Observe the variety of references Do you sense a climax in the brief phrase, “Preach the word”? The three-part outline of challenge reveals the major ow of Paul’s writing Read the section 1:3—2:13 and observe the di erent ways Paul urges Timothy to su er hardship with him Then note in 2:14—4:5 the repeated theme of warning to avoid evil men Observe the two subjects of endurance and separation in the title assigned to the epistle Compare the outlines shown on the chart with your own observations of the epistle’s organization XX PROMINENT SUBJECTS OF TIMOTHY A FOUNDATIONS OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE (1:3-18) The burden of Paul’s heart was to inspire and challenge his young successor Timothy to keep witnessing for Christ It was no easy task to tell Timothy that a ictions were part of the price to pay for being faithful to his calling in Christ, especially since the young evangelist was already experiencing deep trials and shedding tears in travail (1:4) But Paul had the answers, learned by experience at the feet of his Master, whom he rst had met thirty-four years earlier The apostle knew that the foundations of the gospel were impregnable, and that if Timothy could be reassured about this, he would not falter Read the passage How does Paul show the following to be foundations for Christian service: home training, 1:3-5; God’s work, 1:6-10; divine call to serve, 1:11-14; bond of fellowship, 1:15-18? B CHAPTER OF METAPHORS (2:1-26) After reassuring Timothy about foundations of Christian service, Paul writes about the ministry itself He is a master in using metaphors to describe persons, things, and actions.21 In this chapter he uses a number of them, such as athlete and farmer, to describe the Christian servant and to challenge Timothy to be a good one Because Paul writes from prison and sees soldiers every day, it should not surprise us that one of the rst metaphors he uses is that of soldier: “Timothy, be a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (see 2:3) Read the chapter, observing each metaphor and what Paul teaches in each instance C THE LAST DAYS (3:1-9, 13) Paul the realist forewarns Timothy about the di cult times — times of stress — which were yet to come upon the world The apostle identi es the times as “the last days” (3:1) Sometimes the New Testament p h r a s e last days refers to the entire Messianic age, including the rst century (cf Acts 2:16-17; John 2:18) Homer Kent writes, “Within this period of the last days, which has already extended more than nineteen centuries, there will set in shorter seasons … These will occur from time to time (even during Timothy’s lifetime), but conditions will become progressively worse.”22 When you study this passage observe not only the description of the times but also the strategy for triumph that Paul shares with his readers, to inspire to greater heights of endurance ... Paul the realist forewarns Timothy about the di cult times — times of stress — which were yet to come upon the world The apostle identi es the times as ? ?the last days” (3:1) Sometimes the New Testament. .. one of the rst metaphors he uses is that of soldier: “Timothy, be a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (see 2:3) Read the chapter, observing each metaphor and what Paul teaches in each instance C THE. .. earlier The apostle knew that the foundations of the gospel were impregnable, and that if Timothy could be reassured about this, he would not falter Read the passage How does Paul show the following