LEADER GUIDE Lesson 1 - Equipped with Power to Share in Suffering October, 2016 Habbakuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Luke 17:1-10 AS YOU GATHER Make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Say a word or two about what you hope to gain from this study. Second Timothy is one of the Pastoral Epistles. (The other two are First Timothy and Titus.) Share with the group, or with a person sitting close to you, the first pastor you remember. As an alternative, tell about a time a pastor did or said something that helped you in your faith walk. Share with the group, or with a person sitting close to you, something for which you have especially been praying this week. (Either giving thanks or asking for God s help.) Before starting the video, please have someone offer a prayer for this study, for those in your group, and for those who don t know Christ. VIDEO STUDY - (2 Timothy 1:1-14) - Equipped with Power to Share in Suffering Our theme verse speaks both about what Scripture is and what Scripture DOES. In this study, we re going to be talking more about the latter. The occasion for this letter: Paul is in PRISON. Timothy is in EPHESUS. The church is in TRANSITION. Disciple = LEARNER or FOLLOWER. Apostle = one who is SENT. Don t just ENDURE suffering for the Gospel -- EMBRACE it! The two major themes in 2 Timothy: Share in suffering GUARD the Gospel. The Gospel needs to be PROCLAIMED more than PROTECTED. Page 1 Lesson 1 - Equipped with Power to Share in Suffering
GETTING INTO THE WORD 1. Our theme verse presents one purpose for which God caused the Bible to be written. Another purpose is presented in John 20:30-31. Would you agree that 2 Timothy 3:17 expands upon the thought expressed in by John? Why or why not? - JOHN 20 SPEAKS ONLY OF THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE BIBLE TO TELL US ABOUT JESUS DEATH AND RESURRECTION SO WE MIGHT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. - 2 TIMOTHY 3 ADDS THE DIMENSION OF HOW WE ARE EQUIPPED TO LIVE OUR LIVES IN GRATITUDE FOR THE ETERNAL LIFE GIVEN TO US IN JESUS. 2. How have you been equipped for every good work? Are there areas where you don t feel like you are properly prepared? - GOD GIVES DIFFERENT GIFTS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE. NOBODY CAN DO EVERYTHING, BUT EACH OF US CAN DO SOMETHING. ONE GOAL OF BIBLE STUDY IS TO BETTER EQUIP US TO LIVE FOR JESUS. - IF SOMEONE EXPRESSES THE FEELING THAT OTHERS HAVE MORE GIFTS AND DO SO MUCH MORE FOR THE KINGDOM, TRY TO ASSURE THEM THAT GOD DESIRES TO USE EACH OF US IN DIFFERENT WAYS. 3. Verse 1 Paul refers to himself as an apostle. In the video, we mentioned that Apostle means one who is sent and Disciple means follower. Talk about what it means to you to be a follower of Jesus. While none of us is an apostle in the sense Paul uses, we have all been sent. To where or to whom has God sent you? - SEE MY NOTE BELOW UNDER FAITH IN ACTION - SEE IF PEOPLE CAN BECOME RATHER SPECIFIC IN ANSWER TO THE LAST QUESTION. 4. Verse 6 Paul tells Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God. In part, that s talking about abilities and talents God has given to Timothy. Is there one gift which God has given to you that : a.) you have been using to His glory OR b.) you would like to fan into flame to make greater use of in His kingdom? - ASSURE THEM THAT IT S NOT BOASTFUL TO BE AWARE OF AND TO PUT TO USE GIFTS THAT GOD GIVES FOR SERVICE. THEY ARE GIFTS WE HAVEN T DONE ANYTHING TO EARN THEM, SO ARE NOT BRAGGING WHEN WE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE HAVE THEM. 5. Verse 8 Paul encourages Timothy to share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. Can you foresee a time that could be required of us? How would you respond to that challenge? - THIS ISN T MEANT TO FRIGHTEN ANYONE, BUT SIMPLY TO HELP US TO THINK OF WHAT COULD HAPPEN AND HOW WE MIGHT RESPOND. PREPARATION CAN BE VERY HELPFUL. OF COURSE, NOBODY KNOWS FOR SURE HOW WE WOULD RESPOND IN A GIVEN SITUATION, BUT SOME ADVANCE CONSIDERATION MIGHT BE CALLED FOR. 6. Verse 9 Paul says that he and Timothy had a holy calling. For them, that was as ministers of the Gospel. How do you understand your calling from God? - I D LIKE FOR SOME PERSONAL ANSWERS TO BE GIVEN, BUT IN GENERAL, WE ALL HAVE BEEN CALLED BY GOD IN BAPTISM TO BE HIS CHILDREN AND TO LIVE AS HIS CHILDREN. Page 2 Lesson 1 - Equipped with Power to Share in Suffering
