Maturing While Multiplying Summary and Goal Spiritual growth and multiplication are evidence that we are growing strong in the gospel of grace. Paul reminded Timothy that those who intentionally make disciples need the dedication of a soldier, the discipline of an athlete, and the diligence of a farmer. Who are you discipling, and who is discipling you? Main Passages 2 Timothy 2:1-7 Session Outline 1. Intentional Discipleship (2 Timothy 2:1-2) 2. Perseverance of Discipleship (2 Timothy 2:3-6) 3. Maturity Through Discipleship (2 Timothy 2:7) Theological Theme Making disciples is the responsibility of every follower of Jesus. Fulfilling that responsibility requires patience and intentionality. Christ Connection Jesus process of making disciples included intentional personal instruction as well as moments of frustration with the disciples. If Jesus process of making disciples required perseverance over time, then His followers must expect the same. Missional Application Making disciples demands more than personal skill. It demands power from the Holy Spirit and the personal investment through which believers cooperate with Him as He does His work. 1 Leader Guide
Historical Context of 2 Timothy Purpose In 1 Timothy, Paul directed Timothy to actively oppose false teaching. He also gave instruction on the type of behavior that should characterize those in the church. The letter to Titus shows a similar purpose, albeit briefer in scope. As Paul addressed the character of church members, he presented it in light of the work of Christ. But the message in 2 Timothy, Paul s final letter, is quite different. It is much more personal, a letter from one friend to another. Paul was preparing Timothy to carry on the work of ministry after he was gone. Author As stated in the opening of each letter, these letters were written by Paul (1Tim 1:1; 2Tim 1:1; Titus 1:1). However, many scholars today assume that Paul did not write them. This opinion is based on the differences from his other letters in vocabulary and style, alleged differences in theology, and uncertainties about where these letters fit chronologically in the life of the apostle. But the differences in style and vocabulary are not troublesome when one considers that authors often use different vocabulary when addressing different groups and situations. Rather than addressing churches in these letters, Paul was writing to coworkers who were in unique ministry settings. Setting Paul most likely wrote these letters after the time covered in the Book of Acts. Acts closes with Paul in prison. Traditionally it has been believed that Paul was released from this imprisonment, then continued his work around the Mediterranean, perhaps even reaching Spain (Rm 15:22-29). During this time, he visited Crete and other places. First Timothy and Titus were written during this period of further mission work. Timothy had been left in Ephesus to handle some problems with false teaching there (1Tim 1:3-4). Titus had been left in Crete after the initial work to set up the church there (Titus 1:5). Eventually Paul was imprisoned again, and this led to his execution. During this final imprisonment, Paul wrote 2 Timothy to request another visit from Timothy and to give final exhortations as he anticipated his martyrdom. Special Features 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus have been referred to as the Pastoral Epistles since the eighteenth century. It is reasonable to consider these letters together since they have striking similarities in style, vocabulary, and setting. These letters stand apart from the other Pauline letters in that they were the only ones written to Paul s gospel coworkers. The Pastoral Epistles deal with church structure issues and, unlike Paul s other letters, were addressed to men serving in pastoral roles rather than to churches. But we must also recognize that these are separate letters with their own distinctives. They were not written primarily to describe church structure or pastoral ministry (contrary to popular opinion), but to teach Christian living in response to the gospel. Excerpted and paraphrased from the Holman Christian Standard Study Bible, Holman Bible Publishers, 2010. Date of My Bible Study: 2
8 Session Plan Maturing While Multiplying For Further Discussion How have you benefitted from the models of others in your life as you have learned to follow Christ? Would you say that you ve learned from mistakes you ve made along the way? Introduction When you think about your own walk with Jesus, how would you describe your growth? Who are you currently investing your life in? How did that relationship come about? What impact has helping another person grow had on your own discipleship? In this week s session, Paul exhorted Timothy to strategically and intentionally invest in others who would in turn invest in others. As a reminder, Paul gave three metaphors to communicate the patience and perseverance required in producing disciples. As Timothy engaged in this work, discipling others would result in his own continued growth. 