An Abrupt Turn

South Union Baptist Church

An Abrupt Turn

Lesson 23

March 2, 2022 • Pastor Chad Thompson • 2 Timothy 3:1–9

As Paul closes out chapter 2 and begins chapter 3, he makes an abrupt turn. He had been teaching Timothy about being a useable vessel to God. But in beginning chapter 3 he says, "But know this: that being used of God as the days move forward means that you will be used times that getting increasingly difficult."

Grace In The Face Of Death

May 25, 2022 • Pastor Chad Thompson • 2 Timothy 4:16–22

Paul is coming to the end of his letter to Timothy and to the end of his life. He knows that his trial could be any day now and his expectation is a sentence of death which would be carried out swiftly. As hard as it was for Paul, he was gracious. He exuded grace in the face of death. The Apostle Paul at this point in his life has no one with him but Luke. And yet when you hear his final parting words in this letter he has no bitterness toward anyone and no anxiety regarding his impending death.

Leaders Need Friends

May 18, 2022 • Pastor Chad Thompson • 2 Timothy 4:9–15

Paul is coming to the end of his letter to Timothy and to the end of his life. He knows that his trial could be any day now and his expectation is a sentence of death which would be carried out swiftly. In these moments he is alone and lonely. Leadership and loneliness go hand in hand. Paul had always had an entourage, students he taught, people he ministered to. Now he is alone. The lonely leader closes his letter with a touching plea for Timothy to come and spend some time with him. “Come before winter” (2 Tim. 4:21).

No Regrets

May 11, 2022 • Pastor Chad Thompson • 2 Timothy 4:6–8

In verse 6 Paul turns his attention away from “you” to “I,” “me,” and “my.” Paul shifts his focus from Timothy to himself. As he nears and approaches what he knows is the end of his earthly life, Paul glances back over his shoulder and then peers into the future as a man prepared to die and do it with no regrets.