Finish

Finish: Teamwork 

2 Timothy 4:9-22

 

Philemon 1:23-24

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. 24 So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers.

 

“The years have a way of taking our ideals away, of making us satisfied with less and less, of lowering our standards….There is no threat so dangerous and so insidious, as the threat of years to a man’s ideals.”  Wm. Barclay

 

“As hell is a place for those under the judgment of God, the world is also a place under His judgment. Therefore, salvation means being saved not only out of hell, but also out of the world.”  Nee

 

2 Corinthians 7:5-7

5 When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside. 6 But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. 7 His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you. When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy!

 

Colossians 4:14

Luke, the beloved doctor, sends his greetings, and so does Demas.

 

Acts 15:37-39

37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38 But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus.

 

Ephesians 6:21

To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work.

 

1 Timothy 1:19-20

19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.

20 Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God.

 

2 Timothy 1:16-18

16 May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. 17 When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me. 18 May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.

 

Finish:  End Zone

2 Timothy 4:1-8  

2 Timothy 4:6

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near.

Philippians 2:16-17

16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy.

Philippians 1:23

23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.

Philippians 3:7-9a

7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him.

Hebrews 12:1-2

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Philippians 3:9b-14

9 …I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! 12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

“We see Paul’s gospel fixation echoed throughout his letter to the Philippians. He is the man who when threatened says, “Well, to die is gain.” In response his captors will say, “We’ll torture you, then.” He says, “I don’t count the present suffering as worthy to even compare to the future glory.” You can’t win with a guy like this. If you want to kill him, he’s cool with that because it means he gets to be with Jesus. If you want to make him suffer, he’s cool with that, so long as it makes him like Jesus. If you want to let him live, he’s fine with that, because to him, “to live is Christ.” Paul is, as Richard Sibbes says of everyone united with Christ, a man who “can never be conquered.”  Matt Chandler

2 Timothy 4:8

And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

Romans 3:21-22

21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

1 John 2:28-29

28 And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame. 29 Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God’s children.

Finish: Proclaim

2 Timothy  4:1-5

2 Timothy 4:1

1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom:

Titus 2:12b-15a

12 We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.15 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them.

Mark 13:34-35

34 “The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. 35 You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak.

2 Timothy 4:2

2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

1 Peter 3:15b-16

15 … if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

2 Timothy 4:3-4

3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

2 Timothy 4:5

5 But you should

• Keep a clear mind in every situation.
• Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord.
• Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

1. People can be easily deceived, even prefer it (v. 3). We are to keep the truth front and center.

2. People will desire prosperity and comfort while seeking leaders who endorse the same (v.3b). We are prepared to suffer the opposite, and prepare others to expect the same.

3. People will, by their lifestyles, reject God’s word and pursue lesser gods (v.4). We are to pursue the calling God has given us by proclaiming the gospel and fulfilling the Great Commission.

Finish: “Thoroughly Equipped”

2 Timothy 3:10-17

David Niednagel, Founding Pastor

2Timothy 3:10-13    

¹⁰But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. ¹¹You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. ¹²Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. ¹³But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.

2Timothy 3:14-17

¹⁴But 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.  ¹⁵You 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.  ¹⁶All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  ¹⁷God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

How do we become “thoroughly equipped” for every good work?

By having role models that we can learn from.

Verse 10 “You certainly know what I teach”:

God became a man who lived a sinless life, was rejected, killed in our place, raised to life, ascended to heaven and is coming back to judge the world. - Phil 2:6-11; 2 Cor 5:21

Salvation is a gift from God to those who admit they need it and trust Christ alone for their forgiveness and righteousness. - Eph 2:8-10; Rom 3:18-25

He actually indwells those who trust Him (Jew and Gentile Eph 3:6) and becomes our only “hope of glory” - Col 1:27

and how I live,

I take up my cross and die to self daily.  Rom 12:1-2; 2 Cor 11:23-29

and what my purpose in life is.

