2 Timothy 3

Know this: as the end of life or anything appears (any time an "end" is near,) people go nuts. Don't join them. Be a calm and helpful presence. God does his best work, however, when the end is near or even here.  Timothy is to remember his roots and the legacy god has given him through Paul. Hang tough. God is present.

2 Timothy 2

Don't play to popular opinion. Serve God. God will take care of you, even in trying times. As a leader, many people's lives are at stake, not just Timothy's. Counter false teaching with sound teaching. False teaching will hurt everyone because it sounds so good. People will be attracted to easy or new ideas.  Specifically, Paul says, the resurrection of all the dead has not past the church by.  It has not taken place. (If it had already taken place, then those left would feel pretty helpless and on their own – anything goes!)

 

Be kind and avoid arguing with others. Just state the truth. A teacher cannot be a quarreler. Remember, we lead people to god. It is up to them if they accept or reject the relationship. The latter is not our responsibility. Pray that evil-doers will repent.

2 Timothy 1

Paul sees Timothy, his understudy, as a son. Timothy needs encouragement in a tough situation. Paul says to hang tough against people who try to destroy the church through false teaching. Timothy has power from God that is unleashed in self-discipline in service to God.

 

Suffering does come with caring about God and God's people-the church. Timothy has the foundation of Paul's teaching and Timothy's own faith. Paul has gone through similar trials (he is in prison and/or close to death?) Real people (note names) betray you but real people also encourage and help you through trials.

1 Timothy 6

Respect even slaves. Watch your mouth. Watch also for the love of money. It has ruined many. (Note that this is not money that is the problem, it is the love of money and all the problems loving it over God and others make.) The rich can become arrogant (out-of-touch.) Wealth is a tool of God to use for the good of others.

1 Timothy 5

 

Respect elders but do not keep that from correcting them. Care for the outcast and destitute but do not rob them of making changes that will also liberate them. Relatives should take care of each other. Even when receiving assistance, people should are not free of responsibility. Idle people on assistant can become busybodies.

 

Care for church leaders who share the pastoral load. Be generous in care.

 

Paul says to Timothy - Don't get caught in rumors and arguments. Make sure what you hear is the truth. Leaders should be corrected in public as an example. Don't play favorites. Be slow to make someone a leader. Don't be easy to jump on the band wagon. Take care of yourself.

1 Timothy 4

Paul gives Timothy some instructions. People must have been teaching "secret or special" requirements to be Christian. Paul says that is false. Christ makes us acceptable and Christ is our invitation. Timothy is to correct this. A leader's job is to correct false teaching. Imagine today a priest or leader correcting false teaching. It is very hard. We have become a "designer Gospel" people and often have idiosyncratic traditions that we believe everyone needs. They do not. They need a relationship with Jesus. Evidently "elders" have ridiculed Timothy because he was young. Age does not matter. Faith does. Paul reminds Timothy that he must we extra careful to pattern his life as a disciple of Christ.

1 Timothy 3

Overseers are what we call "bishops." This calling is a high one. Today, for similar cultural reason mentioned in the previous chapter, women are largely accepted as bishops in the Episcopal Church.

Deacons are ordained people called to service. Usually, they have a particular gift (teaching, chaplaincy, retirement center, addressing poverty or substance abuse, etc.) Deacons can preach at church but not celebrate the Eucharist (communion.)

My guess is that some of Timothy's leadership had wandered far from  Paul's expectations.