Lifeway SS Lessons

8/3/2019 Lifeway SS Lessons

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Life FocusGods CamcorderSession 1

Unit 1

Spiritual Life: Version 3.16

Unit Description:This unit is based on (1) Pauls instruction to Timothy concerning the Scripturesand the good news of Christ proclaimed in them; (2) Pauls exhortations to the

Corinthian Christians regarding their living as Gods holy dwelling place; (3) Johns

emphasis in his Gospel and first letter concerning Gods love and believers love

for others; (4) Pauls encouragement to the Ephesian believers regarding spiritual

power that is available because of Jesus resurrection; and (5) Johns message from

the risen Lord concerning spiritual apathy.

Why This Study:Most students remember the terror and evil actions that occurred on

September 11, 2001. They know also how fearful and uncertain the post-9/11 world

is. Thats true no matter who they are or where they live. Students may go about theroutines of their everyday lives; yet many do so with a gnawing sense of insecurity

about the future, fed by virtually round-the-clock media messages and images

of bad news. Some of these students are searching desperately for something or

someone that offers hope instead of fear. God wants people to know the good news

about the risen Lord Jesus and to live each day with confidence and hope that come

by believing in Jesus.

Unit 1Sessions:Session 1: Gods Camcorder 2 Timothy 1:8-12; 3:144:5

Life Question: How can the Bible help me live confidently in todays fearful,

uncertain world?

Biblical Truth: The Bible reveals the truth about salvation and Gods instructions for

right living.

Session 2: Gods USB Connection 1 Corinthians 3:9-17; 6:12-13,18-20

Life Question: How should I live now that Gods Spirit lives in me?

Biblical Truth: Believers have the Holy Spirit living in them; thus they are to honor

God in their actions.

Session 3: JTunes John 3:16; 1 John 3:16-20; 4:15-19; 5:2-5

Life Question: How can God expect me to love all people?

Biblical Truth: God loves every person because His nature is to love, and He expects

all who know Him through faith in Jesus to show sacrificial love for others.

Session 4: Gods Computer Ephesians 1:18-21; 2:4-10; 3:16-21Life Question: What does Jesus resurrection mean to me?

Biblical Truth: In raising Jesus from the dead, God demonstrated the awesome

power for living He gives believers through His indwelling Spirit.

Session 5: Spiritual Headphones Revelation 1:9-13,17-18; 3:14-22

Life Question: Why should I be passionate about knowing and following Jesus Christ?

Biblical Truth: The risen Lord Jesus holds the keys to victorious living, so He sternly

warns believers against growing self-sufficient and becoming spiritually lukewarm.

Link to Teaching Plan

2007 LifeWay Press Permission is granted to the purchaser to make only the number of photocopies of this item licensed at purchase. All other rights reserved. P ublished in the USA.


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Gods CamcorderInteractive-based Plan

Session 1

Life QuestionHow can the Bible help me

live confidently in todays

fearful, uncertain world?

Biblical TruthThe Bible reveals the truth

about salvation and Gods

instructions for right living.

Quick Links Session at a Glance

Student Handout

E-mail Option: Student

Handout

Teaching ToolAgree/

Disagree Sheets

Teaching ToolSurvey

Student Take Home Sheet

E-mail Option: Student

Take Home SheetGoing Deeper

Leader Helps

Teaching ToolPostcard

Parent Newsletter

Customizable Plan

Purchase Leader Pack

Purchase Student Books

Purchase ec

EXTRA!

Student BSFL Podcast

2


As a leader in a youth Sunday School class you study and prepare carefully each week. Your

main task is not to communicate a mere technical understanding of the Bible, but to reflect a

reverence and love for Gods Word that results in learners confidence and hope in the living

God. How can you best accomplish this task?

Pauls words to Timothy underscore the importance of Scripture in believers lives. Timothy

was a respected young Christian when Paul first met him (Acts 16:1-5). They formed a

missionary alliance that took them into much of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and even

to Rome. Paul was a mentor to Timothy and often sent him to various churches with specific

assignments, and finally to stay with the church in Ephesus and provide sound leadership for

the believers (1 Tim. 1:3). Paul wrote both letters as Timothy served the church at Ephesus.

MotivationSpiritual Life: Version 3.16As youth enter, direct them to a focal wall where you have placedLeader Pack SpiritualLife: Version 3.16 (item 1) andLeader PackSession Titles (item 2) using todays session

title only. If you do not have the pack, write the unit title and todays session title on the

board. Point out that through the use of hi-tech gadgets, our world has become more fast-

paced and sometimes more frustrating when the gadgets fail to produce the desired results.

SAYWe will be discussing the analogy of hi-tech gadgets for living the 3:16 life in a 9/11

world. Gods Word is more than adequate to sustain you in the fast paced arena of

our chaotic world. Also, you can determine how these gadgets can support your

deeper study into Gods Word and how they can be used as a help rather than a

distraction to the struggles you face.

Inform youth to be alert to obvious and not so obvious ways these gadgets can help in

focusing on Gods Word. Tape theAgree/Disagree Sheetsto two focal walls. Informyouth that you will be reading a statement and that they are to move to the sign that best

supports what they believe.

