Outline: Make Sure You Pass On the Gospel (2 Tim. 2:1-7):
Four Commands:
- Draw strength from the gospel (v.1)
- Pass on the gospel to others (v.2)
- Share in suffering for the gospel (vv.3-6)
- 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?
- 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?
- 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