1. Intentional Discipleship (2 Timothy 2:1-2) Paul instructed Timothy with regard to the direction in which his gospel efforts should go. Specifically, Timothy s efforts to make disciples were to be focused on those that would carry on the work Timothy was now doing. In verse 2, as Paul told Timothy to find others to commission and train for the spread of the gospel, Paul instructed Timothy to pass along to others that which Timothy had received from Paul. This was three generations, so to speak, of disciples being impacted in one verse. This is the strategy of creating gospel movements on display. Those Timothy invested in were to be faithful to the gospel message with the ability to help others be faithful as well. They were not to create new ideas about the gospel, but to remain focused on the true essence of the gospel without wavering. Clarity of doctrine is crucial in the making of disciples. Why do you think it was important for Timothy to understand that the power he would need for effective gospel work came only from the Holy Spirit? What would be the danger of relying on his own giftedness and training? What were the qualifications for those in whom Timothy was to invest his energy and time? 3 Leader Guide
2. Perseverance of Discipleship (2 Timothy 2:3-6) Having reminded Timothy about the goal for his ministry, Paul helped Timothy to have correct expectation for what this ministry effort would entail. Throughout Paul s letters, generally in the closing salutation, he would mention those who had started as supporters or followers, only to fall by the wayside because the demands of discipleship were too great. Paul wanted to make sure that Timothy s expectations were accurate. Paul employed three different metaphors to illustrate what it would take to be an effective disciple maker. How do you respond to Paul s direction to not get entangled in the concerns of civilian life? Which of these metaphors speaks to you most vividly? How does it inform your understanding of discipleship and how it pertains to every believer? 3. Maturity Through Discipleship (2 Timothy 2:7) Continuing to model the manner of making disciples, Paul demonstrated how he coached Timothy. After providing instruction and supporting metaphors, Paul left it to Timothy to ponder the significance of what Paul had given him. More specifically, Paul entrusted Timothy to the guiding of the Holy Spirit within him so that he might grasp the depth of the truth. Describe a time when something you read in Scripture or heard in a sermon caused you to prayerfully consider that truth. What about slowing down and considering the content of God s Word was the most meaningful to you? What disciplines in particular help you meditate on God s Word? How have you noticed doing so changes the way you view your circumstances and the people you come into contact with? Conclusion What are the regular practices in which you participate to remain spiritually vital and open to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life? Do you sense that there are any changes that God is leading you to make during this season? What characteristics or observable markers would you anticipate seeing in the life of a person that is faithful and able to teach others? Why did you select these markers? Why is it important to be mindful of this before prayerfully seeking others to invest in? For Further Discussion What is the benefit of having realistic expectations before heading into a discipling relationship? How might those benefits differ for the one being discipled as opposed to the one doing the discipling? Give an example from your own experience. Session 8 4
Expanded Session Content 8 Maturing While Multiplying Introduction In 2012, Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg directed a documentary called Knuckleball. Predictably, the documentary covers a series of pitchers in Major League Baseball who had built significant renown for throwing knuckleballs. For those unfamiliar with the pitch, knuckleballs buck the system in pitching. Where baseball players and fans immediately fall in love with 100+ mph fastballs and pitchers that throw with laser precision, knuckleball pitchers dare to throw a pitch that is mesmerizingly slow. Instead of tremendous precision, the pitcher himself often has no idea where the pitch will go. The narrative side of the documentary follows the careers of two pitchers who made a living throwing a steady diet of knuckleballs R.A. Dickey of the New York Mets and Tim Wakefield of the Boston Red Sox. As their stories unfold, other knuckleball pitchers, long since retired, are interviewed to give a sense of history with regard to the hypnotic pitch. Each of them describes throwing a knuckleball as a craft an art form. One of the pitchers interviewed was 70-year-old Charlie Hough. He told the story of being contacted by the mother of a high school player who, after an arm injury, wanted to learn to throw a knuckleball. She asked if she could hire Hough to teach her son how to throw the unpredictable pitch. Hough s answer was something to the effect of, Ma am I can indeed teach your son how to throw a knuckleball. It ll take about 30 years. The woman huffed angrily and hung up without saying goodbye. Believers can sometimes approach discipleship like that mother wanting her son to learn to throw a knuckleball. They wonder how long this will take, what steps need to be taken, what competencies need to be acquired, and the like. Instead, discipleship involves a complete change of identity. Priorities, attitudes, affections, habits, and literally every other part of life are gradually conformed through the work of the Holy 5 Leader Guide