SAY You will be given an opportunity to explain why you have moved to that area.

Read the following statements and allow youth time to move to the Agree/Disagree sheets.

1. The media always honors Gods Word. (Disagree)

2. Reading Gods Word can give me confidence in the truth of His Word. (AgreeAllow

youth to clarify thatreading can give confidence butliving the Word can give total

confidence.)

3. The 9/11 world we live in is fearful and uncertain. (Agree)

4. Gods Word can help me overcome fear and uncertainty. (Agree)

5. Many of my friends are searching desperately for someone who offers hope. (Agree)6. I understand the difference between being self-confident and being confident in God.

(Call on students to explain their answers.)

Option: Guess What?Divide students into two teams. Show the multimedia videoLeader PackGuess

What?(CD-ROM) and instruct teams to take turns naming the objects as soon as

they appear. If you do not have the leader pack, direct six volunteers to come up one

at a time and choose a strip of paper on which you have written the items listed below.

Explain that they will have 30 seconds to draw the object while youth guess what the

object is.
http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/eshopping_page/0%2C%2CM%3D201079%2C00.html?D=LifeFocus&N=4294967201&Ntk=Title&Ntt=LifeFocushttp://www.lifeway.com/lwc/eshopping_page/0%2C%2CM%3D201079%2C00.html?D=LifeFocus&N=4294967201&Ntk=Title&Ntt=LifeFocushttp://www.lifeway.com/lwc/eshopping_page/0%2C%2CM%3D201079%2C00.html?D=LifeFocus&N=4294967220&Ntk=Title&Ntt=LifeFocushttp://www.lifeway.com/lwc/eshopping_page/0%2C%2CM%3D201079%2C00.html?D=LifeFocus&N=4294967220&Ntk=Title&Ntt=LifeFocushttp://www.lifeway.com/lwc/mainpage/0%2C1701%2CM%25253D201032%2C00.htmlhttp://www.lifeway.com/lwc/mainpage/0%2C1701%2CM%25253D201032%2C00.htmlhttp://www.lifeway.com/lwc/mainpage/0%2C1701%2CM%25253D201032%2C00.htmlhttp://www.lifeway.com/myextra/http://www.lifeway.com/myextra/http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D163194%252526M%25253D200809%2C00.html?http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D163194%252526M%25253D200809%2C00.html?http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D163194%252526M%25253D200809%2C00.html?http://www.lifeway.com/myextra/http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/mainpage/0%2C1701%2CM%25253D201032%2C00.htmlhttp://www.lifeway.com/lwc/eshopping_page/0%2C%2CM%3D201079%2C00.html?D=LifeFocus&N=4294967220&Ntk=Title&Ntt=LifeFocushttp://www.lifeway.com/lwc/eshopping_page/0%2C%2CM%3D201079%2C00.html?D=LifeFocus&N=4294967201&Ntk=Title&Ntt=LifeFocus


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1. iPod/iTunes

2. Hand-held camcorder

3. USB plug in drive

4. Desktop computer with flatscreen monitor, CPU, mouse, and keyboard

5. Notebook computer

6. Headphones attached to cell phone (emphasis on headphones)

After all have viewed or played the guessing game, explain that these hi-tech gadgets

will be the items used as an analogy to study the importance of Gods Word.

SAY Studying Gods Word can give you confidence and hope in a post 9/11 world.

Suggest youth think of ways these items can be used to further the study and promote

confidence in Gods Word.

Introduce the StudyDirect students attention once again to the to the unit poster. Explain that this unit will

allow them to see how Gods Word is an inspired instruction Book, understand that

each believer is Gods dwelling place, recognize the bold self-giving nature of Gods love,

discover the purpose of Jesus resurrection, and identify self-sufficiency and apathy in theirlives.

SAY Todays session addresses the confidence you can have in your life by accepting

Gods Holy Word as the instruction Book for your life. By making a commitment to

read and study the Bible, you will honor Gods will for your life.

THESE MOTIVATION ACTIVITIES CAN BE USED IN A DEPARTMENT TIME.

Examination1. By Showing Me Gods Good News (2 Tim. 1:8-12)Pauls counsel to Timothy to share in suffering for the gospel was not necessarily a welcome

cure. The Greek term for gospel means good news and includes the good news of salvation,

a holy calling, the abolition of death, and insight about life and immortality.That the gospel has saved us is the first part of Pauls emphasis to Timothy. The alternative

is to spend an eternity separated from God. We must never underestimate the hope we gain

by our salvation.

While salvation is both present and future, the second part of Pauls emphasis, the holy

calling, mostly focuses on the present. The gospel gives us a purpose for living. We are to

emulate Gods life and complete His will. His will is done each day through us as we submit

to Him and obey His commandments. Gods calling comes to us through grace, and that

relieves us from the unbearable pressure of trying to earn Gods favor and failing. You begin

each day with the eternally good news of being accepted by God Himself.

Call on a preenlisted youth to read aloud 2 Timothy 1:8-12. Explain Pauls instructions to

Timothy regarding the Scriptures. Direct youth to complete the activities in By ShowingMe Gods Good News on thestudent handout.Allow youth to volunteer some of their

answers.

