P’s and Q’s :II Timothy 1:1-7
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus…” (verse 1)
- “The Promise of Life in Christ Jesus” – What a delightful thought! Wow! What is Paul describing here?
“…to Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” (verse 2)
- It is thrilling that Paul calls Timothy his “beloved” son, and therefore, we get to call anyone we lead to Christ and disciple our “beloved son in the faith.” How does this thought motivate you to lead others to Christ and then mentor them in the Word?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
- “Grace & Peace” – Paul often opens his letters with these two warm and comforting terms. Define each of them in five words or less (you’ll love this exercise!).
Grace – ________________________________________________
Peace – ________________________________________________
- “God our Father” – We hear the phrase “God our Father” so often, it’s easy to run by it with such little thought! Take a minute and meditate on its meaning. Why are you thankful that you can call God “Father”?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
“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…” (verse 3)
- What is a “clear conscience”? What do you need to ask God to transform in order to obtain a “clear conscience”?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
“…longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy.” (verse 4)
- The fond father-son like affection Paul expresses for Timothy is heartwarming! Who is your “Paul”? Who is your “Timothy”? Write a couple of words you feel for each of them. (Next time you get a chance, call or shoot them a text.)
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
“For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.” (verse 5)
- What does this say to you about compromising on wrong relationships, friendships or conversations you’ve gotten into recently?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
- “Sincere Faith” is faith without cracks hidden beneath the surface; a faith that is true to the core; a faith that knows no limits; a non-hypocritical faith. How do you see your faith moving from where it is to the place where it becomes truly “sincere”?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
“For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (verse 6)
- The term “kindle” is the same term used for stirring up the coals in a dying fire to bring the flames back to life. How do you daily “kindle afresh” the gift of the Holy Spirit you received the day God called you and you gave your whole heart to Jesus? Are there any improvements or changes you want to make in your daily walk with Jesus?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” (verse 7)
- When does your “spirit of timidity” show up?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
What is the Holy Spirit specifically offering you…
When He gives you His “power”?
When He gives you His “love”?
When He gives you His “discipline”?
