If we remove our focus from the message of the cross, and replace it with human opinions, it will result in the ruin of many.

KEY VERSES

2 Timothy 2:8-21 (NASB)

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. 10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. 11 The statement is trustworthy: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; 12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He will also deny us; 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. 14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly exhort them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 men who have gone astray from the truth, claiming that the resurrection has already taken place; and they are jeopardizing the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His;” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to keep away from wickedness.” 20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

UNDERSTANDING

• Share about a time you had to persevere during an especially difficult season. What motivated you to keep going? What situations or emotions tempt you to quit before reaching a goal?

• Do you think perseverance is a characteristic most people possess? Why or why not?

• Why did Paul feel the need to tell Timothy to remember Jesus? In what situations might you need to remember everything is for Jesus?

• What does your life look like when you remember it’s all for Jesus? What does it look like when you lose sight of that truth?

• Why was Paul willing to endure all things? Is this a practical way of living? Should we really endure all things or should there be a limit to our endurance? Why?

• In your own words, how would you summarize the “trustworthy sayings” in these verses?

• Why is dying to self an ongoing commitment we must make rather than a one-time decision? How often do your current habits and practices require you to “die to self”?

• How do the promises of these verses motivate you to endure?

• Why did Paul stress the importance of instructing people not to fight about words (v. 14)?

• What was Timothy to model instead? What was to be the focus of his instruction?

• What do you think it means to be approved by God as a teacher of the Word?
  

APPLICATION

• In this week’s message, we were given these reminders: It’s all for Jesus Christ; God is exceedingly faithful; Don’t argue over unprofitable words; Handle God’s Word accurately; Continual godless chatter leads to further ungodliness; God’s foundation is strong; Building upon God’s foundation leads to honored and sanctified usefulness in the kingdom. Which of these reminders do you most need to hear? Why?

• In what situation do you need to be encouraged by the fact that the Word of God is never bound?

• Does knowing that some will follow after false teaching and it will overthrow their faith cause you to shrink away from sharing the gospel or share it more boldly? Why?

• How can we encourage one another to keep our focus on the message of the cross? Why is it important that we do?

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GIVING

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