Prayer
Because the primary goal of our time together is to establish relationships and learn how to walk with one another in all that God has called us to be and do, we’d like to begin by praying for one another. So, does anyone have anything you’d like us to pray for or anything to share regarding how you’ve seen God moving in your life that we can celebrate together?
Opening Question
What is one fun, productive, or meaningful thing you’d like to do this summer?
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
– 2 Timothy 4:1-4
Our Readiness Required
When did you first hear the good news of God’s word preached? What stands out clearest to you about the message you heard?
Paul instructs Timothy to preach the word.
If a trusted mentor instructed you to preach the word to someone, how would you begin the task? Who would you want to share the message of God’s love and rescue with first?
Paul reminds Timothy to be careful and patient as he corrects, rebukes, and encourages others in his instruction, and warns him that people will choose not to listen to the truth.
Why do you think people are vulnerable to turning away from the truth? What are some distractions that often block us from hearing God’s word? What are some practices that help us avoid this trap?
How could heeding Paul’s advice to be patient and careful impact our interactions with friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors in real life? How could we use this advice to improve our online interactions?
The Work of Ministry
But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
– 2 Timothy 4:5
In other bible translations, “Keep your head in all situations” reads as “Be sober in all things.” In what types of circumstances do you find it most difficult to keep your head or be sober minded? What practices or perspectives help stabilize you in these times?
Hardships and difficulties inevitably test our faith. How can the challenges we face act as invitations to a deeper spiritual life? What part do belonging and community play in building our endurance during hardships?
Whose life and character have worked to “evangelize” or preach the gospel to you? Are they aware that God has used their life to reveal himself to you? With whom or where has God called you to do the work of an evangelist?
As Christians, we belong to the priesthood of believers (1 Peter 2:9), and God has called us to minister to a lost and suffering world. What gifts has God given you to minister to others? Do you feel you are capable in your current season of successfully using your gifts for God’s glory? If not, how could the other people in your group support or encourage you to faithfully “discharge the duties of your ministry.”
Closing Thought
In your final time together, spend some time in prayer giving thanks for the people who have led and ministered us well, and then ask God to continue to meet the needs and resolve the concerns anyone present may have.