childrens book 2 Timothy 3 to 4

Childrens Book of 2 Timothy
Chapters 3 - 4

I have written this for children, based solely on the Word of God, but condensed for them... and used Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary for clarification of some words. My added comments are in italics, memory verses are included.

Chapter 3

Know also that, in the last days, dangerous times will come. Men shall be self-centered, desiring things that others have, boasters, proud, speaking evil things, disobedient to parents, not thankful, unholy, unloving, not wanting to make peace, liars, uncontrolled, fierce, haters of whatever is good, betrayers, stubborn, full of conceit, loving pleasure more than loving God. They appear to be Christians, but deny the power (of God). Do not have anything to do with these.

For people like this go into houses, and silly women are led astray by them, always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (these people may be false teachers, either from cults, or teaching errors and drawing these women away from the truth of God's word) These men resist the truth: they have corrupted (sinful) minds. But they will be stopped. Their foolishness will be made known to all men.

But you (Timothy) know my doctrine (the teachings of the Lord Jesus), and how I conduct my life, my purpose, faith, patience in sufferings, love. My persecutions, illnesses, but the Lord delivered me from all of them. Yes, and all that desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Evil men shall become worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

You (Timothy), continue in the things which you have learned and know to be the truth, knowing where you have learned these things. Since you were a child, you have been taught the holy scriptures, which are able to save you through faith which is in Christ Jesus (Jesus said: I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the father but by me - John 14:6). All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is useful for doctrine (the teachings of the Lord Jesus), for answering those that are in error, for correction (that means that the bible speaks to us of things that we should do that we don't do, or shouldn't do that we are doing), for instruction in holy living. So that the man of God may be perfect (mature in the faith), fully equipped so that he may carry out good works (as the Spirit leads him)

Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is useful for doctrine, for answering those that are in error, for correction, for instruction in holy living."

Chapter 4 (Paul's final instructions to Timothy)

I command you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom. Preach the word at every opportunity you are given; answer those who are in error, speak against false teachers and false teachings, encourage with patience and teachings of the truth. Because the time will come when they will not hold to doctrines that are the truth, but of their own will, they will turn to (false) teachers that will tell them what they want to hear. And they will turn away from the faith, and shall listen instead to things that are false.

But you (Timothy) be watchful all the time, willingly suffer hardships, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry to the best of your ability (through Christ) For I (Paul) am ready now to be offered, and the time of my departure (to be with Jesus) almost here. I have fought a good fight (of contending for the faith) I have finished my ministry, I have kept the faith. So now there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day (when the Lord Jesus comes for his own) and not to me only, but to all those that love his appearing (all those believers who are patiently waiting for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ)

Do your best to come quickly to me. Demas has left me, being overtaken with the pleasures of this world, and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens (has gone) to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke (the author of the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts) is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you for he is useful to me for the ministry.

I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. Bring with you the cloke (cape) that I left at Troas with Carpus and the books, but especially the parchments (perhaps the scriptures, perhaps letters that Paul had written). Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil, the Lord will reward him according to what he has done. You beware of him, because he has spoken against the words (of truth) which we teach.

At first no man stood with me, but all men left me. I pray to God that he forgive them for this. But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; so that my preaching might be known, and that all the Gentiles might hear, and I was delivered from danger. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me until the coming of his heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory for ever and forever......try your hardest to come before winter......the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 4:2 "Preach the word, at every opportunity you are given; answer those who are in error, speak against false teachers and false teachings, encourage with patience and teachings of the truth. Because the time will come when they will not hold to doctrines that are the truth, but of their own will, they will turn to (false) teachers that will tell them what they want to hear."

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V. Gross/Jan'07