Study GuideNovember 1-22, 2015

Focus (Introduction) ..................................................................................................................5

Focused or Ashamed (Lesson 1, November 1) ...........................................................................6 2 Timothy 1:6-12

Focused or Distracted (Lesson 2, November 8) ..........................................................................8 2 Timothy 2:1-7

Focused or Deceived (Lesson 3, November 15) ........................................................................10 2 Timothy 3:11-17

Focused or Regretful (Lesson 4, November 22) ........................................................................12 II Timothy 4:1-8

Table of Contents

5

FOCUS (Introduction)

Wandering Minds If you ever want a good laugh, tag along with a friend and go to a little League baseball game. Watching a group of 7 year-old kids try to keep their attention on the task at hand can have you rolling in the aisles. They wander away from their positions, they put down their gloves and start to pick grass, they lose track of the batting order and forget that it’s their turn to hit.

While it is funny to sit in the stands and watch, it can be equally frustrating to coach kids as they play baseball. . Little League coaches often have one word that they constantly call out to their players: Focus! Keep your eye on the ball. Make sure you know what you’re going to do with the ball if it comes to you. Remember how many outs there are. Communicate with each other. Without focus, no team can be successful on the field.

We All Need Focus Focus is not only necessary in sports, it is needed to accomplish any goal. Focus is needed at work when we are given an important project. It is needed when it comes to food and exercise if we are going to stay healthy. Focus is needed in our relationships to keep them from drifting apart or letting conflict divide them. Most importantly, focus is certainly needed in our relationship with God if we are going to hear His voice and follow His lead.

Believers in Jesus have always needed to cultivate focus. It is especially important in the United States because of the many distractions and competing worldviews that fill our nation. It is easy to get sidetracked by our phones, tablets, and computers. We easily lose focus because we feel the lure of social media, video games, and TV shows. Perhaps it is because many of us live relatively safe and prosperous lives.

Paul and TimothySecond Timothy is the last letter written by the Apostle Paul. As you read it, you can sense that he knows that his end is near. As he writes to his beloved protégé, Paul wants to communicate something to him: Focus! Paul reflects on the focus with which he has followed Jesus, and commissions Timothy to do the same. He calls Timothy to focus on Jesus instead of shying away when others heap shame on him (lesson 1). He calls Timothy to focus on his calling, and not to allow the distractions of life to sidetrack him (lesson 2). He calls Timothy to focus on Scripture and not to allow lies and deceit to keep him from his goal (lesson 3).

Finally, he calls Timothy to focus on Jesus so that he doesn’t end up with regrets when his life draws to a close (lesson 4).

As you approach this series of lessons, consider what is keeping you from being focused on God and His calling for your life. What would it look like for you to zero in on God with a laser focus instead of allowing shame or distractions or lies to keep you from fulfilling your purpose? Approach these lessons with a soft heart and with a readiness to act. Focusing our attention on God and His Word is the greatest and most rewarding way that we can spend out lives.

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Main Point We need to focus on God’s calling in our lives and be willing to suffer and to bear shame when we follow Christ.

Introduction The movie “Les Miserables” starts with a scene of human suffering. Jean Valjean is a man sentenced to 20 years of hard labor for stealing a loaf of bread and for trying to escape his imprisonment. The relationship between the crime and the punishment is disproportionate, and we think how bitter and hopeless this man must feel. Is it possible for him to become a caring and loving man again? We see that God, through a priest, gives him the grace to become a man who provides and cares for many others. Jean Valjean’s story is one of redemption.

All people experience suffering and shame in their lives. As soon as we connect with Christ and become His followers, our world changes. We suffer because we are human. We experience shame because we have chosen to follow a counter-cultural man, the Son of God. Out of that suffering and shame, we can experience the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. We can become passionate followers of Christ. In the end, we have nothing to be ashamed of.

Being a Christian in a secular world sets us apart. There are times when it is easier to ignore the actions and words that will show the world we are Christian. We don’t want to be stigmatized, ridiculed, or shamed. We don’t want to suffer because of our faith. Yet suffering is part of our Christian life. When we share in the suffering, we also share in the glory of the resurrection. Once we realize that we have nothing to be ashamed of, even though others may feel differently, we are free to focus on what Christ wants us to do in our lives.

Question for Family Discussion1. Have you ever felt ashamed of being a Christian?

Getting Started2. How do we focus on God’s calling in our lives?

3. What are some ways that Christians could suffer in the United States?

4. What does it mean to bear shame because we follow Christ?

Digging InRead 2 Timothy 1:6-12.

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 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.

5. What do you think is the purpose of this passage?

6. In verse 6, what truths does Paul remind Timothy about?

Focused or Ashamed (Lesson 1, November 1)2 Timothy 1:6-12

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7. Verse 7 reminds us of what God has given us. What are these gifts? What is the Spirit of power?

