PAULA WISEMAN

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Posts that reference the book of 2 Timothy

2 Timothy

STT: Book Study Method

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Book Study Method title graphic featuring a marked open Bible with a pink pen

When Paul wrote to Timothy, he didn’t just send isolated verses—he sent entire letters meant to be read as complete units (2 Timothy 3:16-17). While verse-by-verse study is valuable, studying entire books using a book study method provides context and reveals the author’s complete message.

The Book Study Method helps you grasp the big picture of Scripture by examining entire biblical books as cohesive units with specific purposes, themes, and structures.

1. Survey the Book

Begin with a broad overview:

  • Read the entire book in one sitting (for shorter books)
  • Note the author, recipients, and historical setting
  • Identify the book’s literary genre (history, poetry, epistle, etc.)
  • Look for natural divisions or major sections
  • Spot recurring words, phrases, or themes

For example, reading through Philippians in one sitting (only 4 chapters) reveals joy as a dominant theme, appearing in various forms at least 16 times despite Paul writing from prison.

2. Create a Book Chart

Visualize the book’s structure:

  • Divide the book into major sections
  • Give each section a descriptive title
  • Note key verses for each section
  • Identify the main theme of each chapter
  • Draw connections between sections

A simple chart of 1 Peter might show how Peter moves from our identity in Christ (ch. 1-2) to how that identity shapes our relationships (ch. 2-3) to how we handle suffering (ch. 4-5).

3. Analyze the Purpose

Determine why the book was written:

  • Look for explicit purpose statements (John 20:31, 1 John 5:13)
  • Consider the historical context and needs of the original audience
  • Note problems or issues the author addresses
  • Identify the central message or argument

Galatians clearly addresses the problem of people adding works to faith for salvation, with Paul’s purpose being to defend the gospel of grace alone through faith alone.

4. Study Individual Sections

After understanding the whole, examine the parts:

  • Study chapters in light of the book’s overall purpose
  • See how each section contributes to the main message
  • Connect individual verses to their surrounding context
  • Notice how themes develop throughout the book

For your next study session: Choose the book of James for a book study. Read it entirely in one sitting (5 chapters). Create a simple chart showing the major sections. Identify recurring themes (wisdom, speech, faith and works, trials). Consider how each chapter contributes to James’ overall message about practical, lived-out faith.

What biblical book might you explore using this comprehensive book study method?

Standing Firm

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Standing firm title graphic with a stylized rendering of a house built on a rock

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25

Throughout this series, we’ve explored Jesus’ parable of the two builders—examining what it means to truly hear God’s Word, put it into practice, and withstand life’s inevitable storms. Today, we focus on the outcome Jesus promises to those who build wisely: “yet it did not fall.” This simple phrase contains a profound truth about the enduring nature of a life built on Christ’s teachings. While the foolish builder’s house “fell with a great crash,” the wise builder’s house remained standing—a testament to the lasting value of obedience to God’s Word.

The Greek word Jesus uses for “fall” (piptō) conveys more than just minor damage or temporary setback—it describes complete collapse or ruin. The promise isn’t that a life built on Christ will never experience difficulty or damage, but that it won’t ultimately collapse under pressure. There’s a fundamental integrity that remains even when everything else seems to be giving way. This “standing firm” represents both a present reality and an eternal promise—stability in this life and security in the life to come.

What does it mean to “stand firm” in biblical terms?

Throughout Scripture, this concept appears repeatedly as a mark of spiritual maturity and faithfulness. Paul urges believers to “stand firm in the faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13), to “stand firm in one spirit” (Philippians 1:27), and to “stand firm in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1). Peter encourages his readers to “stand firm” against the devil’s schemes (1 Peter 5:9). This standing represents active resistance against forces that would otherwise sweep us away.

Standing firm doesn’t mean rigidity or inflexibility. The wise builder’s house withstands storms not because it’s immovable but because it’s properly anchored. Like a tree with deep roots that can bend in strong winds without breaking, a life built on Christ’s teachings has both stability and adaptability. It can face changing circumstances, unexpected challenges, and cultural shifts without losing its essential character and purpose.

