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Call to worship: Psalm 119:97-112

Text: 2 Timothy 3:10-4:5

Sermon Outline:

1. The groaning of a Word-centered ministry, 3:10-13
2. The grounding of a Word-centered pastor, 3:14-17
   • The grounding character of his teachers, 3:14
   • The grounding character of his discipleship, 3:15a
   • The grounding content of Scripture, 3:15b
   • The grounding cause of Scripture, 3:16-17
3. The growing of a Word-centered church, 4:1-5.
   • A stated problem for pastor Timothy: people will not endure the Word, 4:3-4
   • A stated charge to pastor Timothy: preach the Word, 4:1-2, 5

Prepare

Questions:

1. Read 2 Timothy 3:10-4:5 throughout the rest of this week. As an encouragement to family worship and personal preparation, use the questions that follow:
2. How should we summarize Paul's commendation of Timothy in 3:10-13? What guided Paul's life? What guided Timothy's? And what was the response of the world to this? Read Acts 14. It gives the background for Paul's sufferings in these three locations. What's the cause of his trials? See 3:12-13. Is opposition to the Word only from the world? What are to make of the title 'imposters'?
3. What is the main call to pastor Timothy in 3:14? Why is he needing this call? In what ways does Paul seek to ground him in a Word-centered ministry? See 3:14b-17.
4. Are we the sort of people that Paul would point to and say, 'they're an apologetic, a defense for continuing in the Word'? How are we doing on acquainting our children with the Bible as 'the sacred writings'? Do we realize that the Bible is the only book that's able to make one wise for salvation? Is it ever before us that we hold the Word of GOD in our hands, and that it's the ultimate resource, not just for being saved, but being sanctified or made useful for God---that it's truth for life?
5. What is a great danger in the church moving forward? See 4:3-4. Why do they depart? What's the great charge that Paul gives then to Timothy? See 4:1-2. Why should it center around the preaching of God's Word? How does this grow a Word-centered church? How does this protect Christ's church?