Discuss motives for studying Gods Word given from Pauls instruction. (For example:

So you will not be ashamed, because God has brought light and life through His living Word,

to find Gods will for your life, and so forth.)

ASK A. Which motives bring glory to God?

B. What happens to church fellowship, youth fellowship, and so forth, when we fail

to rely on or live out Gods Scriptures?

C. What can you as an individual do to proclaim the truth that Jesus taught in this

Scripture?



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Write responses on the board as youth call them out. Identify ways students can proclaim

Gods truth in their daily lives.

Option: ImprovisePrivately instruct two teams to improvise and act out two scenarios, one that

demonstrates true confidence in Gods Word and one that demonstrates merely an

attention magnet without the substance of Gods truth. Invite the rest of the class to

choose which illustrates service out of true confidence in the recorded Word of God

and which illustrates attention seekers.

ASK A. Which one mimics the media?

B. Which one mimics what God desires for your life?

2. By Providing Instruction for Daily Living (2 Tim. 3:14-17)Paul urged Timothy to keep doing the things he had learned from the Scriptures. He had

just written about difficult times that were ahead for Timothy (3:1). The good news about

Christ does not promise a life free from difficulty. Faith in Christ does not protect us from

all challenges. We should not expect a trouble-free life. Despite such difficult conditions,

believers have a guidebook to equip them for livingGods inspired Word. People can

learn in the Scriptures everything they need for understanding salvation in Christ and forliving Gods way. No matter how ungodly or fearful conditions may become, believers are

to hold firmly to the Bible as their moral and spiritual compass, learning and practicing its

instructions for daily living.

Call on a volunteer to read aloud 2 Timothy 3:14-17. Direct youth to call out Gods purpose

for instructing Paul to write these words. Instruct youth to complete the matching activity

under By Providing Instruction for Daily Living on thestudent handout.Write responses

on the board.

SAY This is the first passage we will study with the 3:16 verse and it is the Key Verse

for this session.

Distribute a Leader Pack Key Verse (item 3) to each youth. Divide youth into two teamsto race to say the verse in a round (each one saying one word and the Scripture reference as

one word until they can repeat it from memory).

Commend all youth for memorizing the Scripture. Direct youth to pray sentence prayers

thanking God for His recorded Word. Suggest they place the Key Verse on their locker,

car dash, or closet door to help them remember the verse.

3. By Keeping Me Focused (2 Tim. 4:1-5)Believers can help others avoid being misled into false teachings by persistently finding ways

to declare Gods truth to them. Paul pointed out how Timothy was to do this. First, Timothy

was to persist in the gospel ministry whether convenient or not. Christians are to stand ready

to use every opportunity for service. Second, Paul challenged Timothy to rebuke anyone who

had wandered away from a good conscience. Third, he was to correct theological error byreasoned argument. Fourth, Paul directed Timothy to give loving encouragement to believers

who were facing discouraging opposition because of their Christian faith.

Do not be surprised or frustrated when you encounter students who take a cafeteria

approach to the Christian faith, accepting what is appealing, rejecting what is demanding

and challenging. You must resist the temptation either to dilute or shape the message to suit

students desires. You are called to be faithful and true, not to be admired and praised. Be

persistent without worrying about being popular. Your commitment to the integrity of Gods

Word will help you focus on God and will enable you to develop confidence and hope in Him,

not in the sometimes fickle nature of those you lead.



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Call on a student to read aloud 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Explain the pitfalls of false teaching and

how to avoid getting trapped. Direct youth to answer the activity questions in the By

Keeping Me Focused section of thestudent handout.

ASKWhich question convicted you the most and why?

Allow for youth to share their responses.

SAYGod is interested in every aspect of your life and throughout the Scriptures has

given you specific guidelines and examples to keep you on His chosen path for your

life.

ASK A. What spam, pop-ups, and viruses keep distracting you from focusing on His

Word?

B. How can you break the cycle of distraction?

Allow youth a time of silent prayerful commitment to His Word. After three to four

minutes of quiet time, thank youth for their commitment. Encourage them to put into

practice today the commitment they have made to God. Explain to youth that they are

going to use a low-tech method to discover confidence in Gods Word. Divide youth into

three teams. Challenge each team to find at least three passages with the word confidencein their Bibles using the concordance.

Option: Message in SongAs youth are doing thestudent handoutactivity, play Take You at Your Word by

Avalon fromAvalon, In a Different Light(Sparrow Records, 1999). You may be able to

purchase/download this song from your favorite music download site.

ApplicationConclusionSAY A camcorder focuses on the subject capturing all of the action, activity, plot,

purpose, and so forth of the one making the video.

Explain that Gods Word captures all the examples to teach, instruct, plot our path, and

determine the purpose of our lives.

SAYNot only did God give us His Word but He also gave us His only Son and The Holy

Spirit to help us hold it all together in this fallen worldnot just to have life, but to

have abundant life.

ASKHow can the Bible help you live confidently in todays fearful, uncertain world?

Enlist a couple of students to write the responses on the board as they are called out.

Encourage youth to focus this day and this week on how much God has given to each of

them.ASKIsnt He worth your total, 100 percent, sold out obedience?

