Sunday
April 14, 2013
Bible
Study II Timothy 1:3-18
As Apostle Paul expected, he was soon to be executed.
This letter was his last will and testament to Timothy.
Q. How do you define the term ‘loyal’ ?
Webster’s Dictionary:
Faithful and devoted to a private person, esp.
faithful to a person to whom fidelity is held to be due~husband
Faithful or tenacious in adherence to a cause,
ideal, practice, or custom
Examples:
Unfailing Love couple
Apostle Paul
In today’s world of misplaced or wavering
loyalties, this lesson reminds us of the importance of remaining loyal to the
gospel.
Read II Tim 1:3-8
Q. What two women impacted Timothy’s life?
How does this reinforce the importance of a godly
home?
Although family members do not inherit saving faith
from one another, a godly influence in the home is beneficial.
In addition to Eunice and Lois, Paul also was a
part of Timothy’s spiritual heritage.
Any person who was spiritually influential in your
life?
Whose presence fills you with joy and gives you
encouragement?
Maybe you can write a personal note this week,
thanking that person for his or her spiritual influence in your life.
You are also sources of spiritual influence to
others.
Continuing his spiritual influence with Timothy,
Paul offered advice in Vs 7-8
The phrase “not be ashamed” is used three times in
II Timothy 1 (Vs 8, 12, and 16)
In Vs 8, Paul told Timothy not to be ashamed. In Vs
12, Paul said he was not ashamed, and in Vs 16, he stated that Onesiphorus (We’ll
come back to this wonderful saint/brother later) was not ashamed
Q. Why is Paul’s advice to Timothy appropriate
advice to believers today?
Why should we not be ashamed of the Gospel of
Christ?
Name reasons you know God is trustworthy.
Read II Tim 1:9-10
Q. Do you believe we ever tend to take our
salvation for granted? Why or why not?
Paul reminded Timothy about how great salvation is.
Identify at least three (3) truths about salvation
from these two verses.
Salvation
1. Is
dependent upon God’s purpose and grace, not human efforts.
2. Is
a part of God’s plan for eternity
3. Makes
eternal abundant life possible
Read II Tim 1:11-15
As Paul considered his
impending persecution, he encouraged Timothy to remain loyal and unashamed of
the gospel as he had been throughout his ministry.
Q. What three terms
did Paul use to describe himself in V11?
Herald/preacher,
apostle, and teacher
Paul then named two
individuals-Phygellus and Hermogenes who apparently had not remained faithful
and loyal to the gospel as they had deserted Paul in his hour of greatest need.
How the threat of
suffering may cause some Christians to waver in their commitment?
Q. How can looking at
the example of others who have remained steadfast in their loyalty to Christ
help us to be loyal to Him?
Unfailing Love couple
Read II Tim 1:16-18
In contrast to the two
individuals who had deserted Paul, one person was commended for supporting and
ministering to Paul during his final Roman imprisonment.
All we know about
Onesiphorus is found in these verses and II Tim 4:19
Q. How did Onesiphorus
minister to Paul during his imprisonment? (refreshed, was not ahamed, searched,
found, helped)
Onesiphorus made the
effort to minister to Paul although he knew that there would be very little
Paul could do to repay him. He set an example for all of us.
Identify who has been
an Onesiphorus-type encourager to you.
Q. Who can you
encourage? In what ways?
Q. What are examples
of contemporary situation in which you may be tempted to be ashamed of the
gospel?
Even today many
Christians throughout the world are facing persecution and suffering as a
result of their faith in Christ. Still, they remain loyal.
Iranian Pastor
What are the four
Scripture headings from today’s study?
Write on board the
verses. Ask class to fill in the blanks
II Tim 1:3-8 Remember your spiritual heritage
II Tim 1:9-10 Remember the Greatness of Salvation
II Tim 1:11-15 Follow those who are unashamed
II Tim 1:16-18 Support those who are unashamed
What are some
practical steps we can take to remain faithful to Christ despite any negative
consequences?
