How do these “lovers of self” see truth? How could that affect their behavior?
- They see truth as an arbitrary construct, or as something to coexist with rather than to embrace.
- This means that they do not actually value God’s laws; only the appearance of following God’s laws.
- Their concern is pleasure and a good name.
What qualities does Paul commend Timothy for and encourage Timothy to cultivate?
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He commends Timothy for his lifelong pursuit and knowledge of the Scriptures, and how he has firmly believed and lived it.
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He commends Timothy for following his teaching and his example.
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He encourages Timothy to continue to believe what he knows is true, and to walk in the faith.
What does Paul say about God’s word? Why does he end the passage this way.
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To underscore the importance of “being acquainted with the sacred writings,” for which he commends Timothy.
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To declare the authority of Scripture. (All Scripture is breathed out by God)
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To declare the profitability of Scripture (for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness)
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To declare the effectuality of Scripture (that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work).
Write down the main thoughts of this passage in your own words, being faithful to its original meaning.
In the last days there will be people who, under the guise of Christianity, will live selfish and sinful lives. Don’t be one of them or associate with them. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing, disregarding God’s Word and leading astray the weak in the faith. As for you, keep following my teachings and my example. Don’t stray from what you have always faithfully held on to – the Holy Scriptures. They are God’s words, immensely profitable for all Christians and necessary for building up in the faith.
Make two lists: One for what this passage says about God’s word, and a second for what this passage says about what we should do in response to God’s word.
God’s Word:
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Breathed out by God
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Profitable for teaching
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Profitable for reproof and correction
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Profitable for training in righteousness
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Equips Christians for every good work
Our response:
- Firmly believe it
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Let it reform our lives
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Follow Godly examples who follow it (e.g. Paul)
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Persevere in our faith and application of it
What does this passage say about God’s word?
- God’s word must be taken seriously.
o Paul warns of the godless people in the last days, who know God’s Word but do not follow it except for appearances, loving pleasure and self rather than God.
o Paul exhorts Timothy to firmly believe it and live by it.
- God’s word is active.
o It is the very breath and nature of God.
o It transforms lives and changes hearts.
o It is profitable for building up in the faith.
- God’s word is necessary.
o … that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
- God’s word is effectual in its activity.
o profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness
What does this passage say about God?
- God is active in His Word.
- God exposes those who pretend to serve Him but do not love Him.
- God blesses faithfulness to His Word.
- God intends His Word to be His primary revelation to us.
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