2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17, 4:1-5

THE MEN’S GROUP BIBLICAL EQUIPPING – JANUARY 28, 2004

14
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed,
knowing from whom you learned it, 15 and how from childhood you have
known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through
faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for
teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so
that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every
good work.
1
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and
the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge
you: 2 proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or
unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in
teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound
doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves
teachers to suit their own desires, 4 and will turn away from listening to the
truth and wander away to myths. 5 As for you, always be sober, endure
suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

Background
Writer: There is divided opinion among Biblical scholars. Until the 20th century, the
writer was believed to be Paul, writing to his fellow missionary Timothy from
prison in Rome, just before Paul’s death. However, modern scholars claim
some events and phraseology are inconsistent with Paul’s writings, and
attribute it to a devotee of Paul, possibly generations later, who wanted to
further Paul’s influence and teachings in the evolving church.
Date: In the early 60’s AD, unless one subscribes to the theory that Paul did not
write this. Those latter scholars place it in the second century.
What’s Going On: The two books of Timothy and the book of Titus are known as the
Pastorals. They offer advice as to the operation and conduct of a local
congregation. They were definitely written by the same person. The events
described in these books (attributed to Paul) are not accounted for in the book
of Acts. The charge given in 4:1-5 is seen as a masterpiece – a perfect
blueprint of Christian conduct.
St. Matthews Emmaus Groups
Facilitator’s Biblical Equipping: Jan-April 2004

2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17, 4:1-5

THE MEN’S GROUP BIBLICAL EQUIPPING – JANUARY 28, 2004

Explore:
1. According to the passage, what are the different ways scripture
teaches us?
2. Why is patience in teaching so important?
3. What is Paul trying to get Timothy to do to ensure the future of the
church?

Connect
1. What are we doing all of this biblical equipping for anyway?
2. How important is it for us to share God’s word and love with
others?
3. What is our ministry? And how can we carry it out more fully?

Prepare
Everyone writes down how they plan to apply the concepts discussed here to
their daily life in the ensuing week. We will discuss how that went during
Check In next week.