Spirit. What the Bible teaches about discipleship, in part, is that gradual transformation demands perseverance and intentionality. When you think about your own walk with Jesus, how would you describe your growth? How have you benefitted from the models of others in your life as you have learned to follow Christ? Would you say that you ve learned from mistakes you ve made along the way? Who are you currently investing your life in? How did that relationship come about? What impact has helping another person grow had on your own discipleship? Session Summary In this week s session, Paul exhorted Timothy to strategically and intentionally invest in others who would in turn invest in others. As a reminder, Paul gave three metaphors to communicate the patience and perseverance required in producing disciples. As Timothy engaged in this work, discipling others would result in his own continued growth. 1. Intentional Discipleship (2 Timothy 2:1-2) Paul s second letter to Timothy differed significantly in tone and urgency from his first letter. Scholars generally agree that this second letter was written at the end of Paul s life, under circumstances that led Paul to believe his execution was imminent. To that end, it reads like a last will and testament to Timothy, his beloved son in the faith and the ministry. Paul s words instructed, warned, encouraged, and prepared Timothy to continue the ministry that Paul had begun and was keenly aware he would have to pass on. Realizing his own human limitation, Paul spoke with renewed passion about the need to raise up disciples to continue the gospel work so that it would span generations of believers. At the opening of chapter 2, Paul was specific about the task at hand for Timothy. Launching off the example of Onesiphorus that Paul described at the close of chapter 1, he exhorted Timothy to demonstrate similar faithfulness and courage. Paul s encouragement to be strong in the grace directed Timothy to the foundational nature of spiritual power for the spread of the gospel. The verb translated be strong was passive in nature, rendering an understanding of be made strong in the grace. In other words, if Timothy was going to be faithful in making disciples and continuing the ministry of the gospel, it was going to be due to the spiritual power of the Holy Spirit working in and through him. Continual Power In his grammatical structure, Paul repeatedly used a structure in 1:6-8 and 2:1-2 of verbs in the present tense followed by two verbs in the aorist tense. The present tense verbs indicate ongoing action with perpetual effect ( rekindle the gift of God in ch. 1; be strong in ch. 2). Both of those verbs dealt with spiritual power for the gospel work. The aorist commands describe fixed action in a punctiliar moment ( do not be ashamed and share in suffering in ch. 1; commit to faithful and share in suffering in ch. 2). The point is that Paul made clear, even grammatically, that ongoing spiritual power always makes possible the carrying out of gospel ministry. 1 Session 8 6
Why do you think it was important for Timothy to understand that the power he would need for effective gospel work came only from the Holy Spirit? What would be the danger of relying on his own giftedness and training? What were the qualifications for those in whom Timothy was to invest his energy and time? Paul instructed Timothy with regard to the direction in which his gospel efforts should go. Specifically, Timothy s efforts to make disciples were to be focused on those that would carry on the work Timothy was now doing. In verse 2, as Paul told Timothy to find others to commission and train for the spread of the gospel, Paul instructed Timothy to pass along to others that which Timothy had received from Paul. This was three generations, so to speak, of disciples being impacted in one verse. This is the strategy of creating gospel movements on display. Those Timothy invested in were to be faithful to the gospel message with the ability to help others be faithful as well. They were not to create new ideas about the gospel, but to remain focused on the true essence of the gospel without wavering. Clarity of doctrine is crucial in the making of disciples. 2. Perseverance of Discipleship (2 Timothy 2:3-6) Having reminded Timothy about the goal for his ministry, Paul helped Timothy to have correct expectation for what this ministry effort would entail. Throughout Paul s letters, generally in the closing salutation, he would mention those who had started as supporters or followers, only to fall by the wayside because the demands of discipleship were too great. Paul wanted to make sure that Timothy s expectations were accurate. Paul employed three different metaphors to illustrate what it would take to be an effective disciple maker. The main theme of 2 Timothy is to share in suffering for the sake of the gospel. To that end, Paul reminded Timothy once again that this would be a part of the experience. The latter part of verse 3 through verse 4 introduced the military image of a solider of Christ, with Christ depicted as the commanding officer. Verse 3 s verbiage indicated that the qualifier for being a good soldier is being willing to suffer when necessary for the gospel. What Paul highlighted was single-minded dedication to the cause of Christ, refusing to let any of the affairs of the world distract from making disciples. The second metaphor Paul employed was that of a competitive athlete. The rules to which Paul referred most likely had to do with the training period leading up to the qualification for a race or competition. The idea Paul was clearly trying to communicate was the necessity of discipline and 7 Leader Guide
