Thank You for attending the training last Sunday night!
We had about 80 leaders in attendance. Your response and words of affirmation were very encouraging. As a follow-up, here are some actions we will be taking:
- Ministry blog post. Due to the overwhelming numbers of questions we received at the training, Michael will begin providing ministry helps on a regular basis through our blog. I will let you know when we begin this so that you can invite your ministry/care group leaders to begin using it as a resource.
- Name Tags. Will be in baskets on the counter in the Connect Group supply room Sunday if you plan on using them.
- Care Group Contact Cards. We will have these on the counter for you to use as a resource.
Pray for Sunday, May 19
10:30am & 6:00pm Worship
We will begin to work with Dennis Pethers as we seek to refocus outward on the lost world around us. Here is a quote from Dennis' testimony:"I was born and brought up just on the edge of London, England and come from a background where church did not feature at all. I didn’t know that I didn’t know Jesus!"
You can read more about Dennis and hear his testimony at the following links:
You might even consider sharing this information with your group as well. We solicit your prayers as we prepare for May 19.
Bible Study Session
THE TARGET
Focus on what adults should leave knowing, understanding, and doing.
Adults will be able to identify ways to persistently
live a life of faith.
The outline points for the study this weeks provide a great way to help adults identify these ways: (1) Keep Proclaiming; (2) Keep the Faith; (3) Keep Helping; (4) Keep Trusting.
Resources and Study to Consider:
MyStudyBible.com
- Life Essentials Study Bible Video Overview (12 minutes): Use this for your own personal study. Consider emailing the link to your group or using it during the group session with verses 1-4. Click to watch
- Word Pronunciations (click on each word for pronunciation): Crescens; Dalmatia; Demas; Galatia; Tychicus;
- Oprah Winfrey's Theology . Oprah has a weekly broadcast and a web-site dedicated to what she calls "Oprah's Lifeclass" in which she espouses her personal views of faith.
- Mormon's Plan of Salvation. When you google "plan of salvation" the mormon gospel presentation is among the first items to appear. They even have a video story of the gospel. See if you can identify the false teaching in their presentation: https://www.lds.org/topics/plan-of-salvation?lang=eng
- What is Scientology?
Context:
Paul charged Timothy with persevering in the ministry to which they were committed in the last chapter of the last letter he wrote before his death.
TEACHING PLAN SUGGESTIONS
Look Up: "Soft Methods" to draw attention to the study as adults are visiting and gathering for Bible study.
- Option One: Write on a tearsheet or marker board, the word "Bucket List." As adults arrive encourage them to begin making a list of things they would like to do before the end of their lives. Encourage them to begin sharing their lists with others in the group. Once most adults have arrived, ask several to share what was on their lists. Ask the following questions: If you were told you only had 6 months to live, what would you add or take off of your bucket list? What would you want to become more persistent in doing? Instruct: Somewhere in your study guide write, "My Bucket List of Faith." As we study these passages write down areas of your faith that you want to see accomplished or improved upon as we look at Paul's exhortations to Timothy.
- Option Two: Consider using the "Get Started" introduction on EXTRA! (click to print). Great illustration related to the past few weeks events surrounding the Boston Marathon.
As Paul concluded his second letter to Timothy, he faced the end of his earthly life. He looked forward to going to be with God in Heaven, reflected on how he had lived his life for God, and he offered final words of encouragement to Timothy along with some requests. Paul did not tell Timothy how to die; he told him how to live, so he would be prepared to die. (ETB Leader Guide, p112)
Look In: Supplemental ideas for unpacking the text.
Keep Proclaiming (2 Timothy 4:1-4)
- What three facts about Jesus did Paul share in verse 1? (He will judge, appear again, and will be victorious, ETB Leader Guide, p112.)
- Why should we be persistent in proclaiming the gospel? (We will give an account of our service to Christ at His second coming, when His kingdom, or reign, is made complete, ETB Personal Study Guide, p86.)
- Why did Paul's charge to Timothy in verse 2 have such a tone of urgency? (see verses 3 & 4)
- How would you summarize Paul's instructions on how he was to be persistent? (see verses 2 & 5)
- What are some examples today that illustrate how people are rejecting the truth for something more "easy" or counterfeit? (Suggestion: If you have access, I suggest you show some of the video clips from the information I provided above under, Resources and Study to Consider. If you don't have access to the internet, share information from the examples provided and from your own research.)
- If you were with someone who was close to death and they charged you with these words, what would be your response?
- Do you believe this charge was just for Timothy, for those called to full-time vocational ministry, or to all Christians? Explain your answer.
- What keeps us from witnessing to critics or skeptics? (Discovery Study Guide, p69)
- Is it really worth continuing to preach or share the gospel today? (Discovery Study Guide, p69)
- Does your life reflect what you believe about the charge given by Paul to Timothy?
