Chapter Summary

Apostasy predicted. The believer's resource, the Scriptures.

Discussion Questions for 2 Timothy, Chapter 3

1. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 describes what the culture will look like in the last days before Christ returns. How does our modern society reflect the description of that time period?
2. In 2 Timothy 3:5 Paul tells Timothy to avoid people who have certain characteristics. How can someone avoid these characteristics? How do you avoid someone who has these characteristics? Matthew 28:18 tells us to make disciples of all nations. Should we avoid these people if we are to make disciples? Why or why not?
3. Paul says some corrupt men creep into households to capture weak women in 1 Timothy 3:6. Paul earlier praised the strong faith of Timothy's mother and grandmother. What do you think is Paul's view of women based on 2 Timothy? Are there any roles a woman should not fill in the church? Why or why not?
4. Paul describes some men as "always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth." (2 Timothy 3:7) Why do people who have a great deal of education sometimes struggle with having faith in God?
5. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:9 that the men's mistakes he describes in the chapter will be plain to all. How do people's mistakes become obvious to all? How should Christians instruct others concerning their mistakes or sins?
6. Beginning in 2 Timothy 3:10, Paul tells Timothy to remember Paul's teachings as Paul lived the teaching out in his life. Is Paul being prideful by telling Timothy to learn from his example? Why or why not? How should a modern minister learn improve as a preacher, teacher, and leader?
7. Citing events in his personal life, Paul writes, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." How do believers face persecution in our country today? How do believers face persecution in different locations in the world? What is the role of persecution in a believer's life?
8. Paul tells Timothy that his familiarity with sacred writings has made him wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Paul seems to be saying that Timothy's knowledge of scripture saved him. What is the role of scripture in salvation? Describe in your own words how a person is saved.
9. 2 Timothy 3:16 says "All Scripture is breathed out by God..." However, history records 35 different authors of the books of the Bible. What does Paul mean by saying "All scripture is breathed out by God" when we have 35 different authors recorded? How does this affect your belief in God that there are 35 different authors of the Bible?
10. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reads, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." Many use this scripture as the basis that the Bible is inerrant Word of God. Do you believe the Bible is without error? How are you confident in your answer? How do those verses speak to the trustworthiness and reliability of Scripture?

Key Words/Phrase

Apostasy, vv. 1, 5, 13.

Characters

Christ, Paul, Timothy, Jannes, Jambres, Moses.

Strong Verse(s)

1-5,12,13,16,17.