to be conformed to the image of Christ - Rom 8:29

to share in His sufferings - Phil 3:10

to present every person complete/mature in Christ - Col 1:28-29

You know my faith,

We will be rewarded for serving and suffering. God will work everything for good. Nothing can separate us from His love. It will be worth it all! - Rom 8:17-39.

my patience – “long suffering”

In affliction – Rom 12:12

In the time it takes for growth and change – Eph 4:2; 2Tim 4:2

my love,

for the people in the churches – 2 Cor 2:4; 1 Thes 2:7; 3:12

my endurance.

In persecution – Acts 13:44-14:22

2 Timothy 3:11

“but the Lord rescued me from all of it”  How? Escape? No. By taking him through it all. How do we expect God to answer our prayers?

2 Timothy 3:12  

“Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution”.  

How do we develop the conviction and toughness to suffer for Christ?

2 Timothy 3:13

”But evil people and impostors will flourish" – will go from bad to worse.

Will we follow Christ in spite of “unanswered prayer”? Don't give up!!!

“They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived” – believing the benefits of sin will outweigh the consequences.

2 Timothy 3:15

Scripture is  - necessary to understand the good news of salvation. No human would have come up with this plan of righteousness as a gift from a humiliated God.

16 -  inspired by God – like wind blowing a ship (2 Pet 1:21) God used their human styles and personalities to compose and record His Word without error in the original manuscripts.

-       useful/profitable ­­– for teaching truth – everything we need for life and godliness – 2 Pet 1:3-4

-       for exposing sin and error (Rev 3:17);

-       for correcting, showing us the right way – how to repent

-       for training in righteousness.  Rom 15:4; Ps 119:97-105

–     to thoroughly equip us for every good work, no matter our limitations, (1 Cor 1:26-31; 2 Cor 12:9-10) so we can dispense every blessing God chooses – 2 Cor 9:8-14

To be equipped for victory in our life and transforming others, we need:

Mentors, models, examples  - who show us how to follow Christ

Scripture - so the Mind of Christ transforms and empowers us Rom - 12:2; Phil 2:3-11

Finish: Prepare Yourself

2 Tim 3:1-9                       

2 Timothy 3:1-5

¹You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.²For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. ³They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.  ⁴They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.  ⁵They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

“The last days” – was then and now.

Acts 2:17; 1 John 2:18

“Stay away from people like that!”

“Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

2 Timothy 3:2

1. Lovers of self – self protection is normal; self promotion is sinful. It shows we don’t have confidence in God. We must be taught to care about others.

2. Lovers of money – for prestige

3. Boastful, proud – of accomplishments, for prestige   

“Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth” Proverbs 27:2

4. Scoffing at God – don’t need God, blasphemers, abusive

5. Disobedient to parents – have not learned to respect authority

6. Ungrateful – attitude of entitlement, have not learned to appreciate the efforts of others on our behalf

7. Consider nothing sacred – no sense of something greater, to prompt awe, devotion

2 Timothy 3:3

8 & 9. Unloving, unforgiving – self #1; focus on sins of others, holds grudges, not willing to reconcile

10. Slander others – hurt others with words

11. No self-control – self-centered, short sighted

12. Cruel – bitter, vindictive, no conscience

13. Hate what is good (do not love what is good)– not trained to choose good

2 Timothy 3:4

14. Betray friends – use others for advancement, prestige

15. Reckless – does not consider consequences

“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” Proverbs 22:3 

They don't pay attention to danger coming and don't heed it.

 “One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.” Proverbs 14:16

16. Puffed up with pride – self seeking, and feels good about it! “They glory in their shame”. Philippians 3:19

17. Love pleasure rather than God – Don’t take God seriously, choose short term, least satisfying pleasure

2 Timothy 3:5

18. Act religious but reject the power – has no authority or power to change us

2Timothy 3:6-7    

⁶They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires.  ⁷(Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.)

