April 28: Guided by God's Word

Announcements

Thanks so much for your commitment to attend training this Sunday, April 28, 6-7:45pm (Dinner Provided). Our emphasis from GPS will focus on helping you organize and build ministry relationships with PEOPLE.  We will focus on:

• Organizing your class for ministry. There are multiple ways you can organize for ministry. Care groups can be used in a variety of ways. I will show you multiple ways to organize and use care groups, how to enlist care group leaders, how to minister without care groups, and we will share ideas with one another.
• How to minister ideas. Bro Ken, David, and other leaders will be present to guide questions and help you gather ideas on how to minister during life events.
• Planning with your team. You and your class ministry leaders will have an opportunity to formulate plans based upon what you have heard and learned.

Bible Study Session

THE TARGET
Focus on what adults should leave knowing, understanding, and doing.

To help adults understand the vital role 

Scriptures play in helping them live as believers.

Personal Note: Over the past months we are beginning to see a disturbing trend which makes this study very relevant. We have seen debates among church leaders related to whether or not Scriptures are still "relevant" for our culture today. From within the ranks of Christendom there seems to be a drift away from making the Scriptures the foundation for our decision making. We seem to feel as if we need to compromise scriptural principles and practices in order to "become more culturally relevant." External pressure is also increasing as conservative, evangelical Christianity becomes increasingly viewed as a threat to our "modern day society." Paul knew this too well. His exhortation for Timothy is so relevant for today as we continue to move closer to the return of our Lord. Embracing The Word (Christ) and His Word (the Bible) is imperative. As believers, to cast doubt about the authenticity of either is to cast doubt on the very existence of God. If doubt about His Word is prevelant then compromise is inevitable, especially when difficult times arise.

Here are a few instances that might help you gain a perspective on the world we are facing. You  might want to consider using these as examples as you teach 2 Timothy 3.

• Pentagon Blocks Access to Southern Baptist Web-site
• The Gosnell Abortion Trial 
• Beheading of Coptic Christians in New Jersey by Islamist follower
• Evangelicals considered religious extremists 
• Homosexuality, Ordination, and a Seminary Degree? 
• Does the Bible Still Matter in 2012? 
• The Church and Harlem Shake

Resources and Study to Consider:

• MyStudyBible.com: Matthew Henry provides a pretty good overview of chapter 3. Consider emailing the link to your members: Matthew Henry Link. Click to hear pronunciations: Jambres; Jannes.
• ETB QuickSource: See Dig Deeper on page 41 for an excellent overview of the authority of Scriptures.
• Consider using the following case study: You could copy it and use it as a Look Up opening activity or as a Look Out closing activity. I will give directions for use with each option in the teaching helps below.

• Provide copies of the following questionnaire for each adult as a part of the Look Up activity. Directions for use will be provided below.

 

• Don't forget to use the following to supplement your ETB Leader Guide, Discovery Study Guide Teaching Plan (online), or QuickSource. Don't forget to check out EXTRA! too.

Context: 
Paul continued his deep concern for encouraging Timothy. Paul continues writing his last will and testament to Timothy since he knows he will probably never leave the prison in which he is kept. Paul had already urged being loyalty and being unashamed (2 Tim. 1). He had reminded Timothy to be strong in the work of the Lord (2Tim. 2). In chapter 3, Paul turned Timothy's attention to difficulties that lay ahead and to the sufficiency of the Scriptures to guide him. (see ETB Leader Guide, p96)

TEACHING PLAN SUGGESTIONS
Look Up: "Soft Methods" to draw attention to the study as adults are visiting and gathering for Bible study.

• Option One: In advance, prepare copies of the case study (see above) and place in each person's chair, or give to adults as they enter the room. Once most adults have arrived, lead a discussion about how they might respond to the statements by the individuals. Would they have enough knowledge of Scripture to respond? Have they ever experienced a similar situation?
• Option Two: In advance, prepare copies of Where do I Look (see above) and place in each chair. As adults arrive, ask them to begin discussing their responses with others in the room. Once most adults have arrived, ask for several to share their responses. Discuss the last two questions as a group. Continue the discussion by asking the group to consider where people go when they are seeking spiritual answers or direction. Why have practices like astrology and fortune-telling become more culturally acceptable in today's world? Ask if people today would consider the Bible a reliable source for answers today? Why or Why not?

Transition: Read 2 Timothy 3:14-15. People today turn to a variety of sources for guidance. Sadly, many don't consider the Bible a reliable source. In our study today, Paul reminds Timothy of the inspiration of Scripture and its importance in our daily lives. The Bible can and should offer us, as believers, guidance in all areas of life. It should be our primary source which trumps all other sources when there are any conflicts between culture and faith. In chapter 3, Paul describes the challenges in which trust in, knowledge of, and practice of Scriptures will sustain the believer.

Look In: Supplemental ideas for unpacking the text.

Knowing the Savior and the Scriptures Guides us Through Difficult Times. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) 

• What kind of difficulties would these types of attitudes and actions create for believers?
• Are we living in the last days? (Yes. It is referring to the time from Christ's resurrection until His return. In this sense, Jesus' first coming ushered in the last days -- Acts 2:17; Heb. 1:2; 2 Pet. 3:3) Be careful not to get into a discussion of end times prophecy. This is not the target of the lesson. The point is, difficulties did come, are coming, and will continue to come until Jesus returns. 

"We shouldn't necessarily interpret such behaviors as signs the second coming is immediately at hand, although we're always to be alert (see Matt. 24:42)" -- ETB Leader Guide, p97.

