2 Timothy 3:1 - 4:8

2 Timothy 3:1-4:8

With whom to Associate

1. The CHARACTER Standard

Easy view - This is about the world
True view - This is about the church

How do we know it's about the church? (at least nominal religion)
1. Letter to Timothy/Ephesus
2. Context (false teachers in church)
3. Worldliness in world is unremarkable (3:1)
4. Form of godliness (3:5)
5. They were teachers/learners (3:6-7)
6. Comparison to Jannes and Jambres (3:8, those who replicate spiritual power)
7. Prevented from goal (3:9)

We must surround ourselves with godly people and disassociate with the ungodly

2. The SUFFERING Standard

The 'times of testing' test

A. Do they have a message minus a cross?
- Or is there message about health and wealth and pleasure

B. Do they have a message under attack?
- Or does there message provoke offense among unbelievers

C. Do they have a message that shines through suffering?
- OR do they stick to their beliefs amidst struggle?

3. The BIBLICAL Standard

The Proper Biblical Environment

A. Scripture is learned in relationship (3:14-15)
- Not cold intellectualism

B. Scripture is used in practice (3:16)
- Not weekend observance

C. Scripture is viewed as the standard authority (4:1-2)
- Not a last resort

D. Scripture is dealt with as a whole (4:3-5)
- Not proof text for personal gain