Every Christ follower is called to be strong in the grace of the Lord.

KEY VERSES

2 Timothy 2:1-6 (NASB)

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. 5 And if someone likewise competes as an athlete, he is not crowned as victor unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

UNDERSTANDING

• Why do you think it was important for Timothy to understand that the power he needed for effective gospel work came only from the Holy Spirit? What would be the danger of relying on his own giftedness and training?

  • How did Paul describe what obedience should look like in Timothy’s context in verse 2?

• How was Paul’s counsel to Timothy different than how we generally approach difficulty and hardship?

• Why do we sometimes feel worn out and oppressed in service to the Lord instead of strong and free?

• What would it look like in our context to be strong in Christ’s grace and disciple 2-3 other people?

• What was Paul’s main point about the difficulty that Timothy faced? How can this

  encourage us today?

• Which metaphor that Paul used speaks to you the most? Why?

• How do these metaphors inform your understanding of biblical strength?

• How do these metaphors impact your understanding of freedom in Christ?
  

APPLICATION

• In this week’s message, Pastor Jeff noted that you must align your life with the spiritual law of faithfulness, the spiritual law of obedience, the spiritual law of endurance, and the spiritual law of patience. Which of these stands out to you the most as something you need to do? Explain.

• How do you respond to the statement, “Every Christ-follower is called to be strong”? Based on today’s lesson, how can we do that?

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

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GIVING

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