7/6/2021 4:34:09 PM
July 4, 2021
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon Text: 2 Timothy 1:8-14
Other Readings: Lamentations 3:22,23 and Mark 5:21-24a,35-43
- This letter was written to a man named Timothy. Who was Timothy? Check out Acts 16:1-3 and 2 Timothy 1:5.
- How many times does Paul use the word gospel in these verses? Why does he emphasize this good news about Jesus? Confer verse 10.
- How can Paul say that Jesus has “destroyed death” (v. 10) if Paul himself was about to die by execution?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).