NEW SERIES begins this Sunday July 16, 2023

 Set Apart: A Life Lived for God

Set Apart: A Life Lived for God

The greatest changes in history are happening right now, in our time. The digital age has reconfigured our world. Things once thought unimaginable have come to pass, forever altering our lives. It’s estimated that our world has undergone only about 15 percent of the changes expected from the digital revolution. People everywhere feel stretched and sometimes torn by the never-ending changes we are enduring. Many are beleaguered as the digital age disorients and sometimes dehumanizes people. How do we navigate the tumult of such an ever-changing world?

Followers of Christ recognize the signs of the times and understand that God has placed us here, where we are, for a reason. We live at the tip of the spear between heaven and earth — as part of the kingdom of God and as citizens of earth. We are certainly in this world, but we need not be of it.

In the midst of our world’s uncertainty, God has given us a sure Word. He has called us to be His holy people. He wants us to live our lives in a way that is radically distinguished from the world around us — set apart with hope, wholeness, and holiness. In this study, we’ll learn how to live our lives set apart in such a way that it brings good to us and glory to God.

Click Play to Watch Promo

Live Unashamed. The emphasis in this study is on sanctification, what it means to live set apart in God and growing to be more like Christ. As our walk with Christ deepens, our lives increasingly point to Christ, the One who has set us apart. We live unashamed of who we are in Christ.

Set Apart: A Life Lived for God

Session 1 Set Apart: The Holiness of God Psalm 99:1-9

Session 2 Set Apart by Christ Romans 6:5-14

Session 3 Set Apart but Not Alone 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Session 4 Set Apart in the Way We Think Romans 12:1-5,9-13

Session 5 Set Apart in the Way We Live 2 John 1-9

Session 6 Set Apart for the Journey Philippians 3:12-21 

1. Set Apart: The Holiness of God

Question 1: What’s something you possess that you think of as unique?

THE POINT

God is holy and set apart from everything else in His creation.

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE

I’ve been serious about my faith since receiving Christ. Immediately after my belief and baptism, I was intentionally discipled until leaving for college. After arriving at a large state university, I took a religion class in a lecture hall with a Buddhist professor and over two hundred students from every imaginable background.

Though I was a devoted Christ-follower, I began to explore different belief systems in order to better share my faith in Jesus. This led to years of research in religious communities across the continent. I’ve had discussions about divine truth and Jesus with Hare Krishnas in a Toronto commune, Fundamentalist Muslims in a Chicago Islamic center, and Unitarian Universalists in downtown Philadelphia.

In fact, I’ve had dialogues in more ashrams, temples, and monasteries than I can remember. And against that backdrop one primary truth stands out: The God of the Bible is holy. He is utterly distinct from His creation. These traits distinguish Him from all other so-called gods. Let’s learn more about the One, True God.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Psalm 99:1-3

1 The Lord reigns! Let the peoples tremble. He is enthroned between the cherubim. Let the earth quake. 2 The Lord is great in Zion; he is exalted above all the peoples. 3 Let them praise your great and awe-inspiring name. He is holy.

God inspired King David to write the lyrics to Psalm 99. It’s now one of the most popular sacred songs in Scripture. The word “psalm” literally means “melody” in the Old Testament’s original Hebrew language. The book of Psalms is commonly called the Hymnbook of Ancient Israel.

Though several “songs” appear throughout the pages of Scripture (the Song of Moses and Miriam, Ex. 15; the Song of Deborah, Judg. 5; the Song of David’s Victory, 1 Sam. 18; Mary’s Song, Luke 1), three Bible books are exclusively comprised of sacred songs:

• Psalms include 150 songs, divided into five books, each having a broad theme;
• Lamentations is a set of five dirges, expressing deep mourning about the destruction of Jerusalem; and
• Song of Songs is a single sacred song about marital and divine love.

