Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17

This passage, written by Paul to his disciple Timothy, is both clear and simple, and 
also complex and deep. One of the special things about Christ’s Church is that we 
are made up of a wide diversity of people who agree on major theological points 
but can h ave differing opinions about a lot of details of our faith in Jesus. Looking at 
this passage, we can see how it gives encouragement for our walk with God and 
proclaims the life -giving nature of scripture.

• Where else in scripture do we see the idea of something being “God -
  breathed”? (See: Genesis 2:7, Ezekiel 37:5, John 20:22 )
• What does Paul likely mean by “all scripture”? What are different ways to 
  define the phrase “God -breathed” 
• Who are the servants of God, and what good works are they supposed to 
  be doing? 
• What words/phrases seem to be pretty clear and universal in their 
  definition? What words do you think can have many different 
  interpretations? 

Go and do

Responding to scripture is at the heart of the Christian faith, because it’s in the 
Bible’s pages that we learn about the person of Jesus, the Messiah who gives life 
eternal. This passage tells us that God has given us the scriptures so we can grow in 
our faith, so that we can show the world God’s goodness through our good wo rks. If 
we believe that these verses are true, it makes sense to ask how to use the Bible to 
become more like Jesus. 

• What do you believe about scripture? Have you noticed any differences in 
  what other Christians believe about scripture? 
• Do you feel like scripture is helpful for you in learning how to live in a way 
  that honors God? If it hasn’t been, what would you hope for, moving 
  forward? 
• What else does scripture do? It’s not just an instruction manual, but also a 
  short history of the Messiah and his people, a collection of songs and 
  poems, etc. 

Suggestions: 

• List 3 things that make sense to you from the passage. List 3 things that 
  seem confusing or even strange. 
• Pray and ask God to show you where he wants to teach, rebuke (show you 
  your sin), correct (show how to be righteous instead and train you as a beloved 
  child). 
• Paul is mentoring Timothy by reminding him the basics of the faith and how 
  to apply the truth about Jesus to his own life and ministry. Brainstorm one 
  person that God might be inviting you to be mentored by, and/or might be 
  called to mentor. Check out this Ministry Playbook course for more info! 
   

Reflect on what you learned

• Do you feel different about scripture now than when you started? 
• How can you cultivate a love for scripture in your life? 
• How can you know that you are making progress in prioritizing scripture’s 
  teaching and influence in your life