Call for a volunteer to lead in prayer that each will be committed to living a life worthy for

Jesus.

Option: SurveyHand out theSurveyor ask students to take the survey that you have written on the

board (see below).

Do you read your Bible on a daily basis? If no, why not?

Do you tell Jesus your needs, wants, dreams, and struggles?



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Do you share what Jesus has done for you?

Do you help others and minister to their needs without looking for something in

return?

Are you grateful and astonished each day for the grace of God?

Are you a giver or a taker? Why?

What does God wish for your life?

Encourage your students to be confident in Gods Word.



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Life QuestionHow can the Bible help me

live confidently in todays


Biblical TruthThe Bible reveals the truth

about salvation and Gods

instructions for right living.

Session at a Glance

Gods Camcorder

Bible Passages: 2 Timothy 1:8-12; 3:144:5

Key Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16

Biblical SettingPaul challenged Timothy to be unashamed of the gospel, encouraging him to rely on

Gods power to face any suffering that might come because of the gospel. He also

urged Timothy to keep doing the things he had learned from the Scriptures and to

keep declaring the message of Christ.

Life ImpactThis session is designed to help students live each day with God-given confidence

and hope by

agreeing the Bible is Gods inspired instruction book for their lives; and

committing to engage in daily Bible reading and study.

Activities Supplies & Preparation

Motivation Department timeSpiritual Life: Version 3.16Agree/Disagree statements CD-ROM sheets

Option: CD Multimedia video

Introduce the Study pack items 1 and 2

Examination Class time1. By Showing Me Gods Good News (2 Tim. 1:8-12)

Discuss motives for studying Gods Word

Option: Teams improvise two scenarios

2. By Providing Instruction for Daily Living (2 Tim. 3:14-17)

Discuss profile, matching activity pack item 3

3. By Keeping Me Focused (2 Tim. 4:1-5)

Discuss pitfalls and distractions, low-tech concordance

search

Bible with concordance

Option: Song

Application Class timeConclusionAnalogy of camcorder/recorded Word

Option: Survey sheet printed from CD-ROM

Unit 1Spiritual Life:Version 3.16Session 1

Back



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1. By Showing Me Gods Good News (2 Tim. 1:8-12)

Think about your favorite recorded DVD. Does it point others to Christ or give themhope?

What could you record on a DVD that would give someone hope? Write your responsehere.

Write in the space below the name of a person who has helped you to beconfident inyourself and the person you now are.

How did he or she instill confidence?

How can you be assured through Gods Word that Gods good news will overcomewhatever the world has in store for you? Write your answer here:

How has Gods Word comforted, protected, and calmed you?

2. By Providing Instruction for Daily Living (2 Tim. 3:14-17)Look at verse 16 and match the following words with their meaning:

1. Inspired by God a. equipping

2. Teaching b. convicting

3. Rebuking c. directing

4. Correcting d. discipleship

5. Training in righteousness e. infused with life

After completing the above, look at your answers and decide if God left out anythingin the Scripture that would be helpful to you.

What stands in your way of becoming the person that God wants you to be? Write ithere:

Pray that God will take down this barrier to the abundant life He has planned for you.

Session 1

Life QuestionHow can the Bible help melive confidently in todays


Key VerseAll Scripture is inspired

by God and is profitable

for teaching, for rebuking,

for correcting, for training

in righteousness.

2 Timothy 3:16

Gods CamcorderStudent Handout

Back



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Look at the captions above the Bible below. Fill out both sides with items related tothe caption.

Holy Bible

How reading Gods Word can help me How I can be hurt by never reading Gods

Word

3. By Keeping Me Focused (2 Tim. 4:1-5)Look at the photo below. List the elements in the photo that let you know this studentis having a quiet time. List any other quiet time elements that are not reflected inthe photo. Have you determined what it takes for you to have a quiet time? If not,determine now to set aside time each day when you can get alone with Jesus. Develop

a plan of reading the whole Bible instead of the same passages over and over. In thespace below, write your time and plan for a daily quiet time. Share your faith andshare your life with Jesus. He knows all about you, but He wants to hear from you.

To learn more about how you can be confident in Gods Word, take home andcomplete thestudent take home sheet.Use that page to continue this study and tohelp you prepare for next weeks session. Enjoy your time with God.


Photo: iStockphoto

Photo: iStockphoto


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SurveyDo you read your Bible on a daily basis? If no, why not?

Do you tell Jesus your needs, wants, dreams, and struggles? Why or why not?


Do you help others and minister to their needs without looking for something in return? Explain your answer.




SurveyDo you read your Bible on a daily basis? If no, why not?

Do you tell Jesus your needs, wants, dreams, and struggles? Why or why not?


Do you help others and minister to their needs without looking for something in return? Explain your answer.




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Watch a video that your family has recorded at a family event, such as a reunion, school

event, church event, youth event, and so forth. Watch actions carefully and listen to all the

recorded conversations. If the video caught people off-guard (unrehearsed), determine if

their actions, speech, and attitudes reinforced Gods Word by the way they live their lives.

Discuss in your family time the following: If your family had been recorded on video thisweek, what actions, attitudes, and lifestyles would have been viewed as pleasing toGod and which ones would not?

