Join with me in suffering for the Gospel (2 Tim 1q)

2 Tim 1:1-18
2 Tim 1:8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

1.         [1-2] Find the time and situation of this writing (Wiki Paul’s life;  ) How does Paul identify himself (1) What two things are emphasized (Cf. 1 Tim 1:1; Titus 1:1)? Who is Timothy to him (2a)? What’s his benediction for him (2b; Cf. 1 Tim 1:2; Titus 1:4)? 

2.         [3-5] When, how, and why did Paul remember Timothy (3)?  What two things came to surface in his mind (4-5a; Cf. Acts 20:37-38)? What was he persuaded about Timothy (5b)?

3.         [6-8] What did Paul remind him to do (6)? Based on what ground (6a)? Why(7,8a)? What did Paul ask him to do (8b)?  Discuss what he meant to fan into flame the gift of God in view of vv7-8a.

4.         [9-12] What did God do for them (9aa)? Why (9ab)? When and how was God’s grace afforded to us (9b-10aa)? What is the essence of saving grace in Christ (10ab)?  What is the reason why Paul was suffering or willing to suffer (11-12a)? Why was it not a cause for shame to Paul (12b; ref. 1)

5.         [13-14] What is the thing that Timothy heard from Paul (13aa)? What did he have to do with it (13ab-14)? Discuss what it means to “keep as the pattern of sound teaching”.

6.         [15-18] Who deserted Paul (15)?  Discuss the possible impact of these desertions on Timothy and his ministry in Ephesus. Who stood by Paul in time of his suffering in chain and how (16-17)? How did Paul bless him (18a)?  Why was it important to remind Timothy of this (18b)? Discuss how Timothy was to understand Paul’s suffering, esp. in dealing with the problems in his pastoral work in Ephesus, and its implication for us.