Intro Notes:
1. The sharp contrast between godly and ungodly people (2 Timothy 3:10-11)
2. Persecution and sufferings are not theoretical matters for today’s believer. (2 Timothy 3:12-13)
3. How do we hold fast to godliness and turn away from evil? By sticking close to the scriptures. (2 Timothy 3:14-15)
Table Talk Questions
- How can there be godly and ungodly people in the visible church? Why should that bother us more than it actually does? How can the church be both gracious to those who are learning to love our Lord and also unwilling to compromise on holiness?
- What are godly people characterized by? (vv. 10-11) Of this list, which is the most challenging to you? Why?
- Is persecution an inevitability for the Christian? (v. 12) What forms of persecution exist for anyone who desires to live a godly life? What does Paul predict for people in the church who do not desire to live a godly life? (v. 13) In what ways do ungodly people in the visible church deceive? In what ways are they themselves deceived?
- How do we hold fast to godliness and turn away from evil in our current day? (v. 14) Why might it be significant that the word translated “learned” twice in verse 14 has a connection to the biblical word for “disciple”?
- What three reasons does Paul give for sticking close to the scriptures as a means of holding fast to godliness? (vv. 14b-15) What people can you look upon in your life that help you stay true to the scriptures and to Christ? What is the grand effect of the scriptures on a person’s life, according to verse 15b?