2 Timothy 1:8-12

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

A Call to Courage

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Shame and spirituality do not mix.

  2. Human works and God’s grace do not mix.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. How well do you know whom you have believed?

  2. Did you know that you have a safe deposit box in heaven?

QUESTIONS

  1. What did Paul mean when he referred to himself as a prisoner?

  2. To whom was Paul specifically called to preach?

  3. What does 2 Timothy 1:10 mean, that Christ brought life and immortality to light through the gospel? Isn’t there teaching in the Old Testament about life and immortality?

  4. Can you be spiritually mature and be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

  5. Can you please God in your own strength and by your own works?

ANSWERS

  1. He could have meant that he was a prisoner of Christ, which he was, and he was literally a prisoner in a dungeon in Rome.

  2. To the Gentiles.

  3. In the Old Testament there are glimpses of the eternal life and immortality of the believer. With the coming of Christ and the gospel, life and immortality have been revealed in detail.

  4. No. The more spiritual you are, the less ashamed you will be.

  5. No. Both salvation and calling (a godly life) are dependent on God’s grace through Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit’s empowerment.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Review some Old Testament references to eternal life and the immortality of the believer. For example, Psalm 23:6 and Job 19:25-26.

  2. Review some New Testament references to eternal life and the immortality of the believer. Note the difference in the detail and more complete revelation. How does this impact your life?

CHALLENGE

  1. Are you ever ashamed of the gospel of Christ? See 2 Timothy 1:8, 12 and Romans 1:16.

  2. What is in your safe deposit box in heaven? See Matthew 6:19-21.

KEY VERSES

  • “God has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” 2 Timothy 1:9

  • “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” 2 Timothy 1:12