10.01.23 | HANDING DOWN THE FAITH

2 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 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.

How do we hand down the faith?

  1. Model with Passion

2 Timothy 3:10 NKJV

but you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love and perseverance.

2 Timothy 3:14 NLT

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.

2. Connect with Empathy

John 1:14a

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness

1 Peter 1:22 GW

Love each other with a warm love that comes from the heart. After all, you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth. As a result, you have a sincere love for each other.

“Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care”. – Theodore Roosevelt

Empathy is defined as the ability to detect other's emotions and understand their perspective. When people feel accepted and validated, it builds trust. -Melody Wilding

The most common phrase people used to describe their churches was “like family.” Other words describing warmth included welcoming, accepting, belonging, authentic, hospitable, and caring. – Brad Griffin, Kara Powell

3. Teach the Gospel

2 Timothy 2:2 NLT

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

2 Timothy 3:15

You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:8 NIV

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel.

Matthew 28:19-20

therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The 4 G’s of the gospel:

  1. Good

  2. Guilt

  3. Grace

  4. Gratitude

4. Empower with Presence

2 Timothy 4:17

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.

2 Timothy 1:3-5 NIV

I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

2 Timothy 1:6

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.

“…when I know someone believes in me, I'm opened up to possibilities about my future that I may have never considered on my own.” Doug Fields and Matt Mcgill

2 Timothy 2:2

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.

Questions for discussion/reflection:

  1. Take time to share some stories of people who helped disciple you in the faith?  Who were models for you?  Who taught you the gospel?  Who empowered you in ministry?  Who connected with you to the extent that you felt you could trust them and share your heart with them?

  2. From the above question, talk about what those people did to accomplish those amazing impacts in your life?

  3. Who could God be calling you to pour into from a younger generation, beyond your family? (this could be 2 years younger, if you are age 8, or 50 years younger, if you are 65, or anywhere in between!)

  4. Talk about practical ways, in your context, to apply these 4 steps?

JC Editor