2 Timothy 3

The Holy Scriptures

Do you ever feel overwhelmed or nervous about the spiritual condition of the world today? In an epistle to Timothy, Paul prophesied that the last days would include “perilous times” (2 Timothy 3:1), but he also taught that the Lord has given you the gift of the holy scriptures to help you during perilous times (see 2 Timothy 3:14–17). This lesson is intended to help you feel a desire to study the scriptures, which can help protect you from the evils of our day.

The last days

Read the following statement by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and reflect on why living at this time makes you feel grateful, nervous, or both.

We live in very interesting times, yet marvelous times. …

We know as we approach the Second Coming of the Savior that our world will be full of commotion and confusion. Many in society will disregard the commandments of God. I have often quoted this statement by President Thomas S. Monson: “Where once the standards of the Church and the standards of society were mostly compatible, now there is a wide chasm between us, and it’s growing ever wider.”

(Neil L. Andersen, “A Compensatory Spiritual Power for the Righteous” [Brigham Young University Education Week devotional, Aug. 18, 2015], speeches.byu.edu)

• In what ways are the times in which we live marvelous?

• What might make you feel nervous about living in the world that Elder Andersen described?

As you study this lesson, look for ways God has lovingly provided help for the confusion, spiritual dangers, or anxiety you may feel from the conditions of the world.

Read 2 Timothy 3:1–7, 12–13; 4:3–4, looking for Paul’s descriptions of dangers in the last days. You may want to use the footnotes to help you understand any difficult words.

• What examples of the conditions Paul described have you have seen in the world today?

A gift from God

Heavenly Father has not left us to face the perils of the last days on our own. In His mercy and love, He has provided us with many marvelous gifts.

Elder Andersen continued:

As we find our way in a world less attentive to the commandments of God, we will certainly be prayerful, but we need not be overly alarmed. The Lord will bless His Saints with the added spiritual power necessary to meet the challenges of our day.

(Neil L. Andersen, “A Compensatory Spiritual Power for the Righteous” [Brigham Young University Education Week devotional, Aug. 18, 2015], speeches.byu.edu)

Read 2 Timothy 3:14–17, looking for one of the gifts God has provided to help us through the perils of our day.

2 Timothy 3:15–17 is a doctrinal mastery passage. Consider marking doctrinal mastery passages in a distinctive way so you can locate them easily. You will learn more about this doctrinal mastery passage in the next lesson.

• What are some of the blessings we can receive from scripture study that you noticed in these verses?

Scripture study can help you:

1. Deepen your faith in Jesus Christ.

2. Receive wisdom and instruction in situations you face.

3. Understand doctrine or truths of the gospel.

4. Correct false ideas or poor habits.

5. Become more like Jesus Christ.

• How would you summarize what Paul taught about scripture study?

In your study journal, write about a time when the scriptures helped you in one of the ways Paul described. If you cannot think of an experience, write why you think the scriptures could help you in one of the ways Paul described.

• What other ways can the Lord bless you as you study the scriptures?

• The Lord gave you the gift of scriptures to help you in the last days. What does this teach you about Him?

Using the scriptures

To practice using the scriptures to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ, choose two of the latter-day challenges that Paul prophesied of in 2 Timothy 3:1–7, 12–13; 4:3–4, or choose different challenges that are relevant to your life. Search for scripture passages that could help someone who is facing these challenges. It may be helpful to search key words in the Guide to the Scriptures or the Topical Guide, which are both available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Or you could first choose some of your favorite scriptures and then decide which of the latter-day challenges they could help you with.

1. Answer the following questions in your study journal:

• Which scripture passages did you find that could help someone who is facing specific challenges? Explain how they could help.

Your scripture study goal

Paul reminded Timothy that Timothy had been blessed to know the scriptures from the time he was young (see 2 Timothy 3:15). Likewise, Heavenly Father will bless you for studying the scriptures in your youth. Take a few minutes to either prayerfully set a goal or to consider your current goal for personal daily scripture study. Ponder the following questions:

• How have you been doing with your goal?

• How is your goal helping you develop faith in Jesus Christ and overcome the challenges of our day?

• What adjustments, if any, to your goal do you feel you should make?

Consider telling your teacher, a parent, or someone else you trust about your scripture study goal and inviting them to follow up with you.

Optional: Want to Learn More?

How can I understand the perils listed in 2 Timothy 3:1–7?

The following definitions may be useful:

• “Without natural affection” (2 Timothy 3:3) could include behaviors associated with a lack of feeling or caring, feelings of hatred and contempt, or with lustful desires that lead to sexual immorality

• “Incontinent” (2 Timothy 3:3) means without self-control

• “Heady” (2 Timothy 3:4) means rash, reckless

• “Highminded” (2 Timothy 3:4) means puffed up, conceited

How can I better understand 2 Timothy 3:16–17?

Consider reading the article “Line upon Line: 2 Timothy 3:16–17” (New Era, Apr. 2012, 19), which contains word helps, prophetic commentary, and explanations that may help you further understand these verses.

How can studying the scriptures help me in my life?

Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:

We talk to God through prayer. He most often communicates back to us through His written word. To know what the voice of the Divine sounds and feels like, read His words, study the scriptures, and ponder them. Make them an integral part of everyday life. …

Through daily, consistent scripture study, you will find peace in the turmoil around you and strength to resist temptations. You will develop strong faith in the grace of God and know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ all will be made right according to God’s timing.

(Richard G. Scott, “Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 93–94)

How can I feel optimistic about the future if the direction of society appears to be contrary to God’s commandments?

President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles helped answer this question in the video “On Zion’s Hill” from time code 0:00 to 1:41, available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

What are some ways I can effectively study the scriptures?

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles answers this question in the video “Advice for Studying the Scriptures” (2:07), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.