Perhaps most significantly, a life that stands firm leaves a legacy that extends beyond itself. Just as ancient structures built on proper foundations continue to stand centuries after their builders have passed away, lives built on Christ’s teachings continue to influence and inspire long after our earthly journey ends. Our children, grandchildren, friends, colleagues, and communities are all impacted by the witness of a life that remains standing when others collapse under pressure.

How do we build lives that stand firm and leave a lasting legacy?

  1. Focus on character over accomplishments. While achievements may impress in the short term, character endures. Invest in developing godly qualities—integrity, humility, faithfulness, generosity—that will stand the test of time and continue to influence others after specific accomplishments are forgotten.
  2. Make decisions with eternity in mind. When facing choices, ask not just “What will benefit me now?” but “What will matter in eternity?” This eternal perspective helps prioritize what truly lasts—relationships, spiritual growth, kingdom impact—over temporary gains or comforts.
  3. Document your faith journey. Consider keeping a spiritual journal, recording God’s faithfulness through various seasons and challenges. Such testimonies become powerful legacy tools that can encourage others—especially family members—long after you’re gone.
  4. Invest in the next generation. Intentionally mentor younger believers, sharing not just information but life experience. Paul’s instruction to Timothy—”And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2)—describes this multi-generational impact.

The ultimate test of how firmly we’ve built will come not in this life but in the next. Jesus concludes His Sermon on the Mount with a sobering reminder that many who claim to know Him will discover they’ve built on sand rather than rock (Matthew 7:21-23). The final evaluation isn’t based on religious activities or correct terminology but on whether we’ve truly built our lives on obedience to Christ’s teachings.

As we conclude this series on building a life that lasts, let’s commit to being not just hearers of God’s Word but doers—not just admirers of Jesus but followers. Let’s build not for temporary comfort or appearance but for lasting impact. For when the final storm comes—whether through death or Christ’s return—only what’s built on the rock will remain standing. And in that standing, our lives will testify to the wisdom, power, and faithfulness of the Master Builder who designed us for eternity.

As we approach the Easter season, we’ll turn our attention next week to “The Path to the Cross,” exploring Jesus’ journey through Holy Week and what His sacrifice teaches us about our own path of discipleship.

Continuing

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Continuing title graphic

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. 2 Timothy 3:14

I get a lot of spam email. Most of it can be divided into two categories– how to lose weight and how to get rich quick. The thing is, I know how to lose weight. Everyone does. Take in fewer calories than you burn. If you do that, you will lose weight, guaranteed. This plan is sometimes expanded to eat right and exercise, but it’s the same idea. Continue with the plan, be consistent, and in time, weight loss happens.

Oh wait – I left out the key spam word – easy. Every email promises an easy way to lose weight. Eat what you want. No exercise or effort is required and the pounds drop off.

Of course, there’s no such thing.

It’s the same way with getting rich. We all know how that happens. Spend less than you take in. Save, invest, and wait. It’s not hard or complicated. It just takes discipline and patience.

The emails, however, assure you that they know the secret to wealth. Buy their book, invest in their scheme, or take their course and the money will roll in.

If it were true, they wouldn’t have to resort to spam to find takers.

That’s the echo in Paul’s words to Timothy. “But you,” you be different. Don’t be like everyone else around you, ready to take the easy way and the quick fix. You be disciplined and patient. You stick to what you know. You continue in the things I taught you.

The advice is relevant for us today. Don’t fall for slick marketing, systems, and strategies. God grows us, and grows His kingdom slowly, patiently, with discipline. Want more intimacy with God? It takes time to develop. Want a more vibrant prayer life? It takes discipline. Want to do a better job sharing your faith? It takes practice. No shortcuts.

The Call

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The Call title graphic

[God] 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 given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. 2 Timothy 1:9

It’s easy to dismiss the call of God as something only for preachers or missionaries or other A-list Christians, but God has called each of us. In one sense, answering the call is fulfilling the purpose God had in mind for us when He saved us. In another sense, it’s an expression of our obedience.

