BUILD - WEEK 3
PRAY TO BEGIN
Spend some time praying specifically that over these weeks looking at foundations, that we as a church would not just grow in knowledge, but actually be transformed into a Church that lives out what we believe.
READ 2 TIMOTHY CHAPTER 3:1-4
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
Discuss:
1. As you read over this description of people in the last days, (note: The time between Jesus’ ascension and his return, not a specific period) how do you see these characteristics at play in the world today? Which of these characteristics are even held up as virtues in our culture?
2. Verse 5, refers to these people ‘having a form of godliness’ which shows us that Paul is not simply referring to how the world outside of the church is, but is actually talking about how the church itself can be influenced/ lead astray. In what specific ways do you see christians & the church at risk of tolerating or even welcoming these traits into a church’s culture?
3. How would taking on these attributes diminish the church’s ability to present and share the gospel with the world?
READ 2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17
14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Discuss:
1. Paul here counsels Timothy to resist the pull to become like those he described in the earlier verses. How is it that commitment to the Scriptures would act as a guardrail against becoming like those mentioned in verses 1-4?
2. What specific benefits does Paul say come from continuing in the knowledge of the Scriptures?
3. Paul uses “God-breathed” to describe the Bible. Why is it necessary to view the bible as the word OF God, rather than just words about God?
APPLY:
1. Over the last month, how would you describe your time spend reading (or not reading) the bible for yourself?
2. How can we as a group be encouraging each other to be firmly committed to hearing from God in The Bible?
Encourage the group to go through the church Daily readings (Digital Copy Below) and to share reflections with one another, either via group chats or weekly at group.
PRAY