Psalms is also known as the “Psalter.” Psalter is a Latin phrase recognizing the book as a collection of songs to be used in devotional and liturgical settings. In other words, the psalms (and certainly Psalm 99) invite us to worship. This worship, as understood by the dual intention of the psalter, is to include the adoration of God in private, personal (devotional) situations and in corporate worship (liturgical) settings.

In Psalm 99:1-3, we see God depicted as a King, an indication of His greatness as the King of kings. As King David wrote these lyrics under divine inspiration, he had an acute understanding of the Kingship of God. After all, David himself enjoyed many of the entitlements of being a king.

Question 2: What do you find awe-inspiring about God?

During those times, it wasn’t uncommon for earthly kings and pharaohs to be perceived as divine and to receive worship. But in Scripture, God is utterly set apart from all other sources of human authority. In fact, King David exclaimed that everyone, everywhere owes God worship. David then anticipated a question that might be in the minds of people as to why the God of Israel deserved such praise. He responds with clarifying simplicity, proclaiming, “He is holy.”

David was the human king who had brought the people under a single government through his political and military prowess. But in these verses, David is pointing to the King of kings, who was not only to be worshiped by the covenant people of Israel, but by all the tribes and nations on earth. This King, unlike David and others who ruled defined plots of real estate in the middle east, was announced as the Sovereign Ruler of the world, sitting on a heavenly throne while making earth His footstool (Isa. 66:1).

Just as these words of Scripture provided spiritual direction to the people of Judah and Israel during David’s time (around 1000 BC), they are also instructive for us today. God is presented as holy, exalted, and set apart. These truths require us to respond in the same way David instructed Israel to respond: By recognizing the holiness of God and offering a sacrifice of worship.

Psalm 99:4-5

4 The mighty King loves justice. You have established fairness; you have administered justice and righteousness in Jacob. 5 Exalt the Lord our God; bow in worship at his footstool. He is holy.

In the opening lyrics of this sacred song, the king and psalmist, David, established the incomparable greatness of God. Though he could have grounded God’s greatness in His possession of having omnipotent power, that reality was instead rooted in God’s holiness. It’s expressed in the terms of “love justice” and “established fairness.”

Earthly greatness has been perceived historically in terms of personal might and demonstrations of brute strength, especially militarily. In Scripture, God clearly possesses all strength and power (Nah. 1:7). This is best seen in His role as a divine warrior and by His biblical title as the “Lord of Armies” (1 Sam. 17:45). It is in this capacity that God was depicted as the commander of the heavenly armies and the unmatched King of Glory, something David understood very well as an accomplished warrior himself.

Scripture doesn’t direct us to God’s power as the primary reason He is set apart in His glory.

IMAGES OF HOLINESS

Psalm 99 includes beautiful imagery about the glory and holiness of God. Choose one of the images below that cause you to think of God’s holiness. Then write a prayer of praise.

My Prayer:

“As we grow in holiness, we grow in hatred of sin; and God, being infinitely holy, has an infinite hatred of sin.”

JERRY BRIDGES

Instead, David points to God’s moral authority as the basis for Him being praiseworthy. In other words, God’s fundamental identity is based in His personal character. It’s God’s holiness that makes Him great and sets Him apart from all other earthly kings and so-called gods.

One thing common to kings across the ages has been the possession of authority and the responsibilities that go along with that. Invariably, new kings were commanded to use their ruling authority to sustain the kingdom being granted to them. This included the admonition to establish peace through upholding the law and administering justice.

As king, David knew all too well the importance of establishing fairness and administrating justice. This truth remains important today. As we witness injustice and unfairness by those in positions of authority and in society at large, we’re to be reminded that this is not what God intended. David’s psalm provides the image of a Holy God, set apart and executing justice in His greatness. In the future, the Lord Jesus Christ will occupy the throne of David as the King of kings and the Prince of Peace, and He will make all things right.

Question 3: Where do you long to see justice in our world?

Psalm 99:6-9

6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests; Samuel also was among those calling on his name. They called to the Lord and he answered them. 7 He spoke to them in a pillar of cloud; they kept his decrees and the statutes he gave them. 8 Lord our God, you answered them. You were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their sinful actions. 9 Exalt the Lord our God; bow in worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy.

