Group Notes | October 16

Unfinished: The Time Is Now
October 16, 2016
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

Saying goodbye to a loved one, whether by reason of imminent death, deployment or for some other reason, is so very hard. We try to include everything that is exceptionally special into those final words. Do you have an instance you can share?

We are close to ending the series, “Unfinished,” as Paul tries to leave nothing omitted that Timothy—and future believers—will need as they stay true to Jesus Christ in the face of whatever persecution they may encounter in their lifetime. He gives a heartfelt exhortation regarding the task of living out life as a faithful believer.

Focal Passage: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Discuss:

Our Command

  1. Whose responsibility is it to share the news of the Gospel (verse 2a)? What other scriptures do you know that lay the duty for telling the story of Jesus on all believers?
  2. “Preaching” is the word used to proclaim the Gospel to the world. Why do believers think this is for pastors only, in light of passages like Matthew 28:18-20?

Our Commission

  1. How do we prepare ourselves to “be ready”? What does the application look like?
  2. Being “commissioned” for a certain duty is a serious and solemn action. So much so, Paul’s word of “charge” means plead, beg or urge followers to carry out the admonition. What does he say our commission is, in verse 2b? How is this analogous to being commissioned in the military, and serving where you are told to go? What is involved in the military aspect? Go back and read Chapter 2:3,4 and see how Paul uses this activity as a parallel.
  3. Look at the verbs in 2b, and someone each take one word and describe how it would be done in love? (A description of each word’s Greek meaning will be at the end.)

The Time is Now!

  1. What are some of the signs of the end times in regard to the people who are in churches in verses 3 and 4? Which of these traits are we seeing now, and can you give an example?
  2. This does not refer to the world, but to the church. Why will they feel this way toward Jesus Christ and living the Christian life?

Our Time Is Now

  1. How does Paul begin verse 5? Why does he expect us to be different?
  2. Read Phil. 2:14-16. How can you guard your walk?

Close:

We are now a few days—perhaps a few hours—away from Paul’s execution. Every word is measured for the value it will mean to Timothy and the church, both at that time and in the future. Therefore, we take these words to heart, knowing that they are God’s words through Paul to us. We are living in a time when persecution is getting worse, and the time to make believers may be short. We don’t know but what our own personal time may be short! In that light, be diligent to carry out the charge of making disciples, because you might be the only person who will share the story of God’s love with your own extended family, friends, co-workers or community. Pray for each other fervently that no one would fall away, and all would be bold to confess Jesus as Lord.

Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 4:5: “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

Focal Passage: 2 Timothy, Chapter 4:1-5; Romans 10:13,14

Verse 2: “Be ready”: to continue activity in the face of opposition, in spite of the state of the world; to continue to practice what you have been doing for Christ on a constant basis. “Convince”: to implement or help someone see that they are wrong, and why; to win them over with love. “Rebuke”: to disapprove of actions, or call sin by its right name. “Exhort”: to encourage strongly by helping someone understand. “Longsuffering”: emotional calm in the midst of provocation (again, done in love). “Teaching”: to provide instruction to one who needs it; to be able to disagree with their actions without being disagreeable.

 

 

 

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