New Testament Survey from Generation Word Bible School - First and Second Thessalonians; First and Second Timothy

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Lesson 36 of 50 - New Testament (part four of eight)
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New Testament (part four): First and Second Thessalonians; First and Second Timothy

FIRST THESSALONIANS	51 AD
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands . . . so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”4:11
Author: Paul Written From: Corinth Sent To: The Church in Thessalonica
Purpose: Provide further instruction and encouragement for recent converts from paganism in Thessalonica
Theme: Paul’s Relationship with the Thessalonian Church and the Return of Jesus
Basic Outline: Chapter One, Paul reviews the Thessalonian church Chapter Two, Paul discusses his ministry Chapter Three, Timothy’s visit and good report Chapter Four, Paul answers the Thessalonians questions Chapter Five, Paul discusses eschatology and gives final instructions
Memorable Verses: “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1:2 “For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.” 2:3 “You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed.” 2:5 “Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you” 2:9 “We wanted to come to you – certainly I, Paul, did, again and again – but Satan stopped us.” 2:18 “Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.” 3:10 “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable.” 4:3, 4 “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” 4:11, 12 “We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” 4:14 “We who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” 4:17 “You, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.” 5:4 “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 5:16-18 “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good.” 5:19-21
Greek Words: ‘upomonh – hupomone – enduring, patience, patient continuance, 1:3. ‘arpazw – harpadzo - caught up, catch away, carry of by force, pluck, pull, to rapture, 4:17. cronoV – chronos – a space of time, expresses time in duration as in a season or a space of time, focus is on the time period and particular date or time of prophecies fulfillment, 5:1. kairoV – kairos – season, time, a fixed or definite period of time, the focus here may be on the character or quality of the time or season including the signs and events, 5:1, 2:17.
Healthy Doctrine: Sanctification The Lord’s Coming

Although Paul addresses several things in this book, each chapter ends with a reference to the return of Jesus Christ.

In chapter one Paul recounts the start of the Thessalonian church and the conversion of the new believers. By the power of the Spirit these people grew and became examples through out Macedonia and Achaia. Their growth had turned into spiritual production and the advancement of the gospel.

In chapter two Paul begins by discussing his pure motivation for ministry. He claims he was not in doctrinal error, motivated by impure motives, pleasing men, using flattery to gain power or driven by greed. He proves this by reminding the Thessalonians that he and his ministry team had both day time and night time jobs to support themselves.

In chapter three, Paul is discussing why he left in such a hurry from Thessalonica (Acts 17) and why Paul had not been back to visit. Paul wants to visit and to finish his work there. Timothy has just come to Paul in Corinth with a letter and a good report from Thessalonica. Paul is greatly encouraged.

In chapter four Paul answers the Thessalonians questions that were in the letter that Timothy had brought along. Paul gives instructions on how to live the Christian life and then goes into great detail concerning eschatology and the dead in Christ. Paul explains how the dead in Christ will return with the Lord and believers on the earth will be changed to meet the Lord in the air. This is called “caught up” in the NIV from harpadzo in the Greek.

Chapter Five, Paul continues his discussion of eschatology which includes an encouragement to stay in the light and stay awake spiritually. Paul closes the letter with final instructions which includes a warning not to treat prophecies with contempt but to test everything.

Second Thessalonians	52 AD
“We ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come form us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come.” 2:2
Author: Paul Written From: Corinth Sent To: The Church in Thessalonica
Purpose: Encourage the young church which is facing persecution, correct doctrinal error concerning eschatology which includes telling some of the people to get a job
Theme: Eschatology (18 of 47 verses are eschatological)
Basic Outline: Chapter One, Encouragement in the midst of affliction Chapter Two, Reject and correct a false prophetic letter written by someone posing as Paul Chapter Three, Correct idleness among believers
Memorable Verses: “This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.” 1:7 “By his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.” 1:11 “We ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come.” 2:2 “Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.” 2:8 “God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie.” 2:11 “Stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” 2:15 “We command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.” 3:6 “We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.” 3: 7, 8 “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” 3:10 “I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.” 3:17
Greek Words: basileia – basileia – kingdom, reign, 1:5. krisiV – krisis – judgment, accusation, condemnation, damnation, 1:5. ’oleqroV – olethros – destruction, 5:3. ’episunagwgh – episunagoge – assembling or gathering together, collection, meeting 2:1. ’apostasia – apostasia – apostasy, falling away, rebellion, revolt, forsake, 2:3. ’apwleia – apoleia – damnable, damnation, destruction, ruin, doom, die, perdition, 2:3.
Healthy Doctrine: Return of Jesus Christ End Time Judgment Leading Responsible and Productive Lives

In chapter one Paul recognizes the Thessalonians growth and perseverance. He encourages them concerning the opposition they are facing by reminding them that Jesus will come to deliver them and at the same time punish those who oppose the gospel and cause trouble for the believers.