REMEMBER THIS All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Faith in Action Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22 Consider how to stir one another to love and good works. Hebrews 10:24 SPECIAL NOTE TO LEADERS: THE DISCUSSION BELOW IS A PART OF ALL THE STUDIES, BUT MIGHT HAVE SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE IN THIS ONE BECAUSE IT RELATES TO THE DISCUSSION QUESTION ABOUT BEING A DISCIPLE (FOLLOWER) OF JESUS. Following Jesus means that we intentionally seek out ways to imitate Him. That includes engaging in such spiritual practices as: Regular, corporate worship Prayer and meditation Bible study Offering to Him our time, talents, treasure In addition, we look for opportunities to offer: A clear witness to the love of Jesus Service to our family Service to our congregation Service to our community and beyond. With the group, or with a person sitting close to you, talk about some of the struggles and some of the successes you have had in one or more of those areas. Page 3 Lesson 1 - Equipped with Power to Share in Suffering
LEADER GUIDE Lesson 2 - Equipped with Grace to Remain Faithful October, 2016 Ruth 1:1-19a 2 Timothy 2:1-15 Luke 17:11-19 AS YOU GATHER Make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Next week we ll dig into our Remember This verse in more detail, but right now please talk about any thoughts that came to mind as you reflected on the verse during this past week. (You did reflect on it during the past week, didn t you?) Share with the group, or with a person sitting close to you, something for which you have especially been praying for this week. (Either giving thanks or asking for God s help.) Before starting the video, please have someone offer a prayer for this study, for those in your group, and for those who don t know Christ. VIDEO STUDY - (2 Timothy 2:1-15) - Equipped with Grace to Remain Faithful You, then, my child, be strengthened by the GRACE that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to FAITHFUL men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2 Faithfulness = do not ABANDON the task do not ALTER the message. At the heart of the Gospel we are to proclaim is the concept of GRACE, which moved God to send His Son, motivated Jesus to suffer and die for us, and prompts us to respond with lives of praise, service, and sacrifice. To guard the Gospel means to live lives that are above REPROACH and to teach the Gospel as it has been taught to us. Throughout history, the more opposition there has been to the Gospel, the more powerful has been its EFFECT. If we are faithless, God will still be FAITHFUL. He is always faithful. Page 1 Lesson 2 - Equipped with Grace to Remain Faithful
GETTING INTO THE WORD 1. We have mentioned ordination in both videos in this study. Have you ever been to a worship service where someone has been ordained? If so, what impressed you most about the ceremony? THIS DISCUSSION COULD GO MANY WAYS. SOME COULD MENTION THE POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE (SOME COULD ALSO SEE THAT AS UNIMPRESSIVE OR PRETENTIOUS). SOME COULD MENTION THE SERIOUS NATURE OF THE VOWS THAT ARE TAKEN. 2. In this context, the word ordain simply means to officially place someone in the office of pastor. It implies also consecration, which means to be set apart. How would you describe a pastor s job? In what ways are pastors different from other people? In what ways are the similar? How would you describe a pastor s job? To APPLY GOD S WORD TO PEOPLE S LIVES. - IN MANY WAYS, PASTORS ARE NO DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS. THEY FACE THE SAME CHALLENGES AND TEMPTATIONS IN LIFE AS EVERYONE ELSE. - PASTORS DO HAVE A UNIQUE CALLING. THEY ARE OFTEN INVITED INTO SOME VERY INTIMATE AND PERSONAL SITUATIONS (BOTH JOYFUL AND SORROWFUL) IN FAMILIES. 