Does your family represent a spiritually confident family or do you represent a familyshell-shocked by daily world events? If the latter is true, write in the spaces belowhow your family can change their attitudes and lifestyle to show confidence in therecorded Word of God.

Write in the space below events that take you off the focus of Gods Word.

Circle the leisure activities that you spent most of your time on this week:watching TV watching movies talking on a cell

phoneusing a computer playing computer games listening to

CDs or an MP3player

hanging out with friends other

Look back at everything you circled. How could you use that event, or what could youreplace it with, to keep you focused more on Gods Word?

What effort are you making in order to focus more on the truth of Gods Word?Determine your plan of action to get into Gods Word. Write your plan on a separatesheet of paper. Try to follow the plan at least three days in a row to keep you on trackwith where God wants you to be. Be sure to listen to God, talk to Him, and read HisWord daily. What opportunities have you had this week to serve Jesus? Did you put feetto your faith? Think carefully about each day and who you came into contact with on that

day. Did you see each person as an opportunity to share your faith, or were you in a hurry

and missed Gods blessing?

Memorize the Key VerseSpend time with a friend memorizing the Key Verse. Discuss the meaning of the

verse. Compare what you have written down and discovered in this Bible study withthe devotional thoughts in ecfor this week.

Preparation for the Next SessionGods USB Connection

Do you understand where Gods connection is in your life? If you are a Christian, then

Gods connection is based in your body. It is the sanctuary for the Holy Spirit and how

God can work in your life. Read 1 Corinthians 3:9-17; 6:12-13,18-20 to determine howto acknowledge Gods purpose in your life and how you can commit to take actions tohonor God.

Life QuestionHow can the Bible help melive confidently in todays


Key VerseAll Scripture is inspired

by God and is profitable

for teaching, for rebuking,

for correcting, for training

in righteousness.

2 Timothy 3:16

Session 1 Gods CamcorderStudent Take Home Sheet

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MISS BESSIE was well into her 90s when I met her

during my first pastorate. She sat in the nursing

homes wheelchair, an afghan laid over her legs,

fine-lined hands folded delicately on her lap. Age had taken

much of her health but not her dignity. She was very much

a lady.

I introduced myself, and we began to get better

acquainted. At one point Miss Bessie told me she had been

blind in one eye for several years, and the other eye was

failing also. I just finished reading the Bible through for

the last time. I dont think this one eye will hold up muchlonger. I asked her if she would like me to read for her. She

agreed, selected a passage I can no longer recall, we prayed,

and I left.

I wondered how many times Miss Bessie had read the

Bible through. Now in the late winter of her long life, one

of her chief concerns was that she could no longer read the

ancient but timeless wisdom of the sacred Scriptures that

provided her direction, confidence, and hope for nearly a

century.

If you asked someone to read aloud a Bible verse that

helps you face fearful, uncertain times, what versewould you select? Why?

As a leader in a youth Sunday School class, you study and

prepare carefully each week. Your main task is not to

communicate a mere technical understanding of the Bible,

but to reflect a reverence and love for Gods Word that

results in learners confidence and hope in the living God.

How can you best accomplish this task?

1. By Showing Me Gods Good News(2 Tim. 1:8-12)

Pauls words to Timothy underscore the importance ofScripture in believers lives. Timothy was a respected young

Christian when Paul first met him (Acts 16:1-5). They

formed a missionary alliance that took them into much of

Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and even to Rome. Paul

was a mentor to Timothy and often sent him to various

churches with specific assignments, and finally to stay with

the church in Ephesus and provide sound leadership for the

believers (1 Tim. 1:3). Paul wrote both letters as Timothy

served the church at Ephesus.

Read Timothy, Pastor of the Church at Ephesus in theSpring 2008 Biblical Illustratoror on the Spring 2008Biblical Illustrator Plus (CD-ROM).

Timothys task was not easy. He encountered opposition

that likely made him doubt both his ability and his calling.

Paul, who wrote 2 Timothy from prison, sought to restore

Timothys confidence in the face of his challenges. He

feared that Timothy might be ashamed, a phrase in this

context that means to prohibit an action from happening.

In this case, Paul did not want young Timothy to lose faithin the gospel, the testimony about our Lord, and in Paul, a

prisoner because of the gospel.

The opposition to Timothy came from those who

rejected the story of Jesus. These opponents were Greeks

for whom the idea of resurrection was incredible, and Jews

who maintained that Jesus had not risen from the dead

and that His purported miracles were sinister deceptions

(Matt. 12:24).

Also Timothy was an ambassador, so to speak, for a

man who was often in prison and consistently criticized

even by people who claimed to share his faith. Paul was

not universally popular and respected. Thus Timothysassociation with him was not always an advantage.

Pauls counsel to Timothy to share in suffering for the

gospel was not necessarily a welcome cure. The Greek term

forgospelmeans good news and includes the good news of

salvation, a holy calling, the abolition of death, and insight

about life and immortality. But a call to suffer is not a great

rallying cry! How could this solution really bolster young

Timothys confidence and hope?