• How have you seen these expressed over the past months in our country? (consider using the examples I cited in my personal note)
• Is there one item listed that could be the root of all the others? (lovers of self)
• In your opinion, are these behaviors more common today than they were 20 years ago?
• How does the behavior of "holding to the form of godliness but denying its power" make it difficult for believers? How do people who claim to be Christian exhibit this behavior today? (justifying certain sins, casting doubt on the validity of the Word, excusing certain behaviors, unwillingness to be accountable to the local church, teaching "additional truth" with Scripture)
• How can the Scriptures help as we experience our difficult times?
• What advice does this passage give related to the people described? (Avoid these people!) How can we practice this while still trying to be witnesses?
• Why is it important to avoid people who express hostility toward God?
• If someone has a "form of godliness" how do we know they deny its power? 
• Can you recall a time when you separated yourself from someone or some situation that had a potentially harmful effect on your spiritual life? What confirmed for you that you made the right decision? -- Personal Study Guide, p79.

"Yes, gentleness is called for (see 2 Tim. 2:24). But the time comes to turn away from those who stubbornly refuse to be instructed." (ETB Leader Guide, p98)

• With which of Paul's listed behaviors do you and other Christians seem to struggle along with the rest of society? What steps do you take to avoid the me-first attitude and replace it with a focus on loving God? -- Discover Study Guide, p63.

Transition: Paul goes on to describe two bad examples of how some people search for truth which should challenge us to watch out for these types of people and to be careful not to become like them.

Knowing the Savior and the Scriptures keeps us from Becoming Vulnerable (2 Timothy 3:6-9)

• Notice the statement, "For among them" in verse 6. This is a continuation of the behaviors from verses 1-5. These are examples. 

If you are using the Discovery Study Guide, consider asking the group to read the passage and the second paragraph under "Limited Discernment," pp 63-64, before using the following discussion questions. If not, be ready to explain the background on Jannes and Jambres in verse 8.

• Identify key phrases that describe their actions (worm their way; capture; resist the truth; corrupt in mind; worthless in regard to the faith).
• What do these passages state will be their outcome?
• Remind the group of the culture in Ephesus. Paul uses an example of women in these passages. Women during this time were converted from very difficult and pagan backgrounds. They did not have a maturity level that would protect them from being preyed upon by false teachers. They were vulnerable.

"In Timothy's day these persons--false teachers--worked by getting into households that would give them a hearing. They targeted idle women-- women who were easy prey (perhaps like the widow described in 1 Tim. 5:11-13). Particularly if they had a sensitive conscience and had not fully grasped the implications of gospel forgiveness, such persons felt burdened down with sins. Some had caved in to temptations of a variety of passions." -- ETB Leader Guide, p98.

• Does Paul's example of women mean that men were not as susceptible? (no)
• How do today's false teachers prey on vulnerable believers? (asking for money in return for blessings, offering false hope, adding to the gospel, etc)
• How can the Scriptures keep us from becoming vulnerable?
• Do you know someone who fits the description of "an easy target for false teachers"? How can you help that person find God's truth?

Transition: In contrast to the bad example in verses 1-9, Timothy's mentor held himself up in verses 10-13 as a selfless example in teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance.

Watching those who truly believe in the Savior and Scripture gives us strength to endure (2 Timothy 3:10-13)

• Describe to the group the things Timothy had observed in Paul's life (See ETB Leader Guide for details, p99):

Teaching -- presenting Christian Truth
Conduct -- lifestyle
Purpose -- passionate commitment to Christ
Faith -- his confidence in God
Patience -- willingness to put up with difficult people
Endurance -- keeping on keeping on
Persecutions and sufferings -- although possibly not a direct witness to all listed, Timothy knew of his plight. Remember, Paul was writing from a prison cell from which he would not be physically rescued, except through death.

• What reality did Paul remind Timothy of in verses 12 & 13? Why did he offer himself up as an example to Timothy before mentioning this?
• Who do you know who has followed the Lord faithfully? How does that person's example help you live your life in accordance with Scripture?

Transition: Paul now focuses on the Scriptures themselves.

The Scripture is the source of all we need in order to live for the Savior (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
Read the passage aloud. Ask the group to identify what Paul states in these passages that the Scripture provides:

• Instruction for Salvation: Scriptures revealed Timothy's need for salvation which came through faith in Christ.  Not only is it the source for salvation; all the Scriptures are inspired and profitable.
• Teaching: Shows us how to live.
• Rebuking: Shows us when we are wrong.
• Correcting: Shows us how to become right.
• Training in Righteousness: Shows us how to remain right.

In which of these areas is it most difficult for you to embrace the Bible?

Where and when did Paul state that Timothy began to learn the Scriptures? (He learned from people he knew -- family members, Paul, other trusted believers. He learned since childhood, which means since birth.) What does this state about the importance of teaching the Bible in the home and at an early age?

What is the intended outcome of knowing the Scriptures beyond Salvation? (Completely equipped for every good work. Not just equipped but doing good work) How can you avoid the temptation to settle for Bible study for knowledge alone as opposed to living out the truth of God's Word? (DSG, p65)

Transition: Paul emphasizes that we should know the Word so that we are able to endure difficult times, be protected from preying false teachers, recognize those whom we can trust, and so that we can be equipped for every good work. But, the first step is salvation as mentioned in verse 15. All else will fail if a foundational relationship with Christ is not first established in your life.

Look Out: Hitting the target and applying it to daily living. 

• Distribute copies or read the case study provided at the top of this blog. What part of this situation scares you the most? Have you studied the Bible enough in order to respond to the situation described? What actions can you take that would help  you become better equipped for this situation and for every good work?
• What is one way you can bring the Scripture into your life on a regular basis? (See QuickSource, Conclusion for more info, p40)
• If you sense someone needing to respond to the gospel ask them to remain behind.