1. Opening (2 Timothy 1:1-2)
Paul addresses Timothy as his “beloved child.”
2. Thanksgiving (2 Timothy 1:3-7)
Paul gives thanks for Timothy and for the faith he holds, which was in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice as well. Paul asks that the gift for ministry that Timothy received from him be rekindled.
3. Exhortation to Timothy to Join Paul in Suffering (2 Timothy 1:8-10)
Paul is suffering as a prisoner, and he asks Timothy to join him in suffering for the gospel.
4. Paul as Model, Abandoned by Many, Refreshed by Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:11-18)
Paul suffers as a herald of the gospel and a teacher, and he asks Timothy to guard the faith he has received. Although some former associates have abandoned Paul, Onesiphorus has not.
5. Exhortation to Timothy as Leader (2 Timothy 2:1-26)
Timothy is exhorted to train others to join in teaching the faith, to suffer for the gospel, to lead people away from false teachers, to avoid the false teachers himself, and to set an example of virtuous living.
6. The Characteristics of Apostasy (2 Timothy 3:1-9)
While living in the “last days,” one can expect that false teachers will seek to lead people astray and have some success in it, but ultimately they will not succeed.
7. Paul the Suffering ApostleDerived from a Greek word meaning “one who is sent,” an apostle is a person who embraces and advocates another person’s idea or beliefs. At the beginning of his ministry Jesus called twelve apostles to follow and serve him. Paul became an apostle of Jesus… More (2 Timothy 3:10-17)
Paul has suffered for the sake of the gospel, and Timothy is exhorted to be faithful to the gospel that Paul has proclaimed and taught, making use of the Scriptures.
8. Exhortation to Preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:1-5)
In spite of any opposition that might come, and despite the fact that some people will turn away to follow teachers they like, Timothy is to carry out his ministry fully and faithfully.
9. Paul’s Final Reflections (2 Timothy 4:6-8)
Paul reflects on his imminent death, saying that he has “fought the good fight” and awaits his salvationSalvation can mean saved from something (deliverance) or for something (redemption). Paul preached that salvation comes through the death of Christ on the cross which redeemed sinners from death and for a grace-filled life. More in heaven.
10. Closing Comments and Instructions (2 Timothy 4:9-22)
Paul provides a summary of what has been going on concerning his friends and associates, indicating who has deserted him and who remains faithful to him. Before closing with greetings and a brief benediction, he also asks Timothy to come to visit him, bringing along a cloak, some books, and some parchments.
