Living 3:16 - By the Book - 2 Timothy - March 2, 2008

Sunday School Lesson – Living 3:16 – By The Book – March 2, 2008

We begin a new series of study entitled Living 3:16 in a 9/11 World.” The series selects different 3:16 verses to teach a critical truth.

March 2 – 2 Timothy 3:16 reveals how the Bible can help us to live in a world with many different fears.

March 9 – 1 Corinthians 3:16 calls believers to live in purity.

March 16 – John 3:16 and 1 John 3:16 helps us to understand the nature of GOD’S love and how believers can show love for others.

March 23 – Ephesians 3:16 examines the power that is available to believers through CHRIST.

March 30 – Revelation 3:16 reminds believers why we should be passionate about knowing and following CHRIST.

The Apostle Paul wrote this to his protégé Timothy. Paul is in prison and his time upon this earth is drawing short. Paul is preparing Timothy to carry on with the gospel message regardless of what happens to him. Paul sees difficult times coming for those who present the gospel.

From a human point-of-view, many of us hold faithful servants of GOD in high esteem such as Billy Graham. We tend to forget they are human just like us. Sometimes we think that GOD will not allow anything bad happen to them. Paul knows that he has nurtured young Timothy and young Timothy has witnessed many powerful demonstrations of the presence of GOD through Paul’s ministry. Timothy could get the idea that Paul is superhuman. Paul is preparing young Timothy not to be disappointed in GOD when something bad happens to Paul. Paul is reinforcing and reconfirming his faith and confidence in his LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST to Timothy regardless of what happens to him (Paul)
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Bad things happen to good people and when they do GOD is no less of a power because bad things have happened.

Let’s read 2 Timothy 1:8-12:

8 So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me His prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. 10 This has now been made evident through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 For this [gospel]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. I was appointed a herald, apostle, and teacher,[2] Other mss add of the Gentiles 12 and that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me[3] Or guard what I have entrusted to Him, or guard my deposit until that day.

Paul told Timothy to never be ashamed of the gospel. If something bad happened to Paul do not think for a moment that GOD is any less powerful.

Paul told Timothy to never forget his calling to share the gospel. Paul reminded Timothy that GOD called them and they did not do anything to earn that calling. GOD called them before time began.

Ephesians 1:4:

4 for He chose[3] Rm 11:5–7; 1 Co 1:26–31; 1 Th 1:4; 2 Th 2:13; 1 Pt 1:1–2 us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.[4] Vv. 3–14 are 1 sentence in Gk. In love[5]

Doesn’t that just blow your mind? GOD has a plan for every human. Whether or not we participate in HIS plan depends upon us. It is our decision whether or not to serve HIM. First every human has the opportunity to accept CHRIST as their SAVIOR by asking CHRIST to forgive him or her of his or her sins and to ask CHRIST to come into his or her lives. This is a personal choice and requires a decision by each person. Once a person becomes a believer, even then, it is his or her choice as to how much of his or her will, will be released to GOD. GOD wants us to hold nothing back but to place our lives into HIS hands fully trusting HIM to lead, direct and control our lives. Yielding our will to HIM is required if we want to build an intimate, loving relationship with HIM.

When we serve our LORD, HE makes it clear that it will not be easy. Paul reminds Timothy that suffering is part of serving. Paul is not ashamed that he has suffered and because he has suffered does not mean that he is not in favor with GOD. Paul has full and complete confidence that GOD will sustain him until he is fully redeemed at judgment day.

We all may have the same questions. I know before becoming a Christian I wanted to know, “How can you be sure there is life after death?” Before becoming a Christian it is impossible for a person to know for sure. Salvation and faith are not subject to analysis. Once a believer has experienced salvation through faith he or she can tell of his or her experience through his or her testimony about the experience. Once we ask CHRIST to forgive us of our sins and to come into our lives, we receive the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. The HOLY SPIRT confirms within each believer that we are GOD’S children and that we are secure in HIM. The HOLY SPIRIT is our guarantee and security deposit that what we believe is true.

Let’s read 2 Timothy 3:14-17:

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing those from whom you learned, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God[2] Lit breathed out by God; the Scripture is the product of God’s Spirit working through men; see 2 Pt 1:20–21. and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Timothy had a GOD-fearing mother and grandmother who had taught him the scriptures from childhood.