The Christian faith is usually subtle in its power. Clever

people and sophisticated arguments seem so strong in the

face of the story of Jesus who lived 2000 years ago, was

crucified, and is mocked and caricatured to this day. Thepower of the gospel, however, is both immediate and

eternal. It provides comfort each day but it also produces a

confidence that in the end God will vindicate its message.

We should not be surprised when the gospel fails to evoke

widespread acceptance. Opposition and rejection are

unavoidable factors in the Christian life, and believers must

remain focused on the content of the gospels message. That

the gospel has saved us is the first part of Pauls emphasis to

Timothy. The alternative is to spend an eternity separated

Session 1

Going Deeper

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from God. We must never underestimate the hope we gain

by our salvation.

While salvation is both present and future, the second

part of Pauls emphasis, the holy calling, mostly focuses on

the present. The gospel gives us a purpose for living. We are

to emulate Gods life and complete His will. His will is done

each day through us as we submit to Him and obey His

commandments. Gods calling comes to us through grace,

and that relieves us from the unbearable pressure of trying

to earn Gods favor and failing. You begin each day with the

eternally good news of being accepted by God Himself.

The gospel delivers us from our most basic feardeath.

By His appearing, and especially by His resurrection, Jesus

abolished death. Of course, this doesnt mean we wont die,

but it does mean the sting of death is removed (1 Cor. 15:55)

and that we should no longer fear death (Heb. 2:14-15). With

this confidence over our most feared enemy, we also gain

knowledge about life (how to live here) and immortality (the

certainty of eternal life).Our physical life and span of years is not the whole story

of our lives. Every Christian is an immortal creature. Our

lives are not defined by a long struggle that ends with

a dying shudder. Viewed through the powerful lens of

the gospel, life is a proving ground, a place where God

transforms struggle into a means of building spiritual

muscle that makes us more fit for eternity. Now precisely

what temporary problem can take away your confidence in

light of these truths?

Paul knew God appointed him to represent and share

this gospel. The offices of preacher (one who proclaims),

apostle (one who is sent), and teacher (one who sharesright doctrine) are not limited to Paul. Every Christian has

opportunity and responsibility to proclaim the gospel. We

are to understand and share the right doctrines.

God sends each of us as His representatives just as He

did Paul. Rather than be ashamed of some aspects of his

Christian calling, Paul embraced a confidence based on

knowing Jesus Christ personally. I have believedis the

translation of a Greek perfect tense verb that underscores

the permanence of Pauls conviction. The verb tense literally

means in whom I have trusted and still do trust. Paul had

moved beyond questions and doubts. He had made basic

decisions and commitments he no longer revisited andrevised.

In the final analysis, the gospel is either true or false.

Because it is true, that changes your perspective on life. Bad

news is a part of every biography. It confronts you every

day. But its power pales before the transforming truth of the

gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bibles good news about Jesus is

far better than todays worst news about terrorism, religious

persecution, and so forth. Embracing the truth of the gospel

builds confidence and hope. Believers can maintain their

confidence in the good news of Jesus Christ even when

serving Christ brings suffering.

2. By Providing Instruction for Daily Living(2 Tim. 3:14-17)

Paul urged Timothy to keep doing the things he had learned

from the Scriptures. Paul began his exhortation with but

as for you. He had just written about difficult times that

were ahead for Timothy (3:1). The good news about Christ

does not promise a life free from difficulty. Faith in Christ

does not protect us from all challenges. Choose any biblical

character about whom the Bible provides some detail and

you will discover a life full of trouble. Jesus reminded His

followers that they would have tribulation/suffering in this

world (John 16:33). Paul was in prison when he penned this

and several other letters. We should not expect a trouble-

free life. Despite such difficult conditions, believers have a

guidebook to equip them for livingGods inspired Word.

Of the most difficult times you have faced, what are twothat were most significant for you?

Paul counseled Timothy to remember what he had learned,

not to forget it in time of crisis. He told Timothy to continue

in what he had learned and firmly believed. The Greek word

translated continue means to abide, hold on to, or remain.

The same word appears in John 15 where Jesus encouraged

believers to abide in Him. Trouble is no more a reason to let

go of faith than floodwaters are a reason to let go of a lifeline.

We should cling to that which promises help, not discard it.

The source of Timothys learning was twofold: thosefrom whom he learned and the sacred Scriptures. People

who have taught us over the years can be a constant source

of inspiration. Their faithful testimonies can sustain us

when we falter. They are living illustrations of the gospels

effectiveness and truth. Paul served in that capacity for

Timothy as did Timothys mother and grandmother whom

Paul approvingly cited in the first chapter (v. 5). These two

Christian women had trained Timothy from childhood.

Part of that training was to prepare him for times of

struggle.

Strong believers create a living legacy of faith that

reassures us when we struggle or doubt. Their confidenceand hope create these same qualities in us. Make a list this

week of people who have taught and inspired you over the

years. A phone call or letter may open the door not only

for your gratitude but for them to reaffirm the truths they

introduced to you.

List people who have taught and inspired you.1.2.3.



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Second Timothy 3:15-17 is one of the great passages in the

Bible that highlights the nature and purpose of Scripture.

Holy scriptures (literally sacred writings) and inspired

by God are two descriptions of the nature of Scripture.

