Life in Perilous Times
When Paul writes to Timothy, he describes the last days as perilous times. They are days filled with evil and evil doers. The last days began when Jesus left the earth. And until Christ returns, we are to live godly lives and become agents of change. At the same time, we are to be alert to destructive ideas that are both deceptive and powerful.
Discussion Questions
What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase, “the last days?” How would you explain the phrase in two minutes to someone in an elevator with you?
Read 2 Timothy 3:1. The last days are described as perilous. Why? What are the 19 characteristics of ungodly behavior found in 3:2-4?
Even Christians face the temptation to behave badly. The ungodly characteristics of verses 2-4 can be exhibited by anyone. What does “turning away” from this kind of person look like (3:5)?
What is Paul describing in 2 Timothy 3:6-7? In what sense can we keep learning but never come to the knowledge of the truth?
Read 2 Timothy 3:8-9. Who were Jannes and Jambres? Compare Exodus 7: 11-12, 22. (You might need to do some extra research since these two men are not mentioned in the Old Testament.)
How will the folly of those with corrupt minds be evident to all (2 Tim. 3:9)? What else do you learn from 1 Timothy 5:24-25?
What is your plan for growing in Christ? What primary practices do you embrace in your cooperation with the Spirit’s work in your life?
Further Reading
Finishing Well
How would you end your last words to someone? As Paul ends his second letter to Timothy, he works through a list that feels out of place at first. Honestly, it’s part of the letter that we tend to skip when we read it. But what if God has something significant to...
One Last Thing
Last words are important words. Books have been written and lists compiled about the last things that famous and influential people have said. This week in our study of 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul will write his last and most important words to Timothy, his protégé....
Training for Life
The moment we believe in Jesus for the salvation of our sins, we are ushered into eternal life. Through no effort of our own, Jesus gives us new life we receive by faith. This life has the opportunity for growth and development. So how do we develop this new life...
Live as One Approved by God
Approval is something we all long for, especially from the people who matter most to us. There is something deep inside of us that craves knowing that others are pleased with what we do and who we are. Approval gives us a sense of meaning and significance in the...
2 Timothy 2:13
If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:13 (NKJV) Related SermonsSermonsStudiesGuidesArticlesStoriesFilmsDonateAboutLifePoint ChurchSubscribe to our newsletter.facebookinstagramvimeo
Strong in Grace
Strength is found in the grace of God. The things we learn from God are worth passing along to others—those who are showing themselves faithful already. Living for God and investing in others is always related to faithful endurance. Life is difficult and so is life...
Suffering for the Gospel
As Paul writes his last words, he encourages Timothy to remember the gospel in kind of a strange way: he urges Timothy to join with him in suffering for the gospel. Is there a different way to see suffering? In this message, we’ll see how God empowers us to maintain...
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) Related SermonsSermonsStudiesGuidesArticlesStoriesFilmsDonateAboutLifePoint ChurchSubscribe to our newsletter.facebookinstagramvimeo
The Strength to Live for God
Our lives are better when we believe in Jesus and when someone else believes in us. We need to know we’re not alone. We have a valuable contribution to make as we remember the gospel and share it with others. And we don’t have to be afraid. We can know we’re empowered...