How to Ruin Your Marriage

Remember

Throughout Scripture, God continually calls His people to remember. Yet we are often quick to forget His faithfulness, provision, and mighty works. Just as the Israelites built altars in the wilderness as reminders of God’s goodness, we too should intentionally reflect on what the Lord has done. Remembering His faithfulness strengthens us in times of trial, encourages our hearts, and helps guard us from falling into sin.

How to Ruin Your Marriage

The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands. As women, we have great power to build our marriages up or slowly erode them. Join us as we talk about the common pitfalls that weaken our marriages and how we can rebuild through our obedience to Christ.

Entrusted

As we conclude Entrusted, we reflect on the instructions Paul charged us with in 1 and 2 Timothy. As believers, we are called to guard the treasure we have been entrusted, entrust the treasure to others, and uphold the treasure by the way we live.  Verses Used: 2 Timothy 1:14 2 Timothy 2:15 2 Timothy 2:2 1 Timothy 1:18-19 Discussion Questions: 1) In 2 Timothy 1:14, Paul instructed us to “guard the treasure” that has been entrusted to us? What is this treasure, and how do we guard it? 2) In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul instructed us to “entrust this treasure to faithful men who will be able to teach others.” What does this mean, and how can you do this in your own life? Can you give examples of ways you have done this in the past or how you plan to do so in the future? 3) What command does Paul entrust to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:18-19? Why is it important to do so? What is the impact of not doing so? Can you share examples of how to do this? 4) What was most impactful to you in 1 Timothy and why? 5) What was most impactful to you in 2 Timothy, and why?

To Die is Gain

Paul's final written words serve as both a challenge and an encouragement to the believer. Though others deserted him, the Lord stood with him and strengthened him to proclaim the gospel even as a prisoner of Rome. He did not fear physical death; he was certain the Lord would bring him safely home. Like Paul, we are called to proclaim the gospel and often may stand alone in doing so. Paul's example challenges us to live for Christ until, upon death, we attain our highest gain. Verses Used: Philippians 1:21 2 Timothy 4:16-22 Acts 13:50-51, 14:1-2, 5-7 &19-22 2 Timothy 4:18 Matthew 13:44-45 Discussion Questions: 1) At the time of his defense, everyone deserted Paul. What is your response when you feel deserted? What was Paul’s response, and what can we learn from him? 2) Though others abandoned Paul, who did not, and what did He do for Paul? What was Paul’s mission at this moment? (See 2 Timothy 4:17) 3) Luke 9:62 and Hebrews 10:37-39 call us not to shrink back from service to the Lord. What do these verses mean, and when are you most tempted to turn back? What resolutions must you make to avoid doing so? 4) What did Paul mean when he wrote, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain?” How ought these words to direct the course of our lives? 5) How does our future eternity compare with our present reality in Romans 8:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, and on what does Paul encourage us to focus when we are afflicted? How would doing so impact your perspective and encourage your heart?

Who Are You?

In this section of Scripture, we get a glimpse of Paul’s humanity as he makes some final requests to Timothy. He provides updates on fellow workers in the faith, where we can observe and reflect on their impact not just on Paul but also on the church. How do WE reflect these people Paul mentions, or where should we see warning signs? And what can we learn from how Paul handled these relationships?  Verses Used:  2 Timothy 4:9-15 Romans 15:5-6 Matthew 6:24 Isaiah 41:10 Romans 12:19 Discussion Questions 1) Paul said Demas loved this present world and deserted the mission. Why is the love of the world and the love of self incompatible with being a follower of Christ? 2) There are four faithful men listed in 2 Timothy 4:10-12. Who are they? How do you think they supported the work of the ministry? Would you be considered a faithful worker? Why or why not? 3) Why is it significant that Paul requests Mark to be brought to see him and that he considers him useful for service? What does this tell you about God’s ability to redeem the mistakes of our past and enable us to be useful again? 4) What does Paul say of Alexander the coppersmith in 2 Timothy 4:14-15, and what warning does he give Timothy? How do his instructions balance both wisdom and trust in the Lord, and what can we learn from this about those who mistreat us? 5) Even in prison, it seems Paul desires to study, read, write, and continue ministry however he can. What challenge does this offer to your own life? How can we be better at persevering in all areas of our lives?