In chapter two Paul identifies a pseudo-epistle that was reported to have been from Paul that contained a prophecy and a report that the day of the Lord, or the tribulation, had already come. Paul sets the coming or revealing of the man of lawlessness as a sign of this future day. He also sets the “rebellion” is another sign that comes before the revealing of the man of lawlessness. He describes how this evil man, the anti-christ, will be overthrown when Jesus returns from heaven. The Thessalonians are told to stand firm and hold to the true teaching of Paul.

Chapter three warns the idle Thessalonians who had stopped working. Apparently they were waiting for the Lord to come and figured why should we worry about paying our bills, buying groceries or mowing the yard? Jesus will be back and deliver us from the debt collection agencies. They probably also cancelled their life insurance policies and cashed in their retirement plans. This would have been a misapplication of Paul’s teaching. In verse 17 Paul actually writes a closing and signs this letter with his own signature and hand writing to authenticate this letter.

The Man of Lawlessness
Details of the Anti-christ in Second Thessalonians 2:3-12

He is revealed after the rebellion, departure or apostasy has happened or has began
He is doomed to destruction
He will oppose everything called God
He will exalt himself over everything called God
He sets himself up in God’s temple
He proclaims himself to be God
He will be revealed at the proper time
He is being held back by “the one” and will be revealed when “he” is taken out of the way
He will come in accordance with the work of Satan: counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders
He will come with every sort of evil that deceives those who rejected truth
He will be overthrown by the breath of the mouth of the Lord Jesus
He will be destroyed by the splendor of the coming of the Lord Jesus

FIRST TIMOTHY	62 AD
“God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” 3:15
Author: Paul Written From: Macedonia Sent To: Timothy, who was leading the church in Ephesus
Purpose: When Paul went to Macedonia, Timothy was left in Ephesus to teach against false doctrine. This letter detailed Timothy’s responsibilities which included teaching, refuting false teaching and overseeing the organization of the church.
Theme: Instructions for establishing the church
Basic Outline: Chapter One, Preparing Timothy to stand against false doctrine and lead the church Chapter Two, Instructions about men and women in church services Chapter Three, Qualifications for Church Leader Chapter Four, Description and Defense against False Doctrine Chapter Five, Pastoral responsibilities concerning church members: Chapter Six, Final instructions and guidance for Timothy
Memorable Verses: “Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding onto faith and a good conscience.” 1:18 “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority.” 2:1 “God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 2:4 “There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 2:5 “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” 4:1 “If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus.” 4:6 “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 4:8 “Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you, because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. “ 4:12 “Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.” 4:13 “Do not neglect your gift.” 4:14 “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” 4:16 “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” 6:6 “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” 6:10 “Fight the good fight of faith.” 6:12 “Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care.” 6:20
Greek Words: mesithV – mesites – mediator, 2:5. ’episkopos – episkopos – overseer, bishop, 3:2. diakonoV – diakonos – servant, minister, deacon, 3:8, 12; 4:7. ’antilutron – antilutron – ransom from two Greek words: ’anti anti meaning substitution and lutron lutron meaning ransom of a slave. Antilutron is the payment given in substitution for the slave,
Healthy Doctrine: Church Organization Church Leadership Qualifications Jesus as Mediator

After Paul was released from the Roman imprisonment recorded in Acts he again traveled through Asia including the city of Ephesus. When Paul moved on from Ephesus he left Timothy behind to defend the gospel. The apostle John would be arriving in Ephesus from Jerusalem in about four years.

Paul begins chapter one recounting how he left Ephesus to go to Macedonia but left Timothy in Ephesus to oversee the church. His main purpose was to command certain men not to teach false doctrine. Paul also explains his own call and ministry, even defending the fact that he once was a persecutor of the church but by God’s grace he now held to and defended the gospel.

In chapter two Paul instructs Timothy concerning how men and women should behave and dress at a church gathering. He also gives instructions about prayer and praying for leadership.

In chapter three Timothy is given a list of qualifications for men who want to be overseers and servants in the church. These qualifications include social opinion, family status, emotional control, attitude, ability with people, communication ability, substance abuse, financial priorities and ability, administrative skills and doctrinal position. These men must then be tested in all these areas which includes observation over a period of time. Qualifications for the leader’s wife is also included.

