This week, guest speaker Steve Adams shares a message titled “Moving Forward with Expectant Faith’ based on 2 Timothy 1:1-12.

ICEBREAKER: What’s your favourite thing about the area/city/province you live in?

1. What is “the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus” [2 Timothy 1:1]? What difference does this promise make in how you live each day [cf. John 1:4; John 10:10; and 1 John 2:24-25]?

2. Where did Timothy’s faith originate [2 Timothy 1:5]? How does one’s upbringing influence the development of faith? What are you doing to pass on the faith in your family [cf. Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Acts 16:1-3; and 2 Timothy 3:14-15]?

3. Why is it necessary to “fan into flame the gift of God” in our lives [2 Timothy 1:6]? How does a believer do this, and what is the evidence that he/she is being successful [2 Timothy 1:7]? Also, consult John 14:27; Romans 8:15; and 1 Timothy 4:14 for more insights.

4. Why would someone “be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord” [2 Timothy 1:8]? Why does sharing in suffering for Christ play such a vital role in the believer’s life [cf. Romans 1:16-17; Romans 8:16-17; and Colossians 1:24]?

5. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 is packed with salvation theology. According to these verses, who initiated salvation, what is the calling or purpose of salvation, what is the basis of salvation, when was it given, who achieved it for us, and what are the benefits of salvation we enjoy in Christ? Also, consider Galatians 2:15-16; Ephesians 2:4-10; and Titus 3:4-7 for more clues.

6. What can you learn from how the Apostle Paul handled suffering that can help you persevere through the trying circumstances in your life [2 Timothy 1:11-12]? Also examine 1 Corinthians 1:8-9; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; and 1 Peter 4:12-19 for more encouragement.

7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?

“In God’s eyes, the greatest heroes of faith are not those who achieve prosperity, success, and power in this life, but those who treat life as a temporary assignment and serve faithfully, expecting their promised reward in eternity.”

Rick Warren