A Portrait Of Difficult Days
Believers should recognize the times in which we live and respond with godly focus.
KEY VERSES
2 Timothy 3:1-21 (NASB)
1 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these. 6 For among them are those who slip into house- holds and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, worthless in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not make further progress; for their foolishness will be obvious to all, just as was that also of Jannes and Jambres. 10 Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! 12 Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But evil people and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.
UNDERSTANDING
Murphy’s Law states, “If anything can go wrong, it will.” Here are a few examples: If I forget my phone when I leave the house, I will run out of gas and be stranded on the side of the road for hours. If my kids have an important project due at school, the printer will run out of ink the night before. If I plan an outdoor event, it will rain in historical fashion. Can you relate? Share your relatable experiences.
Why do you think that sometimes the right decision can seem so clear beforehand and in hindsight, but when things are going wrong everything seems foggy and convoluted? Describe a time when you have experienced something like this.
When are “the last days”? Are we living in them now? Was Paul’s original audience?
Which characteristics jump out at you? Why?
How should we take the news Paul gave Timothy here: simply accept these characteristics as a reality of the world we live in or is it meant to provide warning for us today? How can we avoid becoming numb to the sin and evil in the world around us?
What do you think it means to hold “to a form of godliness” but deny “its power”?
How do false teachers “slip into households”?
How might others in the early church have helped defend the women spoken of in these verses from these dangers? How might this weakness be avoided today? What responsibility does the church have to one another in these matters?
What did Paul say at the end of this passage that would bring Timothy comfort?
How will their lack of understanding become obvious to all?
How might this bring us encouragement today when it feels as if false teaching threatens to overtake the church, despite efforts to continually teach the truth?
In what ways does God’s sovereignty give us peace and rest? Where do you currently feel like you are striving in your own power but need God’s power? How are you encouraged by the truth in this verse 9 today?
Notice Paul gave extra emphasis to endurance. Why do you think he did that? Why would this be crucial moving forward?
What promise did Paul make Timothy in verse 12? Why is it important for Christians to recognize this today?
What is the command that Paul gave Timothy in verse 14? Why is this important for all Christians?
Paul expressed the idea of the “sufficiency of Scripture” in verses 16 and 17. What does it mean to say that the Scriptures are sufficient?
APPLICATION
Based on Paul’s words to Timothy here, how do you need to respond to the times in which we live?
How can you prepare for whatever difficulty lies ahead?
Think about the difficulties you’re currently facing. What would it look like for you to respond with godly focus this week? What changes need to take place in your life for that to happen?
WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?
Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you.
GIVING
Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.