2 Timothy 4

Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 9, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Timothy 4. This chapter urges Timothy to preach the Word with urgency, as Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead. The chapter also highlights the personal aspects of discipleship, showing that failures can be redeemed and that Christ remains faithful through it all. Paul concludes with a message of forgiveness, confidence in Christ, and the reminder that God's grace and presence are with us, giving us strength in our daily lives.

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2 Timothy 4:1-8

Paul's final words to Timothy communicate a sense of urgency—Jesus is coming again. We can't afford to be passive with that truth. There’s work to do. Paul charges Timothy to preach the Word—to speak God’s truth boldly, whether it’s convenient or not. It’s easy to follow Jesus when everything is in our favor, but Paul reminds us that faithfulness matters even in hardship. He tells Timothy to be sober-minded—stay clear-headed, focused, and unshaken by distractions. He urges endurance in suffering and to fulfill his ministry.

Paul knew his time was short, but he didn’t slow down. He ran his race with purpose and confidence, knowing that a crown of righteousness awaited him. The same is true for us. We’re not living for the applause of this world, but for the moment we hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Reflection Questions:

1. What does being “ready in season and out of season” mean in your own life?

2. Where might God be calling you to speak His truth with boldness, even when it’s uncomfortable?

3. Are you running your race with endurance, or have distractions slowed your pace?

2 Timothy 4:9-13

Paul shifts to personal matters, naming friends who have stood by him and those who have walked away. Demas deserted him because he loved this present world more than God’s kingdom. Mark, once considered unreliable, had been redeemed and was now helpful to Paul.

These verses highlight a sobering truth: You can’t love both this world and the world to come. Eventually, your heart will belong to one. Some will chase comfort and abandon faithfulness. Others, like Mark, will stumble but return, proving that redemption is possible.

Where do you stand? Have you been a Demas, choosing temporary comfort over eternal purpose? Or are you a Mark, growing through past failures into someone God can use?

Reflection Questions:

1. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to love the world more than the kingdom of God?

2. Have you written someone off because of their past mistakes, forgetting that redemption is possible?

3. What does it mean for you to be “useful for ministry” in your current season?

2 Timothy 4:14-16

Paul had been betrayed and abandoned, but he didn’t let bitterness take root. Instead, he released his disappointments and trusted God to deal with those who had wronged him. “The Lord will repay him,” Paul says of Alexander. He isn’t consumed with vengeance—he simply lets go and keeps his eyes on Christ.

How often do we hold onto disappointments? We replay betrayals in our minds, carrying grudges like heavy baggage. But Paul shows us a better way: Forgive, release, and trust God. Instead of dwelling on who let us down, we can rest in the One who never does.

Reflection Questions:

1. Is there someone you need to forgive today? What is stopping you?

2. Have you been holding on to a disappointment that you need to surrender to God?

3. How can you shift your focus from past wounds to the faithfulness of Christ?

2 Timothy 4:19-22

Paul closes with names—real people who mattered to him. This reminds us that we are not to live in isolation. We belong to a community, a spiritual family. It’s easy to focus on tasks, accomplishments, and goals, but Paul reminds us to see the people right in front of us, to know their names, and to value them.

Then, his final words: The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

Paul’s deepest desire was for Timothy—and all of us—to walk in the confidence that God is with us. His grace covers us. We are not alone in this race.

Reflection Questions:

1. How can you be more intentional in building relationships within your church family?

2. Do you tend to focus more on doing for God than being with His people?

3. How does knowing that God’s grace is with you change the way you approach your daily life?

Final Encouragement

Paul finished his race well. He didn’t live for the world’s approval but for the coming kingdom. Today, we have the same choice. Will we run faithfully, fixing our eyes on Jesus? Or will we get distracted by things that won’t last?

Whatever you face today, hold onto this truth: The Lord is with you, and His grace is enough. Lift your head. Keep running. The finish line is worth it.

2 Timothy 3

Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 2, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Timothy 3. This chapter warns that in the "last days," sin and deception will increase, particularly within the church, leading to a "falling away" as people become lovers of themselves, money, and pleasure. He contrasts those enslaved to the enemy with those faithful to Christ, encouraging believers to embrace godly examples, continue learning, and grow in Scripture. Paul emphasizes the importance of God's Word for teaching, correcting, and training, as it equips believers for maturity in Christ. The man of God is complete and equipped for every good work as he commits to regular Bible reading, prayer, and application.

