ENCOURAGEMENT IS IMPORTANT2
TIMOTHY 1:1-18
Introduction:
This was Paul’s last letter: one of deep affection ‘to Timothy, my dear son’ (1:2).It emphasises the reality of Christian experience, for which formal correctness is no substitute. So watch out for Paul’s stress on such ideas as life, living and reality.You find the idea several times in ch. 1, starting with v.1.
Timothy didn’t find this life easy; neither did Paul (3:10,11; 1 Cor. 4:11-13), neither do we (3:12).But it’s gloriously possible, and Paul encourages Timothy to press on, even though the going is often tough.
See how Timothy must have been encouraged as he read the first chapter, as a young, conscientious and sometimes lonely, leader:
1.It’s important to know that people (or someone) care about us (3,4).
What facts emerge in these verses that show Paul’s care for Timothy?
How can we express our care for others in our local fellowship?
And what about those who now work elsewhere, or serve Christ overseas?
2.The reminder of the reality of Timothy’s own faith (5)
What do you think is Paul’s purpose here?
Why is it sometimes important to remind a Christian friend about the reality of his/her faith in Jesus?
Think, too, about some of the advantages of a Christian background.
Are there any disadvantages?
3.The encouragement of recognising God’s gift (6)
Does each of us have some kind of gift to use for God?
Paul mentions a few in 1 Cor. 12:4-12, 28-31: Eph. 4:11-13; Rom. 12:4-8.
How would you respond to some discouraged friend who said, ‘I don’t think God’s given me any particular gift.’?
What was Timothy encouraged to do?What does that suggest to us?
4.God’s assurance of help is a tremendous encouragement (7)
Who does the discouraging, sometimes making us afraid for a variety of reasons to witness for or serve Jesus Christ?
What is the remedy that Paul outlines?
Why are these three elements effective?
Concerning power, think about Eph. 6:10-12; concerning love, think about 2 Cor. 5:14;
John 15:10-14; concerning self-discipline, think about Gal. 6:9.
5.It’s great to know that we never need be ashamed of Jesus Christ (8-12)
What encouragements to be a bold witness would Timothy have discovered in these verses?Take each verse separately, for there are significant reasons in every verse.
How do they apply to us?
6.We all need to be encouraged to live according to the ‘sound teaching’ of God’s Word, and also to pass it on faithfully (13,14)
Why are faith and love (13) important accompaniments to ‘sound teaching’ or doctrine?
Whether we’re living out the teaching or passing it on in our homes or Sunday School, etc., of whose help are we assured (14)?
Why in practice, is this help necessary?
7.God can use us to encourage others (15-18)
And that fact is an encouragement to us in itself!
Discuss the background, and what Paul’s feelings might have been before Onesiphorus found him.Was it an easy task for Onesiphorus?Why?
Our church leaders aren’t in prison, but why might they need encouraging, and how can we provide that encouragement?
Share information on church leaders and other Christians who are in prison around the world, and remember them in prayer together.
Thought: One of the best ways of finding encouragement is to find someone to encourage!Why should this be so?