Make Sure You Pass On the Gospel (2 Tim. 2:1-7)

Outline: Make Sure You Pass On the Gospel (2 Tim. 2:1-7): 

           

Four Commands:

1. Draw strength from the gospel (v.1)
2. Pass on the gospel to others (v.2)
3. Share in suffering for the gospel (vv.3-6)
4. Think hard about the gospel (v.7)

Summary: We've learned that God has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit (1:1-7) in order to help us guard the gospel (1:8-18).  Now we are told that the gospel is to not only be guarded but also to be passed on to others (2:1-7).  And this work of multiplying the gospel calls for fresh supplies of gospel grace, a grace that not only saves us but sustains us in the work of passing on the gospel to others.  Three analogies (the solder, the athlete, and the farmer) help us to grasp the loyalty, self-discipline, and work ethic that is to mark the character of the Lord's people.  We must think often and clearly about gospel grace and the character it creates if we are going to effectively pass on the gospel.

Main Point:  We must work hard to pass on the gospel to those who will pass on the gospel.

Discussion Questions:

• What is it about God's grace in the gospel that strengthens us? 
• How did Paul endure to the end?  How was Timothy to endure?  How will we endure?
• How can 2 Tim. 2:2 be carried out practically in a pastor's life? A believer's life?  In the life of a local church?
• What is the relationship between 2 Tim. 2:2 and the Matt. 28:18-20?
• Why do so many people and churches not practice 2 Tim. 2:2 (or Matt. 28:18-20)?
• What do vv.3-6 tell us about the extent to which Jesus lays claim on our lives? (cf. Heb. 12:1-2)
• What qualities is Paul emphasizing with each analogy (soldier, athlete, farmer) and why is each quality so important in a pastor's life?  In every Christian's life?
• How might the promise in v.7 help motivate us to give ourselves to meditating on Scripture?

Application Questions:

• What or who do I tend to look to for strength instead of fresh supplies of grace from Jesus?
• How might it look for me to practically entrust the gospel to another person?
• How can I adjust my priorities, disciplines, and work ethic to help me become a more effective disciple maker?
• How clearly do I understand the mission of the church and my role in it?  Who can I talk with in order to gain more clarity?

Prayer Points:

• Praise God for His saving grace and for His sustaining grace
• Confess ways we've allowed ourselves to get distracted, undisciplined, and lazy in the work of passing on the gospel to others
• Ask God to help us learn to run on fresh supplies of gospel fuel and not turn to "alternate fuels"
• Ask God to help us to think hard about and stay focused on the task of making more and maturing disciples of Jesus 

Guard the Gospel-Deposit (2 Tim. 1:8-18)

Outline: Guard the Gospel-Deposit (2 Tim. 1:8-18): 

           

Four ways we guard the gospel-deposit:

1. By recognizing the worth of the gospel
2. By sharing in suffering to spread the gospel
3. By following the examples of those who have faithfully shared in suffering for the gospel
4. By relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to guard the gospel

Summary: In 1:6-7 we were reminded that God gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit and has called us to treat the Spirit like a sacred flame that must be kindled by courage not quenched by fear.  So we have Holy Spirit, the very power of God inside of us.  But what is this power to be used for?  The next passage (1:8-18) answers this question:  The Holy Spirit, the power of God, is to be used to protect the gospel that has been entrusted to us (v.14).  As we depend on the Holy Spirit, we recognize the worth of the gospel and are motivated to follow the example of faithful brothers and sisters who have suffered to advance the gospel.

Main Point:  We must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to share in suffering in order to spread of the gospel.

Discussion Questions:

• Who's responsibility is it to guard the good deposit? (compare v.12 to v.14)
• What are the four ways we are called to guard the gospel-deposit? Which one stands out to you the most? Explain.
• What people come to mind as examples of those who have faithfully shared in suffering by the power of the Spirit in order to spread the gospel? What stands out about them?
• What are some of the root causes for why people be ashamed of the gospel?

Application Questions:

• What hinders me most from recognizing the worth of the gospel?
• Am I actively sharing the gospel with unbelievers in my life?  If not, what is holding me back?
• Am I willing to "drink" my share of the cup of suffering in order to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ? 

Prayer Points:

• Praise God saving us by His sovereign grace through the good news of the gospel
• Confess ways we've fearfully shrunk back from sharing the gospel with others
• Ask God to help us see afresh the worth of the gospel 
• Ask God to awaken a willingness in us to "drink" our share in the cup of suffering
• Ask God to help us rely on the power of the Holy Spirit as we seek to guard the gospel-deposit

The Believer's Power for Gospel Work (2 Tim. 1:1-7)

Outline: The Believer's Power for Gospel Work (2 Tim. 1:1-7): 

1. Paul encourages Timothy:  (vv.3-5)
2. Paul exhortes Timothy (vv.6-7)

Summary: 2 Timothy is the last New Testament letter Paul wrote and is unique in light of the timing and context in which he wrote it.  Paul, a faithful and fearless gospel preacher, wrote from prison as he awaited his execution. Paul had fought the good fight and had finished his race well (4:6-8).  2 Timothy was written to help Timothy (and every follower of Jesus) do as Paul did: run well and finish well. 2 Timothy is a call to faithful endurance in the face of the suffering and opposition that inevitably come to those who love Jesus and love lost sinners enough to go on boldly living and speaking the gospel.  In many ways 2 Tim. 1-7 is meant to provide a strong dose of personal encouragement that will motivate Timothy to live out everything Paul will say in the rest of the letter. And with this personal encouragement also came the challenging reminder that we have received a gift and that we have a responsibility to make full use of that gift. God gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit and has called us to treat the Spirit like a sacred flame that must be kindled by courage not quenched by fear.

Main Point:  We are to treat the gift of the Holy Spirit like a Sacred Flame that must be kindled by courage not quenched by fear.

Discussion Questions:

• What do you think Paul is intending to accomplish by writing 2 Tim. 1:1-7? How might these verses flavor the rest of this letter?
• What is it that Paul sees in Timothy that makes him grateful to God in prayer (vv.3-5)?
• What is the gift of God and how should Timothy treat that gift (v.6)?
• What might it look like for one to quench the Spirit by acting out of fear?
• What might it look like for one to kindle the Spirit by walking in the power, love and self-control that characterize the Spirit?  

Application Questions:

• In what ways do I tend to quench the Spirit out of fear?
• What would it look like for me to courageously kindle the Sacred Flame, the Holy Spirit, in my spheres of influence (relationships at home, church, work, etc)? 

Prayer Points:

• Praise God saving us and giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower us for gospel work  
• Confess any ways you are currently walking in fear and thus quenching the Spirit in your life
• Ask God to help you overcome fear in your life and step out of your comfort zone
• Ask God help us treat the gift of the Holy Spirit like a Sacred Flame that must be kindled by courageously walking in the power, love, and self-control supplied by the Spirit