Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

 Sermon Text: 2 Timothy 2:1-13

 Other Readings: Ezekiel 2:1-7 and Mark 6:1-6


 

  1. Paul draws attention to the fact that Timothy has heard Paul speak the word of God “in the presence of many witnesses” (v. 2 NIV). Why might Paul have highlighted that fact? Then, apply your answer to your life of faith.
     
  2. Paul says that he is willing to endure imprisonment and death “for the sake of the elect” (v. 10 NIV). Who are “the elect?” Confer Ephesians 1:1-14 and Romans 8:28-30.
     
  3. Martin Luther maintained that parts of Scripture break down into two different teachings – law (which gives us God’s commands and shows us our sin/sinfulness and sins) and gospel (the good news about God’s promises, especially in Jesus Christ). Do you think verse 13 is law? Or, do you think verse 13 is gospel? Defend your position.
     
  4. Most scholars are convinced that verses 11-13 are some sort of (liturgical?) hymn or poem that had gained traction in the early Christian church, already in Paul’s day. What role can the liturgy, hymns, and other pieces of Christian writing play in the way we share the word of God?
     
  5. Both Paul here in this text and Jesus in our Gospel Reading had a “tough go” at it, when it came to proclaiming the gospel. What comfort can you take from Paul’s words here about your own evangelism efforts and/or from Jesus’ experience in his hometown?

 

 

  1. Paul seems to be highlighting both the content of his message and the consistent manner in which he delivered it. As Timothy recalled these many episodes, he would have a good understanding of what to say–namely, those things that line up with the word of God. Timothy could also draw upon the way that Paul proclaimed these truths to various kinds of people, “meeting them where they were at,” so to speak.
    In the same way, when it comes to us sharing the faith, it is very helpful to learn from others who have “been there, done that.” Consistent listening to preaching helps inform the content to speak. Watching others share the gospel in different settings outside of church will help you understand how to deliver the news to different kinds of people.
     
  2. The elect are those whom God has chosen to come to saving faith in Jesus and obtain the eternal life and glory Christ has worn for him. The elect include both believers right now and those who will come to faith later.
     
  3. Different commentators make different cases, but it seems most naturally to be gospel. The second half of verse 12 is clearly a warning and threat against disowning God (as Peter did on Holy Thursday). But verse 13 seems to be encouraging and comforting us with this promise: “Even if you are not fully perfect in your faith and in your believing, God remains faithful to his promises in Christ Jesus–the very one he has given to you as your righteousness.” So, the gospel promise can be this: Yes, God will remain faithful to his promise to judge outright unbelief, God also remains faithful to his promise to save those who cling to Christ’s righteousness and resurrection.
     
  4. These things can be very helpful! The creeds provide great launching off points to talk about God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Think about the theological truths packed into liturgical songs like “O Christ, Lamb of God” which we sing right before Holy Communion. Consider how powerful the poetry of hymns can be. These are things we can fall back to in tough moments when the mind is racing.
     
  5. Paul says that “God’s word is not chained.” So, his word which comes off your lips will find its way to where it needs to be, and nothing can stop that—not even physical human force. And when you’re tempted to feel like a failure if things don’t seem to be working, remember that even our Lord himself was rejected. It’s our job simply to proclaim the gospel and let God work through that.