Spiritual intimacy with God is something that’s unique in the Bible, especially the New Testament. One wouldn’t find examples of personal intimacy with God in the writings that other faiths consider sacred. Concepts like being friends of God (John 15:15), God identifying with our suffering (Heb. 4:15), and people confidently approaching God’s Holy presence (Heb. 4:16) are all foreign concepts in other world religions.

The Bible presents fellowship with God as a wonderful reality that obedient believers experience routinely. Even so, it’s important that we not allow ourselves to become overfamiliar with God. We mustn’t forget that despite His intimate closeness—what theologians call “immanence”—God is also set apart in His actions toward us—something called “transcendence.” A balance must be struck between these parallel truths.

Question 4: 

How do God’s actions in the past give you confidence in your daily walk with Him?

Because of God’s divine otherness and humanity’s sinful frailty, people can’t approach God without a mediator. In the Bible, these mediators are identified as priests and prophets. Moses’s brother Aaron represented priests. Samuel represented prophets. God used men like these to help people establish a relationship with God or to re-establish fellowship with Him.

In His actions toward humanity, God is to be feared by the sinful but loved and obeyed by those who seek His forgiveness. Our proper response to our great and terrible God is to exalt Him and bow to Him in worship, for He alone is holy.

Question 5: Why is God’s holiness so vital to our faith?

LIVE IT OUT

God is holy and set apart from everything else in His creation. Choose one of the following applications:

Pray. Ask God to reveal any times your thoughts, attitudes, or behavior have disappointed Him. Ask God to redeem those character flaws and make you more like Him.

Reflect. Meditate on the moral attributes of God (holiness, righteousness, justice, love, mercy, wisdom). Identify those principles and ask God to help you embody those attributes in your life.

Search. Search Scripture using available Bible tools in your library or online. Record examples of God’s greatness and how He is set apart from all of creation. Ask God to expand your mind to comprehend His glory, then to magnify Himself through you as you manifest His transforming power in your life.

As we seek to grow in our understanding of God’s holiness, He can do the deep work of making us holy, while increasing our capacity to grow in personal faith. Let’s commit to being holy even as He is holy. 

Teacher Notes:

Click Play to Watch

The holiness of God should cause you to tremble!

For many people, “holy” refers to something highly religious; it’s sacred and untouchable. However, holiness is first and foremost the chief attribute of God. It refers to something that is set apart from the rest, and God is certainly set apart from anything and everything else. As followers of Christ, we, too, are called to be holy and set apart. “But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; for it is written, be holy, because I am holy” (1 Pet. 1:15-16, CBS).

 

God wants us to live our lives in a way that is radically distinguished from the world around us — set apart with hope, wholeness, and holiness.

 

Psalm 99:1-3

The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; He sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. Great is the LORD in Zion; He is exalted over all the nations. Let them praise Your great and awesome name — He is holy.

 

God is set apart by His greatness.

The Lord reigns, He is great, and He is holy.

 

How are we as Christians to show the holiness of God’s name?

Everyone should praise God’s great and awesome name because His name symbolizes His nature. Who He is, and His reputation. But the name of God is used so often in vulgar conversation that we have lost sight of its holiness. How easy it is to treat God lightly in everyday life. If you claim Him as your Father, live worthy of the family name. Respect God’s name and give Him praise by both your words and your life.

 

Psalm 99:4-5

The King is mighty, He loves justice — You have established equity; in Jacob You have done what is just and right. Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His footstool; He is holy.

 

God is set apart by His justice.

 God is also holy in His moral purity. No one is good or righteous like Him. Again, He is totally set apart from us.

We become quite conscious of our sin in the presence of such moral purity. That was what Isaiah the prophet experienced in the presence of holy God. His cry was: “Woe is me!”

