Bible Study Questions
2 Timothy 1:8-11

Steps to help a person understand, identify, solve and prevent the problem of crippling fear.

Paul J. Bucknell
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The Bible Teaching Commentary

Key thought:

Personal Bible study questions for 2 Timothy 1:8-11 to help us know how Timothy is different from us and yet there are many similarities in the way God equips him as well as the ways the evil one tries to interfere with God’s work in his life. In Timothy’s case we find a worker of the Lord that is hampered by timidity and fear, but Paul his mentor, takes steps to help him understand, identify, solve and prevent the problem of crippling fear.

Key words: serve, ashamed, service, gospel, saved, Christ, serve, timidity, fear, ministry, problems, personal, Bible, study, questions, full-time

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me His prisoner; but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, 10 but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher” (2 Timothy 1:8-11 NASB).

Bible Study Questions

What is it that Paul tells Timothy not to do in these verses (1:8-11)?
What does it mean to be “ashamed of our Lord” and “of me His prisoner? (1:8)” Why might Timothy be ashamed of those that he loves the most?
What might the “therefore” in verse 8 refer to that might cause Timothy to be ashamed (1:5-7)?
Would you say by looking at 2 Timothy 1:5-7 that the Lord has properly equipped Timothy? State why or why not.
Are there things you know you should do but due to timidity, fear or worry do not do them? Name them.
What does Paul tell Timothy to do in these verses (1:8-11)?
What does phrase “the power of God” describe in verse 8?
Does the phrase, “Who has saved us and called us” refer just to Paul and Timothy or to all believers (1:9)?
What does the phrase “not according to our works” refer to (1:9)?
The Lord saves His people “according to His own purpose and grace” from all eternity (1:9). What do these two words mean here and what relevance do they have on our salvation and calling?
What do you think of when meditating on the thought that God has saved you “in Christ Jesus from all eternity” (1:9)?
Does the phrase “appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus” refer to Jesus’ first or second coming(1:10)? Why do you think so?
What did Jesus accomplish by His coming (1:10)?
What is immortality (1:10)? How will this affect your life?
Why might Paul here state “for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher” (1:11)?
Does timidity hinder you from sharing the Gospel? How so? Try to pinpoint what you fear.
What truth in the above verses do you need to become more firmly grounded upon? Why?

Advanced Study Questions

What is the difference or similarities between timidity and low self-esteem?
Think of your most pronounced weak point. To your best ability relate it to your early childhood experiences and built-in interests or disinterests. (e.g. Timothy had a absent or weak father and so was timid.)
Timidity is not from God (2 Timothy 1:7) and therefore its presence reveals some areas of your life not sufficiently protected by biblical truth. This hinders you from completing God’s work for you life. List your timidities and connect them to how they might hinder you from what God wants.
What is one thing to learn from Polycarp’s martyrdom? (see reading).
Have you made a commitment to obey your Lord by His strength, even in suffering if necessary, no matter what He brings into your life? If not, make it today.

Summary

God has faithfully equipped us, but doubts can hinder the truth from properly equipping our faith. Timidity can increase to such a degree that even someone so well-equipped and called like Timothy can make some devastating decisions that affect the ministry. We need to stand strong and face these fears so that we can fulfill God’s will for our lives. We have but one life to live. Live it all for Jesus!