In chapter four Paul identifies some of the false doctrine being taught in Ephesus and commands Timothy to resist it and teach the truth. Timothy is commanded to “stop neglecting his gift” and to devote himself to public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

Timothy is given instructions in chapter five concerning how to manage and treat several groups of people in the church. These include people who need to be corrected, widows, elders, (5:1-25) and slaves (6:1,2).

Chapter six is instruction and exhortation for Timothy himself. Paul warns Timothy of the dangers of money and charges him to flee this and pursue a godly lifestyle and to fight the good fight of faith. Paul last words to Timothy in this letter is an emotional plea to “guard what has been entrusted to your care.”

SECOND TIMOTHY	67 AD
“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage.” 4:2
Author: Paul Written From: Rome in prison Sent To: Timothy, who was leading the church in Ephesus
Purpose: Ask Timothy to come to visit Paul in the Roman prison and to urge him to hold to sound doctrine, defend it against error and endure hardship.
Theme: Stir up your gift and advance sound teaching
Basic Outline: Chapter One, Paul encourages Timothy and uses himself as an example Chapter Two, Paul gives several images for Timothy to imitate Chapter Three, Paul identifies the coming apostasy and how to combat it Chapter Four, Paul tells Timothy to preach the word of God and makes some personal comments
Memorable Verses: “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God.” 1:6 “God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life.” 1:9 “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” 1:12 “Everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me.” 1:15 “Jesus Christ raised form the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, . . .” 2:8 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2:15 “They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.” 2:18 “Flee the evil desires of youth.” 2:22 “Mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.” 3:1 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 3:16, 17) “I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season.” 4:2 “The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine.” 4:3 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 4:7 “Do your best to come to me quickly.” 4:9 “When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.” 4:13
Greek Words: ’epifaneia – epiphaneia – manifestation, appearing, brightness, 1:10; 4:1, 8. paraqhkh – paratheke – a putting with, a deposit, 1:12, 14. parakalew – parakaleo – urge, admonish, exhort, comfort, entreat, pray, 4:2. ‘ugiainw – hugiaino – healthy, whole, sound, 1:13, 4:3. plhroforew – plerophoreo – to carry full, fully known, to make full proof, to accomplish, most surely believe, 4:5, 17. biblion – biblion – a scroll or a small book written on papyrus (paper) from the stem of the papyrus plant, 4:13. membrane – membrane – parchment, a piece of skin (of a sheep or goat) or vellum (from the skin of a calf) prepared for writing. It was a technical term for a codex which were pages of parchment sown together in an early form of a book, 4:13.
Healthy Doctrine: Spiritual gifts and empowerment Inspiration of Scripture

Paul is in prison and is not expecting to be released (4:6-8) unlike his earlier imprisonment when he was confident of being released (Phil. 1:19, 25-26; 2:24; Philemon 22).

In chapter one Paul encourages Timothy who appears to be struggling due to the pressures of church leadership and persecution from the world. Timothy is reminded of the empowerment he has from the Holy Spirit and the power of God available in the gospel message. Paul restates Timothy’s responsibilities as a minister of Jesus Christ.

Chapter two gives Timothy several examples or images that he should imitate: Paul, a soldier, an athlete, a farmer, Jesus, a workman, a vessel and a servant. Each of these images has a dominant character trait that is pointed out: standing in grace, multiply qualified workers, be single minded, be disciplined, be patient, be diligent, be sanctified and be gentle.

Examples and Character of a Servant of God (2 Timothy 2)
Verse	Image	Character Trait
2:1,2	Paul	Strong in Grace Multiply and Equip Workers
2:3,4	Soldier	Endure Hardships Single-minded
2:5	Athlete	Disciplined Obedient to Rules of the Game
2:6	Farmer	Hardworking Partakes in the harvest
2:8	Jesus	Faithful Resurrected Reigning
2:14-19	Workman	Prepared and Approved Correctly Handles Word of Truth
2:20-23	Vessel	Sanctified Set apart for noble purposes Set apart from sin & worthless pursuits
2:24-26	Servant	Gentle Able to teach

In chapter three identifies the dangers of being a servant of God in the world filled with apostasy (3:1-9) but also tells Timothy how to live and minister in this kind of a world (3:10-14). The strength and stabilizing force is the Scriptures (3:15-17).

In chapter four Paul commands Timothy to preach the word or God and to execute his ministry. Paul closes the book with an update concerning his ministry and asks for Timothy to come and visit him in the Roman prison. Paul also asks for a cloak to keep warm in the cold Roman prison in the winter and also his scrolls and parchments. The scrolls would be letters and documents written on papyrus which would have included his New Testament revelation. The parchments would be the professionally copied and produced documents on finely manufactured animal skin which would include his Old Testament.

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