Post by Aaron on Apr 23, 2016 18:48:14 GMT
2 Timothy 3: How to Recognize God's Voice
Most of us go through stages in our lives where we are vulnerable to false teachers. Campus cults make their biggest outreaches during the opening days of school and during finals week-when students are under the greatest stress. Life crises are doors of change-for good or evil. In addition, guilt, greed and other lusts often distort judgment and give false teachers their opportunity.
Philetus and Hymanaeus represent a tradition of potent religious falsehood Timothy fought against his whole career. We can expect the same kind of struggle. In spite of the power and appeal of such groups, however, Paul had great confidence in both Scripture and those who live by it. In this chapter he encourages Timothy to have confidence in God's teaching as well.
Warming Up to God
What factors do you think would make a person particularly susceptible to heresy?
Read 2 Timothy 3
Discovering the Word
What evidence do we have here that these people are religious?
Notice the way those controlled by these religious leaders are described (v. 6). Why are we vulnerable to spiritual manipulation when we are "weak-willed," "loaded down with sins" and "swayed by evil desires"?
Why could Timothy trust Paul's spiritual influence (vv. 10-13)?
Paul does not expect blind faith from Timothy. What does he expect, and what two reasons does he give for it (vv. 14-15)?
Where does Scripture come from, and what is its power (vv. 15-17)?
Applying the Word
What would enhance your own trustworthiness among those you influence (children, students, coworkers or employees and friends)?
In Hebrew (conceptually) to hear is to obey and do God's will. During this study, how have you sensed that God wants you to change in order to hear his voice more clearly?
Responding in Prayer
Pray that you would hear God's voice and be kept safe from false teaching.
Most of us go through stages in our lives where we are vulnerable to false teachers. Campus cults make their biggest outreaches during the opening days of school and during finals week-when students are under the greatest stress. Life crises are doors of change-for good or evil. In addition, guilt, greed and other lusts often distort judgment and give false teachers their opportunity.
Philetus and Hymanaeus represent a tradition of potent religious falsehood Timothy fought against his whole career. We can expect the same kind of struggle. In spite of the power and appeal of such groups, however, Paul had great confidence in both Scripture and those who live by it. In this chapter he encourages Timothy to have confidence in God's teaching as well.
Warming Up to God
What factors do you think would make a person particularly susceptible to heresy?
Read 2 Timothy 3
Discovering the Word
What evidence do we have here that these people are religious?
Notice the way those controlled by these religious leaders are described (v. 6). Why are we vulnerable to spiritual manipulation when we are "weak-willed," "loaded down with sins" and "swayed by evil desires"?
Why could Timothy trust Paul's spiritual influence (vv. 10-13)?
Paul does not expect blind faith from Timothy. What does he expect, and what two reasons does he give for it (vv. 14-15)?
Where does Scripture come from, and what is its power (vv. 15-17)?
Applying the Word
What would enhance your own trustworthiness among those you influence (children, students, coworkers or employees and friends)?
In Hebrew (conceptually) to hear is to obey and do God's will. During this study, how have you sensed that God wants you to change in order to hear his voice more clearly?
Responding in Prayer
Pray that you would hear God's voice and be kept safe from false teaching.