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• Taking inventory of your life, what kind of servant do you think you are?

• What kind of servant do you desire to be?  It’s never too late to change course!

• What temptations are you facing or have faced?

• If any of these temptations listed in these verses describe you, then you are being used to accomplish the enemy’s agenda!  Repent and turn away from this behavior!

• You will find that as a Christian you will face opposition, just as those before us did.  Be encouraged that God always prevails!  What opposition are you currently facing?  Have you allowed yourself to be used by the enemy by aligning yourself with the opposition in order to avoid discomfort or persecution?

• How often do you read God’s word?

• What do you receive when you do?

• If it is not an important part of your daily routine, now is the time to change that!  Pray and ask the Lord to help you.

• If reading God’s word has not been your priority, make today the day you commit to reading scripture and prayer.  Ask the Lord to make it sweeter than honey.  Watch and see what God will do in you and through you!

2 Timothy 2

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 23, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Timothy 2. This chapter uses metaphors to emphasize the importance of faithfulness, strength, and suffering in Christian living. Paul encourages Timothy to be strengthened by God's grace, participate in teaching, and share in suffering, offering metaphors like soldier, athlete, and farmer to highlight dedication, faithfulness, and longevity. Paul also emphasizes the metaphors of workmen, vessels, and servants to give believers a picture of what it looks like to follow Jesus.

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Read 2 Timothy 2:1-3

1. We are to aspire to do the same.  Are you strengthened by God’s word daily?  Do you tend to lean on your own understanding? (Proverbs 3:5-6)  You will NEVER find strength in your own power or wisdom!

2. Do you find yourself teachable?

3. Are you willing to share what God has taught you?

4. Do you know someone today that is going through a challenging time?  Have you reached out to them?  If not, what is holding you back?

Read 2 Timothy 2:4-7

1. Looking at the examples of these Godly qualities, what are the areas you believe God is asking you to work on?

2. What are the areas of strength you can allow God to build on?

Read 2 Timothy 2: 8-13

1. Do you find yourself getting in God’s way?

2. Do you think of yourself first and what will make you comfortable before considering Jesus and His will?

Read 2 Timothy 2:14-26

1. What kind of worker would you be found to be?

2. What kind of vessel are you?  Again, it’s never too late to change course!

3. What kind of servant would you say you are?

4. What kind of servant do you want to be?

2 Timothy 1

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 16, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Timothy 1. This chapter emphasizes the importance of remembering one's calling and the gift of the Holy Spirit to persevere in ministry, even through suffering. Paul encourages Timothy to fan into flame the Spirit within him, reminding him that the strength of love, power, and self-control will fuel faithful service. The letter calls believers, both older and younger, to gratitude, reflection, and encouraging one another in the walk of faith.

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1. What does it mean for you to remember your calling? How can reflecting on your purpose strengthen your resolve during challenging times?

2. Paul emphasizes the importance of memory and reminders. How can recalling significant moments, like Timothy's tears and strong family faith, inspire you to persevere in your own life?

3. What specific gifts do you believe God has given you? How can you actively “fan into flame” the gift of the Holy Spirit in your daily life?

4. Reflecting on the idea of a “spirit of power, love, and self-control,” how can these characteristics show in your actions and decisions this week?

5. Paul highlights Onesiphorus's faithfulness as a model for Timothy. Who in your life embodies this kind of loyalty and faithfulness? How can you show appreciation for them?

6. Whether you see yourself as a “Paul” or “Timothy,” who are the individuals in your life you’ve invested in or have invested in you? How can you express gratitude for their faithfulness?

7. Will you approach your prayer time this week with a posture of “Dayenu”? Commit to reaching out to those God lays on your heart to express your gratitude for the many ways they have invested in your eternity.

1 Timothy 6

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 9, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Timothy 6. This chapter addresses how Christians, particularly bondservants, should live with faithfulness in their roles, maintaining the reputation of God and promoting the gospel, despite their circumstances. He warns against the dangers of leaders who self-promote, sow discord, and exploit others for financial gain, advocating for contentment and godliness instead. Paul concludes by urging Timothy to guard the truth and avoid the pitfalls of false knowledge.

