Page 85 - Pastoral Epistles student textbook

V 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them
repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.

3. Correction must be based on god’s Word.
V 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them
repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.

The standard for all such instruction is God’s Word of truth. In other words, we should never attempt
to correct by saying, “I think,” or, “in my opinion, you’re wrong.” Our opinion carries no weight. God’s
Word is what matters!

Why do you think Pastors and Leaders are slow to confront sin in the church?

2 Timothy 3:1-17.

Someone has described the evening news on television as the
program where the announcer says, “Good evening,” and then
proceeds to tell you why it is not a good evening! Can you
imagine an evening news program that only ran the good news?
“Three thousand planes took off and landed as scheduled today,
without any incidents. The economy seems to be doing fine. No
politicians were indicted for corruption today. Crime is down,
and all the churches have gathered together to pray for our
country. Thanks for joining us on the evening news!”

It would be a refreshing broadcast, but we all know it would not be realistic. Sticking our heads in the
sand and ignoring reality is not a helpful way to solve problems or to face the future. So as pessimistic
as it may be, we need to know the problems that we are up against so that they will not discourage
and confuse us.
In 2 Timothy 3, Paul gives Timothy (and us) a dose of reality about the times in which we live. He warns
us that “there will be terrible times in the last days.”
What are some of the things in world today that we could easily describe as (V1)
terrible times?

Do you think we are near the end of the world? Why?
Do you think your parents ever thought they were living in the last days?
What about your grandparents?

What is Paul talking about when he says the last days?
He is referring to the period of time between Christ’s ascension and His second coming. So, during
this interim period of the church age, there will be various times, some more intense than others,
where the church will face terrible, sometimes savage, opposition.

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