Chapter 3

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20timothy%203&version=ESV

STUDY

• At what time in history will there be times of great difficulty?

• What does Paul say about the people who have the appearance of godliness?

• What are the traits and habits that Timothy followed by Paul's example?

• What will happen to those who desire to live a godly life?

• What does Paul say about Scripture?

APPLICATION

• Re-read the list of things Paul says will happen in the last days.  List 3 examples of how you see some of those things happening in the world today.

• What do you think it means in verse 5?  What power are they speaking of?  

• Remember a time that you were persecuted for your faith.  Thank Jesus that He experienced the ultimate persecution and suffering so that you might not die to your sins, but be saved from them.

PRUNING ME

        There are many people who call themselves "Christians" but, as Paul wrote, "deny it's power".  By this, Paul means, denying the power of the Holy Spirit.  When you truly accept Christ, you receive the Holy Spirit- therefore also obtaining the power given to us by the Holy Spirit, to overcome sin, be transformed and to gain wisdom and understanding that we wouldn't otherwise receive.  When we surrender our lives to Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwelling in us is the guarantee that we have been saved and will have eternal life with Jesus in heaven.  If we do not have the Spirit, we do not have life.  How do you look?  Godly?  The question is not how you look to the world, but how you look to Jesus.  Have you been changed?  Is there evidence in your life to show that you belong to Him?  Do you have the promised Holy Spirit guiding you- giving you wisdom and transforming you in a divine way?  Oh yes, you may look godly- but are you?

        "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."  People should know this before they choose to follow Jesus.  When persecution comes, some may think- this is hard!  I thought the Christian life was easy! They may fall away from faith because they get discouraged and care more about what the world thinks about their Savior than what the Savior thinks of them.  Stay strong when you are persecuted. Jesus suffered the most extreme death and persecution.  We are persecuted because of Him.  When people persecute us, they are rejecting and persecuting Him.  Stand firm, stand tall and call on the Lord for strength.  Just as the Father gave Jesus strength to endure His suffering, we will receive strength to endure ours.

• Leanne