 

Comparing My Holiness to God’s

I have these moments when I start to feel pretty good about my spiritual walk. (It’s easy if I compare myself to the right people.) Of course, I’m way too righteous to ever be considered self-righteous, but then — BAM! — I am reminded of God’s holiness and righteousness, and I am brought back to reality.

 

Sometimes when I’m working on my lesson, I will burn a candle. I like the smell and the candle also puts off light, but it sits in front of a large window that lets in the sunlight. The puny light of that candle is no match for the output of the sun!

That reminds me in a sense of my personal holiness compared to God’s holiness – there’s no comparison.  “Holy” means to be unique, separate from, and set apart, and nothing or no one is holy like God. He is the Creator; He is over and above His creation, completely set apart from everything.

When I think of God’s holiness, I am keenly aware of my own insignificance and sinfulness. What amazes me about God is that, in His infinite holiness, still chooses to love me!

 

God’s holiness is terribly frightening for sinners, but a wonderful comfort for believers. God is morally perfect and is set apart from people and sin. He has no weaknesses or shortcomings. For sinners, this is frightening because of their inadequacies and evil are exposed by the light of God’s holiness. God cannot tolerate, ignore, or excuse sin. For believers, God’s holiness gives comfort because, as we worship Him, we are lifted from the mire of sin. As we believe in Him, we are made holy.

 

 

Psalm 99:6-9

Moses and Aaron were among His priests, Samuel was among those who called on His name; they called on the LORD and He answered them. He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept His statutes and the decrees He gave them. LORD our God, You answered them; You were to Israel a forgiving God, though You punished their misdeeds. Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.

 

God is set apart by His grace.

God answers those who call on His name. He gives instruction and guidance to us in various ways. He holds us accountable for our sin, but He also extends forgiveness. God’s grace gives us another reason to worship Him as the holy God.

 

How do we balance reverence for God with a close personal relationship with Him?

 

Spiritual intimacy with God is something that’s unique in the Bible, especially the New Testament. One wouldn’t find examples of personal intimacy with God in the writings that other faiths consider sacred. Concepts like being friends of God (John 15:15), God identifying with our suffering (Heb. 4:15), and people confidently approaching God’s Holy presence (Heb. 4:16) are all foreign concepts in other world religions.

The Bible presents fellowship with God as a wonderful reality that obedient believers experience routinely. Even so, it’s important that we not allow ourselves to become overfamiliar with God. We mustn’t forget that despite His intimate closeness — what theologians call “immanence” — God is also set apart in His actions toward us — something called “transcendence.” A balance must be struck between these parallel truths.

 

Why is God’s holiness so vital to our faith?

 

 Conclusion

Psalm 99 speaks of God’s presence (He dwells between the cherubim), but in His presence He reigns. God isn’t simply there; He is a reigning king. Let the nations tremble: In the presence of a sovereign God, it is appropriate to tremble. Even the earth can be moved in His presence – much more so should we be moved.

Class Lesson July 9, 2023

6. Paul and Timothy

Question 1: Whom do people sometimes say you act or talk like?

THE POINT

Focus your mentoring on growth in Christ and in His Word.

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE

Most children want to be like one of their parents. I was no exception. My dad was in the grocery business, and although I had no desire to follow his footsteps as a store owner, I certainly wanted to be like him. I grew up working in my dad’s store on Saturdays and during the summer. I watched how he handled the customers, stocked the shelves, and worked the cash register. And I imitated all that I saw. It wasn’t long before people would say, “You did that just like your dad would have.”

Even today, my wife will point to something I said or a hand gesture I used, and she will exclaim, “You’re just like your dad!” I take that as a high compliment. I can see my dad in a lot of what I do and how I react. After all, he was a great role model!

In many ways, that’s what mentoring is all about: learning to follow the pattern of others so that spiritual growth happens.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Acts 16:1-5

1 Paul went on to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek. 2 The brothers and sisters at Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to go with him; so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they traveled through the towns, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem for the people to observe. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

Acts 16 details the beginning of Paul’s second missionary journey. It was then the young man Timothy most likely was converted to faith in Christ. Timothy was spoken highly of by the believers in both Lystra and nearby Iconium.

