2 Timothy 3:1–17 (Pt. 2) | Resources
Intro
In 2 Timothy 3:10–17, Paul contrasts his faithful example and teachings with the false behaviors Timothy has witnessed in others. He reminds Timothy of the importance of continuing in the Scriptures, which are inspired by God and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. Paul emphasizes that Scripture equips believers to live godly lives and be fully prepared for every good work. This passage highlights the crucial role of God’s Word in shaping faith, guiding conduct, and sustaining believers in the face of challenges.
Pray: Lord, don’t let your Word fall flat in me—use it to make me more like Jesus and to magnify your name.
Passage: 2 Timothy 3:1–17
1 But know this: Hard times will come in the last days. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, demeaning, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, 4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people.
6 For among them are those who worm their way into households and deceive gullible women overwhelmed by sins and led astray by a variety of passions, 7 always learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so these also resist the truth. They are men who are corrupt in mind and worthless in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not make further progress, for their foolishness will be clear to all, as was the foolishness of Jannes and Jambres.
10 But you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance, 11 along with the persecutions and sufferings that came to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured—and yet the Lord rescued me from them all. 12 In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 Evil people and impostors will become worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, 15 and you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Prayer
“Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Word, which teaches, corrects, and trains me in righteousness. Please help me to follow the example of faithful believers and to remain rooted in Scripture every day. Give me a hunger for Your truth and the discipline to apply it in my life, so I may be equipped for every good work You have prepared for me. Strengthen me to stand firm in my faith, even when the world around me is challenging.”
Memory Verse
“In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12
Supplemental Reading
Psalm 119:105–112
Gospel Connection
2 Timothy 3:10-17 directs us to the gospel by demonstrating how the lives and teachings of faithful believers are grounded in the truth of Scripture, which reveals God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul highlights that God inspires Scripture and equips us to live godly lives, correcting and training us in righteousness, something we cannot achieve on our own. This passage reminds us that the gospel is not just good advice but divine truth that transforms hearts and prepares us for every good work. Ultimately, it is through the gospel, revealed and upheld by Scripture, that we receive the grace and power to endure challenges and grow in faithfulness.
Discussion/Reflection Questions
1. How am I following the example of faithful believers in my life, and who are the people I look to for spiritual guidance?
2. Do I regularly turn to Scripture for teaching, correction, and encouragement? Why or why not?
3. In what ways has God’s Word helped prepare me to do good works and live a godly life?
4. Are there areas in my life where I need to be corrected or trained through Scripture? How can I open my heart to that?
5. How can I cultivate a deeper hunger and appreciation for God’s Word in my daily routine?
Action Step: Commit to spending regular, focused time in Scripture this week, whether daily or several times throughout the week, with the goal of learning, correcting, and being equipped for godly living. Consider starting a reading plan or devotional, and ask God to open your heart to apply His Word in your life so you can grow in faith and be prepared for every good work.