How Do We Shepherd Our Flock Well? | 2 Timothy 2:14-19
Series: Guard the Treasure
Title: How do we shepherd our flock well?
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:14-19; John 10:1-15 NIV
Bottom line: We guard (pass on) the gospel by shepherding our flock well.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
OUTLINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
INTRODUCTION
Shrek the Sheep
Historic Vids
@historyinmemes On X
This is Shrek. He was just your everyday, average, run-of-the-mill Merino sheep living in South Island, New Zealand when he decided to escape from his enclosure and make a break for it to some nearby caves. He managed to live on his own for 6 years before he was eventually tracked down by his owner John Perrian, who had this to say when he finally found him: "He looked like some biblical creature."
While some sheep breeds naturally shed their wool, like Bighorn sheep in North America, Merino sheep never do. Their wool will continue to grow until it completely engulfs them and even impairs their vision (what you would call "wool blind"). Domesticated sheep have evolved based on the way humans have groomed them for thousands of years.
The earliest domestication of sheep dates back to 11,000 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia, where they were primarily used for meat, milk, and wool.
After 6 years without a shave, Shrek had enough wool on his body to produce 20 suits for large men. In total, his fleece weighed 60 pounds.
Shrek's fleece was shaved off on national television and then auctioned off to support medical charities for children. He even got to meet the Prime Minister and has since been depicted in several children's books.
Sadly, Shrek passed away in 2011 at the age of 16.
One powerful image in scripture is that of the good shepherd who takes care of his sheep well. He knows them by name and protects them fully even if it costs him his life.
Read John 10:1-15
This kind of care is rare in life. It’s rare in church life too. Yet this is what God calls us to. Starting at home, God calls parents to shepherd their flock (family) to follow the good, great and chief shepherd Jesus Christ.
How are we doing?
It doesn’t seem like we’re doing this very well.
Church Growth?
In 2023, the American church is struggling:
Churches in decline = 54%
Churches stable = 12%
Churches growing = 33%
Therefore, only 1/3 of churches in America are growing.
The Church in America is becoming more and more partisan.
Billy Graham endorsed Richard Nixon in his bid for the White House. You may have heard of Watergate and the scandal that led to Richard Nixon resigning for fear of being impeached. Billy Graham later shared that he regretted endorsing a political candidate. He realized that while you can the church through a partisan lense, that only leads to short-term growth and not necessarily the kind of growth that matters.
There is a trend for churches (left and right leaning) to double down on the partisan issues that are part of the culture war to grow their church. This is short-sighted and I believe will lead to long-term harm to the kingdom.
Sharing Our Faith
“Yet the most dramatic divergence over time is on the statement, “Every Christian has a responsibility to share their faith.” In 1993, nine out of 10 Christians who had shared their faith agreed (89%). Today, just two-thirds say so (64%)—a 25-point drop.” -Barna.org
I share these to say that we’re not guarding the treasure like we used to in America. While Paul speaks to Timothy as an Apostle to a pastor, the principles apply to all Christians who believe that they also have the responsibility to guard the treasure by shepherding the flock. Based on the above Barna research, only 2/3rds of Christians believe this is their responsibility down from 90% in the 1990s.
Paul writes to Timothy, the shepherd (pastor) of the flock (church) in Ephesus, on how to shepherd them well. He has summed it up in the key verse that Timothy is to guard the treasure (gospel/good news). We are called to do this in our own context. This is hard. It includes suffering and testing. Will we persevere? That’s the question, isn’t it. We can in Christ. But will we?
CONTEXT
“Certainly, I'm happy to discuss 2 Timothy with you from the perspective of someone with extensive experience in Christian ministry and theological training. As a fellow minister of the Gospel, grounded in sound exegesis and hermeneutics, you'll understand the profound wisdom and pastoral guidance contained in this epistle.
The apostle Paul's second letter to Timothy carries a sense of solemnity and urgency, as he imparts his final instructions to his beloved spiritual son. Having fought the good fight and kept the faith, Paul knew his departure was imminent. He seized this opportunity to exhort Timothy to remain steadfast in the face of sufferings, false teachings, and apostasy that had already begun infiltrating the church.