3. Verse 1 Can you give an example of a way that God s grace has strengthened you? - DON T RUSH THIS. GIVE THEM SOME TIME TO THINK OF AN EXAMPLE FROM THEIR LIFE. - YOU CAN PROMPT DISCUSSION BY OFFERING AN EXAMPLE FROM YOUR OWN LIFE. - YOU CAN ALSO INVITE PARTICIPANTS TO CONSIDER WAYS GRACE HAS STRENGTHENED THEM TO SPEAK OR LIFE THE GOSPEL OR TO STAND UP UNDER A DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCE IN LIFE. 4. Verse 2 -- Discuss what was stated in the video about what it means to be faithful to the Gospel. In the group, or with someone seated close to you, talk about challenges you have experienced in remaining faithful. What was helpful for you in dealing with those challenges? - BE SURE TO BE SENSITIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS CURRENTLY STRUGGLING WITH A FAITH ISSUE OF SOME OTHER CHALLENGE, OR WHO EXPRESSES REMORSE AND GUILT OVER A TIME THEY FAILED TO BE FAITHFUL. REMIND THEM OF GOD S FORGIVENESS FOR ALL OUR SINS. - YOU MIGHT WANT TO PAUSE FOR PRAYER IF SOMEONE SPEAKS ABOUT A CURRENT SITUATION IN THEIR LIFE. 5. Verse 9 -- The Word of the Lord is not bound. Give some examples of ways that is seen today. MUSLIMS IN MUSLIM COUNTRIES ARE COMING TO FAITH IN CHRIST; MUSLIM REFUGEES ARE, TOO. Do our actions ever limit the effect of God s Word? Give some examples. WHEN OUR LIVES GO IN AN OPPOSITE DIRECTION; WHEN OUR ACTIONS DON T BACK UP OUR WORDS. 6. Verse 13 What is comforting about the fact that God is always faithful? What does that mean for your life today? HE HAS CLAIMED US AS HIS OWN AND WILL NEVER LEAVE US OR FORSAKE US. YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ FROM HEBREWS 13:5 & 6: Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we can confidently say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me? Page 2 Lesson 2 - Equipped with Grace to Remain Faithful
REMEMBER THIS All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Faith in Action Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22 Consider how to stir one another to love and good works. Hebrews 10:24 Following Jesus means that we intentionally seek out ways to imitate Him. That includes engaging in such spiritual practices as: Regular, corporate worship Prayer and meditation Bible study Offering to Him our time, talents, treasure In addition, we look for opportunities to offer: A clear witness to the love of Jesus Service to our family Service to our congregation Service to our community and beyond. With the group, or with a person sitting close to you, talk about some of the struggles and some of the successes you have had in one or more of those areas. Page 3 Lesson 2 - Equipped with Grace to Remain Faithful
LEADER GUIDE Lesson 3 - Equipped with Scripture to Proclaim the Gospel October, 2016 Genesis 32:22-30 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Luke 18:1-8 AS YOU GATHER Make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Share with the group, or with a person sitting close to you, something for which you have especially been praying for this week. (Either giving thanks or asking for God s help.) Before starting the video, please have someone offer a prayer for this study, for those in your group, and for those who don t know Christ. VIDEO STUDY - (2 Timothy 3:14-4:5) - Equipped with Scripture to Proclaim the Gospel The temptation is to avoid the BUT, to go along to get along. PRESERVE the Gospel so you can PROCLAIM the Gospel. The sacred writings to which Paul refers in verse 15 is not the Bible we know today. It was what we know as the OLD TESTAMENT. What that tells us is that JESUS is found there, too. Scripture is... profitable for... reproof: To REFUTE error (to show us where our THINKING is wrong) To REBUKE sin (to show us where our CONDUCT is wrong) that the man of God may COMPETENT, equipped for every good work. The time is coming when people will want to PERVERT the Gospel, not PRESERVE it. Page 1 Lesson 3 - Equipped with Scripture to Proclaim the Gospel
