Managing Difficult Times Series

Managing Difficult Times

2 Timothy 3:10-17

I. Recall God’s Track Record of Deliverance (v. 10-11)

a. Recall all the difficulties of the past (2 Corinthians 11:23-27)

b. Recall God’s rescue (Romans 15:30-32)

II. Know that Persecutions Will Increase (v. 12-13)

a. Persecution is certain (John 15:20)

b. The persecutors will only get worse (v. 13)

III. Encourage Yourself in the Word (v. 14-15)

a. Remember the goodness taught earlier in your life (2 Timothy 1:5)

b. Remember the goodness of your salvation (v. 15)

IV. Remain Faithful to the Word (v. 16-17)

a. It will profit you through struggles (Romans 15:4)

b. It will equip you with the means to survive (Hebrews 13:20-21)

REFERENCE NOTES

2 Corinthians 11:23-27—

23Are they servants of Christ?--I speak as if insane--I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. 24Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. 26I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; 27I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.

Romans 15:30-32—

30Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, 31that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; 32so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company.

John 15:20—

20"Remember the word that I said to you, ’A slave is not greater than his master ’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

2 Timothy 1:5—5For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.

Romans 15:4—

4For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Hebrews 13:20-21—

20Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 21equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.