Michael Quattlebaum

2 Timothy 4:9-22

1. What are some of the challenges that Paul faced in doing the work that God had prepared for him?
2. Why did Paul long for Timothy to come to him?
3. How had Paul’s relationship with Mark changed since their encounter in Acts 15:36-41?
4. In verse 15, what items did Paul ask Timothy to bring to him, and why?
5. Why does Paul specifically warn Timothy about Alexander?
6. Notice in verses 16-18 that Paul was left alone to defend himself at his trial.  When ministry got messy for Paul, how did he respond?  Who did he lean on for his strength?
7. What is Paul’s expectation about difficulties still remaining in his ministry?

We have talked over the last few weeks about service, and about our own personal ministry.  We have also looked at the signs of genuine and false Godliness, and how we should live to honor Christ both in our hearts and in our actions.  Ministry is not easy.  It’s not simple.  Inevitably we are faced with difficult situations where we must make hard decisions, or where we must minister to people we might not even like.  But if we face these situations in the strength of Christ, and are pursuing them with Him first, our ultimate reward will be the same as Paul’s.  In Christ be all the glory (2 Timothy 4:18).

2 Timothy 4:5-8

1. What was required for Timothy to fulfill the ministry that he had been given?
2. What types of hardships do we face as we try to minister to people? Are we willing as individuals and as a church to do what it takes to genuinely minister to those in need? How do we discern those in genuine need? (James 2:16; 2 Thessalonians 3:10)
3. What does Paul mean in 2 Timothy 4:6 when he says that he is being poured out as a drink offering? (Philippians 2:17)
4. What characteristics reflect Paul’s consistent lifestyle? What example does he leave us in our walk? How can we live in a way that is solid and reflects our genuine beliefs?
5. What reward was Paul looking forward to? When did he expect to receive his reward?
6. Who is worthy to judge our deeds? Will our actions determine whether we have eternal life? Will our actions affect the rewards that we receive from the only Judge? (1 Peter 4:1-5)
7. Have you loved His appearing?