GETTING INTO THE WORD 1. Do you know someone who didn t avoid the but and who, instead, paid a price for standing up for her or his faith in Jesus? Can you think of a time you did that? Failed to do that? - THERE ARE MANY EXAMPLES OF THIS IN OTHER COUNTRIES. HOW ABOUT IN OUR OWN? - ALLOW PARTICIPANTS TO THINK AND TALK ABOUT THEIR OWN SITUATION. IF SOMEONE CONFESSES A FAILURE, ASSURE THEM OF GOD S FORGIVENESS AND HIS STRENGTH TO CARRY ON. 2. How can we preserve the Gospel? BY CONTINUING IN WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED, AND NOT ADDING TO IT OR SUBTRACTING FROM IT. 3. Why is it important to know that Jesus is also found in the Old Testament Scriptures? - IT S ALL GOD S WORD - JESUS IS THE FOCUS OF GOD S WORD HE IS WHAT THE BIBLE IS ALL ABOUT 4. When using Scripture to refute error or to rebuke sin, what are some dangers we should be aware of so that we can avoid them? - RATIONALIZING AWAY SOMEONE S (OUR OWN?) SIN AND EXCUSING IT: IT S NOT SO BAD BECAUSE... - COMING ACROSS AS HARSH AND UNLOVING 5. Do you like the word competent in this translation? Why or why not? IF IT CONVEYS THE IDEA THAT WE DON T HAVE TO BE EXPERTS IN ORDER TO BE EFFECTIVE IN PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL, THEN IT S A GREAT TRANSLATION. WE CAN PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL IN WORD AND DEED EVEN IF THERE S A LOT WE STILL FEEL WE HAVE YET TO LEARN. 6. What are some ways people are perverting the Gospel in our day? - ONE OF THE PRIMARY WAYS IS BY TRYING TO BE INCLUSIVE WHERE JESUS IS NOT: I AM THE WAY... NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME. (JOHN 14:6) - ANOTHER WAY IS BY SAYING THAT GOD S LOVE FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WILL ALWAYS BE EXPRESSED WITH MATERIAL BLESSING. - ANOTHER WAY IS BY MAKING IT A GOSPEL OF CHEAP GRACE, BY FAILING TO EMPHASIZE THE WAY THE GOSPEL CHANGES US AND CAUSES US TO LIVE FOR CHRIST AND OTHERS, NOT FOR SELF. Page 2 Lesson 3 - Equipped with Scripture to Proclaim the Gospel
REMEMBER THIS All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Faith in Action Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22 Consider how to stir one another to love and good works. Hebrews 10:24 Following Jesus means that we intentionally seek out ways to imitate Him. That includes engaging in such spiritual practices as: Regular, corporate worship Prayer and meditation Bible study Offering to Him our time, talents, treasure In addition, we look for opportunities to offer: A clear witness to the love of Jesus Service to our family Service to our congregation Service to our community and beyond. With the group, or with a person sitting close to you, talk about some of the struggles and some of the successes you have had in one or more of those areas. Page 3 Lesson 3 - Equipped with Scripture to Proclaim the Gospel
LEADER GUIDE Lesson 4 - Equipped with Determination to Finish Well October, 2016 Genesis 4:1-15 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Luke 18:9-17 AS YOU GATHER Make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Say a word or two about what you hope to gain from this study. Share with the group, or with a person sitting close to you, something for which you have especially been praying this week. (Either giving thanks or asking for God s help.) Before starting the video, please have someone offer a prayer for this study, for those in your group, and for those who don t know Christ. VIDEO STUDY - (2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18) - Equipped with Determination to Finish Well As Stephen was dying, Paul heard him say: Lord Jesus, RECEIVE my SPIRIT. and Lord, do not hold this SIN against them. Paul reflects on his life, not in a prideful way, but with GRATEFUL satisfaction that he is finishing well. The crown of righteousness will be Paul s, not because of what he has done, but because of what JESUS has done. While suffering will come, God s strength will also be Timothy s and will actually work to bring good from it.... Paul s message had been given CREDIBILITY by the way he bore up under previous imprisonments and persecution. How does the Christian face death? There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day. 2 Timothy 4:8 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his HEAVENLY kingdom. 