Paul’s Swan Song

In this 14-part study of 2 Timothy, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the Apostle Paul’s final letter, written from a cold Roman dungeon. This series serves as a “last will and testament,” challenging believers to maintain courage, preserve the integrity of the Gospel, and pass the torch of faith to the next generation.

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1. Urgent Words from a Dungeon (2 Timothy 1:1–2)

• Overview: Sets the stage in the Mamertine Prison. Paul, facing imminent execution, writes to his protégé Timothy with a sense of urgency and affection.
• Key Fact: Paul’s second imprisonment was far more severe than his first; he was treated as a common criminal (malefactor).
• Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1 – Paul emphasizes his apostleship is “by the will of God,” showing his submission even in suffering.

2. Tender Words from a Mentor (2 Timothy 1:3–7)

• Overview: Focuses on the emotional bond between mentor and disciple. Paul encourages Timothy to “fan into flame” the spiritual gift within him.
• Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:5 – The importance of a godly legacy, citing Timothy’s mother Eunice and grandmother Lois.
• Key Fact: God does not give a spirit of fear (timidity), but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

3. Straight Talk to the Timid and Reluctant (2 Timothy 1:8–12)

• Overview: An appeal to not be ashamed of the Gospel or of those who suffer for it.
• [0:00 – 10:00] Key Fact: Suffering is an inherent part of the Christian calling, not a sign of God’s displeasure.
• [10:00 – 25:00] Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:12 – The basis of Paul’s confidence: “I know whom I have believed.”

4. Two Eternal Investments (2 Timothy 1:13–18)

• Overview: Paul discusses the “standard of sound words” and the contrast between those who deserted him and those who refreshed him.
• Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:13–14 – The command to guard the “treasure” (the Gospel) through the Holy Spirit.
• Key Fact: Paul highlights Onesiphorus as a model of loyalty who “often refreshed” him in chains.

5. Traveling a Rough and Rugged Road (2 Timothy 2:1–7)

• Overview: Paul uses three metaphors—the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer—to describe the disciplined Christian life.
• Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:2 – The “Multiplication Principle” of leadership: entrusting truth to faithful men who will teach others.
• Key Fact: Spiritual growth requires the endurance of a soldier and the hard work of a farmer.

6. Accurately Handling the Word (2 Timothy 2:8–15)

• Overview: A call to diligence in biblical study to avoid the pitfalls of false teaching and “word-strife.”
• Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15 – The command to be a workman who does not need to be ashamed, “rightly dividing” the word of truth.
• Key Fact: While the messenger (Paul) may be chained, “the word of God is not imprisoned” (2 Timothy 2:9).

7. Christian Leadership 101 (2 Timothy 2:16–26)

• Overview: Instruction on how to handle opposition and “empty chatter” within the church.
• Key Fact: False teaching spreads like “gangrene” if not addressed with biblical truth.
• Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:24–25 – The Lord’s servant must be kind to all, able to teach, and patient when wronged.

8. Depravity on Parade (2 Timothy 3:1–9)

• Overview: A sobering look at the “perilous times” of the last days, characterized by a love of self rather than a love of God.
• [0:00 – 12:00] Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1–5 – A list of 19 characteristics of societal and moral decay.
• [12:00 – End] Key Fact: People will have a “form of godliness” but deny its actual power.

9. Making a Lasting Difference (2 Timothy 3:10–15)

• Overview: Paul contrasts the behavior of deceivers with his own example of purpose, faith, and patience.
• Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:12 – The guarantee that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
• Key Fact: The primary safeguard against deception is a deep, lifelong grounding in the “sacred writings.”

10. God-Breathed Truth (2 Timothy 3:16–17)

• Overview: An examination of the doctrine of Inspiration and the sufficiency of Scripture.
• Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is “theopneustos” (God-breathed).
• Key Fact: The Bible is profitable for four things: teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

11. Every Pastor’s Job Profile (2 Timothy 4:1–5)

• Overview: Paul’s “charge” to Timothy in the presence of God to fulfill his ministry despite a culture with “itching ears.”
• Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2 – The core command: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.”
• Key Fact: Biblical preaching involves reproving, rebuking, and exhorting with great patience.

12. Looking Back—No Regrets (2 Timothy 4:6–8)

• Overview: Paul’s final triumphant testimony as he faces execution.
• Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.”
• Key Fact: Paul views his death not as a tragedy, but as a “departure” and a “libation” (drink offering).

13. A Circle of Honor and Dishonor (2 Timothy 4:9–18)

• Overview: Personal updates regarding Paul’s companions, including Demas’s desertion and Luke’s loyalty.
• Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:11 – Paul’s request for Mark, showing the beauty of restoration after their previous falling out.
• Key Fact: Paul’s request for his “parchments” (4:13) shows his lifelong commitment to learning.

14. Grace to the Very End (2 Timothy 4:19–22)

• Overview: Final greetings and a benediction that focuses on the presence of the Lord.
• Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:22 – The closing prayer: “The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.”
• Key Fact: “Grace” is the bookend of Paul’s letters, beginning and ending his final communication with the same theme.