2 Timothy 3: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Timothy 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Grievous times will come in the last days, as people become lovers of self and money, boastful, and unholy (vv. 1-5). False teachers will infiltrate homes, deceiving women burdened by sins and never arriving at the truth (vv. 6-7). Like Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses, these deceivers will face evident folly (vv. 8-9). Paul offers his own perseverance as an example, enduring persecutions in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, and he states that all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will face persecution (vv. 10-12). He urges Timothy to remain grounded in what he has learned, knowing the source of his teaching (vv. 14-15). Paul asserts that every Scripture is God-breathed, useful for various purposes, so the man of God may be equipped for good works (vv. 16-17).

Key verse

“Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,”
2 Timothy 3:16 (WEB)

Outline

2 Timothy 3:1–5 Difficult Times Ahead
2 Timothy 3:6–9 False Teachers and Their Folly
2 Timothy 3:10–12 Paul's Example of Perseverance
2 Timothy 3:13–15 Staying Grounded in Truth
2 Timothy 3:16–17 The Power of Scripture

Discussion questions

In v2, what qualities are described regarding people in the last days?
What does Paul say about the 'holy Scriptures' in v15?
In vv. 8-9, how are Jannes and Jambres connected to the theme of opposing the truth?
In v12, why does Paul assert that 'all who desire to live godly' will face persecution?
When have you seen someone 'holding a form of godliness' while denying its power in your life?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Timothy 3: Psalm 119, Romans 15, Hebrews 4.

Before next time: read 2 Timothy 4.