 

a.  The Authority of the Word of God.  Inspired of God. 

 

b.  The Authenticity of the Word of God.  Preserved by God. All Scripture, the original documents and including what Timothy was from a child, is inspired. 

 

3.  The Approval of God’s Word.  (3:16-17)

 

a.  It is Profitable.  Notice that the inspired Word of God “IS” and not “WAS.”  For doctrine, for reproof, for instruction in righteousness.

 

b.  It is Perfecting.  That the man of God may be perfect and thoroughly furnished.  It is all that the man of God needs for the ministry.

4.  The Assignment of God’s Word.  (4:1-2)

 

a.  The Preaching of God’s Word.  God chose the foolishness of preaching to save the lost and confound the foolish.

 

b.  The Practicality OF God’ Word.  Instant in and out of season.  It is relative to both time and need, both practically and preemptive. 

 

5.  The Apostasy concerning God’s Word.  (4:3-4)

 

a.  They will not hear God’s Word.  Many people come to Bible preaching churches, but few stay because God’s Word is a two edged sword meant to cut and divide asunder.

 

b.  They will hunt a preacher who does not preach God’s Word.

 

Conclusion:  Preach, Preacher, Preach!  Paul’s Final Admonition is still in effect today.  God called me in 1983, on March 17^th, to preach God’s Word.  By His marvelous grace, I will continue to do so, instant in season and out of season, until He either is through with me or He takes me home.