(See Phrase Study.) Paul specifically had in mind here

the Old Testament, but the phrase all scripture includes

the New Testament. Both the Old and New Testaments

have their origin in God. Paul wrote at a time when false

teachings abounded. The heresies later would become

written documents. True Scripture is from God, not from

clever speculation. This distinction was important in the

first century but particularly important in the second when

many spurious writings appeared.

The purpose of Scripture is multifaceted, and each word

in this section highlights a different aspect. Instruction

for righteousness is Scriptures main purpose. Doctrine

refers to the Bible as a positive source of Christian teaching.

Reproofmay refer to both exposing the errors of false

teachers (doctrinal) and also showing someone the error ofhis or her ways (personal). Either way, the Bible shows us our

wrongs and leads us to forgiveness and peace. Correction

suggests that Gods Word helps people restore their doctrine

or practice to a right state they had forfeited. Instructionin

righteousness means the Scriptures act as a disciplinarian

that leads people to a holy lifestyle. If Timothy would

nurture his life in the Scriptures, he would be complete and

equipped for every good work. He would be both prepared

and qualified for every task God assigned him.

Match the following words from 3:16 with the most

appropriate description:a. doctrine show error of ones

wayb. reproof replacing error with

truthc. correction show us how to lived. instruction in righteousness present sound truth

People can learn in the Scriptures everything they need for

understanding salvation in Christ and for living Gods way.

No matter how ungodly or fearful conditions may become,

believers are to hold firmly to the Bible as their moral and

spiritual compass, learning and practicing its instructionsfor daily living.

3. By Keeping Me Focused(2 Tim. 4:1-5)

Paul challenged Timothy to persist in declaring the message

of Christ even though some people would prefer to follow

myths than to believe Gods truth. Paul based his challenge

to Timothy on certain realities. Paul summoned Timothy

before God and Jesus ChristGod who will judge all

people. The quick or livingrefers to people who are alive

when Christ returns, and the deadrefers to people Christ

will resurrect to a personal meeting with Him. Both

believers and unbelievers are among the quick and the

dead. Christs judgment of unbelievers will determine

their eternal destiny (Rev. 20:11-15) while His judgment

of believers will be an evaluation of their service for Him

(1 Cor. 3:1-15; 2 Cor. 5:9-10). Knowing they will give an

account of their service to Christ, believers can be motivated

to help those who are searching for answers, patiently

encouraging and teaching them scriptural truths.

We must never live an unguarded moment but live

consistently with the knowledge that we are Gods servants

and responsible to Him. I charge thee therefore before God

(v. 1) sounds like a ritual formula designed to awaken the

believer to his or her commitment. This charge applies to all

of us. What is that charge?

In verse 2 are five verbs that detail what Paul wanted

Timothy to do. The first is Preach the word, which is the

basis of the other four actions. Timothys central functionas Christs minister was to proclaim the gospel. Believers

can help others avoid being misled into false teachings by

persistently finding ways to declare Gods truth to them.

Paul next pointed out how Timothy was to do this. First,

Timothy was to persist in the gospel ministry whether

convenient or not. Christians are to stand ready to use

every opportunity for service. Second, Paul challenged

Timothy to rebuke anyone who had wandered away from a

good conscience. Third, he was to correct theological error

by reasoned argument. Fourth, Paul directed Timothy to

give loving encouragement to believers who were facing

discouraging opposition because of their Christian faith.The function of encouragement is particularly important.

No one should stand alone. We all need a community

in which to form our values and to have those values

reinforced. The members of your class live in a world often

hostile or coldly indifferent to their beliefs. Whether they

realize it or not, they look to you each week to find reasons

to keep on walking with God.

Teaching can be a frustrating experience, and you may

sometimes feel the temptation to scold or to lash out. But

Paul wrote that teaching must be done with great patience.

You will not frighten or bully people into the kingdom or

move them further down the road to becoming Christlike.The word long-sufferingemphasizes patience with people,

and the quality applies to a person who is able to exact

revenge but refuses to do so. Leading people in the study of

Scripture requires patience and the resistance to measure

progress with a snapshot appraisal.

In the last two verses of this section we get a good look

at the kinds of problems Timothy faced and the reasons he

was discouraged. Sound doctrine often is demanding and

is not suited to a culture of convenience and quick returns.

For this reason some people will turn away from a class or a



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church. They are following not the teachings of Gods Word,

but their own desires.

Rate how you feel you demonstrate the following. Circlethe number, with zero being lowest and 10 highest.

Persistence0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Encouragement0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Sound doctrine0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

The itch to hear something new is not a modern

phenomenon. People have always longed for something

new and exciting. With the variety of options people have

today, they can always find teachers to fit their moods. TheChristian life, however, is not merely a series of exciting

events, and we must resist the temptation to make it either

entertaining or a constant mountaintop experience. A

great deal of our faith is spent in the valleys, requiring the

noble Christian quality of perseverance. Any experienced

Christian will testify that only in those valleys do we really

develop deep trust and faith.

The constant search for something new leads some people

to turn away from hearing the truth and to embrace myths.

