Called to Faithfulness

11th & 12 August 2007
2 Timothy 1:3-14

3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 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. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.


8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life-- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you-- guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

1. Passing on your Christian Faith

2 Timothy 1:5
I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

2 Timothy 2:2
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.



2. Not ashamed of your Christian Faith

2 Timothy 1:8
So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner...

2 Timothy 1:12
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.



3. Guarding your Christian Faith

2 Timothy 1:13
What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:14
Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you-- guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.



Questions

1. In the rise of religious tensions along with violence and terrorism, in what way do they affect our faith?

2. What are some of the ways we can be a witness of Christ and not be ashamed of our faith - in workplace, neighborhood and church?

3. The Christian Faith and its value will continually be challenged and undermined by the media and entertainment industries (e.g. MTV, Movies). How can we educate our family and cell group to be faithful and not be deceived by them?
What positive ways can we bring up our family and children in the way of the Lord without compromise?