Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Home
Evangelical
Home and Religion
2 Tim/Titus devotional guide

2 Tim/Titus devotional guide

Last updated on: January 20, 2023 at 12:34 am by Rob Dalrymple

2 Tim/Titus devotional guide 2023-01-13T08:11:53-08:00 Rob Dalrymple

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Monday: Read 2 Tim 3:1-9

It is critical for understanding today’s passage to recall that the entirety of 2nd Timothy is Paul’s personal correspondence to Timothy with regard to Timothy’s fulfilling his ministerial calling.

Paul intensifies the importance of Timothy’s maintaining his faith and continuing his ministerial responsibilities. He warns Timothy of the dangers of false teachers, by making him aware of the crisis that awaits the Church in the “last days” (1). The fact that Paul encourages Timothy to watch out for false teachers who will be prevalent in the “last days” (1) surely indicates that the last days are a present reality for Timothy. This is why Timothy is to “realize this” (1) and “avoid such men as these” (5).

Perhaps the primary description of such persons is that they are “lovers of self” (2) and “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (4). When we love self and pleasure more than the Lord it is easy to be conceited, reckless, gossips, and haters of good (2-4).

Questions to ponder/discuss:

This list of sins and sinful acts in 3:1-9 are characteristic of persons of all ages. That this is true of all ages is evident in that Paul appeals to Pharaoh’s sorcerers who opposed Moses (8). Such persons have always existed.
The list of vices is not simply what “others” do. Paul gave this list to warn Timothy about such matters. If Timothy was in danger of falling prey to such vices then how much more does Paul’s warning apply to us?
What vices are you most susceptible to? Turn them to the Lord. What else can you do to “realize this” and “avoid” such things?

Tuesday: Read 2 Tim 3:10-17

In the next section, Paul contrasts Timothy with the false teachers. Unlike them, Timothy has been faithful and followed Paul’s teaching and his way of life (10). This included Timothy’s following of Paul in “persecutions” and “sufferings” (11). Paul, then, affirms that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (12).

Paul next encourages Timothy to “continue” in the things which he has “learned and become convinced of” (3:14). He then adds, “knowing from whom you have learned them” (3:14). In case we are uncertain as to what Paul is referring to (after all, Timothy certainly knew what he meant), Paul tells us. He is talking about the fact that Timothy’s mom (and perhaps his grandmother; 1:5) raised him on the Word (15).

For Paul, the Scriptures are able “to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation” (3:15).

Questions to ponder/discuss:

There is no question that Paul believed that suffering for the Gospel was part and parcel of what it means to be a follower of Christ. Why do you suppose that most Christians in the West do not suffer?
2 Tim 3:16-17 are two of the most famous verses in the Bible. Even though at the time Paul penned these verses, he likely had only the OT scriptures in mind, the application of these verses to the entirety of the Bible seems warranted. These verses, along with many others, affirm the centrality of the Bible for the Christian life. How central are the Scriptures to your life?
What do you think being equipped for “every good work” (17) means?

Wednesday: Read 2 Tim 4:1-22

Paul concludes this letter with a strong exhortation (“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus”; 1) to Timothy by summarizing the commands that Timothy is to do in fulfillment of his ministerial calling; or, in the words of the 1:6, what it means for Timothy to “kindle afresh the gift of God.” Thus, Paul concludes by encouraging Timothy to both “preach the Word” at all times (4:2), and to “fulfill your ministry” (4:5)!

As we noted in the opening to our study of 2nd Timothy, Paul seems to be aware that his present imprisonment will end in his death. He declares, “I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come” (6). Then he adds, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (7).

The end of this letter is a real tear-jerker. Paul pleads with Timothy to “make every effort to come to me soon” (9). When we recognize that Paul is convinced that he will not live much longer, the encouragement to come soon takes on an added weight.

Questions to ponder/discuss:

As we have noted, the entire letter of 2nd Timothy is a personal correspondence of Paul to Timothy. Yet, the last word of the letter is “you” (22), which in the Greek is plural. Paul seems to have been aware that others were intended to read this letter. This means Paul’s exhortations to Timothy have a wider application. Read 4:1-2 and 5 and note which commands strike you the most.
Make it your prayer that when you have finished the race, you are able to say that “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” Of course, this doesn’t mean that we have kept it perfectly. Paul certainly didn’t. It simply means that by the power of the Holy Spirit, we have persevered to the end.