2 Timothy 1:5:

5 clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also.

All scripture is GOD-breathed. Believers must keep in mind when bad times come into their lives, always go to the scriptures because they are your anchor in turbulent times.

All scripture came straight from GOD to faithful men and since they are from the living GOD, they are as relevant today as the day they were recorded. The HOLY SPIRIT reveals the truth in the scriptures to us today and how they apply to our lives, situations and circumstances.

Verses 16 – 17 - All Scripture is inspired by God[2] Lit breathed out by God; the Scripture is the product of God’s Spirit working through men; see 2 Pt 1:20–21. and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

All scripture comes from GOD – that is why it is so critical for all believers to study it. Do you want to hear what GOD has to say? Then read the scripture. Since the scriptures are the living word, they are always relevant to the present time they are read.

Since all scripture comes from GOD it is powerful and profitable for:
- Teaching
- Rebuking (Revealing ones wrong doing or to reveal to a believer that he or she has gotten off the right track as a dedicated committed Christian.)
- Correcting (Once the rebuked believer sees the error of his or her way and has gotten off the track, then the scripture shows them how to get back on track.)
- Training (Keeping a person on track. And to those who have gotten off the track (rebuked) and been corrected, which places them back on the track, then the scriptures train them to stay on track.)

The end result is a believer fully equipped to be of valuable service to our LORD. We all get into the weeds. It is a fact of life and GOD knows that. HE does not want us to stay in the weeds. First we must know that we are in the weeds. The scripture will reveal to us that we are in the weeds. Once we know we are in the weeds we need to know how to get out of the weeds. Studying the scriptures will show us how to get out of the weeds. The scripture will do its work and if we are willing we will be restored to useful service for our LORD.

Are you in the weeds? Or you have been in the weeds but feel unworthy to service our LORD. Then you do not know the love of GOD that passes all understanding. Do not let Satan keep you in the weeds or feeling unworthy because you have been in the weeds. But confess your wrongdoing and ask GOD to reveal to you through HIS Word how you can be restored to serve HIM joyfully. HE never turns HIS back on us. HE stands ready to reach out to us just as Peter wanted to walk on the water to meet JESUS, but he began to sink. JESUS reached out and saved him. HE will do the same for you. Trust HIM and ask HIM to restore you and the joy of your salvation!!!

Let’s read 2 Timothy 4:1-5:

1 Before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom, I solemnly charge you: 2 proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will accumulate teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new.[1] Or to hear what they want to hear; lit themselves, itching in the hearing 4 They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5 But as for you, keep a clear head about everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Paul tells Timothy in essence, “As GOD and JESUS are my witnesses I admonish you to proclaim the message (Gospel of CHRIST) and persist in proclaiming the message regardless of the circumstances. Do not shy away from teaching, rebuking, correcting or encouraging believers. Do not slack off because the window of opportunity is now for presenting the truth of the gospel. There is a time coming when people will want to hear a message that sounds and feels good. People will want a watered down gospel. They will turn to myths. So now is your opportunity to drive home the true message of salvation through CHRIST.

Make sure that you do not get caught up in compromise. Keep focused on the truth. Keep in mind that bad times will come but always know that the scriptures are your anchor and are the anvil that tests and reveals false doctrine. Stay focused on the scriptures and compare all things to what the scriptures say about any subject, particularly sound doctrine. GOD and JESUS will be your judge. Keep in mind that JESUS has come in the flesh and dwelt among us. HE was crucified on the cross for the sins of mankind. HE conquered death as confirmed by HIS resurrection. HE ascended into heaven and sat at the right hand of the FATHER. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to earth to indwell every believer so they will know the truth, be secure in their salvation and have the power to live the abundant Christian life.”

His grandmother, his mother and Paul had taught Timothy sound doctrine. Even though we have been taught sound doctrine we always need to be on our guard that compromise not find its way into our lives. Studying the Bible will help keep our minds focused on the truth. The HOLY SPIRIT will sound alarms when we encounter false doctrine. We must pay attention. If we compromise just a little then before we know it we will be embracing false doctrine by our presence and silence.

We are living in times where we face compromise. Our children and grandchildren will face it even more. We must teach sound doctrine to our children and grandchildren. We must keep in mind that GOD hates sin but loves the sinner. What does the Bible have to say about a subject or a lifestyle? Study GOD’S Word and be guided by it.