Lesson 26: Enduring in sound doctrine
2 Timothy 2:15-21 - www.bible.com/bible/59/2ti.2

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,
17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.
19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.
21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.


In the last lesson we learned the value of hope to help us endure difficult things. In this lesson we find the same value in sound doctrine. It is just as true in today’s world as it was in Paul’s world – there are people around us who teach lies as being truth, and truth as being lies. Today’s verses give us great instruction in how to know the difference.

First, study the Bible. Every time you open it, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into truth. Jesus promised He would – see John 16:13. But for the Holy Spirit to be able to do this for you, it means you must study the Bible. Memorize it – what Psalm 119:11 calls hiding His word in your heart. As you memorize, the Holy Spirit uses those verses to teach you truth from other Scriptures too.

Second, avoid arguments with others about the Bible. Arguments only cause people to say things they don’t mean or don’t know real truth about.

Third, cleanse yourself from everything dishonorable. As you read the Bible, it will shine its light into your life and show you things God doesn’t want in your life. Don’t argue with Him about it, because arguing is a sign this thing in your life is interfering with something God wants you to be or do – this thing is becoming more important to you than God in your heart.

As we allow the Spirit of God to teach us, we also need to be in a group of other believers, a Bible-believing church, where other believers can help us remain accountable before God for what we are allowing to take root in our hearts. Satan will do his best to get us off the right path by tempting us to want what we want instead of what God wants for us. Being accountable helps keep us free from this danger. And accountability means we tell these other believers what we are learning, we do not learn in silence.

*What are the four steps recommended in this lesson to guard yourself from lies and remain centered in God’s truth?