2 Timothy 1 1-11 Taking discipleship seriously Pouring into others

(ESV) 2 Timothy 2 2 and what you have heard from mein the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

I. Pouring into others – Personally centered in Christ

Everything is driven from our relationship with Christ

A. Driven by Christ 2 Tim 1:1, 11

(ESV) 2 Timothy 1 1 Paul, an apostle of ChristJesus by the will of Godaccording to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,

(ESV) 2 Timothy 1 11 for which (the gospel) I was appointed a preacher and apostleand teacher.

1. Based in our own intimacy with Christ

2. Driven by the command of Christ

3. Because of the radical implictations

4. Fulfilling our specific calling

B. Desiring God’s blessing on others 2 Tim 1:2

(ESV) 2 Timothy 1 2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

1. A need for grace - Unmerited favor - undeserved

2. A need for mercy – not get what we deserve

3. A need for peace – peace of God / peace with God

C. Choosing to specially invest in some 2 Tim 1:2-3

1. Personal intimacy

(ESV) 2 Timothy 1 2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.

a. Paul’s bond with Timothy

b. Compassion as for a child

c. Never too old to care

d. Want the best

e. Want to invest

2. Deep gratitude

a. A deep appreciation for someone – genuine – to God

b. Communicated to that person

3. Continual intercession

a. Spend more time praying on behalf of others than self

b. Intercede for them

c. Ask for them to be drawn to Christ

d. Ask for protection for them

e. Ask for empowerment for them

II. Pouring into others – Using discernment toward others

A. Aware of needs 2 Tim 1:4

(ESV) 2 Timothy 1 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.

1. Tenderhearted

2. Not a naturally strong character – although developed in usefulness

3. Need of companionship

4. Someone who comes alongside him in these areas / encouraging / challenging / praying for him / helping him

B. Aware of strengths 2 Tim 1:5

(ESV) 2 Timothy 1 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

1. True believer

2. Trust in Christ

3. Modelled for him by his grandmother / mother

4. Practiced in his ministry

5. Paul gave him jobs that utilized these skills / enable him to be successful

C. Aware of potential usefulness 2 Tim 1:6

(ESV) 2 Timothy 1 6 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,

1. Truly gifted – others recognized it

2. Need to be encouraged that this is true

3. Need to keep at it – utilizing these gifts

4. Need to be patient – that the gifts might bear fruit

D. Aware of potential failure points 2 Tim 1:7-8

(ESV) 2 Timothy 1 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of powerand love and self-control.

1. Fear - Confront the fear

a. Spirit in us of power – sufficient for the problem

b. Spirit in us of love – in confronting the problems

c. Spirit in us of self control – Manage oneself

2. Timidity

(ESV) 2 Timothy 1 8 Therefore do not be ashamedof the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner,

a. Not back away in the face of opposition

b. Stand for the Lord and His Word

c. Stand with Paul as well & his Word

3. Reluctance to suffer

(ESV) 2 Timothy 1 8 … but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,

a. A willingness to suffer

b. See the privilege to share in suffering that others have done for the faith

c. Face the suffering in the power of God.

III. Pouring into: Establishing them in Christ

A. Begins in salvation 2 Tim 1:9a

(ESV) 2 Timothy 1 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

B. Called to a set apart life 2 Tim 1:9b

(ESV) 2 Timothy 1 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

1. Saved for a purpose

2. Saved so that we could be set apart for God

3. Need to live out this purpose / this calling

C. Based in God’s plan in Christ 2 Tim 1:9c-10a

(ESV) 2 Timothy 1 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, ,,,

1. A plan bigger than me and my works

2. A plan before me

3. A plan that works out the purposes of God in this world through Christ

4. A plan that is now at work through Christ

5. I have the privilege of being included in the greatest plan in creation

D. Knowing He has brought life 2 Tim 1:10b

(ESV) 2 Timothy 1 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished deathand brought lifeand immortality to light through the gospel,

1. Perspective

2. Not a life to live in fear or timidity

3. Have nothing to fear – death is abolished

4. Real life now exists

5. Eternal life has already begun – to give security – to enjoy