determination to finish victoriously. There were no shortcuts in the gospel work, no avoidance of hardship, no alternate routes. The way of victory was the way of Christ, which Paul now exemplified. It involved suffering and hardship. It involved standing for the gospel in the face of opposition. It demanded multiplying oneself in other disciples who would make other disciples. These were the rules. The third metaphor depicted a farmer who had done the due diligence of planting and sowing, with the expectation of reaping the harvest. Like the previous examples, this metaphor also implied the consistent lifestyle of daily hard work, which in its given time would yield the desired reward. In the metaphor, the reward was the harvested crop. In Paul s intention, the reward was the continued spread of the gospel through which disciples were produced through the work of the Spirit at an exponential rate. How do you respond to Paul s direction to not get entangled in the concerns of civilian life? Which of these metaphors speaks to you most vividly? How does it inform your understanding of discipleship and how it pertains to every believer? Certain Harvest Regarding the first to get a share of the crops, the term was meant to imply the certainty of the outcome rather than Timothy s priority in receiving a reward. Since the orientation of the three examples together is toward suffering according to the model of Paul, it is most likely to be the thought of eschatological reward for faithfulness in the gospel ministry. 2 The motivation in each of the metaphors that Paul used was pleasing the Lord. The metaphors implied recognized responsibility, diligent work, and a reward that would please the Lord. The one particular area in which the believer must take care was that the reward not be misunderstood as something the believer can bring about. As the meaning moved from metaphor to ministry, once again it must be underscored that the power to accomplish the work of the gospel-oriented disciple making comes only through the Holy Spirit. The believer s part, then, is to cooperate in that gospel work with faithful diligence, prayerfully seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit along the way. 3. Maturity Through Discipleship (2 Timothy 2:7) Continuing to model the manner of making disciples, Paul demonstrated how he coached Timothy. After providing instruction and supporting metaphors, Paul left it to Timothy to ponder the significance of what Paul had given him. More specifically, Paul entrusted Timothy to the guiding of the Holy Spirit within him so that he might grasp the depth of the truth. It was significant that part of the discipleship process that Paul demonstrated with Timothy involved the disciplined sharpening of his mind. Growth in Christ is not relegated to happy feelings or utopian living. Paul had imparted difficult truth to Timothy; ministry was going Session 8 8
to require suffering and hardship. Following Christ meant sharing in His suffering. To process that, Timothy was going to have to let the gospel continually reshape his thoughts, perspectives, priorities, and so on. Timothy would need to be continually transformed by the renewing of his mind, as Paul wrote in Romans 12:2. Describe a time when something you read in Scripture or heard in a sermon caused you to prayerfully consider that truth. What about slowing down and considering the content of God s Word was the most meaningful to you? What disciplines in particular help you meditate on God s Word? How have you noticed doing so changes the way you view your circumstances and the people you come into contact with? As Timothy was to entrust what he had learned from Paul to other faithful men who could, in turn, teach others, it was mandatory that he share also the difficult things pertaining to being a disciple. Paul had not hidden anything from Timothy about what the gospel ministry had cost him, either through written instruction or by allowing Timothy to personally observe his life, methodology, and theology up close. So also was Timothy to identify and invite those with whom he could do the same. The process would be slow and, at times, frustrating. Timothy would have to allow access to his life, even in the most candid moments. Making disciples required such sacrifice and intentionality. Conclusion Reading the whole of 2 Timothy gives the reader a great appreciation for the burden Paul felt not only for the continued spread of the gospel, but also for Timothy specifically. The benefit for the modern reader is that he or she gets to witness Paul s discipling