1. In what ways was Timothy prepared to serve the Lord without Paul by his side? How can you learn from this so you can prepare yourself to serve others? 2. No one is perfect; how susceptible are you to unsound doctrine, and how can you guard yourself and others from believing and spreading spiritual 'myths'? 3. What is your view of your future and your eventual 'promotion to glory' if the Lord tarries?

Main Text - 2 Timothy 3:10-17 1. What is your initial reaction to persecution & suffering being placed on the virtue list? After reading Matt 5:10-12, how has your view of persecution & suffering been shaped? 2. Even more personal, how do you respond to 2 Tim 3:12 which says that if you pursue a godly life through Jesus, you can expect persecution? To what extent is our desire for comfort (not persecution) an elephant in the room that we don't talk about? 3. The Word of God is profitable for 4 things according to the text. How has God's Word positively impacted you in these 4 areas over your journey of faith?

Text: 2 Timothy 3:1-9 1) According to Peter in Acts 2, the period of time in the Bible known as "the last days" is the time we are living in now; in between the Day of Pentecost and the Return of Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:1 says that during the last days, there will be times of difficulty. How does knowing that there will be times of difficulty prepare us to face the difficulties of "the last days." 2) The text lists 18 sinful characteristics that apply to all humans, even those in the church. Upon reading the list, did the Holy Spirit bring forward any conviction of sin? Is there anything God wants us to repent of? 3) According to the text, some people will hold to an appearance of godliness, but deny God's power to change their own lives. We are told to avoid such people. This is because such people deny the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16-17), and such people are opposed to God because of pride (James 4:6-8). What can we do to ensure that our lives avoid pride and self-sufficiency, and rather, cling to the gospel of grace?

Text: 2 Timothy 2:14 - 3:9 1) There are vessels of honor and vessels of dishonor in the household of faith. How can one cleanse himself / herself for honorable use? 2) Some in the household of faith are caught in the snare of the devil to do his will. How can one be free from all snares? (Think about what Jesus said to Peter in Matt 16:21-23) 3) In the bigger picture of 2 Timothy, what is Paul's encouragement and instruction for Timothy? How can we apply this to our lives? 4) On a personal level, is there any need for cleansing? for Repentance? If so, God is gracious and true, and as we repent and turn to Jesus, He will cleanse us from all unrighteousness. So let us turn and pray.

2 Timothy 2:14-19 1. Timothy is told to "do his best" to present himself as approved, unashamed, and capable of rightly handling the Word of Truth. Based on the circumstances of Ephesus and the scriptural context, what did this mean for Timothy? And how do we apply this meaning to our lives? 2. The text references Numbers 16:5 and Numbers 16:26, which signals to us that the story of Korah in Numbers 16 relates to Timothy's context. How does Numbers 16 relate to Hymenaues & Philetus? What does the story of Numbers 16 communicate to us in the 21st century church? 3. Korah came from the clan of Kohath who according to Numbers 4 had the duty of covering and preparing the articles of tabernacle for transport, and then carrying the items to the next destination. Perhaps Korah was discontented with this assignment and wanted more, which led him to challenge Moses and Aaron for more leadership in worship. Have you ever felt discontentment and wanted more in work, family, or church? If so, how have you handled this? And what would the Lord have us do?

Text: 2 Timothy 2:1-13 1. Paul gives 3 examples of perseverance as we share in the suffering: The soldier, the athlete and the farmer. Which one do you identify with? Why? 2. Paul calls Timothy (and us) to remember Jesus in verse 8. What is the purpose of remembering Jesus and how can we do that? 3. Paul acknowledges that he is bound with chains, but then says the Word of God is not bound! Describe the ways in which God's Word is unbound. 4. The poem or hymn at the end of the text calls the reader to faithful endurance; and also soberly reminds us of the consequence of denying the Lord (see also Matt 10:32-33). What are ways that we can deny the Lord? And what are ways we can faithful acknowledge the Lord?

Main text 2 Timothy 1:15-2:2 1) Paul is really let down and negatively remarks about all the people in Asia who have left him. Has anything like that ever happened to you? How have you dealt with disappointment and abandonment? 2) Paul seems to deal with his disappointment by focusing on Onesiphorus who did something positive. To what extent have you been able to train your mind towards a positive perspective on things? Read Phil. 4:8-9 and spend a few minutes in reflection on what is excellent, lovely and worthy of praise. And then spend a few minutes offering prayers of thanksgiving and exclamations of praise. 3) Paul calls Timothy to be strengthened in the grace of Christ Jesus. He seems to recognize that life can be disappointing and difficult, but that there is also a strength available through Jesus. How do you strengthen yourself in the Lord? Share a testimony of when you were weak, and by God's grace, you received strength. 4) Lastly, Paul calls Timothy to take what he has received and to pass it on to others, specifically others who are faithful and able to teach others. In what ways have you seen training passed on effectively in the church, in business, or in your family? Please take time to pray that our faith can be passed on effectively.