2 Timothy 3:10-17 Questions 4-5

 4. a) Why should Paul's goals, lifestyle, character and experiences strengthen Timothy? (3:10-11)

Because he shows that the worst suffering is endurable, and at the end, is vindicated by God.

Acts 14 tells us that Paul returned to the places where he suffered and nearly died. Ac 14:22 tells us that he did this to strengthen the new disciples, to encourage them and to model for them the truth that the Christian life involves suffering . His second visit was not to evangelise, but for the sake of his young churches  

How was Paul able to be fearless and to retain authority despite his suffering? He was filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (Ac 13:52). He was an example of the truth 

b) Has anyone served as this kind of example for you? If so, how has that person strengthened  your service in God?

c) Are you, or could you, model the Christian life for someone as Paul did for Timothy? If so, for whom and how?

Winnie shared how important it was to have teaching in church authenticated by observatble life, even if formal mentoring is not present  .

5.a)  2 TIm 3:12 says that a committed Christian can expect persecution. Why is this so? (see 2 Tim 3:13, Jn 15:18-25)

A godly life is God-centred and Christ-like. Col 3:5 speaks of looking upwards to heavenly things and putting to death or getting rid of what is earthly. 1 Pe 4:12-16 is a great proof test on persecution. It teaches is that to be persecuted is to suffer for Christ’s sake and to share in His sufferings  

The world wil get worse and worse, and the world hates us. Since Jesus was rejected by the world, we too will be rejected [Mat 10:24-25)

James 1:2-4, "² Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

1 Pet 1:6-7. "⁶ In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

 Trials have spiritual value in maturing of character. Trials prove the genuineness of our faith and result in reward at the Lord's return (c.f. 1 Cor 4:17). Acts 1:1-8 also tells us that trials spread the gospel  

b) Think about why Paul inserted 2 Tim 3:12 in the middle of contrasting Timothy with the wicked men. What is the connection between these ideas?

Those who do not seek to live a godly life will not be persecuted. Persecution is expected in faithful Christian living and is not an indication of God's displeasure.