Now on his second missionary journey, Paul and Timothy were reacquainted. Timothy’s father was Greek, and the verb tense in the phrase “his father was a Greek” hints that Timothy’s father may have been deceased at the time of Paul’s arrival. Thus, Paul may have become like a father figure to Timothy. Later Paul would call Timothy his “true son in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:2). Timothy, for his part, became a valuable assistant to the apostle.

The decision by Timothy to accept Paul’s invitation to join their missionary endeavor certainly was made with complete knowledge of the dangers faced. No doubt Timothy and his family had either been present or learned almost immediately of the stoning Paul received on that first visit to Lystra. Yet Timothy responded to God’s call through Paul to accompany Paul and Silas on the continuation of their trip. In doing so, Paul would directly mentor Timothy as he walked side-by-side with him each day of the journey. Timothy would see all aspects of Paul’s character, both private and public.

Question 2: How have others’ examples helped you grow as a Christian?

Note the principles of mentoring in this passage. The best mentoring takes place one-on-one as you share daily life with the person with whom you are working. Working together on a common goal allows plenty of opportunities for teaching. This also gives opportunities for the one being discipled to take the lead in the tasks at hand. Such hands-on training is extremely valuable. There is no better training than to watch the example of a mentor and being involved in the work as it unfolds.

One other thing that stands out in the story of Timothy is the role his mother played in his conversion and growth as a believer. In this passage, we are only told that Timothy was “the son of a believing Jewish woman,” but 2 Timothy mentions her by name, Eunice, as well as his grandmother Lois (1:5). In that passage, Paul commented on the sincere faith shared between son, mother, and grandmother. These women obviously played a role in his spiritual growth. Timothy was blessed to have several people speak into his life to disciple and mentor him.

2 Timothy 2:1-2

1 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

In the months and years following Paul’s invitation for Timothy to join the second missionary journey, Timothy proved to be a valuable partner in the spreading of the gospel. Paul sent Timothy on a variety of important missions on his behalf. Timothy served as Paul’s representative to various churches. In his later years, Paul said this about Timothy: “For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father” (Phil. 2:20-22).

These words about Timothy set the ideal goal for any mentoring relationship. While the initial goal might be problem solving, accomplishing a goal, or something similar, the relationship must go beyond that. Ultimately, our desire ought to be for the person we are discipling to grow in character and faith so that their spiritual maturity will shine through. We are training them for kingdom advancement!

Much of Paul’s success with Timothy came through the day-to-day investment he made in the young man’s life. They were together for months at a time. Timothy benefited from Paul’s investment in his spiritual growth and maturity. That relationship, though, changed over time as Paul sought to encourage Timothy when he began serving as the pastor of a church. The content of the two epistles addressed to Timothy was written to give guidance, encouragement, and support for Timothy in the work God had called Timothy to do. Paul never ceased thinking of their relationship as that of a father and a son in the faith. As a spiritual father, he still saw his responsibility for the ongoing growth of his spiritual offspring.

Second Timothy 2:1-2 sets up a significant pattern for mentoring and discipleship. One person disciples another, who disciples others who, in their turn, proceed to disciple others! We certainly see this in the life of Timothy. Jesus called twelve men whom He mentored and discipled in spiritual growth. From these first apostles, Barnabas learned the ways of Christianity and grew in the Lord. He, in turn, came alongside Saul of Tarsus to bring him into the fellowship of the Jerusalem church and encouraged his growth as a believer. Saul, or Paul, in turn, discipled Timothy as a convert to Christianity. Timothy, now, was charged with the responsibility to pass on what he had learned to others. They, in turn, would pass on to still others who would continue the task of mentoring the next generation of believers.

Question 3: How can we identify those we should invest in?

