Read: 2 Tim 3:1-5; 14-17
But know this: Hard times will come in the last days. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, demeaning, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, 4 traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid these people…
… 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, 15 and you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God, and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (CSB)
Q1: Have your group compare and contrast verses 1-5 with verses 10-17. Then, encourage them to share their thoughts. Is there anything in particular that stands out to you? If so, why?
Q2: Do you think it will become easier or more difficult for Christians where you live? Please provide reasons for your answer.
Note: Don’t camp out here. The point is to see that hard times are in every generation. This isn’t a time to discuss our laundry list of concerns.
Q3: The sins listed in verses 1-5 by Paul still exist today. Have people’s attitudes towards them changed? If so, how?
Q4: Now look at verses 14-17. What do we learn about the about God’s Word, His Spirit, and his people?
Q5: Jim said that verses 16-17 “Is one of the most important statements in the entire Bible!” Do you agree? Share why you do.
Q6: If you agree with him, is there a disconnect between what you believe about the scriptures and what you actually do with the scriptures?
Q7: How much time do you spend in God’s word on a weekly basis? Be honest with this question. This question is not intended to bring shame; it’s intended to reveal any disparities between our beliefs about God’s word and our actions. We cannot make changes unless we first recognize the disparities.
Read the following to the Group: The Bible is “living and effective” (Heb. 4:12, CSB); it is the primary means God has chosen to reveal Himself to us and shape our lives so that we can know, understand, and follow Him. Engaging with and studying the Bible is what leads to spiritual growth.
Q8: How can we challenge each other this summer to engage with the Bible, so that we can benefit from God’s Word?
No matter where you are in your journey with God’s word, whether you read daily or occasionally, there is always room for growth.
Pray: Close your time with prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to grow your desire for God’s Word. Ask Him to reveal any barriers—sins—that are keeping you from His Word. Then repent. Ask Him to help you prioritize your life around Him. Be determined to regularly engage with God’s Word and make it a part of your daily routine. Prioritize time in God’s Word and appreciate its beauty and glory. Let the Word bring you closer to God. Don’t give up; persevere and internalize God’s truth in your heart. Let Jesus be the foundation upon which you build your life.