THEE WORD FOR THE WEEK

Difficult Days 2 Tim. 3:1-17 April 23-27, 2012 Monday Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5 What are some of the most encouraging things you see taking place in the church? What, in your opinion, are some of the more troubling trends within the church? How does your list compare with Pauls list of how people will act in the end of times? How can people (v. 5) have a form of godliness but deny its power? Tuesday Read 2 Timothy 3:6-7 Observe the way Paul describes people who are easily swayed by false teachers: weak-willed people, loaded down with sins, swayed by all kinds of evil desires. How does this baggage weaken the desire to live holy and follow God? How do you see people today always learning but never able to acknowledge the Truth (v. 7)? Wednesday Read 2 Timothy 3:8-9 Traditionally, Jannes and Jambres were the magicians who opposed Moses in Exodus. Read through this story in Exodus 7:8-11. For what reasons do people reject or oppose the truth? How will this folly be clear to everyone (v.9)? Thursday Read 2 Timothy 3:10-13 What can we learn about Pauls mentoring of Timothy from 3:10-14? What character qualities did Paul model for his protg? This section shows how Timothy and Paul served together in a mentoring relationship. Whom are you following? What older and wise Christian might serve as a guide to you in the Christian life? In what younger person than you in the faith might you invest your life? Pray that God would send someone to mentor you and that you would be able to mentor someone younger in the faith? Friday Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17 Paul gives a strong view of the Bible Gods Holy Scriptures. What are some reasons why Paul gives such an important view of knowing the Bible? No matter where you are right now in your knowledge of the Bible, could you say that you are growing in knowledge like Timothy was? In what concrete ways can you show respect for Gods Word this week?