Paul Warned Timothy that Persecutions and False Teaching Continue, But Timothy Could Be Sure that God Would Be in Control; Timothy’s Responsibility Was to Be Faithful Regardless of the Situation
2 Timothy 3:10-15

Lesson 14

background notes

doctrinal / teaching points

1. The Bible does not teach a prosperity gospel.
2. The Bible is God’s S.O.P. for man’s salvation.

practical applications

1. Can we say, “Follow my example”?
2. Let’s not forget our Christian heritage.

questions

1. List the characteristics of Paul’s ministry as contrasted to those of false teachers.
2. In which portion of Scripture are the characteristics of false teachers found?
3. Where can you read about the persecutions Paul endured at Antioch, Iconium and Lystra?
4. What is the “prosperity gospel”? Does the Bible teach this?
5. How can a Christian avoid persecution?
6. What does S.O.P. stand for? Give an example of how this is applied biblically.

answers

1. Doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions
2. 2 Timothy 3:6-9
3. Acts 13 and 14 and 2 Corinthians 11:23-38
4. It is the idea that God expects you to be prosperous, and to have few problems and no persecution. The Bible definitely does not teach this. See Acts 14:22 and John 16:33.
5. By being a secret Christian and hiding his faith
6. S.O.P. means Standard Operating Procedure. For any job or mission, S.O.P. gives you all of the regulations and requirements for that mission. The Bible is God’s S.O.P. for man’s salvation. A biblical example is given in 2 Timothy 3:15.

consider / discuss

1. Can you discern the difference between true teachers and false teachers, and between true doctrine and false teaching? This is vital to your spiritual health and growth. Re-read the contrasts between true teachers and their teaching (2 Timothy 3:10-11) and false teachers and their teaching (2 Timothy 3.6-9).
2. Are you aware of the preaching of a prosperity gospel? How do you respond to it such a “gospel”? What is the biblical view?

challenge

Is there a Paul in your life (someone whose teaching you can trust, and someone you can follow as an example)? Are you a Paul to someone? Have you shown appreciation to those who have been responsible for your Christian heritage?

memorize

• “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12
• “Continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of.” 2 Timothy 3:14
• “From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15