Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

 Sermon Text: 2 Timothy 1:8-14

 Other Readings: Lamentations 3:22,23 and Mark 5:21-24a,35-43


 

  1. This letter was written to a man named Timothy. Who was Timothy? Check out Acts 16:1-3 and 2 Timothy 1:5.
     
  2. How many times does Paul use the word gospel in these verses? Why does he emphasize this good news about Jesus? Confer verse 10.
     
  3. How can Paul say that Jesus has “destroyed death” (v. 10) if Paul himself was about to die by execution?
     
  4. Paul’s attitude exemplifies how we should die -- by entrusting our final days and our eternity to our Savior Jesus Christ. Can you think of a Christian you knew who faced death with such great faith? Say a prayer to God, asking him to give you that kind of faith and help prepare you for your final days.
     

  1. Timothy was a young man whom Paul met in modern day Turkey. Timothy’s dad was Greek, and his mother was a Jewish Christian. After meeting Paul on a mission trip, Timothy trained under Paul and became a pastor and a sort of spiritual son to the Apostle.
     
  2. Paul uses the word three times. He emphasizes the gospel because it is the way through which God brings the blessings of life and immortality to us. 
     
  3. Jesus has turned death into a “sleep” for his believers (see our Gospel reading). Since Jesus lives and since we are connected to him through faith, our death is just the way we enter into paradise.
     
  4. Answers will vary based on personal perspective. God give us the ability to put Jesus’ words into practice, “Don’t be afraid; just believe” (Mark 5:36).