The Thoroughly Equipped Man of God

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

The Thoroughly Equipped Man of God

Date: Jun. 29, 2017

Passage

2 Timothy 3:1-17 (ESV)

1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.

10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 3:17

that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

1. People who oppose the truth (1-9)

Paul here describes what it will be like in the last days. Verses 2-5a contain a long list of people whom Paul tells Timothy should be avoided. These are godless people. They love pleasure, not God. They are unholy, abusive and proud. The servant of God should have nothing to do with such people. How can we know them to avoid them? Paul says their folly will be clear to everyone (9).

2. "Continue in what you have learned" (10-17)

Timothy, and all people of God, are different. They know the teachings of the gospel that lead to a life of purpose, faith, patience, love and endurance. But we should know that it also leads to persecutions and suffering. Paul warns that all who live a godly life will be persecuted. How can we endure? We can endure by continuing to live by the gospel teachings. This will make us wise for salvation. By the gospel, we are thoroughly equipped for the work of God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gospel, which makes us thoroughly equipped to do all kinds of good works in you. Bless us to always continue in the teachings of the gospel.

One Word: Continue in what you have learned

A Satanic Threat

2 Kings 18:17-37

Key Verse: 18:36

But the people were silent and answered him not a word, for the king’s command was, “Do not answer him.”

Today's Question

What benefits do those who are effectively called share in this life?

See answer and references