Thursday: read Titus 1:1-16

The letter to Titus is one of the three “pastoral epistles” (along with 1st and 2nd Timothy). This letter has much in common with 1st Timothy.

Paul begins by noting that he left Titus on the Island of Crete in order that he might “set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you” (5). What follows in 1:6-16 is quite similar to 1 Tim 3 where Paul lays out the requirements for being a pastor. Without repeating the details given in our study of 1 Tim 3, we will note here only the items that are unique to Titus.

Paul begins by adding that the pastor is to be one who is “not self-willed” (7). This indicates that the pastor is not to be “arrogant” (ESV; NET; NLT; NRS), or one who seeks their own interests. Paul also adds, “not quick-tempered” (7), which indicates one who is slow to anger. This is an important attribute for one in pastoral ministry. There will certainly be ample opportunities for one to be angry. Being quick to anger, however, rarely accomplishes anything good. Other attributes include, “not fond of sordid gain” (7) which connotes dishonesty with regard to money.

Finally, there are several self-explanatory attributes including, “loving what is good” (8), “just” (8), which relates to one’s conduct towards others, “holy” (8), which relates to one’s conduct towards God, and “holding fast the faithful word” (9).

Questions to ponder/discuss:

The fact that Paul adds items to his list of requirements suggests that each list was relevant to the situation. This doesn’t mean that the items are negotiable. It simply means that the standard of being “above reproach” (1:7). What this looks like in particular situations is different. Clearly, Paul discerned the need to add (though we really can’t be certain if 1st Timothy or Titus was written first) some provisions to his list from 1 Timothy. Look at the list in Tit 1:6-9 again and discuss what qualifications stand out for you.
It is important for non-pastors to recognize the tremendous burdens that are placed on this in pastoral ministry. In light of this, it might be beneficial to look at Paul’s lists not in order to “judge” the worthiness of your pastor but to discern what safeguards your church might put in place to protect those in pastoral ministry.

Friday: Read Titus 2:1-15

Paul next instructs Titus on how to mentor those within his church(es). He is to instruct older men “to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance” (2). These attributes are essential for older men who are to be examples for others in the faith.

Paul then advises Titus to instruct older women in 3-5. Again Paul’s advice to Titus relates to attributes that will enhance their ability to lead others—especially younger women.

Paul next advises Titus on how to instruct younger men (6). Paul only lists one item: younger men are to be “sensible” or “self-controlled” (ESV; NET; NRS). The implication is captured by the NLT, which says, “encourage the young men to live wisely.”

Paul then provides the reason why such instructions are so important. “For,” he says God’s grace has saved us and it teaches us to deny ungodliness and to live well until the Lord returns (11-12).

We do so, “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (13). After all, Paul notes, Jesus “gave Himself for us” (14). Christ did so in order to “purify for Himself a people for His own possession” (14).

Questions to ponder/discuss:

Contrary to some, Paul is not advocating that women today must be housewives who are responsible for raising the children. For one, in a two-parent household, raising children is the work of both parents. Second, just because women were tasked with raising children in the ancient Roman culture, this does not mean that it was the God-inspired way of doing things. Romans had slaves, yet no one suggests that we too should have slaves in order to follow Paul’s teachings on slave-master relations.
The call for the people of God to live in a manner to makes the love of Christ known to the world is mission-critical. Though this may mean forgoing some of the pleasures of the world and it may also include suffering, we do so, however, looking forward to the coming of our Lord.
What quality do you need to be more diligent in following?

Our goal is to keep these posts free of charge. I do not intend to ever hide them behind a paywall. I can only do this if those of you who have been blessed by them and can afford to give ($5, $10, $25, or more/month) do so. You can give a tax-deductible contribution by following this link.
Please share this post and let others know about determinetruth.
If you wish to view this blog on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone and insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow. Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load.
If you would like to have Rob speak at your church or organization in person or via zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on this site.