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1 Timothy 5

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 2, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Timothy 5. This chapter focuses on healthy, respectful relationships within the church family, emphasizing honor, purity, and mutual encouragement. He outlines how widows should be cared for, distinguishing between true widows who are dedicated to God and younger women who may still desire to remarry, while also offering guidance on how to care for church leaders, urging fairness and patience in leadership decisions. Ultimately, Paul is advocating for a church that is a beautiful, attractive reflection of God’s household, one that stands apart from the world through its care for widows, integrity in leadership, and purity in relationships.

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Read 1 Timothy 5:1-2.  Paul instructs the church on how to view the roles of relationships in the church.  We are to see the older men as fathers, the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers and the younger women as sisters.

The younger treat the older with reverence and appreciation, and look to them for wisdom.  The older are excited by the younger with the energy and zeal they bring into the family of God.  A healthy church family knows what their roles are and are content in serving in those roles.  They have a mutual respect for one another.  This creates an atmosphere of peace, purity and holiness, and removes the atmosphere of lust and sexual immorality.

1. Has there been someone in your church family that has encouraged or mentored you in your faith?

2. Has there been an opportunity for you to encourage or mentor someone?

3. As you pray and ask for the Lord’s guidance, is there a person or area of ministry He has placed on your heart to invest your time and gifts?

Read 1 Timothy 5:3-8.  In this passage, Paul is speaking about the care of widows.

The phrase “a true widow” in vs. 5, refers to a widow who had no children, grandchildren or relatives to care for her.  God deeply cares for widows and instructs the church on how to care for them. 

1. Are you currently caring for a family member?

2. What is your attitude about being given this responsibility?

3. Do you see it as a privilege or a burden?

4. While we can sometimes see this responsibility as an inconvenience, God calls us to see it as an opportunity to serve those who served us.  In verse 8, those who deny their responsibility to care for their relatives are seen as worse than unbelievers!  WOW!  We are an example to our children of how they should love and serve those in their family as they age.  What are you modeling for your children and those around you?

Read 1 Timothy 5:9-16.  The order of widows is clearly explained here.

To qualify for church care, widows must meet certain criteria: they should be truly alone, 60 years of age or older, have been the wife of one husband, committed to prayer, live moral lives, not be selfish, possess a good reputation for good works, be good mothers, have shown hospitality, cared for the afflicted, and served others well.

The widows who do not qualify for church care are younger widows who might be inclined to remarry.  A younger widow must not be an idler, gossip or busybody.

1. Looking at these two types of widows, how do you see your role in the church and in your family as you age?

2. Do you see the qualities of the true widow in your life?  Do you desire to give your remaining years to the service of God?

3. Do you see the qualities of the younger widow in your life?  Are you a gossip or a busybody?  It’s never too late to change course!

Read 1 Timothy 5:17-25.  In this passage, Paul moves from the care of widows to the care of elders.

Elders were not just a term for older people, but rather a term for senior leaders.  Faithful church leaders should be supported and appreciated.  They should be compensated for their good work.  They should not be the targets of criticism and unrealistic expectations.

1. How do you treat your church elders/leaders?  Do you enjoy finding fault or do you show your appreciation?

2. Our church leaders should know that we are going to take care of them cheerfully, gratefully and generously.  How is the Lord leading you to care for your church elders?  (i.e. prayer, words of encouragement, ministry and/or financial support?)

If an Elder sins, they are called to repentance.  If they refuse to repent and turn from their sin, they are to be rebuked publicly.  As the church, we are called to not play favorites or judge them too quickly.  Don’t be persuaded by others opinions.  We are not to promote leaders to hastily or in order to gain favoritism from them.  Sometimes sin takes a while to come to light as well as good works.  Give it some time in order to see their true character.

1. If those around you were to examine your life, what would they see?

2. In what areas are you needing God’s transforming power?

Paul is instructing us on how to have a healthy personal and church household.  Why?  Because the world is watching!  We need to protect the reputation of the church.  The healthiness and beauty of God’s house attracts the lost, and should draw them to Christ.

