Second Timothy: Guarding the Good Deposit

The year was AD 67; persecution was rampant and false teachers saturated the church. Many believers no longer desired to hear sound doctrine and, therefore, heaped up teachers to simply itch their ears (2 Tim 4:2-4). Timothy, a pastor in the church of Ephesus, most likely, was discouraged (1:7, 2:1). With some of his last words, Paul writes from prison to encourage his disciple, Timothy, to complete his ministry (4:5). He commands him to be like a good soldier (2:3-4), a victorious athlete (2:5), and a hardworking farmer (2:6). Above all, Timothy needed to stay faithful to Scripture: he was to guard it (1:14) and teach it to others (2:2, 4:1). God's Word was to be his chief priority. Our times are not much different. Persecution towards Christians continues to grow, and many, from within the faith community, twist Scripture to fit the rapidly changing culture. Just like Timothy, we need to hear the apostle's charge to guard the Good Deposit with the help of the Holy Spirit (1:14). As you consider Paul's final letter, may our Lord sharpen, refresh, and encourage you for the task at hand and may you be found approved unto God (2:15). "e;The Bible Teacher's Guide … will help any teacher study and get a better background for his/her Bible lessons. In addition, it will give direction and scope to teaching of the Word of God.  Praise God for this contemporary introduction to the Word of God."e;—Dr. Elmer Towns, Co-founder of Liberty University