Which of these qualities do you let in your home?

Which ones most describe you?

What qualities are the opposite of these?

Galatians 5:22-23 

“…The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…”

FINISH: An Approved Worker

Nathan Hazel & Zach Tinner

#hazelonthehill

2 Timothy 2:15-26

15Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith. 19But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the lord must turn away from evil.” 20In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. 22Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 23Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

"The series deals with finishing the life of discipleship well. Everyone has a tendency to start well, and Paul shows us in this letter how to end well."

-Dale Beaver

2 Timothy 2:15-18

15Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.

An approved worker (a useful vessel) is FOCUSED on the work of Christ.

Galatians 1:10

Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

2 Timothy 2:19-21

19But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the lord must turn away from evil.” 20In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

An approved worker (a useful vessel) is FAITHFUL with their approach to scripture.

"Those utensils made of wood and clay were not for any honorable use, but rather those uses were repulsive-disposing of garbage and the filthy waste of the household."

-John MacArthur

John 15:18-20

18“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. 20Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you.

2 Corinthians 11:23-27

23Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. 24Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 25Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.

2 Timothy 2:24

A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.

Finish:  Be Strong

2 Timothy 2:1-14

2 Timothy 2:1

1 Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.

There is grace for the deposit of discipleship.

2 Timothy 2:2

2 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.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

1 Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. 2 It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place. 3 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.

1 Corinthians 15:5-10

5 He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7 Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him. 9 For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.10 But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.

The flow of discipleship between Paul and Timothy

1. Christ entrusted the gospel to Paul (Acts 9)

2. Paul entrusted his life and work to Christ (2 Tim. 1:12)

3. Paul entrusted the gospel to Timothy. (2 Tim. 1:13-14)

4. Timothy is to entrust the gospel to other faithful disciples. (2 Tim. 2:2)

We will intentionally help people:

1.      Fill their minds with truth.

2.      Fuel their affection for God.

3.      Demonstrate God’s love as a member of CFC

4.      Spread His glory among all people.

5.      Become disciple-makers

There is grace for the duty of discipleship

2 Timothy 2:3-4

3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them

There is grace for the discipline of discipleship

2 Timothy 2:5

5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.

There is grace for the diligence and dependence of discipleship

2 Timothy 2:6-7

6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.

There is grace for the desolation of discipleship

2 Timothy 2:8-10

8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. 9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

2 Timothy 2:11-14

11 This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. 12 If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. 13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. 14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

Finish: Mommy Matters

2 Timothy 1:5-18

A genuine faith leaves a lasting impression

2 Timothy 1:5-7

5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

A genuine faith takes a tested courage

2 Timothy 1:8-12

8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. 9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 10 And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. 11 And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News. 12 That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.

A genuine faith is patterned after a pure gospel

2 Timothy 1:13-14

13 Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. 14 Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

1 Timothy 6:20-21

20 Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. 21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness.

A genuine faith is differentiated by a loving determination

2 Timothy 1:15-18

15 As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted me—even Phygelus and Hermogenes.16 May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. 17 When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me. 18 May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.

Matthew 10:37-39

37 “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. 38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. 39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

Finish: Sustained

2 Timothy 1:1-4

Acts 16:1-5

1Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium, 3 so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey. In deference to the Jews of the area, he arranged for Timothy to be circumcised before they left, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek. 4 Then they went from town to town, instructing the believers to follow the decisions made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew larger every day.

Philippians 2:19-22

19 If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along. 20 I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. 21 All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. 22 But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News.                  

2 Timothy 1:1-2

1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 I am writing to Timothy, my dear son. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.

To finish life as faithful disciples we are sustained by grace, mercy and peace.

Acts 9:3-6

3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

1 Timothy 1:3-4

3 Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.

I am thankful to God for you.

You are now part of my legacy.

I pray for you daily.

I can’t wait to see you again.

I delight in you.