A Good Servant Part 2 (1 Tim. 4.11-16)

Outline: A Good Servant Part 2 (1 Tim. 4:11-16): 

1. Good servants must intentionally lead by their example (v.11-12)
2. Good servants must diligently steward their gifts (vv.13-15)
3. Good servants must vigilantly protect their integrity (v.16)

Summary:  In vv. 6-10 we saw that good servants of Christ Jesus are those who willingly discipline themselves in order to grow in godliness.  In vv.11-16 Paul adds three more marks of a good servant: those who 1) lead by their example, 2) steward their gifts, and 3) protect their integrity.  And good servants carry out their responsibilities intentionally, diligently, and vigilantly because they know how much is at stake.

Main Point: Christians must diligently maintain the integrity of their character and teaching

Discussion Questions:

• Name the four marks of a good servant in vv.6-16. Which one stands out most? Why?
• Why is it so important to lead by example?  How does setting a good example serve our brothers and sisters in the household of God? 
• What would it look like to be devoted to the public reading and teaching of the Word of God?
• How would one avoid neglecting the gift they have?
• In what sense does vigilantly protecting one's integrity save others? (v.16)  

Application Questions:

• In what areas of my life am I setting a good example for other believers?  In what areas of my life am I setting a poor example for other believers?  How can I discipline myself to grow in these areas?
• How can I be more devoted to the public reading and teaching of the Word of God?
• How has God gifted me and how am I using my gift(s) to encourage and enrich my brothers and sisters in Christ?

Prayer Points:

• Confess to God any areas of your life you are setting a poor example of godliness or any ways you have neglected the gift(s) God has entrusted to you
• Praise Jesus, the ultimate Good Servant whose godliness saved us and now sanctifies us
• Praise Jesus for the privilege it is to be His servants 
• Ask God to help us fan into flame the gift(s) He has entrusted to us
• Ask God to help us grasp more fully what is at stake protecting our integrity 

Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted for Righteousness' Sake (Matt. 5:10-12)

Outline: Matthew 5:10-12

1. What is the meaning of persecution?
2. What is the cause of persecution?
3. What is the proper response to persecution?
4. Application

Summary: Persecution is last on the list of Beatitudes not because it is least important but because it is the culmination of Christian character.  When Christian's embody the Beatitudes, they become more like Christ and Christ-like character makes one a prime candidate for persecution.  The more we become like Jesus in our character, the more we get treated like Jesus by those around us.  How then should one respond when persecution does come?  Jesus' answer is jarring: "Rejoice and be glad!" Joy is the proper response to persecution.

Discussion Questions:

• In what sense is this beatitude the culmination of the all the previous beatitudes?
• What is the meaning of persecution? What examples come to mind?
• What is the cause of persecution? 
• What is the proper response to persecution? What reasons does Jesus give for such a response?
• Why is one blessed for being persecuted?
• When discipling someone, what would be important to teach them about persecution?

Application Questions:

• Reflect: What is the most severe persecution you've experienced?
• On a scale of 1-10 (one being no persecution, 10 being extreme persecution), what level of persecution are you currently experiencing? 
• READ 2 Tim. 3:12.  By implication, what might the absence of persecution in your life say about your character?
• How should we process our character failures in light of the gospel?  How does the gospel motivate us to live more fully for Christ?

Prayer Points:

• Confess to God any deficiencies in your character and any avoidance of persecution.
• Praise Jesus for His perfect character and His willingness to die for imperfect people like us
• Ask God to help you grow in the character qualities commended in the Beatitudes. 
• Ask God for boldness and strength to not avoid persecution and to live more fully for Christ.
• Ask God to help you respond with joy to the persecution in your life.