Legacy: Living with the End in Mind

Every one of us is fighting a battle and running a race that will one day end. We all may start the same, but not everyone will finish the same. As Christians, we must keep the end in mind. If you focus on the past, shame could paralyze you. If you focus on the present, you could be easily overwhelmed. But when you set your gaze on the victory of Christ, you leave an eternal legacy. What will your legacy be? - Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever been asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” How have you answered this in the past?

Read: 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Psalm 39; 2 Corinthians 5:1-2; James 4:13-17; 1 Timothy 6:11-21

Discuss:

1. What are some things that our culture “preaches” that are counter to the gospel (of course other religious beliefs apply here, but think about how this can perhaps happen more subtly)? What is it about those things that seem attractive or believable (“itching ears”)? How should these realities motivate us to “preach the word” in times of convenience and inconvenience? Describe how you have attempted to share the gospel in both convenient and inconvenient times:

2. Paul focused on two things in the future to motivate Timothy to share the gospel: Future judgment and Christ’s appearing/coming kingdom. In light of the commands that follow, why do you think Paul mentions these two things in particular? Pick out the 5 commands Paul gives in verses 1-2 and describe why each of these are so crucial:

3. What do you think Paul means when he says he is “being poured out like a drink offering”? What is this illustrating? Do you see your life as an offering to God? What can keep me from having this perspective?

4. Paul compares his Christian life to a fight and a race. Describe how these illustrate the Christian life: What does it look like to “fulfill your ministry” (4:5)? What do you believe God has called you to do and how are you going about accomplishing that?

5. Paul lived with the end in mind. How should a “crown of righteousness” motivate us to continue our work faithfully? What hinders us from living with the end in mind?

Pray: Pray that God would keep your mind focused on the end of the journey and give you the strength to enjoy and endure the place He has called you right now.

Memorize/Meditate: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Legacy: Breath

God breathed the Scripture into existence. We breathe in God’s Word as we read, study, meditate, and memorize it. We breathe out God’s Word as we share it with those around us. The Word of God that flows to us from God, must flow from us for God. - Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever read anything that moved you to action? What was it? Why did it move you in the way that it did?

Read: 2 Timothy 3:10-4:5; Psalm 119; John 5; 2 Peter 1:20-23

Discuss:

1. Why does our current culture struggle so much with the authority of God’s Word? Why do you believe the tide has turned regarding the importance of the Bible in our lives? What misconceptions do people have about the Bible? Why do you think fewer and fewer Christians are reading the Bible?

2. In 2 Timothy 3, Paul encourages young Timothy to continue in what he had learned from childhood (3:14-15). How does this statement extend farther than merely remembering content? In other words, how is Paul trying to remind Timothy of the authority of God’s Word in his own life?

3. What does it mean that God “breathed” the Scripture? Does inspiration subtract from the personality and skill of the author? What did the process of inspiration look like? How does inspiration demonstrate God’s authority through the Scriptures? How does the Bible prove itself as God’s authority?

4. According to 2 Timothy 3:10-4:2, what does God’s Word provide for us? How does Scripture help us endure difficult times? How does it cause us to embrace authentic living? How have you seen this in your own life?

5. Is hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, meditating and obeying God’s Word a top priority in your life? What would you need to sacrifice to give it the proper priority

Pray: Pray that God’s Word would be an effective diet in your life. Pray that God would bring to mind His Word and set you in places that provide opportunity for gospel conversations.

Memorize/Meditate: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Legacy: How to Stand in the Last Days

The world says that the answer to society’s problems is to love ourselves more. But what the world offers as salvation, the Bible describes as the problem. Loving self will never bring life-changing, paradigm-shifting, and gospel-penetrating power. Only Christ can stir our affetions and strengthen our confidence to live faithfully in these last days. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever been warned about something that changed the way you acted?

Read: Explain: 2 Timothy 3:1-9; Exodus 7-8; Matthew 24-25

Discuss:

1. Why do you think people are so enamored with the end times? How do you see this infatuation in current pop culture? Describe the interaction between Jesus and the disciples in Matthew 24. Jesus says there will be “many signs”. Can you describe a few of these signs? What makes the last days “difficult”?