The call is unmistakable. (Judges 6:22)
Everyone in Scripture knew they had heard from God. Admittedly they may have been reluctant to answer. They may have stalled or delayed. But they knew it was God calling.

The call is according to God’s purpose. (2 Timothy 1:9)
God never calls us to busywork. Everything He involves us in is fulfilling His kingdom purposes.

The call leads to being sent out. (Mark 6:7)
I’ve yet to find an example of someone God ordained and equipped who was not immediately put to work. There is no orientation period, no job shadowing, no time to research the pros and cons. Part of the reason for this is that we are sent out in His strength, not ours.

The call often comes in answer to prayer, but usually not our own. (Esther 4)
Israel prayed for deliverance, God calls Moses. The people prayed for rescue from Midian, God raised up Gideon. Jesus prayed all night, then called the right guys to be His disciples.

The call comes when God is ready to act. (Exodus 3:7,10)
We don’t have to wait on God’s timing. By the time He has called, it is His timing, and we need to respond.

What has God called you to? How did you respond?

What Do You Know?

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What do you know title graphic featuring a large blue question mark

What do you know? Paul explained what he knew.

I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. 2 Timothy 1:12

By this point in my life, I know some things.

I know Newton’s Laws.
I know the multiplication tables.
I know the cases for nouns in English, Latin and Greek.

And I know almost every line of dialogue in Jaws and Star Wars.
I know most of the songs that come on the radio.
I know the books of the Bible, the Ten Commandments and the twelve apostles.

But I also know what it’s like to be a wife, and a mother.
I know the grief of losing someone close to me.
I know the satisfaction of reaching a goal, but I also know rejection and failure.

I’ve seen my prayers answered.
I’ve felt the comfort of God’s presence.
I’ve also heard His gentle, yet unmistakable, no.

For most of Paul’s life, he had studied God. After Damascus, he knew God.

His confidence came from experience.

So does ours.

Every experience invites us to a deeper understanding of Almighty God.

Every situation is a chance to strengthen our resolve that the LORD, He is God and beside Him is no other.

What do you know?

Fighting Fear

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Fighting fear title graphic featuring a boxer, focus on his gloves

Last week we looked at our mission. The Enemy has plenty of weapons to hinder us, including anger, pride, and self-absorption. Perhaps the most effective weapon, though, is fear. If we are going to be effective, fighting fear is going to be a key skill.

What is fear?

We don’t usually think of it this way, but fear is the absence of trust. When we don’t trust the quality of our studying, we are afraid to take a chemistry test. When we don’t trust physics and Boeing, we don’t get on airplanes. When we don’t trust people, we are afraid to invest ourselves in friendships and relationships. When we don’t trust God… nothing else works.

How to fight fear

God, in His grace, knows that fear is a major issue, so He talks about it a lot in the Bible. There are hundreds of references dealing with fear, worry, and anxiety — all different heads of the same monster. Here are a few to implement:

(2 Tim 1:7 – KJV) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Fear NEVER comes from God. He gives us a spirit of power (yes I can do what He gives me to do) a spirit of love (loving others is the key to carrying out the mission) and a sound mind (thinking clearly and truthfully about ourselves and our situation.)

(Psalm 118:6) The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

That’s IS. Present tense. Right now. Count on it. Not “I hope He’s with me”, or “He might be if…” If I get the IS part, the ” I will not be afraid” part is a piece of cake. And that’s GOD with me. What can a man do to frustrate the purposes of Almighty God? Nothing… (Why don’t I remember that?)

(1 John 4:18) There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

GOD IS PERFECT LOVE. He defines it. He loves me perfectly and so seeks only my best interest. Granted His definition of ‘my best interest’ and mine often clash, but that’s my lack of trust popping up again. His perfect love carries an eternal perspective that I can’t always see or wrap my mind around.

God called us to go forth and conquer, not stay home and whimper. Fight that fear!