Second Timothy: Guarding the Good Deposit

by Gregory Brown

The year was AD 67; persecution was rampant and false teachers saturated the church. Many believers no longer desired to hear sound doctrine and, therefore, heaped up teachers to simply itch their ears (2 Tim 4:2-4). Timothy, a pastor in the church of Ephesus, most likely, was discouraged (1:7, 2:1). With some of his last words, Paul writes from prison to encourage his disciple, Timothy, to complete his ministry (4:5). He commands him to be like a good soldier (2:3-4), a victorious athlete (2:5), and a hardworking farmer (2:6). Above all, Timothy needed to stay faithful to he was to guard it (1:14) and teach it to others (2:2, 4:1). God’s Word was to be his chief priority. Our times are not much different. Persecution towards Christians continues to grow, and many, from within the faith community, twist Scripture to fit the rapidly changing culture. Just like Timothy, we need to hear the apostle’s charge to guard the Good Deposit with the help of the Holy Spirit (1:14). As you consider Paul’s final letter, may our Lord sharpen, refresh, and encourage you for the task at hand and may you be found approved unto God (2:15). “Expositional, theological, and candidly practical! I highly recommend The Bible Teacher’s Guide for anyone seeking to better understand or teach God’s Word.” —Dr. Young–Gil Kim, Founding President of Handong Global University “Helpful to both the layman and the serious student, The Bible Teacher’s Guide, by Dr. Greg Brown, is outstanding!” —Dr. Neal Weaver, President of Louisiana Baptist University

Genres: Christian Non Fiction

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2017

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Kristin Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many lessons to learn from this wonderful addition to 'The Bible Teacher's Guide' series. I was particularly encouraged by the reminder that suffering, real suffering is a privilege and I really need to stop whining about things. Maybe it's just me. If you want a guide to reprioritizing your life to follow after Paul's detailed outline to Timothy of how to be an effective witness for Christ and strong leader even when things get tough, this book will help.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Timothy: Guarding the Good Deposit is another in Gregory Brown's The Bible Teacher's Guide books.

As with others in the series, Second Timothy maintains the author's standard of well-thought out, concise and clear instruction.

And the author's outline is incredibly easy to follow and, just as importantly, understand.

Each chapter in Second Timothy includes an introduction to the topic, a Big Question, several Application Questions, and a conclusion (or summary). Each section within each chapter is seamlessly brought together by the author.

In addition, there is a study guide as part of the Appendix Section that lends itself to group discussion. (The author also offers several gems of wisdom garnered through his methodical study of the subject. Here's an example: "When God is not first, we will be increasingly prone to selfishness, discouragement and burnout.")

For anyone desiring a better understanding of Second Timothy and the apostle Paul, and a deeper, more thoughtful relationship with God, I highly recommend Gregory Brown's book!

[Blake Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows admirably the previous books in this series. It is much like a symphony. The melody follows throughout the book with all the parts coming together in harmony. The book would be a helpful study for anyone wanting to understand God's Word. I especially like the section in which the author discusses why the Bible is true. This would make an excellent gift along with the other books in this series for a young pastor or for a teacher. I can think of no more helpful material to study for someone teaching on this often neglected book. The book is an outstanding example of expository teaching and preaching. You will be surprised at what rich material can be mined from this small letter. You will also learn much about the tender heart of Paul as he awaits his execution in a Roman prison. You will not be disappointed if you buy this book and any of the other books in this series. They are all excellent!

[Barbara Tsipouras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all of this series this guide is thoroughly researched, challenging and thought provoking It surely helps to "guard the good deposit". Paul's letter gives as a good guideline to mentoring and tutoring, something very important in faith.
Helpful for self-study and especially for small groups.

[Charles Kensinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study of 2nd Timothy

The language is clear and easy to understand. This is a study for the serious student. Take your time. The hours will be well spent.

[Paul Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have an interest in studying 2nd Timothy, you will want to check out "Second Timothy: Guarding the Good Deposit" by Dr. Greg Brown. I worked through this study over a couple weeks, as a personal Bible study. This book challenged me and caused me to think deeply on the topics.

The Good
Well throughout book layout
The book begins by offering authorship, background, and purpose of 2nd Timothy, which is helpful so every reader is on the same page.
The book is broken down into larger section, each underlining certain themes like "Encouragements to Endure Suffering for Christ."
Each larger section is broken into sub sections which commonly are a verse or two.
Helpful study group tips, reflection questions.
This 2 Timothy study even includes the Romans Road (Gospel explanation by using the book of Romans).
The book includes questions to help a person gather thoughts, (labeled as"Big question") along with application questions for further personal growth.
The Bible exultation is clearly throughout this book. I did not find an moment where I was wondering how Dr. Brown came to such conclusions because he focused on the Bible, specifically 2nd Timothy and the truths that book holds.

The Bad
N/A

The Unsure
N/A

I cannot recommend this book enough!