Disciples Are Useful Vessels

Disciples are useful vessels: 2 timothy 2:19-26

     Who Does the Lord Deem Useful? (vv. 20-21)

     How Do We Become Useful? (vv. 22-23)

     What is Most Needed? (vv. 24-26)

Discipleship group questions

Launching questions

• Read 2 Timothy 2:20-26. What specific words or phrases stand out to you? Why do you think this is? What is it about them that draws your attention?
• What is the difference between being “holy” and being “perfect”? As followers of Jesus, are we called to be holy or are we called to be “perfect”?

Encourage

• Consider v. 20 and 21. What does Paul mean when he says “some [vessels] for honorable use and some for dishonorable [use]?” How do you understand the following statement by Paul, “So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable ...”? What might this practically look like?
• Look at verse 22. In what areas of your life is God calling you to “flee youthful passions” and in what specific areas is he calling you to pursue “righteousness, faith, love and peace”? Be specific

Challenge

• Review 2 Timothy 2:14 and 2 Timothy 2:23. In your opinion, why is it important to reject foolish and ignorant disputes? In your life, do you find it hard or easy to fulfill Paul’s command?
• Looking at 1 Peter 2:21-23 and Isaiah 42:3, in what specific ways is the “Lord’s servant” called to model and exemplify the life of Jesus in their own life?  
• Read vv. 25-26. What is the significance of Paul mentioning the following: “the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will”? What does this mean and how is it relevant to his overall call in this passage?