In our households, places of influence and our church family, we are to live our lives according to these standards.  Taking inventory, in what ways is God  speaking to you as to how you should more fully surrender your life to Christ and live according to His commands?  Obedience is the only way to peace and blessings.

1 Timothy 4

Pastor Marshall Ochs | January 26, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Timothy 4. This chapter covers the dangers facing God’s household, particularly false teachings and the twisting of truth by demons. Paul stresses that protecting the church is everyone's responsibility, calling believers to "train for godliness" and live with intentionality, using spiritual practices to build strength and resilience. The key to safeguarding God’s household is found in living out a godly life—teaching, setting an example, and devoting oneself to spiritual discipline—both for individual benefit and for the benefit of the community.

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In 1 Timothy 4, Paul warns Timothy about the false teachings and deceitful influences threatening the church in Ephesus, reminding him of the importance of staying rooted in sound doctrine. Just as Paul instructed Timothy to protect and lead the church like a well-ordered household, the same applies to us today. As members of God’s church, we each have a responsibility to stand firm in truth and guard against anything that could lead us or others away.

Just as we take steps to protect our physical home, we must also guard our spiritual home—the church and our personal walk with God. We are to be vigilant and intentional in guarding against false teachings and subtle deceptions from the enemy.  

False teaching often enters unnoticed, distorting the truth and sowing confusion. Deceitful spirits twist God’s Word, causing division and confusion and leading people astray. How can we combat this? By immersing ourselves in the truth of Scripture. When we are grounded in God’s Word, the lies become unmistakable. So then, we must train ourselves for godliness by feeding our mind and spirit with the things of God rather than the world's distractions.

Think about your daily life. What are you feeding your soul? Social media, endless entertainment, and worldly distractions can dull your spiritual senses. Just as you wouldn’t fill your body with unhealthy food, be mindful of what you feed your mind. Prioritize time in God’s Word, prayer, and acts of service. Train yourself to seek God and His righteousness above all else.

Paul emphasizes the importance of training oneself for godliness, setting an example in speech, love, conduct, faith, and purity. Paul’s call to “set an example” is not just for Timothy but for all believers. Your life—your words, actions, love, and purity—teaches others. Do the people you work with notice something different about you compared to everyone else?   Are you allowing your children, spouse, or peers to see you pursuing God with devotion?

Paul encourages Timothy to devote himself to the public reading of Scripture, teaching, and exercising the spiritual gifts God has entrusted to him. We have the same call to exercise the spiritual gifts God has given us. He has entrusted us with gifts and opportunities to serve His Kingdom. These gifts are not only a blessing but a responsibility.

Paul teaches that we should constantly watch ourselves, examining our hearts and motives. Instead of focusing on others’ faults, we should reflect on our own need for Jesus to cleanse us and empower us to pursue godliness. Most of the time, our anger stems from selfishness. James reminds us that “human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

Paul urges Timothy to persist and remain vigilant.  The same calling is for us. We are to persist and not grow weary in pursuing godliness. Remember that nothing is wasted in God’s economy. Our struggles, suffering, and obedience all contribute to the eternal work He is accomplishing.  

Deception continues to increase in our world today, but God's Word never changes. We combat deception with truth.  Stand firm in God's truth! Let your children and others around you see you reading God’s Word, praying, and seeking His presence.

Reflection Questions:

1. Are you guarding your household against influences that contradict God’s truth? What safeguards have you put in place?

2. How can you better train yourself for godliness? Are there specific distractions or habits you need to let go of?

3. In what ways are you setting an example in speech, love, conduct, faith, and purity? Are there areas where you could grow?

4. Are you regularly exercising the spiritual gifts God has entrusted to you? How can you use these gifts to build up your family, church, or community?

5. How much time do you spend feeding your mind and spirit with God’s Word, prayer, and worship compared to worldly distractions? What changes could you make?

6. How are you protecting your family’s faith? Are your children and loved ones seeing you pursue God with devotion and passion?

1 Timothy 3

Pastor Marshall Ochs | January 19, 2025

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Timothy 3. This chapter outlines the leadership structure and expectations for God's household, emphasizing the importance of strong, godly leaders who model the truth through their actions. The church, as the pillar of truth, must have leaders who exemplify Christlike behavior to protect and guide the congregation, setting an example for others to follow in a world full of deception.

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