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Saturday, June 10, 2017

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

OutlineGuard 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