Timothy through this letter. Through Paul s demonstration and instruction, the modern believer is offered multiple points of application. First, true spiritual power is the only source of life change. For all of the systems, processes, books, and seminars oriented around making disciples, all of the right methodology is ultimately useless without the transformational work of the Holy Spirit. To that end, believers that desire to grow in Christlikeness and/or disciple others toward that end must maintain a vital connectivity to the disciplines of prayer, Bible reading/ memorization, private and corporate worship, and being connected to others in biblical community. Second, intentional discipleship means finding those who are faithful that will be able to do the same with others. Timothy would need to 9 Leader Guide
observe these individuals closely enough to know that they would be faithful and to know they would be able to teach others. The demand is no less for believers today. Intentionally seeking those who the Holy Spirit has prepared to take new steps of growth is crucial for effective disciplemaking. Third, expect discipling others to be difficult. The three metaphors that Paul used all demonstrated a consistent, disciplined commitment toward a lofty goal. Discipling others demands that a believer become increasingly involved in another person s life as they grow out of sinfulness into Christlikeness. Fourth, the discipler must continue to be discipled. One of the most dangerous mistakes the modern believer can make in discipling another believer is to neglect his or her own continued maturity once he or she begins investing in another. No believer ever reaches a point at which there is no longer a need to grow spiritually on this side of eternity. What are the regular practices in which you participate to remain spiritually vital and open to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life? Do you sense that there are any changes that God is leading you to make during this season? What characteristics or observable markers would you anticipate seeing in the life of a person that is faithful and able to teach others? Why did you select these markers? Why is it important to be mindful of this before prayerfully seeking others to invest in? What is the benefit of having realistic expectations before heading into a discipling relationship? How might those benefits differ for the one being discipled as opposed to the one doing the discipling? Give an example from your own experience. Prayer of Response Pray that God would bring to mind those around you whom you might seek to disciple in the truths of the gospel. Pray for perseverance and the willingness to do hard work in these relationships. Ask for continual growth in your own life as you seek to be used in the growth of others. Additional Resources The Imperfect Disciple by Jared Wilson You Can Change by Tim Chester Discipling by Mark Dever Session 8 10
For Next Week Session Title --Just Like Barnabas: Encourages Main Passages --Acts 4:36; Hebrews 10:23-25 Session Outline 1. Collective Resolve (Acts 4:36; Hebrews 10:23) 2. Encouragement for Godly Living (Hebrews 10:24) 3. Encouragement from Biblical Community (Hebrews 10:25) Memorize 1 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:1-2, HCSB 11 Leader Guide
Extended Commentary 2 Timothy 2:1-7 2:1. Having just shared his disappointment over the growing apostasy spreading through Asia, Paul turned to Timothy and wrote, You then, my son, be strong. Difficult circumstances, our own weaknesses and fears, and the negative attitudes or unfaithfulness of others should not determine our course in life. Just as Paul wrote of the power which comes from the Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 1:7), so now he wrote of the strength which comes from Jesus Christ. 2:2. Our own relationship with Christ Jesus must be developing in trust and dependence before we can expect to influence others for his kingdom. The perpetual strength of God s grace would enable Timothy to fulfill his tasks. Timothy must not only guard the gospel; he must take the gospel and the apostolic instructions ( things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses) and entrust [them] to reliable men. Unlike the false teachers who claimed special revelation or secret knowledge, Paul s message stood in accord with all Scripture and in agreement with the apostles. What he received from the Lord he passed on in an open manner (1 Cor. 11:23). Likewise, Timothy received no inside information from Paul. The message was widely known, spoken of freely and before many witnesses. Timothy must also seek those who evidenced a knowledge and ability to teach others. Paul wanted to establish people of godly character who possessed the aptitude for relating divine truth to everyday life, for clarifying ideas, and for maintaining purity in their instruction. 2:3-4. Paul favored military imagery in many of his letters. He understood that Christian living involved warfare. So he told Timothy: endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers on active duty expect hardship. Battling the enemy on the front lines, the soldier lives in harsh conditions damp weather, poor food, uncomfortable sleep, dirt and filth, inadequate shelter, and exhaustion. The further one retreats from the front lines, however, the more frequent and trivial become the complaints. Those involved in the struggles of survival and the exhaustion of combat rarely complain about the food they are simply happy to eat. Session 8 12