In the first century and the 21st century people have many

religious options. Do not be surprised or frustrated when

you encounter students who take a cafeteria approach tothe Christian faith, accepting what is appealing, rejecting

what is demanding and challenging. You must resist the

temptation either to dilute or shape the message to suit

students desires.

You are called to be faithful and true, not to be admired

and praised. Be persistent without worrying about being

popular. Your commitment to the integrity of Gods Word

will help you focus on God and will enable you to develop

confidence and hope in Him, not in the sometimes fickle

nature of some people you lead.

Memorize 2 Timothy 3:16 and decide how it helps youlive confidently in todays fearful, uncertain world.

When I visited Miss Bessie in the nursing home, I was just

out of seminary. But I retain to this day a lasting impression

of her love for the Bible. Her love for it, not a technical

knowledge of it, produced in her a fine and enduring

character. Miss Bessie knew firsthand that the Bible is Gods

Word. Her commitment to read it daily allowed His Word

to shape her life. Your commitment to it will enable you to

live each day with God-given confidence and hope.

Previous Biblical Illustrator articles Paul, the LetterWriter (Summer 2006) and Principles of PreachingAWord Study (Summer 1997) relate to this session andcan be found on the Spring 2008 Biblical Illustrator Plus(CD-ROM).

Phrase StudyIn 2 Timothy 3:16 Paul pointed to the divine origin of

Scripture. The phrase inspiration of God is actually a

single Greek word that means God breathed and thus

teaches that the Scripture originates from God. Believers

can have confidence that the Bible is Gods guide for their

beliefs and practices and should strive to obey Scripture in

all its parts.

Bible Passage Truths Believers can remain confident of the gospel even if they

suffer for doing so.

Believers should know and faithfully practice the Bibles

instructions.

The Bible directs all believers to declare faithfully the

message of Christ.



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Hi-Tech FellowshipTo continue the challenge for youth to be confident in

the recorded Word of God, use thePostcardto invite

all students and new students to the area to a Hi-Tech

Fellowship. Obtain parental authorization and make

reservations on the church calendar to transport youth

to a local store that has all the latest high-tech gadgets.Encourage all youth to be courteous in the store and be

sensitive to workers who are helping other consumers.

Encourage them to ask a representative or salesperson

questions about the products. (If you have a large group,

you may wish to obtain permission from the store and

a time for a person to be available just to them for a

designated one-hour period). Thank the representative

after any presentation. Transport the youth back to church

or a home for refreshments that you have recruited

workers to prepare in advance. Thank all the workers and

the youth for their participation. Explain that this trip was

to get them to start thinking about the upcoming unit andhow they can use high-tech gadgets they already have

(or make comments about those they have just learned

about) for Gods glory to get others involved in the study

of Gods Word. Allow youth to share ideas they might

already be using or to develop something that could

be used with their department or class. Explain that by

texting a Scripture passage to encourage another during a

hard time is just a simple way to stay focused on the truth

of Gods Word.

Session 1

Leader Helps

Discipleship IdeaChallenge youth to develop some ideas on ways to use

their high-tech gadgets to enlist friends to come to Bible

study. Encourage them to use the gadgets to gain more

confidence in sharing Gods Word with others.

For Further StudyFor the teachers/students, read:

Share Jesus Without Fear: Students Reaching

Students by William Fay and Linda Evans Shepherd

(B & H Publishing, 2004)

So Thats In the Bible (B & H Publishing Group, 2004)

Essential ConnectionThe devotionals inessential connection (ec)for

February 29 to March 6, 2008 relate to the content of this

session.

Back


Church Relationships Fellowship/Evangelism Bible Study

Focus on the Mission Focus on Relationships Focus on Bible Study

Department Director: Determine if all

teachers and workers have current unit

leader packs and leader guides and each

student has a learner guide and an ec

devotional guide. Remove all outdated

literature and pack items from each Bible

study area.

Outreach-Evangelism Leader: Coordinate

an outreach effort for your students to

personally contact absentees. Distribute

ec devotionals to hand out as they visit

absentees and any new prospects in

the community. Prior to the unit, use

thePostcardto invite students to the

hi-tech fellowship to meet with your

youth.

Teacher: Discuss activities that will

motivate youth to live confidently in Jesus

Christ.

Department Director: Give an overview

of the new unit. Challenge your leaders

to be transformed through adequate

Bible study to prepare them to teach out

of the overflow of their study and life

experience.
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2007 LifeWay Press Permission is granted to the purchaser to make only the number of photocopies of this item licensed at purchase. All other rights reserved. Published in the USA.

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You are invited to ahi-tech feLLowship

at __________________on ________time_____.

Join us in the BibLe study,SpirituaL Life: Version 3.16.Come dressed in modest

casuaL cLothes for a trip tohi-tech Land.

You wiLL be Lookingat how to use hi-tech

gadgets to inspirecommitment to Gods HoLy

Word.

You are invited to ahi-tech feLLowship

at __________________on ________time_____.

Join us in the BibLe study,SpirituaL Life: Version 3.16.Come dressed in modest

casuaL cLothes for a trip tohi-tech Land.

You wiLL be Looking

at how to use hi-techgadgets to inspire

commitment to Gods HoLyWord.

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