Central to this epistle is the call to endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus (2:3). Paul uses vivid metaphors—the soldier, athlete, and hardworking farmer—to underscore the discipline, single-mindedness, and perseverance required in gospel ministry. He charges Timothy to guard the gospel as a sacred trust, contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints.
Paul's prophetic warnings about the rise of false teachers, characterized by arrogance, greed, and spiritual deception, ring as true today as they did then. His antidote? A clarion call to remain rooted in the inspired Scriptures, which are profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (3:16).
No discussion of 2 Timothy would be complete without revisiting the immortal words of 2:1-2—perhaps the apostolic succession passage par excellence. Here, Paul solemnly charges his protégé to entrust the gospel to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others also. This multi-generational transfer of truth encapsulates the great commission's essence.
As seasoned ministers, we can surely resonate with Paul's poignant reflections, his tender affection for his spiritual offspring, and his longing to see the torch of biblical truth carried forth. May we, like Timothy, fan into flame the gift of God within us, unashamed of the gospel's testimony.” -Claude.ai
SERMON
I. Remind one another how to guard the good news.
A. Standing tall, not ashamed of publicly following Jesus Christ.
B. Passing on the good news that you’ve received from God through others to reliable people who will pass it along to others. Do so
Intentionally
Consistently
Equipped
C. Persevering through the tests and suffering and so finish approved by God.
As a good soldier
As a dedicated athlete
As a hardworking farmer
As a faithful shepherd (14)
D. Keeping to the pattern of sound instruction
E. Resting in the resurrections
The spiritual resurrection we have in Christ from second birth
The bodily resurrection we will have when we’re glorified in Christ (at our death or his second coming)
CONCLUSION
I’ve often described Christians as canals that are conduits of God’s love. And there’s truth in that. But this reservoir picture is even better. -Darien
If you are wise, therefore, you will show yourself a reservoir and not a canal. For a canal pours out as fast as it takes in; but a reservoir waits till it is full before it overflows, and so communicates it’s surplus. We have all too few such reservoirs in the Church at present, though we have canals in plenty...
They (canals) desire to pour out when they themselves are not yet inpoured
They are readier to speak than to listen
Eager to teach that which they do not know
Most anxious to exercise authority on others, although they have not (yet) learned to rule themselves
Let the reservoir of which we spoke just now take pattern from the spring; for the spring does not form a stream or spread into a lake until it is brimful.... Be filled yourself, then, but discreetly, pour out your fullness... Out of your fullness help me if you can; and, if not, spare yourself! - Bernard of Clairvaux
The question I want you to consider is, Do you think you personally have the responsibility to guard the treasure by passing on the good news to those who are far from God but close to you? Or do you think it’s primarily the responsibility of the local church on your behalf? I would go with the former. Because the great commission and Paul in 2 Timothy makes it clear that, as the Church, we’re to guard this treasure together.
Bottom line: We guard (pass on) the gospel by shepherding our flock well.
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Pray
NOTES
Spiritual vs bodily resurrection
“You make an excellent point. The New Testament does teach about both a spiritual resurrection that occurs at conversion as well as a future bodily resurrection for believers.
On the spiritual resurrection:
- Ephesians 2:4-6 speaks of believers being "made alive" and "raised up" with Christ spiritually when they put their faith in Him.
- Colossians 2:12-13 refers to believers being "raised with Him through faith" when they were spiritually dead in sins.
- This spiritual resurrection represents being transferred from death to new life in Christ.
And on the future bodily resurrection:
- 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4 give extensive teaching on the bodily resurrection of believers at Christ's return.
- This will involve receiving glorified, imperishable bodies fashioned like Christ's resurrection body.
- It is the culmination of the believer's redemption - both soul and body made new.
So you are absolutely right that there is both a present spiritual dimension of resurrection for the believer's soul/spirit at conversion, as well as a promised future bodily resurrection still to come. Paul upholds both of these resurrection truths.
