Paul wrote this letter to another young preacher, Titus, to whom, like Timothy, he refers as his “true son in our common faith.”

Titus is preaching on Crete, an island southeast of Greece, which apparently had multiple cities with congregations of the Lord’s people. His dual responsibilities include setting in order some things that were lacking and appointing elders in each local church. The contents of this letter would equip him to do both of those things. This would help secure the future of God’s people on Crete.

Outline

• Verses 1-4 – introduction
• Verses 5-9 – qualifications of elders
• Verses 10-16 – warnings about false teachers

--Roger Hillis

It is generally agreed among Bible students that Second Timothy is the aged apostle’s final letter. He has walked “the last mile of the way,” as the song says. His final thoughts have to do with encouraging Timothy’s faithful proclamation of the gospel.

He also shows his interest in the work of others (Demas, John Mark, Onesiphorus, Aquila and Priscilla) in the greatest cause on the earth, the faith of his Lord and Savior. There are words to uplift Timothy and others and words of warning about dangers that could lie ahead.

Paul’s life before God has been poured out like a drink offering and the pitcher is almost empty. His soul is calm, his heart is steadfast, his eternity is secure. He wants to spend his last words to his young friend encouraging him to remain faithful unto death.

Outline

• Verses 1-5 – the work of an evangelist
• Verses 6-22 – some personal notes, comments and observations

--Roger Hillis

In this chapter, Paul warns Timothy about the dangers he would face from false teachers who would seek only what was best for them (“lovers of themselves” verse 2).

The best way for Timothy to succeed as a man of God was to follow Paul’s godly example and the teaching of the inspired Scriptures. The best teacher is one who helps you learn from the Bible and also shows you the way to live in his personal life.

Outline

• Verses 1-9 – false teachers in the last days
• Verses 10-17 – personal advice for Timothy

--Roger Hillis

In chapter two, Paul continues to give final instructions to the young evangelist, Timothy. They have been fellow soldiers for a long time now, since Timothy’s own conversion to Christ during Paul’s first preaching journey. He traveled with Paul on the second journey.

He ties the Christian’s strength to God’s grace (verse 1). A proper understanding of God’s grace makes a disciple stronger in the Lord. Realizing that God loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you allows one to be bold, aggressive and confident.

Verses 14-26 describe the firm foundation on which a servant of the Lord rests his hope. Paul encourages Timothy (and us) to study God’s word carefully, to not engage in foolish and ignorant disputes and to humbly correct those who oppose the truth.

Outline

• Verses 1-13 – be strong in the Lord
• Verses 14-26 – the solid foundation

--Roger Hillis

Second Timothy was written under different circumstances than First Timothy.

Paul was imprisoned at Rome on two occasions. During his first imprisonment, he wrote the four “prison epistles,” Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.

After his release, he wrote several letters, including First Timothy and Titus. If he wrote Hebrews, this was probably also when he did that. He was free for approximately 2-3 years.

Now he is back in a Roman prison and he writes what will prove to be his last letter. Notice that in 2 Timothy 4:6, he is ready for his death.

Outline

• Verses 1-7 – the relationship between Paul and Timothy
• Verses 8-18 – faithfulness to God’s plan

--Roger Hillis

The last chapter of First Timothy contains some final important thoughts.

The primary subject of the chapter is how an evangelist must deal with those who would trouble the people of God, His church. There have always been those who would cause strife and division among the disciples.

If such false teachers are not dealt with in the proper (that is, scriptural) way as God would have them handled, only more trouble will arise.

The faithful child of God must be willing to “fight the good fight of faith.” Remain faithful until He comes again.

Outline

• Verses 1-2 – a faithful servant
• Verses 3-10 – church troublemakers
• Verses 11-21 – keeping the faith

--Roger Hillis

Relationships within the church are an important part of the Lord’s work. Chapter Five deals with several of these relationships.

The first two verses speak to young and older Christians, both men and women. There should be mutual love, respect and devotion. As an evangelist, Timothy had to treat each group of people properly.

Verses 3-16 tell us of four different “kinds” of widows – those with no family, those with family, those who are carnal and those who are to be cared for on a permanent basis.

Verses 17-22 give some specific instructions about the important relationship between an evangelist and the elders.

Outline

• Verses 1-2 – respect for other Christians
• Verses 3-16 – dealing with widows in the church
• Verses 17-22 – elders and the church
• Verses 23-25 – concluding remarks

--Roger Hillis

The theme of First Timothy is the proper conduct of a Christian (3:15). It contains special instructions for an evangelist, to equip him for his work. Many of those specific responsibilities are described in this chapter.

This chapter uses the word, doctrine, four times. Verse 1 warns against false doctrines (“the doctrines of demons”). Verse 6 shows that teaching “good doctrine” is essential to being a faithful servant of the Lord. Verse 13 warns the preacher to pay close attention to his teaching/doctrine. And verse 16 reminds Timothy (and all evangelists) to watch carefully both his life and doctrine.

That concept of teaching sound doctrine is an emphasis in all three of these letters.

Outline

• Verses 1-5 – warning of a coming apostasy
• Verses 6-11 – the need to teach truth and oppose error
• Verses 12-16 – instructions for a young evangelist

--Roger Hillis

The largest section of Chapter Three is taken up with a discussion of the qualifications for elders and deacons. These qualifications are strict, but not impossible. They are demanding, but not unreasonable. These requirements assure that the church will be led by a plurality of godly men, approved by the Holy Spirit, who will diligently watch out for the souls of the members.

The chapter ends with a beautiful and touching description of Christ. There are six facts about Jesus. These six descriptive phrases summarize the entire earthly life of our Lord.

1 Timothy 3:15 describes the theme of the book. It tells us the proper conduct for a disciple of Christ Jesus. It also contains special instructions for an evangelist that help to equip him for his work.

Outline

• Verses 1-7 – Qualifications for elders
• Verses 8-13 – Deacons’ qualifications
• Verses 14-15 – Proper behavior in the church
• Verse 16 – God in the flesh

--Roger Hillis

Chapter 2 begins with a discussion of prayer, with a list of various types of prayers, including supplications, petitions, and thanksgiving.

He speaks a couple of verses about our Mediator in prayer, Jesus Christ. He is our Savior and wants all people to be saved. He is also described as our ransom, the one who paid the price to free us from our sins.

In verses 8-15, the apostle explains, in some detail, the various roles and responsibilities of both men and women.

Outline

• Verses 1-7 – Prayer
• Verses 8-15 – Men and women

--Roger Hillis