2. The picture that Paul paints of the last days in Matthew 24:2-5 bears a striking resemblance to what we see in our own day. What are some ways that you see this mindset promoted in our society, in others AND in yourself? How does this list describe the three main philosophies of the world (humanism, materialism, and hedonism)? How is the focus on “self” actually hindering any real change?

3. What would you consider false teachings in our day? How are these false teachings holding people captive and stirring sinful passions? How have you experienced these teachings personally?

4. Describe the context of Jannes and Jambres (Exodus 7-8): How can success turn out to be false? What does it mean to be “always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:7)”? Where is the ultimate truth found?

5. How does the promise of Christ’s return give us confidence in a difficult world? Describe the difference between “misdirected love” (self) and “focused love” (God). How should Paul’s warnings stir our affections for God?

Pray: Pray that in a world growing more and more dim, you will have the strength to keep your affections set on Christ’s purpose and your confidence in Christ’s coming.

Memorize/Meditate: But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 Timothy 3:1

Legacy: Clean Vessels

We think that God only uses people who have impressive gifts and abilities. However, what makes God’s plan so unique is that He uses common, ordinary, and messed up people to accomplish His grand purposes. All that He asks is that we diligently pursue His way and faithfully serve His will. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were unexpectedly needed? Explain:

Read: 2 Timothy 2; James 3-4

Discuss:

1. We live in a culture that holds a high value on receiving approval by people. Do you agree or disagree? How have you seen this exemplified in our interactions with people? How does this inhibit Christian living?

2. What are some examples of useless arguments and worthless rambling that you see in our culture today? How about in the church world? According to 2 Timothy 2:14, 16, 23, why should Christians avoid ignorant disputes and quarreling about words? How should Christians respond to foolish arguments?

3. What does it mean to “rightly handle the word of truth”? How does engaging the Scripture rightly help us serve God more faithfully?

4. Paul uses the illustration of honorable and dishonorable vessels. Describe this illustration: How does 2 Timothy 2:22 help us become honorable vessels? What does it mean to flee youthful passions? What youthful passions do you struggle with? What is the result of being a vessel of honor? Practically speaking, how can you pursue righteousness this week with your words, your actions, and your attitudes?

5. Why is it often hard to be kind, patient, and gentle with quarrelsome people? What attitude does Paul want Timothy to have toward those that oppose him? (2:24-26) How can our words, actions, and reactions point people to Christ? Have you seen this in your life?

Pray: Pray that you would set aside sin or strife that is holding you back from being useful for God’s purpose. Pray that you would continually consider the impact to those without Christ through your words, actions and reactions.

Memorize/Meditate: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Legacy: How to Endure When You Want to Give Up

We live in a time when people are far too quick to give up. From friendships and jobs to faith and the church, people walk away with little care. But those who grasp the magnitude of Christ’s work and Word, don’t give in. We fight as soldiers, run as athletes, and work hard like farmers for a prize far more precious…the legacy of gospel-impact. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever been so distracted you feel like giving up? Describe the situation:

Read: 2 Timothy 2; Colossians 2:28-29; Hebrews 11

Discuss:

1. Why do you think so many people walk away from their “faith” and their Church? How does difficulty play a part in some departures? Why does it seem that so many Christians lack endurance?

2. What does the phrase “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” mean? How is grace beneficial for both our salvation and our endurance? What does it look like to apply the truth of this passage? How have you experienced the strength of grace in your life? Describe this:

3. Read 2 Timothy 2:2 alongside the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. What do you see in common between these two passages? If the Gospel is the most important message this world has ever known, why does God entrust everyday people like you and me to make it known? What “things” need to be passed along? In other words, describe the qualities of a disciple who is “complete in Christ” (cf. Col 1:28-29)? How is gospel-multiplication different than gospel-addition? Are you discipling anyone currently? Why or why not?

4. What three illustrations does Paul use to challenge Timothy to endure? How do each of these represent the character of enduring Christians? What are some of the things we get “entangled” with? Which illustration stands out most to you? Why?

