Introduction // 5 minutes
What most excites you about fall?
Leader Note: This question is designed to get everyone talking and engaged early in the discussion. Make sure that you leave time for everyone to play here as it will be that much easier to keep them involved in the rest of the discussion.
Observation // 15 minutes
Read 2 Timothy 2:1-8,13-14
Commentary: Written by Paul while in prison during the final years of his life and ministry, this letter or his “final words” serves as an encouragement to young Timothy to stand firm in the faith and walk into God’s calling with confidence, courage and boldness.
What are the things Paul encourages Timothy to walk in?
- His genuine faith (v5)
- His heritage of faith (v5)
- Remember his calling and gifts (v6)
- Live out his calling with boldness (v8)
- Hold on to the teachings of the faith (v13)
- Live through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (v14)
- To guard truth (v14)
What warnings does he give?
- To actively steward and grow in his gifts (v6)
- To combat fear with power, love and self-discipline (v7)
- To be prepared for suffering (v8)
Understanding // 15 minutes
Have you ever been on the receiving end of a mentor relationship? Describe that relationship.
Commentary: Be it a coach, teacher or parent many of us have had people in our lives that have helped shape us. A great mentor speaks encouragement with love and offers wisdom that comes from experience.
Application // 25 minutes
Commentary: Paul’s overarching statement to Timothy is this… Do Not Be Afraid! Don’t be afraid because you have been called. You are equipped and empowered to live out your God designed purpose. Don’t be afraid because God will strengthen you, even in the face of suffering. Paul reminds Timothy that with God’s spirit he already has all that he needs. He calls him to remember. Remember what God has done. Remember who He is and who He has called you to be.
Does fear hold you back in living out you purpose? If so, how?
Leader Note: Fear works it way into our lives in many ways. For some of us it is masked in our need to control, or in our resistance to forgive others. Fear could look like holding on to the pass and avoiding jumping into new things. If given way, fear has the potential to rob us from community and stifle our effectiveness for God’s kingdom.
What things do you need to be reminded of in living out your purpose?
Leader Note: Like Timothy we often need to be reminded first that God has a calling or a purpose for our lives. We may also need to be reminded that we are to live out that calling in the power of God’s spirit and not our own. We experience more of that power as we root ourselves in discipline to a greater connection with God’s spirit.
Where is God calling you to live with greater boldness?
How might you experience suffering as result of living more boldly?
Leader Note: With greater boldness comes increased power and freedom. It also has the potential to bring moments of suffering. Timothy could look at Paul and see this. He could also see that through suffering Paul came to know Christ in a richer way.
Suffering may look very different for each of us. Very often it is connected with our fear. God calls us to meet that fear head on with His power. That process may bring suffering but ultimately reveals more of God’s kingdom to us and through us.
Live It Out // 10 minutes
How can your group collectively embrace this “bold” living?
Prayer: Pray that your group will be reminded of the ways that God has already worked in their lives. Pray that they will be able to recall how He has, and continues to equip them for what he Has called them in to. Ask God’s spirit to fill them with a fresh power and love to combat whatever fears they may be facing; and prayer for greater discipline to stay connected in their walk with God’s spirit.