Spring 2012

Lesson 5: 2 Timothy 3:1–9

The Character of Imposters

Study Tip:

·  Begin each day praising God and thanking Him for His love.

·  Read the passages for the day more than once for a better understanding of the text.

·  Look for ways to practically apply the truths of Scripture to your daily life.

Day One: Read 2 Timothy 3:1–9, focusing on verse 1; Difficult Times Will Come

1. What new principle or perspective about God did you learn from last week’s lesson or lecture?

2. The conjunction “but” in verse 1 indicates a change in direction. About what was Paul previously instructing Timothy, and what is the change in direction of the letter?

3. About what had Paul previously warned Timothy? See 1 Timothy 4:1–3.

a.  How does 1 Timothy 4 deepen your understanding of the current passage?

4. Describe the nature of false teaching and the character of false teachers from the following passages:

a. Jeremiah 14:14 and 23:14

b. Matthew 24:11–12

c. Acts 20:29–30

5. From Genesis 3:1–5, what are the methods used by the chief false teacher?

a. What practical lesson can you draw from that realization, and how can you apply that to your life today?

6. The word “times” in verse 1 is not a specific chronological period of time but refers to a span of time— a season, epoch, or era. Why is it helpful to understand this concept within the context of false teaching?

7. How does Matthew 16:18 encourage you regarding the issue of false teachers? Take a moment and thank God for this promise in Scripture.

Day Two: Read 2 Timothy 3:1–9, focusing on verses 2–5; Wolves Among the Sheep, Part One

1. What type of “vessels” is Paul describing in verses 2–5? (See 2 Timothy 2:20.)

2. From verses 2–4, identify at least three things that false teachers love.

3. According to verses 2–4 and Matthew 22:36–40, what two things should be the focus of one’s love?

a. What can you do today to grow in these areas?

4. According to verses 2–5, what behaviors characterize false teachers?

a. Contrast these verses with Galatians 5:16–17 and identify the difference between the two behaviors.

Day Three: Read 2 Timothy 3:1–9, focusing on verse 5; Wolves Among the Sheep, Part Two

1. In Greek, the word “form” in verse 5 carries the idea of outward appearance. How does Matthew 23:25–28 add to your understanding of the way false teachers appear and what they really are?

2. From the following passages, what do false teachers deny?

a. Romans 1:16

b. Ephesians 2:8–9

c. 1 Corinthians 1:18

d. Jude 4

3. According to verse 5, what is to be our response to false teachers?

4. Are there any false teachers who have influenced or are still influencing you? What should your response be?

Day Four: Read 2 Timothy 3:1–9, focusing on verses 6–7; Always Searching and Never Finding

1. In verse 6, the word “enter” in Greek carries the idea of creeping in secretly. What would this indicate about the personal character of these false teachers?

2. The word translated “captivate” carries the meaning of making a prisoner. Why do you think Paul uses this word to describe the way false teachers attract followers?

3. Why would false teachers target weak women weighed down with sins?

a. What does the phrase “led on by various impulses” indicate about the character of these women?

b. Why would someone always seek to learn yet never come to the truth?

4. How can a believer today identify a false teacher, and why is this important?

5. How can you grow in the discernment and knowledge of the truth? Be specific.

Day Five: Read 2 Timothy 3:1–9, focusing on verses 8–9; Depraved Minds – Opposing the Truth

1.  Though not specifically mentioned by name, Jannes and Jambres were likely the two Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses in Exodus 32. According to Jewish tradition, they became Jewish proselytes who instigated the worship of the golden calf and were killed as idolaters. In verse 8, how are they compared to false teachers?

2. According to verse 9, what happens to false teachers over time?

3. Summarize what this text has taught you about false teachers.

4. What steps must Christians take to protect themselves from adopting false teaching?

Martin/Peters April 18, 2012

NOTES