2 Timothy 3:10-12

10 But you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance, 11 along with the persecutions and sufferings that came to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured—and yet the Lord rescued me from them all. 12 In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

In the middle of his letter, Paul reminded Timothy of the example he had set as a mentor. He used this remembrance to challenge Timothy to live out the same example before those he pastored. Paul mentioned seven qualities he had modeled for Timothy, and he commended Timothy for developing those same qualities in his own life: teaching, conduct or behavior, godly purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance.

Timothy was also aware of Paul’s “persecutions and sufferings.” In fact, these qualities were clearly seen in how Paul responded to the sufferings he experienced. Timothy had been present through much of the persecution and sufferings that Paul faced.

Paul had modeled before Timothy how to respond as a follower of Christ in these situations. He encouraged Timothy to pass that quality on to those he taught as well. We would do well to help those we mentor to understand that as believers we also will face increasing pressure and ridicule in the days ahead because of our faith. As Paul modeled for Timothy, we can exemplify how we are to respond. Our response can point to our resolute faith in Jesus Christ.

Question 4: What motivates you to continue growing as a follower of Christ?

These qualities or characteristics mentioned by Paul form a great outline for teaching and modeling Christian growth to those we mentor. Sound doctrine is essential. Integrity in conduct is vital. Let’s help others embrace a God-honoring purpose for their lives. By our own example, we can challenge them to display faithfulness in all they do, exhibiting patience with people and endurance with adverse circumstances. Above all, let’s model and teach them to show their love for God in their loving relationships with others.

Question 5: What can we learn from the relationship between Paul and Timothy?

DECISION TIME

On the graph below, with 1 being “I’m not ready to mentor” and 10 being “I’m ready to begin a mentoring relationship,” place an “X” that represents where you are now. Then answer the questions.

Not Ready Ready!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

What are some questions you still have about mentoring?

Who is someone you can take these questions to for help?

Write a prayer of commitment to mentor someone as God leads:

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, and you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

2 TIMOTHY 3:14-15

LIVE IT OUT

We should focus our mentoring on growth in Christ and in His Word. Choose one of the following applications:

Evaluate. Examine your life in light of the qualities listed in 2 Timothy 3:10. Thank God for the areas where you see growth and ask Him for wisdom and strength in growing in other areas.

Mutually support. Meet with another believer and discuss together the qualities listed in 2 Timothy 3:10. Help each other evaluate your progress and work together in helping one another grow.

Mentor. Now that this six-session study on mentoring is complete, find someone you can disciple. Walk alongside this individual, mentoring and discipling even as Paul did with Timothy.

We all have people in our lives we’ve looked up to and wanted to be like. Nowhere is that more important than in the Christian life. Let’s do all we can to find a mentor to help us, and to find someone we can help in their Christian walk also. 

Teacher Notes:

What is the most important thing we can teach our children?

Acts 16:1-5

Paul went on to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek. The brothers and sisters at Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him. Paul wanted Timothy to go with him; so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they traveled through the towns, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem for the people to observe. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

 

Timothy is the first second-generation Christian mentioned in the New Testament. His mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois (2 Timothy 1:5), had become believers and had faithfully influenced him for the Lord. Timothy’s father apparently was not a Christian, but the faithfulness of Timothy’s mother and grandmother prevailed. Never underestimate the far-reaching consequences of raising one small child to love the Lord.

Timothy and his mother, Eunice, were from Lystra. Eunice had probably heard Paul’s preaching when he was there during his first missionary journey (14:16-18). Timothy was the son of a Jewish mother and Greek father – to the Jews, a half-breed like a Samaritan. So, Paul asked Timothy to be circumcised to remove some of the stigma he may have had with Jewish believers. Timothy was not required to be circumcised (the Jerusalem Council had decided that – chapter 15), but he voluntarily did this to overcome any barriers to his witness for Christ. Sometimes we need to go beyond the minimum requirements to help our audience receive our testimony.    

 

 

Who were your spiritual influencers when you were growing up? 

