ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD-BREATHED

2 Timothy 3:1-16

Key Verse: 3:16-17

1. In verses 1-9, Paul describes the people of the last days. What gives us a hint that some of them will seem to be good Christians? But what is true of them?

 

2. In verse 8 Paul says, “as far as the faith is concerned, [they] are rejected.”  What does Paul mean by “rejected”? (15; Matthew 7:16) 

3. What do the following expressions teach us about how to be accepted rather than rejected? 

1) "Having a form of godliness but denying its power" (5)

2) "Always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth" (7)

3) "But they will not get very far because...their folly will be clear to everyone" (9)

4. In verses 10-12, Paul describes the person who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus. Why do people persecute godly men? (Matthew 13:21; John 7:7) What good things do hardships bring about for a godly man? (1 Peter 1:6,7; Romans 5:3-6)

5. In verse 13, Paul distinguishes evil men from imposters. How are they different? What does "[they] will go from bad to worse" suggest about the power of evil that works in a man?  On what point do people deceive or become deceived?  What will keep man from deceiving or being deceived?

6. Read verses 14-15.  Why do you think Paul encourages Timothy to continue in what he has learned and become convinced of? What does the Holy Scriptures teach us about the way of salvation?

Consider what Paul says in verses 16-17. What does this passage teach about how to help people grow in the Lord?

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