Disciples Share In Suffering

Disciples share in sufferingg: 2 Timothy 1:8-18

     Shame OR Suffering & the Gospel (v. 8-10)

     Entrusting the Good Deposit (vv. 11-14)

     “Mundane” Faithfulness (vv. 15-18)

Discipleship group questions

Launching questions

• Reread 2 Timothy 1:8-18. What stood out to you as heard this passage read?
• In this passage (vv. 9-10), we have one of Paul’s summaries of the Gospel. What is familiar in this definition and what surprises you? What might account for these nuances?

Encourage

• *Spend most of your time on this question*: Consider vv. 11-14. Paul says his willingness to suffer is because of His confidence that God will ultimately vindicate Paul’s obedience. What have you actively, like Paul, entrusted to God? Put another way, what decisions/sacrifices/rhythms/behaviors in your life only really make sense if the Gospel is true and God really will one day vindicate you? Help one another with your answers … where do you see one another entrusting yourselves to the faithfulness of God? Be specific and detailed in your responses. Now reflect on this exercise: in what areas of life would you like to entrust more to God? What was most encouraging about this exercise? Most challenging?

Challenge

• Consider vv. 15-18. Paul is giving a “mundane” example of what faithfulness to the Gospel has looked like in his own relationships (Onesiphorus visiting Him in prison). Can you think of specific examples - however “mundane” - of how you’ve been served by others in a way that images the love of Jesus to you?