On this coming Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, we will continue to explore the pastoral letter from the Apostle Paul to his dear friend, Timothy. The letter was written as Paul sat in prison, for the second time, with the heavy thoughts of his future on his mind. Paul's guidance to Timothy in our lesson today is focused on the strength of faith the Christian follower of Jesus receives through the life and witness of the Risen Christ. Most powerfully expressed in Chapter 2, vv. 11-13, Paul encourages us to stay true to the faith, for it is in the way of Christ that we will find the everlasting presence and grace of God, in Christ. We will discuss how Paul's advice shapes our lives and brings us into relationship with God.
Our Scripture passage is found in the Second Letter of Paul to Timothy. You may find the Scripture lesson by selecting the following link: (2 Timothy 2:8-15).
For continuing study, reflect on these questions (found in the study guide below):
Read the assigned Scripture lesson for the week. Reflect on your reading and determine if there are any words or phrases that stood out to you as you read the lesson.
Read the "WHAT..." paragraph in the guide below and reflect on the four-part statements made in vv. 11-13, two positive statements and two negative statements. What do you think about the way the statements are presented to the Christian community?
Read the "WHERE..." paragraph below and reflect on the following questions: Reflecting again on the four-part statement of vv. 11-13, what hope or good news do you perceive in these statements? Some scholars believe these statements might have formed an early "Baptismal hymn" of the church - why do you believe these statements might have been connected with the Sacrament of Baptism?
Read the "SO WHAT..." paragraph below and reflect on the following: When have you felt the need for renewal in order to stay committed to God's "word of truth?" Who provided you with this renewal or encouragement?
Read the "NOW WHAT..." paragraph below and reflect on the author's statement, which echoes the words of Paul in his advice to Timothy: "When we forget to listen to the living Word, we can be given to wrangling over words." When have you experienced yourself, others, or the Christian community (church), spending more time wrangling over words than trying to spend time following Christ? How did that feel and how did you find your way back to Christ...leaving the words to be what they are?
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