2 Timothy 1:13 - 2:13

Instructions on how to deal with the word of God

1. Keep the Gospel plain and simple (13)
- Bad news = look around
- Good news = There is a God who sent His son, who lived and died and rose again

2. Guard the Gospel from distortion (14)
- The message is only as strong as the evidence of its implementers
- A game plan is only as strong as its athletes
- Some were falling away, we need the Holy Spirit

3. Hear the Gospel with understanding (2)
-Faith comes from hearing, and the message is heard through the word of God

4. Entrust the Gospel to the next generation (2)
-Educate the young, Identify the gifts, exemplify the life
-Live like an obedient soldier, a winning athlete, a hardworking farmer

5. Reflect on the Gospel to gain insight (7)
-Take time to be holy

6. Remember the Gospel is centered on Jesus (8)
- Not about origins, Jesus wants to create in us a new heart
- Not about soteriology, Jesus loves and saves His people
- Not about social programs, Jesus has a kingdom
- Not about eschatology, Jesus is coming back

7. Say/declare the Gospel in various forms (11)
-Early hymn, full of paradox
-Death leads to life, suffering leads to reigning, fleeing for safety leads to danger
-Verse 13 a re-statement of 12, not a verse of supposed 'eternal security'

8. Handle the Gospel in a workman-like manner (15)
-Get straight to the point --> impact
-Study with a purpose