5. How is Christ the motivation and model of endurance? What is the significance of Paul’s description of Jesus as “risen” and “descended of David”? How is it that Paul in his imprisonment can say, “the word of God is not imprisoned”?

Pray: Pray that you would set aside the distractions that can keep you from enduring well.

Memorize/Meditate: No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 2 Timothy 2:4-7

Legacy: Fan the Flame

Everyone faces the same fate. While the world is hyper-focused on the here and now, we know that life will one-day end…We are seasonal creatures, passing through time for a short, yet profound moment. The impact we make now will one day be felt…or forgotten. If we are ever going to leave a legacy, we have to live a legacy. So, ask yourself, what will your legacy be? - Pastor Dave

Open: Name someone who has influenced you by his or her legacy: How has this encouraged you in the journey?

 Read: Acts 16; 2 Timothy 1

Discuss:

1. Describe the situation Paul finds himself in: As you read through 2 Timothy, how do you see Paul’s increasing knowledge of his suffering and soon death? What is his relationship with Timothy? What kind of mentoring relationship was Paul in with Timothy? What do you think are some qualities of a good discipleship relationship?

2. What type of faith legacy did Timothy receive from his family? What faith legacy did you receive from your family of origin? How did that shape your view of God and the Church? What is the faith legacy you are hoping to leave to those in your own family? What are you doing to bring this about?

3. What are spiritual gifts? Describe Timothy’s “gift”: What gifts has God given to you? Do any need to be “fan into flames”? What are the things that can make our gifts grow cold?

 4. How does fear hinder God’s work in us and through us? What are some of things that could have made Timothy fearful? What are some of the things that you fear the most in your faith journey? How does knowing that this type of fear does not come from God give us “power, love and self-control”?

Pray: Pray that you would not allow fear to hinder God’s work through you

Memorize/Meditate: For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:6-7

Family Portrait: Parenting

Our children are being launched into an ever changing and ever growing hostile world. If we only focus on the targets of social, academic, economic, and athletic success, they will fall well short of God’s grand purpose for their lives. The Scripture calls them arrows, prepared to penetrate their world with the gospel of Christ. ~Pastor Dave

Open: Describe the most impactful moment you had as a child: Describe the investment you received from your parents whether good or bad: What impact has this had on your life?

Read: Psalm 127; Ephesians 6:1-4

Discuss:

1. Most people believe that good parenting equals good kids. Is this true? Why do most people feel like failures in parenting? How does the Genesis account of creation demonstrate the fallacy of this thinking?

2. Describe the difference between controlling and influencing children: Which do you perceive as the preferred parenting method? Why? How have you seen this played out in your family experience? How should we progressively move from controlling to influencing in the life of our children?

3. David writes a “Song of Ascent” in Psalm 127. Why is this significant? How does this demonstrate the importance of parenting in relation to God’s plan for His people? Notice the repetition in Psalm 127:1. Why the contrast between the Lord acting and our vain pursuit?

4. How are children viewed in our world today? Describe an example of this perspective fleshed out: How is this different than a “heritage” and “reward”? How does our view of children affect our influence over them?

5. Describe the “arrows in the hand of a warrior” illustration in Psalm 127:5. What is unique about this description? What purpose do arrows serve? How should this change our view of parenting and the next generation? How does this picture serve to highlight the importance of generational ministries?

Pray: Pray that your kids wouldn’t merely feel your control but experience your influence.

Memorize/Meditate: Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Psalm 127:4

Family Portrait: Marraige

Marriage ultimately serves as a portrait of the real marriage between Christ and the Church. The magnificence of this analogy is that it presents both the completed and continuing work of Christ for us. With Christ, our marriage becomes a place of permanent surrender of our self-centeredness so that He is beautifully reflected and fervently shown. - Pastor Dave

Open: Describe the funniest or most awkward family photo you have ever taken: What about it makes it so unique?

Read: Ephesians 5; Genesis 1:26-2:25; Genesis 3; Mark 12:18-25

Discuss:

1. How have you observed the erosion of marriage in our society? How have you been personally affected by this? Why do you think the picture of marriage is fading in our culture?

