Bible Study Questions and Notes

Small group Bible studies meet each week to discuss topics relating to the weekend service.  These study notes act as a guide for the Bible study participants.  Note that on weeks where there is a guest speaker or the Bible studies are not in session, there may not be a set of study notes posted.

Scripture passage: 1 Timothy 6:11-16 (Pew Bible Page 993)
Speaker: Senior Pastor John Neufeld

Every single one of us has an assignment from God.  Of course we will not all be apostles and prophets, but God has given us apostles and prophets.  They played a unique role in the establishment of the good news of the gospel.  Even though there are many unique features in their ministry, there are also many things we should personally learn from them.  Their example helps us to understand our own calling and assignment from God.  Every believer has been called to lead somewhere. Today, we will learn the unique nature of Christian leaders, and also what all of us can learn from their call. 

A.  Commands for every Leader

            1.  Flee – know what to avoid

            2.  Pursue – understand your objective

            3.  Fight – for those things that matter most

            4.  Hold On – to the things God has promised

            5.  Obey – the rule of faith and life required by the gospel

B.  Incentives for every Leader

            1.  God is watching

            2.  Jesus is my example

            3.  My track record matters

            4.  The day is coming

            5.  God is altogether glorious

Thinking – developing a biblical approach to all areas of life

1.      Sometimes life is hard.  When things get difficult, what helps you to keep going in your work?  Your marriage?  Your friendships?  Your relationship with your children? 

2.      We are involved in a spiritual fight.  

a.       Review Timothy’s situation.  What are some of the things that he has to face that might cause him to grow weary and lose heart?  (See 1 Tim 1:3; 2:8ff; 3:1ff; 3:8ff; 4:12; 5:3; 6:1; 6:3ff) 

b.      All of us are involved in some form of ministry or spiritual growth.  (i.e. a formal ministry within the church, informal ministry with family / friends, raising children, your own personal spiritual growth, etc.).  What types of things cause us to become weary in these areas?

3.      Read 1 Timothy 6:11–16.  In this passage, Paul sets out five incentives for Timothy to keep going when he is weary and tired. 

a.       Incentive #1: God is watching (v.13).  How does knowing that God is watching give you an incentive to keep going when it is difficult?

b.      Incentive #2: Jesus is our example (v. 13).  Read Hebrews 12:1–3.  What are some times in Jesus’ life when he faced strong opposition or was weary?  How did he respond?  (i.e. Matt 4:1ff; 19:3; Luke 5:15–16; Matt 26:47ff) 

c.       Incentive #3: Our track record matters (v. 14).  Read Gal 6:8–10.  Briefly share about a time in your life when you have seen this principle at work in your life or share about a current situation where you see that there will be benefits in the future although you won’t see them right away.

d.      Incentive #4:  The day is coming (v.14).  Read 1 John 2:28.  How does the fact that the Lord is returning give us incentive to carry on, even in difficult times?  In your opinion, are we ‘aware’ enough of the returning of the Lord?  Why or why not?  

e.       Incentive #5: God is altogether glorious (vv. 15–16).  How does this knowledge give us incentive to keep going?   

Acting – putting faith into action

4.      Read Isaiah 40:27–31. 

a.       What complaints did Israel have about God’s response to their situation?  In what areas do we complain to God?

b.      When we are weary God says that he will renew our strength when we wait upon him.  In what ways is this hard?  In what ways is this easy? 

c.       Spend time praying for areas in your life that you need to wait upon the Lord for. 

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