Where exactly was Paul
when he wrote this last epistle?
Paul was mostly likely in an underground prison according to
Bro. King Swee. It was a small place,
fifty and smelly as many prisoners were most probably dumped there to die
either from starvation or strangulations by prisoners in there.
1. Paul's
Exhortations to be steadfast minister (2:1-13)
(a) To be strong in Christ's grace (2:1)
(b) To disciple others to reproduce (2:2)
(c) To endure suffering (2:3-13)
a)
To be
strong in Christ’s grace (2:1)
b) To disciple others to reproduce (2:2)
2: and what you have heard from me before many witnesses
entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
4
generations for multiplication
c) To
endure suffering (2:3-13)
3: Share in suffering as a good soldier of
Christ Jesus.
9: the gospel for which I am suffering and
wearing fetters like a criminal. But the word of God is not fettered.
10: Therefore I endure everything for the
sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its
eternal glory
12: if we endure, we shall also reign with
him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;
2.
Paul's Exhortations to soundness in Doctrine (2:14-26)
(a) To shun doctrinal error (2:14-19)
(b) To pursue personal purity (2:20-22)
(c) To correct those who oppose (2:23-26)
a) To shun doctrinal error (2:14-19)
v.14…avoid disputing about words,
v15 Do your best to present yourself to God
as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the
word of truth.
v.16 Avoid such godless chatter
The best way to avoid doctrinal error is
to be diligent and discipline in the study
of God’s word
(b)
To pursue personal purity (2:20-22)
v.22 So shun youthful passions and aim at
righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call upon the Lord
from a pure heart.
(c)
To correct those who oppose (2:23-26)
v.25 correcting his opponents with
gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the
truth,
Application
Be strong in the grace of the LORD
Make disciples to multiply
Diligent to study the word of God
Make every effort to save souls