Transition:
This was Paul's charge. Timothy was to remain persistent in sharing the gospel, even if individuals didn't respond or became increasingly difficult. He wasn't to compromise simply to be popular. He was also charged to keep the faith.
Keep the Faith (2 Timothy 4:5-8)
- Identify the four imperatives Paul directed to Timothy. (keep a clear head; endure hardship; do the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry)
- Athletes resonate with Paul's metaphors for the satisfaction that comes from competing to the end. If Paul had lived in our culture, what additional metaphors might he have used to challenge us to keep the faith? (DSG, p70)
- What motivates atheletes to keep on keeping on?
- What motivated Paul to remain persistent with his faith? (Explain the following words as a part of Paul's motivation: Drink Offering - Typically this was an offering that was poured over another sacrifice. It would evaporate or be burned off. As it burned, a pleasing aroma would be present. Paul's life was an offering that was poured over the sacrifice Christ made. While alive, he hoped his life was a pleasing aroma to those he shared the gospel with. Paul's life would soon be gone; it would evaporate, but Christ's atoning sacrifice lived on beyond Paul. He gladly and willingly gave himself as the drink-offering sacrifice for the sake of the gospel. Crown of Righteousness - He did not fear death or see God. He longed for and hoped for that day because of all he would experience in Heaven. It was that which gave him strength during the difficult times.)
- What motivates Christians to be persistent to the end?
- What motivates you to remain persistent in your faith?
- Which of Paul's imperatives is most difficult for you?
- What words or phrases could you use to describe your faithfulness in serving the Lord? (PSG, p87)
Transition:
Many people focus on the loved ones they will see again or the pleasures of heaven. While these are not wrong, they were not Paul's focus. Paul's attention was on Christ and what was gained through Christ. All the joys of heaven will be because of and grounded in our relationship with Christ. That is what helps us remain persistent in our faith.
Keep Helping (2 Timothy 4:9-15)
- If you are using the Discovery Study Guide, read the passage and instruct the group to read the section, "Keep Helping", on pages 70-71. As they read, ask them to think of individuals in their lives that might represent some of the folks described. Discuss their feelings toward these individuals without mentioning any names.
- Another option is to read 2 Timothy 4:9-15. Instruct the group to think of people in their lives that might reflect the same actions. Discuss their feelings toward these individuals without mentioning any names.
- Knowing Paul was in prison, would you have gone if you were Timothy?
- Who are the believers who have stood with you in your own service to the Lord? How did they encourage you or support you?
- Based on this passage, how can we help those who are members of our Connect Groups? What kind of grade would you give us in carrying out these actions? What can we do better?
- Why did Paul ask for a cloak (heavy outer garment similar to a poncho that would resist cold and rain) and scrolls/parchments? (something to keep him warm and dry; the Scriptures so he could continue to read, grow, and learn)
- What would you ask for if you were in Paul's situation?
Clearly, Paul's circle of relationships contained both loyal, neutral, distant, and disloyal friends. He had observed so many people come and go in their faith. Yet he held on to his faith. He was encouraged to remain persistent in his faith because of those friends who were willing to sacrifice reputation, time, money and energy to support him during his time of need. We, too, are living the persistent Christian life when we stay connect to other believers, both near and distant. Valuing and supporting those kingdom coworkers reflects a healthy understanding of the way God wants us to work together in service to His Kingdom.
Even though Paul was betrayed by many and it seemed at times as if everyone deserted him, he still remained faithful because he trusted God that he was doing the right things for the right reasons.
Keep Trusting (2 Timothy 4:16-18)
- What can believers do to develop the understanding attitude Paul showed toward his brothers who did not stand by him at his trial? (DSG, p71)
- How can a person end his life in prison and not express regret? (DSG, p71)
- Would you say Paul was a failure since he died, never getting out of prison? (Why or why not?)
- What does your answer reveal about your own persistence in remaining faithful?
- How much disappointment or abandonment would it take for your faith to be derailed? For you to quit trusting in God? What does this say about how strong your faith is?
- What words or phrases in these passages illustrates the hope that helped Paul keep trusting? (the Lord stood with me and strengthened me; so proclamation to the Gentiles could be made; I was rescued; the Lord will rescue me; He will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom.)
Look Out: Hitting the target and applying it to daily living.
Consider reading the story about George Beverly Shea's life in the EXTRA! suggestions. Here is the link. See "Get to the Point": http://www.lifeway.com/article/extra-sunday-school-explore-the-bible#may5
- Do you want to come to the end of your life with regrets or a sense of satisfaction? (ETB Leader Guide, p113)
- Review the points of the lesson (keep proclaiming; keep the faith; keep helping; keep trusting).
- These were Paul's last words to Timothy. Which of his instructions would you struggle with the most? (review points).
- Identify one way in which they can strengthen that area, and share responses with the group.
Encourage the group to adopt the same attitude and goals as Paul: to reflect the glory of God and proclaim the gospel, even up to the end of life.