The error of Hymenaeus and Philetus seems to be denying or reducing the future bodily resurrection aspect, which was a central hope of the gospel. Thank you for raising that important clarification. The New Testament holds both the spiritual and bodily dimensions of resurrection together.” -Claude.ai
Gangrene
"Sure, I can explain what gangrene is in a way a 7th grade boy would understand.
Gangrene is basically when a part of your body starts to die and rot away. It's really gross and can be super dangerous if not treated quickly.
Imagine you get a really bad cut or wound, and instead of healing normally, it starts turning an ugly greenish-black color. The skin around it gets all mushy and smells terrible, like something that's been left out to rot for weeks. That's gangrene setting in.
It happens when the blood flow to that area gets cut off, usually because of an infection. Without fresh blood bringing oxygen and nutrients, that part of your body just starts to decay and die right on you. It's like it's being eaten away from the inside out by bacteria.
If gangrene is allowed to spread too far, it can get into your bloodstream and make you really sick, even killing you if not stopped. Sometimes the only way to stop it is by cutting off the dead, rotting part - like having to amputate a toe, foot or even a whole leg if the gangrene gets too bad.
It's nasty stuff that you definitely don't want happening to your body. Keeping any cuts or wounds clean and watching for signs of infection is important to avoid getting gangrene. If you ever see signs of it, you'd need to get to the doctor right away before it spreads too far.“ -Claude.ai
Good summary of 2:14-19:
“2 Timothy 2:14-19 is a poignant exhortation from Paul to Timothy regarding the grave responsibility of rightly handling the word of truth. Let me summarize the key points:
Verses 14-15 - Paul charges Timothy to keep reminding the believers not to quarrel about words, as it leads to the ruin of the hearers. Instead, he should diligently present himself as a workman approved by God, rightly dividing the word of truth. This underscores the minister's duty to accurately exposit Scripture without distortion.
Verse 16 - He warns against engaging with irreverent babble and opposition to the truth, as it only leads to further ungodliness. Ministers must avoid profane chatter masquerading as deep truth.
Verses 17-18 - Paul cites the example of Hymenaeus and Philetus, whose teaching spread like gangrene, upsetting the faith of some by claiming the resurrection had already occurred. This illustrates how seemingly small errors can metastasize into damning heresies.
Verse 19 - In the midst of such threats, Paul provides assurance that the firm foundation of God stands sure, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are His," and "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity." While apostasy abounds, God preserves His elect, calling them to holy living.
In summary, this passage emphatically calls ministers to diligent, precise, and reverent handling of God's Word while fleeing from profane speculations that shipwreck the faith. It balances a sober warning about insidious false teaching with the comforting truth that God sovereignly preserves His church amid such threats.” -Claude.ai
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Let’s ask some summary sermon questions:
Q. What do I want them to know?
A. How to shepherd well.
Q. Why do I want them to know it?
A. So that they’ll be more equipped to shepherd the flock around them.
Q. What do I want them to do about it?
A. Shepherd their flock starting with themselves.
Q. Why do I want them to do it?
A. To keep them from being caught up in godless chatter that destroys people’s faith.
Q. How can they begin to do this?
A. Regularly remind yourself by re-reading 1 Timothy 1-2 about how to guard the gospel treasure.
OUTLINES
Outline Bible (Willmington) 2 TIMOTHY 2
Paul describes the duties assigned to a pastor.