2. Paul reveals a great marriage mystery in Ephesians 5. What is the mystery? How should this mystery enhance our view of marriage? How does marriage reflect God’s work in creation? How do a husband’s love and a wife’s submission reflect the gospel message? How does Paul demonstrate in each statement that Christ is the focus of marriage?

3. What makes “leaving” and “cleaving” so difficult in marriage? What areas of your marriage have been the most difficult? How is marriage ground-zero for our spiritual development and sin issues in our lives? In what ways does marriage expose our self-centeredness?

4. How does marriage reflect our future completeness in Christ? In what ways do we humanly idolize marriage? How is the value of marriage important for those who aren’t yet married?

5. How does marriage paint a clear picture of the gospel to the world? What are some areas in your marriage where you need to better reflect Christ?

Pray: Married Couples: Pray that you would surrender any self-centeredness and reflect the gospel in your marriage.

Singles: Pray that you would honor marriage rightly so that you will reflect Christ faithfully in your singleness.

Memorize/Meditate: Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. Ephesians 5:31-32

Family Portrait: The Church

The gospel of grace leads to a gospel of love, which manifests itself in authentic gospel community. Although imperfectly, we are all presenting a picture for the world to see. As the gap between the church and culture continues to widen, Christians must make every effort to reflect the gospel of Christ more fully. - Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever attempted to take a good family picture or selfie with the family? Describe the

experience: What makes getting a family picture so difficult?

Read: Matthew 16; Colossians 1, 4; Philemon 1-7

Discuss:

1. How does our culture of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and selfies demonstrate our desire to present the best possible reflection of ourselves?

2. What does the word “church” mean? Why does God describe the church as the “body of Christ”? How have you seen the church as the “body of Christ”? Do you think that the church is doing a good job reflecting this portrait of Christ? How has the church failed as the body of Christ?

3. Why does the church get such a bad rap in our culture today? What are some of the faulty views about the church that you have experienced? How has the church traditionally viewed the culture around them? In what ways does Christ call the church to be a bridge to the culture?

4. The church of Colossae is a case study of the church’s purpose and work. In Colossians 4:5-6, Paul calls the church to think strategically and act urgently toward those outside of the church. How should the gospel be the center of the church’s mission? Describe Paul’s relationship with Philemon:

5. Philemon is the Apostle Paul’s shortest book but most personal. What characteristics did the church at Colossae reflect so vividly? How does reflecting Christ well demonstrate the “full knowledge of every good thing that is in Christ” and “refresh” both the church and the culture?

Pray: Pray that you and the church would reflect the best picture of Christ in our community.

Memorize/Meditate: I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. Philemon 1:6

Living With Courage in Difficult Times

The story of Gideon is a needed reminder that our inadequacy is a poor excuse for inactivity. We are not called to follow Christ because we are courageous, but rather God awakens courage in us with each step of obedience. -Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever had a time you cowered in fear? Describe the situation:

Read: Judges 21:25; Judges 6-8; Hebrews 11:32; 1 John 4

Discuss: 1. Describe the sin cycle in the book of Judges: What is the condition of God’s people at this point in history? Who is ruling over them?

2. What are your first impressions of Gideon? What made him afraid? Is this a healthy fear? What are the things that bring us fear in our lives today? How does fear keep us from obeying God?

3. Compare the words of God to the words of Gideon in 6:7-15. How did Gideon’s view of himself differ from God’s view of Him? How did Gideon’s view of the problem differ from God’s? In what ways do you feel inadequate for God’s service?

4. In 6:25-32 what was God’s first command to Gideon? Why was this important? How do small steps of obedience help move us to greater levels of opportunity? How do you account for Gideon’s need for more signs of God’s presence (6:36-40)? Why do you suppose God obliged Gideon’s “erratic” faith? Describe how God continued to work on Gideon’s faithfulness in the preparation for battle with the Midianites?

5. How does the story of Gideon show us God’s patience with His people? Gideon’s life ends oddly. Describe the overconfidence of Gideon: How do we move from lacking adequacy to overconfidence in our spiritual journey?

Pray: Pray that you would release the fear that grips you and step out in obedience in the places God is calling you.

Memorize/Meditate: When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalms 56:3-4 O