2 Timothy 4:18 Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Acts 7:59 Page 1 Lesson 4 - Equipped with Determination to Finish Well
GETTING INTO THE WORD 1. Tell the group, or a person sitting close to you, about a time you were close to death perhaps the death of a loved one, or perhaps in your own life when you had a serious illness or surgery that you faced. What thoughts went through your mind? Was there anything that gave you comfort and confidence? ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO SHARE, BUT DON T PUSH ANYONE. THIS IS A VERY PERSONAL AND POTENTIALLY EMOTIONAL MATTER. REMIND THEM THAT GOD S PROMISES OF HIS PRESENCE AND OF ETERNAL LIFE CAN GIVE US COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE. 2. As you think back to that occasion and consider it in light of this study, do you think you would have a different response now than you did then? Why or why not? IF ANYONE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY HANDLED SUCH A SITUATION BADLY, ASSURE THEM THAT IT S A VERY HUMAN THING DO AND THAT GOD ALWAYS STANDS READY TO FORGIVE. 3. In what ways would you be able to echo Paul s grateful reminiscence at the end of his life that he had fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith? How could Paul, and how can we, make such statements in sincere humility? SUCH TESTIMONY CAN BE AN INSPIRATION TO OTHERS, AS LONG IT DOESN T COME ACROSS AS BRAGGING. IF WE RECOGNIZE THAT ANYTHING GOOD WE DO IS SOLELY BECAUSE OF GOD AT WORK IN US, THEN WE CAN BE COMPLETELY HUMBLE ABOUT IT. 4. Do you think that Paul had really forgiven those individuals he identified by name who had deserted and betrayed him? Why or why not? Is there anybody who has harmed you that you haven t quite forgiven yet? What can you do about that? EVEN PAUL WASN T PERFECT, SO IT S POSSIBLE THAT HE STILL HARBORED SOME RESENTMENT TOWARDS THEM. WE DON T KNOW THAT, OF COURSE. MANY PEOPLE CAN THINK OF SOMEBODY THAT THEY STILL HAVE SOME HARD FEELINGS TOWARD. WHAT THEY CAN DO ABOUT THAT IS TO TURN IT OVER TO GOD: - THANK HIM FOR HIS FULL FORGIVENESS FOR THEM (HE EVEN FORGIVES OUR INABILITY TO FORGIVE) AND - ASK FOR HIS HELP TO FORGIVE OTHERS AS COMPLETELY AS HE FORGIVES US 5. The way Paul bore up under suffering gave credibility to his proclamation of the Gospel. Can you think of somebody (maybe it s you!) whose life has done just that? How does that inspire you? IT CAN BE GOOD TO HAVE REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES FOR US TO IMITATE. PARTICIPANTS MIGHT HAVE IN MIND SOMEBODY THEY HAVE HEARD ABOUT FROM OTHERS, OR IT COULD BE SOMEBODY THEY KNOW PERSONALLY. Page 2 Lesson 4 - Equipped with Determination to Finish Well
REMEMBER THIS All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Faith in Action Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22 Consider how to stir one another to love and good works. Hebrews 10:24 Following Jesus means that we intentionally seek out ways to imitate Him. That includes engaging in such spiritual practices as: Regular, corporate worship Prayer and meditation Bible study Offering to Him our time, talents, treasure In addition, we look for opportunities to offer: A clear witness to the love of Jesus Service to our family Service to our congregation Service to our community and beyond. With the group, or with a person sitting close to you, talk about some of the struggles and some of the successes you have had in one or more of those areas. Page 3 Lesson 4 - Equipped with Determination to Finish Well