The gospel of Jesus Christ is the most valuable thing in life and is worthy of suffering and guarding.

KEY VERSES

2 Timothy 1:13-14 (NASB)

13 Hold on to the example of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 Protect, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you. 15 You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; 17 but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— 18 the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.

UNDERSTANDING

• In this week’s message, Pastor Jeff talked about a time his home was robbed and the guilt he had thinking he could have protected his home better. Have you ever had anything stolen from you? How did that make you feel?

• What is something you take steps to carefully guard (i.e. a child, your phone, a pet, your wallet, Internet passwords, etc.)?

• What are some things you have been entrusted with that you know people are expecting you to manage well (i.e. a job, a tool you borrowed from a friend, etc.)?

• What did Paul urge Timothy to do in these verses? Are these two separate commands, or the same command expressed in two different ways? Explain.

• What can we do to hold on to the pattern of sound teaching today?

• How do we know if the teaching we hear is sound or flawed?

• How does the Holy Spirit enable Christians to guard the good deposit of the gospel? Why are Christians unable to do this in their own strength?

• Read 1 John 5:11-12 and John 14:6. Why is the deposit of the gospel worth protecting and sharing with others?

• What is your understanding of the gospel? Have you put your faith in the gospel message?

• How did Paul contrast the people he described in these verses?

• How did Onesiphorus minister to Paul during his imprisonment? In what way was this much more than a casual visit or courtesy call?

• How can a timely word or visit lift the spirits of those who are lonely or hurting?

• Share about a time you experienced support from other Christians in your life.
  

APPLICATION

• Pastor Jeff brought out the following exhortations from today’s passage: hold fast to sound teaching, hold fast to your treasure, hold fast without deserting the gospel, and hold fast by following the example of those who have remained faithful. Which of these stands out to you? Why? How does this group encourage each other in those ways? How can we grow in this area?

• Pastor Jeff also asked you to consider the question, “What kind of friend am I?” In what relationships do you need to be a “breath of fresh air” friend? A diligent friend? A serving friend?

• How can you hold on to the truth of the gospel this week?

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

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GIVING

Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.