LowCountry Community Church | Bluffton, SC

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The Legacy Of Faith

LowCountry Community Church

Faith is not hereditary; it is learned. God calls all believers to teach and demonstrate what it means to follow Christ to others.

KEY VERSES

2 Timothy 1:1-5 (NASB)

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelled in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.

UNDERSTANDING

  • Why do you think God designed the Christian life to be lived in community with others— sharing burdens, serving as sources of encouragement, and passing down the faith to new generations?

  • Who is someone that has been a spiritual mentor to you? How so?

  • Would you say that leaving a legacy of faith for others is something that just happens or takes intentionality? Explain.

  • What do these verses tell you about the relationship of Paul and Timothy?

  • What are some highlights and hurdles of the parent/mentor or spiritual child/trainee type of relationship?

  • Have different group members read the following verses. As they read, listen to the terms Paul used for Timothy: 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:3-4; Philippians 2:22; Philippians 2:19-20. What stands out to you from these verses?

  • Read 2 Timothy 3:10-11 to your group. What does this text tell us about Paul’s role as Timothy’s spiritual father? How much of Paul’s life did he share with Timothy?

  • What are the implications of these passages for our relationships in the home and the body of Christ?

  • Do you have someone who lets you in close enough to see the mountains and the valleys in their personal lives? Do you have a Paul?

  • Why is this level of vulnerability and life sharing necessary if we want to spiritually influence our family members to live up to their God-given potential?

  • In verse 5, Paul affirms Timothy’s “sincere faith.” What characterizes a sincere faith?

  • What does it mean to you when someone encourages and affirms you in your faith? Why is it important to do this for the people in your life?

  • What are some things we can do to remind ourselves to take an active role in the faith journeys of our family members and friends?

  • Describe the elements of faith you consider most essential for the next generation of Christians to understand.

  • Read Acts 16:1 and 2 Timothy 3:14-17. What additional information do we learn about Timothy’s spiritual upbringing from these texts?

  • Take a few moments to think back through the communities of faith you’ve been a part of. In those experiences, was faith being passed down to a new generation?

  • In this letter, Paul wanted to continue discipling Timothy, a ministry Lois and Eunice had started long before Paul visited their city. Paul began to build on their work of exhorting Timothy.

  • Why is it so important to affirm the spiritual gifts and calling of others?

  • What impact does this have on their lives and their faith?

APPLICATION

  • Read Hebrews 3:12-13. Without the positive influence of others, what do we miss out on?

  • How have you seen your view of God and Scripture passed down to your own children or others within the next generation? How can we encourage our families and friends to love and serve God more fully?

  • What aspects of your daily life might need to change in order for you to truly lead your family to love the Lord in all areas of life?

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you. 

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.