8. Paul gives two commands in verse 8. What do you think is the connection between (a) not being ashamed and (b) suffering for the gospel?

9. The beginning of verse 9 tells us about the life to which God has called us. How does this holy life become a reality?

10. Verses 9 and 10 talk about grace. How do you think understanding God’s grace connects to living a life focused on Him?

11. In verse 12, how does Paul set the example for how to respond to shame and suffering?

12. The last part of verse 12 says “what I have entrusted to him for that day.” What day is that? What is the meaning of it for our lives?

WRESTLING WITH THE ISSUES 13. In verse 6, Paul tells Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God.” Are God’s gifts to us fully developed? What do you think “fan into flame” then means?

14. How serious is it to be ashamed of Christ? What is our risk? reflect a passionate pursuit of God?

Taking it to Heart15. Timothy dealt with life and death issues concerning his loyalty and passion for Christ. It is easy to understand that he may have needed Paul’s advice and unwavering faith. Are you more like Paul or Timothy? Describe what you mean.

16. How does God expect us to live? How do we remain strong and not ashamed? Do you think this comes easily to you?

17. If you have had periods of time when you were ashamed or denied Christ, how did you deal with it? Did you correct it?

Notes

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Main Point To be focused on fulfilling God’s calling for our lives, we must actively combat distractions.

Introduction When my oldest son was about 18 months old, my wife went on a mission trip for two weeks. While the two of us survived without her, we were both really excited for her return. We waited for her at the airport and when we saw her come around the corner my son smiled brightly and began to run. She knelt down putting out her arms to give him a big hug. Just as he was almost in her arms he saw a little airport playground. He immediately turned and ran into the playground, losing sight of his original purpose for which he was running.

Toddlers are easily distracted. But the problem of distraction is not limited to them. In the 21st Century, we are surrounded by distractions. Entertainment, hobbies, food, friends and smart phones all vie for our attention. If we have a list of goals that we want to accomplish, we often have to be very purposeful about our strategies for combatting distractions.

In his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul says that God has calls believers to fulfill their calling. In order to do this, we must have a focus that keeps us from all of life’s entanglements. In this lesson you will be challenged to focus on pursuing what God has called you to do.

Question for Family Discussion1. What are some of the biggest distractions in your life?

Getting Started2. What is the difference between unexpected distraction and an unnecessary distraction?

3. In what ways have you have tried to combat the distractions in your life?

4. What does it cost you when you allow yourself to be distracted by things that aren’t important?

Digging InRead 2 Timothy 2:1-7.

1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Focused or Distracted (Lesson 2, November 8)2 Timothy 2:1-7

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5. Paul paints an interesting picture in verse 1. What do you think it means to be strong in God’s grace?

6. In verse 2, Paul seems to summarize a big part of Timo thy’s calling. What do you observe about what he calls Timothy to do?

7. In verses 3-6, Paul gives three illustrations of focus to Timothy. In your own words, write what you think each one means.

Verses 3-4: The Soldier

Verse 5: The Athlete

Verse 6: The Farmer

8. When you take in all three examples of focus, what is Paul telling Timothy about what he can expect if he focuses on fulfilling God’s calling for him?

9. The soldier, the athlete and the farmer each have something that is driving them. What do you observe in Paul’s words about the motivation of each of them?

10. Paul’s words in verse 7 can seem anticlimactic after such a powerful call to action in the previous verses. In verse 7, what is reflected about Paul and about God?

Wrestling With Issues11. If Christians are to fulfill God’s calling for their lives without

any distractions, what does this say about the roles of our hobbies and extracurricular activities?

Taking it to Heart12. Of the three illustrations Paul gave in verses 3-6, which

one do you find most helpful, and why?

13. Are there any distractions that you need to either eliminate or combat in your life? If so, how do you intend to respond?

14. Reflect on Paul’s first statement to Timothy in chapter 2: “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” How does reflecting on God’s grace impact your attitude toward the things that distract you from fulfilling what God is calling you to do?

Notes

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Main Point To be focused on fulfilling God’s calling for our lives, we must pursue God’s truth to combat lies.

IntroductionIn Shakespeare’s tragic play Othello, the title character ends up in a paranoid jealous rage because he is convinced that his wife Desdemona is having an affair. The fact is that Desdemona is utterly devoted to her husband. Why then is Othello so convinced of her infidelity? It is because his closest advisor Iago has manipulated him by planting lies in his head. Iago’s evil plot only works because Othello ends up believing a false version of reality. Othello acts on what he believes to be true just as all of us do. By acting on these lies, the end result is tragedy.

How do we avoid lies? We live in a world in which competing versions of reality are consistently being set forth. If we choose to believe lies rather than the truth, then those beliefs will drive our actions. And if our actions are informed by lies, tragedy will be the end of our story.

