Week of October 24

1. Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18.
2. Do you know someone who handled the final stages of life really well? Who was it and what did they do that we could emulate?
3. V. 6. What do you think about the image of Paul being "poured out"? What about his life allowed him to describe himself this way?
4. V. 7. He finished strong, even when the news in his life was bad. When you have really big crisis in your life which is your instinct, to run toward God or run away from God? Why?
5. V. 8. Paul lifts up the hope of heaven as a motivation for his faithfulness. Does the reality of heaven as a destination for you ever inform the decisions you make today? Why do we focus more on immediate rewards than eternal rewards?
6. V. 16-18. Paul speaks of a confidence in being rescued. What kind of a rescue was he thinking about?
7. When have you felt especially protected by God? What sense of confidence did it give you?

Week of October 17

1. Read 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5.
2. How did you first learn about God? Who were your first teachers and influences? If you could describe your "theology" about God that you received growing up, how would you describe it?
3. v. 14-17. Are you confident that you could read the Bible for yourself? Why or why not? What do you think the Bible has to teach you right now?
4. Where do you think Scripture comes from? From God? From man? From both?
5. 4:1-4. What do you think of Father Mike's point that everyone has a calling? How could your study of Scripture inform, direct and encourage this calling?
6. Can you think of a time when God spoke to you through Scripture or a sermon?
7. What are some ways you can put what you know and have learned about God into practice?
8. v. 5. Are your best days of ministry to the Lord ahead of you or behind you? What obstacles do you have that must be overcome? How can your group help you?

Week of October 10

1. Read 2 Timothy 2:1-13.
2. Can you think of a time in your life when you wanted to quit but didn't? How did it turn out?
3. Father Mike encouraged us to think of some things in our lives that God has called us to, things that we know we shouldn't quit. What are some of those things for you?
4. V. 1. What does it mean to be "strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus"?
5. Describe what you think Paul means by the metaphors of the soldier, athlete and farmer in verses 3-6. Which one are you the most like today?
6. V. 8. Paul tells Timothy to "remember Jesus Christ". What does the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus do to help you to persevere? Why do we forget Jesus? What are some practical ways that you could remember Him?
7. Read the early Christian hymn in verses 11-13. Do these verses instill hope in you? Does the thought of heaven and eternal reward inform what you are doing now? Why or why not?
8. Share with the group something that you need to give up. Is there something outside the boundaries of God's call that you need to quit? Share something with the group that you need to persevere in. How can we help you?
9. Pray for one another.

Pent 19 - Small Group Discussion Questions

If you were not with us on Sunday you can listen to this sermon here.

2 Tim 1:1-14
1. Who is the member of your 'household of faith' (whether family member or not) that has had the biggest impact on your faith life? Why?
2. Can you recall a time that the mantle of leadership was passing to you? What were your emotions around this? Were you able to step into it? What helped you to do so?
3. Paul encourages Timothy to "rekindle the gift of God that is within you." What image does this conjure for you? What might it mean for you to "rekindle the gift that is within you?"
4. Paul encourages Timothy not to be ashamed, of the Gospel or of Paul. What might have caused Timothy to be ashamed? How have you been ashamed of the Gospel? What kept Paul from being ashamed of the Gospel? What keeps you from being ashamed?
5. If you were writing a 'final testament' as a spiritual mentor to another, what are the most important teachings you would include?