II Timothy 2, Gentle Teaching, Careful Instruction

Paul advises Timothy on continuing his ministry as a "soldier" of the Messiah.

2 Timothy 2: 1-2, Qualified teachers

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

These two verses include some basic principles: build a community of consistent, reliable teachers who then teach others.  Teach teachers who teach teachers....

2 Timothy 2: 3-7, Focus on the crown!

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

This paragraph seems to be a series of short proverbs. Don't get involved in trivial matters -- stay focused on the goal!  The last proverb seems to be a simple principle about fair treatment of ministers, similar (possibly ?) to the one about not muzzling the ox threshing grain.

2 Timothy 2: 8-10, Messiah Jesus, raised from the dead!

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,  for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained.  Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

Ultimately the "victor's crown" involves relying on the risen Messiah, future king, descendant of past king David.  This assures us that any suffering is temporary.

2 Timothy 2: 11-13, Remain faithful

Here is a trustworthy saying: 
  If we died with him, we will also live with him;
  if we endure, we will also reign with him. 
  If we disown him, he will also disown us;
  if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Humans are fickle.  God is not.

2 Timothy 2: 14-15, Approved workman, not quarreling words

Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.   

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Timothy is to focus on Truth and correct understanding of God's work.  As previously, Paul warns against petty squabbles and gossip.  Verse 15 represents a clear goal for training people in the ministry.  In this country, such training motivated the founding of universities and seminaries, such as Harvard in the seventeenth century.

2 Timothy 2:16-18, Godless chatter and speculation

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.

There are some who read the National Enquirer (or similar publications), speculating on bizarre and unproven things. There are some who enjoy gossip. Paul names two who have suggested that the resurrection has already come!

2 Timothy 2: 19-22, God's solid foundation

Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.  Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Paul gives two quotes about relying on God. The first quote is from Num. 16:5 (Septuagint).  The source of the second quotation is unclear.  It may simply be a summary of Old Testament concepts (such as the Ten Commandments.)  Paul uses a wealthy house as a metaphor for those in God's kingdom and encourages Timothy to be one of the "useful instruments", a glove used by God for great things.

2 Timothy 2: 23-26, Gently instruct; don't quarrel

Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Again, Timothy is to gently teach and avoid quarreling.