I. THE ROLE MODEL (2:1-7): Paul likens the ministry to four secular occupations.
A. A teacher (2:1-2)
1. As a student Timothy was taught many things by Paul (2:1-2a).
2. As a pastor Timothy must now teach those things to other godly people (2:2b).
B. A soldier (2:3-4)
1. Give all of your energies to the warfare (2:3).
2. Give none (or little) of your energies to worldly affairs (2:4).
C. An athlete (2:5): Strive for the victor's crown.
D. A farmer (2:6-7): Work hard to harvest a large crop.
I. THE REMINDERS (2:8-10): A prisoner in Rome, Paul asks Timothy to reflect on two things.
A. God's messenger is chained (2:8-9a).
B. God's message cannot be chained (2:9b-10).
III. THE RESULTS (2:11-13)
A. If we die for Christ, we will live with Christ (2:11).
B. If we endure hardship for Christ, we will reign with Christ (2:12a).
C. If we deny Christ, he will deny us (2:12b).
D. If we are unfaithful, Christ remains faithful (2:13).
IV. THE RESPONSIBILITIES (2:14-26): Paul lists some of Timothy's duties as a pastor.
A. Remind your people of the great scriptural truths (2:14a).
B. Warn them against petty arguments (2:14b).
C. Strive to become an approved workman before God (2:15).
D. Avoid godless controversies (2:16-19, 23-26).
1. The examples (2:16-17): Paul points out two men, Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have involved themselves in these controversies.
2. The error (2:18-19): They are claiming that the resurrection from the dead has already occurred.
3. The endeavor (2:23-26): Timothy must gently instruct those who would oppose him with the goal of leading them to repentance.
E. Present your body as a clean vessel to God (2:20-21).
F. Avoid evil, and pursue good (2:22).
Outline by Merida
I. A Gospel-Centered Letter
II. A Gospel-Centered Leader (1:1-7)
A. Paul: Called by the will of God (1:1)
The origin of Paul’s apostleship (1:1b)
The purpose of Paul’s apostleship (1:1c)
B. Timothy: Shaped by the grace of God (1:2-7)
A personal mentor (1:2-4)
A godly mother (1:5)
The Spirit and the gifts (1:6-7)
OUTLINE by WW
Key theme: Preparation for the ministry in the last days
Key verses: 2 Timothy 1:13–14
I. THE PASTORAL APPEAL—chapter 1
A. Courageous enthusiasm—1:1–7
B. Shameless suffering—1:8–12
C. Spiritual loyalty—1:13–18
II. THE PRACTICAL APPEAL—chapter 2
A. The steward—2:1–2
B. The soldier—2:3–4, 8–13
C. The athlete—2:5
D. The farmer—2:6–7
E. The workman—2:14–18
F. The vessel—2:19–22
G. The servant—2:23–26
III. THE PROPHETIC APPEAL—chapter 3
A. Turn away from the false—3:1–9
B. Follow those who are true—3:10–12
C. Continue in God’s Word—3:13–17
IV. THE PERSONAL APPEAL—chapter 4
A. Preach the Word—4:1–4
OUTLINE by BKC
I. Salutation (1:1–2)
II. Call to Faithfulness (1:3–18)
A. Thanksgiving for Timothy (1:3–7)
B. Call to courage (1:8–12)
C. Call to guard the truth (1:13–14)
D. Examples of unfaithfulness and faithfulness (1:15–18)
III. Challenge to Endurance (2:1–13)
A. Enduring hardship for Christ (2:1–7)
B. Christ’s example of endurance (2:8–10)
C. A faithful saying (2:11–13)
IV. Marks of a Good Workman (2:14–26)
A. Faithfulness in ministry (2:14–19)
B. A clean instrument (2:20–21)
C. Faithfulness in conduct (2:22–26)
V. Predictions of Faithlessness (3:1–9)
VI. Challenge to Faithful Preaching (3:10–4:8)
A. Faithfulness in the face of opposition (3:10–13)
B. Faithfulness to God’s Word (3:14–4:5)
C. Faithfulness of Paul (4:6–8)
VII. Reminder of God’s Faithfulness in Paul’s Adversity (4:9–18)
A. Paul’s enemies and friends (4:9–16)
B. Paul’s deliverance by the Lord (4:17–18)
VIII. Final Greetings (4:19–22)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I get to do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“1 - 2 Timothy,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
“1 & 2 Timothy” by John Stott
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus, David Platt, Daniel Akin, Tony Merida
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)
ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
“The Treasure Principle” by Randy Alcorn