What are some common problems that unbelievers have with the church? Do you think those are well founded? Why or why not?

Why do you think that there will be “difficulty” in the last days? What do you think that might look like? (3:1)

What can we learn about sin from 3:2-4? Do you see any recurring patterns of themes?

What do you think it means to “have the appearance of godliness, but to deny its power”? (3:5) Who do you think Paul has in mind when he uses this language? How might we see this happen today?

How are we to reconcile Paul’s instruction to “avoid such people” (3:5) with his desire to “become all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 9:19-23), and with Jesus’ willingness to interact with sinners (Luke 15:1-2)?

As Christians, what should our posture be toward sinners, and toward the world? What kinds of scenarios call for engaging? What kinds of scenarios call for withdrawing?

How can we, as Christians, take care to look out for the most vulnerable among us, and protect them from predators and false doctrine? (3:6-7)

How does 3:9 speak to the sovereignty of God? How should it inform how we interact with the world, and with people that we disagree with?

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