In this lesson you will encounter the Apostle Paul warning Timothy of lies and pointing him toward the truth. Specifically, he points Timothy and us to Scripture as our source of understanding reality. Scripture is a key influence on our ability to live a focused life, a life that is not sidetracked by deceit.

Question for Family Discussion1. How do your beliefs influence your actions?

Getting Started2. Identify a belief that many people in the United States hold,

but that Scripture reveals to be a lie. What is the lie and how is it impacting people?

3. How can deception keep you from fulfilling what God has called you to do?

4. In your daily life, what is the role of God’s Word in combating lies that may be presented to you?

Digging InRead 2 Timothy 3:10-13.

10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

5. In verse 10, Paul says “however” in order to contrast himself with the false teachers in verses 1-9. Read back through these verses and summarize what characterizes these false teachers.

Focused or Deceived (Lesson 3, November 15)2 Timothy 3:11-17

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6. In verses 10-11, Paul speaks of persecutions that he has faced. The stories of his persecutions in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra are in Acts 13-14. Look through those two chapters in Acts. What do you observe about the kind of persecution that Paul faced?

7. In verses 12-13, Paul contrasts the persecutions of true believers with the deception of impostors. In this context, what kinds of lies do you think the impostors might have been telling?

Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17.

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped from every good work.

8. In regard to Scripture, what command does Paul give Timothy in verses 14 and 15?

9. In verse 15, Paul says that the Scriptures are “able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” What does this say about the purpose of Scripture in our lives?

10. In verse 16, Paul says that Scripture is useful for many things including rebuking and correcting us. How does this relate to the deception that he warned about in verse 13?

11. According to verse 17, how does our commitment to Scripture relate to our ability to fulfill God’s calling for our lives?

Wrestling With Issues12. If you believe that the Bible is God’s Word, how did you

come to this conviction? If you are not convinced that the Bible is God’s Word, what is keeping you from being convinced?

Taking it to Heart13. Think through your daily life. Do your actions reflect any beliefs that Scripture would identify as lies?

14. On a practical level, how can you interact with God’s Word in a way that fills you with truth and exposes lies that may be presented to you?

15. What is a core truth from Scripture to which you need to hold firmly right now?

Notes

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Main PointTo be focused on fulfilling God’s calling for our lives, we must live in order to have no regrets.

Introduction A nurse recorded the most common regrets of the dying and put her findings into a book called “The Top Five Regrets of The Dying.” It’s not surprising to see what made the list as they are all things that touch each of our lives as we struggle to pay attention to and make time for things that we believe are truly important. The list includes: 1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. 2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard. 3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings. 4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. 5. I wish that I had let myself be happier. For many, these regrets sound familiar. For some, these regrets help us to evaluate what is important in life and move to correct them. For others, these regrets hold us back and keep us prisoners to the past.

“Get busy living or get busy dying” is a statement made famous by the prison movie The Shawshank Redemption. In this movie there is the realization by one of the main characters that if you can’t find focus on what’s truly important and move forward, then you will end up stagnating and living within a prison of regrets from your past.

As Paul reaches the last chapter in his life he has a chance to reflect on what is and was important to him. We see in the last chapter of Paul’s last letter that he is in prison waiting for his last trial. He knows that he faces execution for preaching the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. He is ready for death and as he reviews his own life he encourages Timothy to continue a life of service to God that he won’t regret. He reminds him of the importance of his focus and ministry.

Question for Family Discussion1. What is something you have or have not done that has

resulted in regret?

Getting Started2. Has regret ever hampered you in moving forward? How?

3. How does reviewing your past actions help you? Hurt you?

Digging InRead 2 Timothy 4:1-5.

1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

4. What are Paul’s reasons and motivations for Timothy’s charge?

5. There are a number of things that Paul wants Timothy to do. Which of these speaks loudest to you and why?

Focused or Regretful (Lesson 4, November 22)II Timothy 4:1-8

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6. In verse 2 Paul includes correcting, rebuking and encouraging of others. How does encouraging fit in with correction and rebuking? Which is easier for you?

7. What do you think Paul means by “be prepared in season and out of season”?

8. How would you summarize Paul’s charge to Timothy? If there is a theme, what would it be?

Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

9. What is Paul’s explanation for his commission to Timothy in verse 6?

10. What message is Paul giving to Timothy that might help him continue his ministry?

11. Does it sound like Paul has any regrets?

12. What do the metaphors in verse 7 convey?

13. What is Paul looking forward to in the future? What is his focus?

Wrestling With Issues14. Do you think the “crown of righteousness” is a literal one? If not, what do you think it means?

Taking it to Heart15. Where is your focus? Are there regrets or mistakes you have made that are causing you to stay in one place?

16. What are some actions in your life that can help you move forward? What are some practical instructions from this passage that can help you to not dwell in the past?

17. What part of Paul’s commission to Timothy is God speaking to you to actively pursue?

Notes

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