Paul tells Timothy to ponder deeply on his three illustrations of soldier, athlete and farmer, seeing them as principles of service to Christ. Here are the three vital rules of dedication to Him, obedience to His Word, and soul-participation in Him. Here also - 'The Uncontainable Word'.

Christ gave Himself for His people, and so Paul endured all for those who would be saved. What it means to die to sin, the old life and the world, and to live to represent and please Christ. Also, the meaning of 'rightly dividing the Word'.

A passage calling true Christians from all spiritual association with false and worldly teachers, showing why this must be so. How the true church can never be overthrown; its distinguishing marks; also, promises of instrumentality to all who leave worldly culture and ways.

Even Timothy, sanctified, godly and aged 38-42 must 'go on fleeing' the sins of 'youth', here described, along with the method of fleeing them. Here also are the positive virtues to be pursued in order to be instrumental for God in witness and intercession.

Should preachers shout? To be in earnest and larger than life is natural and sincere public communication, but is the bellowing culture not contrary to the words of Paul, and to Christ's example? Here is the ethos of proclamation for all, exemplified by the Lord.

A series of particularly godless seasons are to take place during the last age, the present age, each being worse than the previous one, the last being ended by the return of Christ. Here are the features of such seasons, and the response of true believers.

Timothy witnessed the love that drove Paul on his missionary journeys. Here is the source - God's love of all, even the unredeemed, proved from scriptures. Also the purposes of 'common grace', and Paul's chief love passages, with hindrances and helps to advancing in this highest grace.

Paul urges Timothy (and us) to follow his continuous exercise of faith. Here is the necessity of placing faith in God's providence and overruling in our lives, faith in His power to help, and faith in His Word (prescriptions and promises). Here also are many priceless characteristics of faith.

Following the features of 'perilous times', the apostle provides a unique eight-point summary of his standards and aims as a servant of God, referring to his 'manner of life' or ongoing training in service. Here are the objectives for us all.