Remember that our friends at Hearts & Minds, an independent bookstore in central Pennsylvania, have offered to give our listeners a 20% off on nearly anything ordered. Just mention Determinetruth and they will get back to you promptly with personalized service like you rarely see these days.

General Christian

Home and Religion

Education and Religion

2 Timothy

Devotional guide

Titus

About Rob Dalrymple

Rob Dalrymple is married to his wife Toni and is the father of four fabulous children, and two grandchildren. He has been teaching and pastoring for over 33 years at colleges, seminaries, and the local church. He has a PhD in biblical interpretation. He is the author of four books (including Follow the Lamb: A Guide to Reading, Understanding, and Applying the Book of Revelation & Understanding the New Testament and the End Times: Why it Matters) as well as numerous articles and other publications. He is currently completing a commentary on the book of Revelation titled, “Revelation: a Love story” (Cascade Books, pending 2024). You can read more about the author here.

Previous Post

January 15, 2023

Can't we all just get along? The problem with pursuing Truth! Worldviews #2

Next Post

January 23, 2023 Why Genesis is critical: Worldviews #3

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category 000 1 Cor 11:17-34 1 Corinthians 1 John 1 Peter 1 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 10 Commandments 2 Corinthians 2 John 2 Peter 2 Thessalonians 2 Timothy 3 John 666 Abortion Acts 2:42 Ahmaud Arbery AIPAC All Saints Day America antisemitism BDS Beast Betting Bible Bible study Biblical Interpretation Biden Book of Acts Boycott Campus Protests Catholicism Ceasefire Chavez Ravine Christian Nationalism Christian Zionism Christianity Today Christmas Church Colossians Communion Convict Leasing Covid-19 Craig Blaising creation Crucifixion Daoud Nassar Deception Deconstruction Democracy Devotional guide Discipleship Easter Eden Education Election End-times Ephesians Eschatology Ethnic Cleansing Evangelicalism Evangelicals Evolution Fall Famine Fascism FIFA Freedom of Speech Galatians Gary Burge Gaza Gaza; Genocide; Boycott Genesis Genocide George Floyd Global Warming God's will Gospel Gospel of John Gospel of Luke Gospel of Mark Gospel of Matthew Government Grace Great Prostitute Hamas Harris healthcare Hebrews HeGetsUs Holy Spirit Holy Week Honor Father and Mother ICJ Immigration Indigenous peoples day Iran Israel Israel Palestine Itamar Ben Gvir James Jesus Joel Willits Jude Just war Justice Kamala Harris Kingdom Of God Kings and Queens land of Israel Law (OT) Lazarus Les Miserable LGBTQ+ Love Luke Mahmoud Khalil Man of Lawlessness Mark Mark of the Beast Marriage Martin Luther King Jr Mercy Mexican Repatriation Military-Industrial-Complex Ministry Mission Money NAFTA Nakba Netanyahu New Creation New Testament Nicaragua Nicodemus Non Violence Occupation Pacifism Palestine Parable Paul Peace Pentecost Peonage Philemon Philippians Politics Poor Power Prayer Pride Month Priests Pro-life Propaganda Prophesy Prophet Qatar Queen Elizabeth Racism Reconstruction Redemption Reformation Resurrection Revelation Roe v Wade Romans Romans 13:1-7 Rome Russia Sabbath Samaritan Seals Sermon Settlements Slavery Spiritual gifts Taxes Tent of Nations Terrorism The Beast Theology Titus Torture Trump truth Ukraine Uncategorized Veteran's Day War Warsaw Ghetto wealth Wedding Women World Cup 2022 Worldview Worship Wrath Yemen Zionism

Select a Month September 2026 May 2026 February 2026 November 2025 October 2025 August 2025 July 2025 June 2025 May 2025 April 2025 March 2025 February 2025 January 2025 December 2024 November 2024 October 2024 September 2024 August 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 August 2018 June 2018 May 2018 March 2018 September 2017 July 2017 May 2017 November 2016 October 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which religious tradition sees the Genesis flood story as parallel to the Epic of Gilgamesh?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Greek mythology Hinduism Ancient Mesopotamian religion Zoroastrianism

Support this
Column