In the same way, Christians who determine to live holy, obedient lives before God place themselves on the front lines of spiritual warfare. They encounter attacks of Satan, suffer scorn and rejection, and often deny themselves many comforts. But in serving Christ, no one needs to endure the struggles and difficulties alone. Paul encouraged Timothy to endure... with us. Even though they were separated geographically, an authentic bond existed between them. Knowing that others join in one s joy or hardship gives courage. In addition, the Holy Spirit creates a connection of love between people. Enduring hardship requires devotion. Performing as a good soldier requires total commitment: no one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs. The word translated involved in the NIV has been translated entangled in other versions; it comes from a term used of sheep that get their wool caught in thorns. Such a word picture graphically illustrates what occurs when believers wander off from commitment to Jesus Christ. Unless we keep vigilant watch on our thinking and spirit, we will become snagged on the thorns of popular philosophy and current social values. We must be on constant duty, guarding our commitment and our desires. We also must remain unflinching in our devotion to Christ and his kingdom: to please [our] commanding officer. Then, when hardship comes, we can endure. 2:5. Paul turned next to athletic competition for his illustration, focusing on the commitment which proceeds from honest and legitimate faith. Sports were probably as popular during the days of the Roman Empire as they are now. The Olympiad and other contests were watched with enthusiasm. Athletes trained rigorously in order to compete. Before the modern explosion in athletes salaries, the driving force in most sporting enterprises was attaining the prize the medal, the ribbon, or the laurel wreath. As important as this prize was, unless the individual trained and practiced and competed according to the rules, there was little possibility of winning. So Paul wrote, he does not receive the victor s crown unless he competes according to the rules. The rules are twofold. One aspect involves training, keeping the body fit, attaining the necessary skills or speed. The second centers on lawful competition. Each game or contest has particular rules which help define the sport and describe proper conduct and etiquette; no athlete makes up the rules as he goes along. If someone breaks these rules or ignores them, the officials disqualify him. 13 Leader Guide
Christian living also requires adherence to certain rules regarding purity, doctrinal orthodoxy, faith, and love. Those who abide by the truth of God s Word will receive their reward on the day of judgment. Those who try to claim the prize without a commitment to faithful obedience will be disqualified. 2:6. People who raise vegetables in their backyard know the hard work involved in nurturing and working a garden. But for those who depend upon the soil for their living, farming demands even greater toil. Planting and harvesting account for only a small portion of the farmer s time and energy. He must also till the soil, battle insects, diseases, drought, flooding, and winds. All this keeps the farmer hard at work through the crucial growing season. If he becomes negligent in his attention to these problems, he will never realize the harvest. But if he labors to the end, he should be the first to receive a share of the crops. God has called each of us to ministry. The long haul between our enthusiastic beginning and our anticipated glory requires a great deal of hard work. Each person committed to the life of faith will deal with difficult circumstances, issues of temptation and sin, spiritual struggles, adverse opinions, misunderstandings, exhaustion, and an array of pests which can ruin personal and ministry growth. Once again, commitment must find its home in the heart. Then it will work itself out in enduring service. 2:7. Having set down three examples from common life, Paul told Timothy, Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight. These examples required some thinking, not only to understand the truth behind what he had written, but to consider the implications for one s life. Paul had given an unembellished portrait of Christian living and service. It required disciplined living, disassociation from society s comforts and values, suffering, hard work, diligence, patience, and struggle. Paul realized it was far easier to talk about these words than to embrace them. We must also reflect prayerfully on what Paul has written. 3 References 1. Towner, Philip H. The Letters to Timothy and Titus. New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishers, 2006. 2. Ibid. 3. Larson, Knute, and Max E. Anders. I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon. Holman New Testament Commentary. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2000. Session 8 14