 

 

Build a Foundation

This begins with trust. For Paul to minister to Timothy, the establishment of trust was paramount. Paul saw and was pleased with the family background of Timothy (2 Tim. 1-5), wanted Timothy to travel with him to continue the work of ministry. Timothy left such an impression on Paul that he wanted to mentor him. Building a strong foundation is essential for trust and mentorship. Circumcision was the first step to calming Jewish critics, who made it a big issue. Timothy proved his trust level with Paul and allowed circumcision to be performed. With that, the foundation was built for Timothy to be an apprentice to Paul and learn under his tutelage. In verses 4 and 5, Paul and Timothy traveled through towns and strengthened churches as they grew in daily numbers.

 

 

 

2 Timothy 2:1-2

You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

 

Fast forward – Timothy is a pastor to the church of Ephesus and Paul is in prison now with only Luke with him. He writes this letter, his last letter, to pass the torch to the next generation of church leaders. It’s a letter of instruction and encouragement to Timothy.

 

How can we mentor in such a way that a person is equipped to then mentor others?

 

Build a Focus

be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

How can someone be strong in grace?

Grace means undeserved favor. Just as we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8,9), we should live by grace (Colossians 2:6). This means trusting completely in Christ and His power, and not trying to live for Christ in our strength alone. Receive and utilize Christ’s power. He will give you the strength to do His work.

V.2 If the church were to consistently follow this advice, it would expand geometrically as well-taught believers would teach others and commission them, in turn, to teach still others. Disciples need to be equipped to pass on their faith; our work is not done until new believers are able to make disciples of others.

After some time with Timothy, Paul moved toward building him up for ministry, which entailed focusing on the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Make no mistake; ministry was difficult, and persecution surrounding this upstart Christian group remained volatile. However, Paul reminded Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Understanding that strength is not in oneself but in the grace of Jesus Christ. Proverbs 3:5-7 reminds us not “to lean on our own understanding.” In the same way, we must understand that our strength is insufficient to handle the challenges of the day. However, as Paul advised Timothy, we must be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Paul encouraged Peter to follow in his footsteps as he walked in the faith. May we not only follow those who have gone before us but leave a trail for those who come after us.

 

 

2 Timothy 3:10-12

But you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance, along with the persecutions and sufferings that came to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured — and yet the Lord rescued me from them all. In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

 

Paul sets these verses up by discussing the difficult times that lie ahead for Christian service – verses 1-9 describe a Godlessness that will occur in the last days. His description of behavior is happening right now in our society – even among Christians.

What role does persecution or the threat of it have in helping us grow in Christ?

 

 

Build a Fighter

After Paul established a foundation with Timothy and locked in his focus on Christ Jesus, the only thing left to do was to build a fighter. Paul gave Timothy a summary of everything he had experienced under Paul's care. In these few verses, Paul became a cheerleader, teammate, counselor, and coach. Paul reminded Timothy that he had followed his teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance (v. 10). This reminder will be significant as Timothy moved forward without Paul's presence. In verse 11, Paul reminded Timothy of the persecution that came to him in certain cities and that as followers of Jesus Christ, persecution will come. Many Christians today are unaware that Christianity is a contact sport and hard hits happen. Because Jesus received persecution, persecution will occur for all who follow Him. May we be the kind of people rooted and grounded in God's word amidst persecution to be a light to the world and an example for generations to come.

 

 

Conclusion

Paul’s mentorship remained simple. Impart the overwhelming awareness of what Jesus Christ did on the cross into a mentee. In doing so, an unmatched allegiance to Jesus will inspire a tenacity to learn about God’s unmerited grace. Once unmerited grace is understood, persecution becomes an honor worth enduring because of the sacrifice Jesus suffered on our behalf. Therefore, the Great Commission of going “into all the world” (Matt. 28:19-20) becomes paramount because everyone needs to hear and see the captivating works of Jesus Christ in the lives of His believers. After which, the mentee becomes the mentor, and the cycle of training new believers starts all over again. Once that happens, making disciples who make disciples is never ending, and the world transformation of lives happens because one mentor impacts one mentee.  Pass it on!!  

 

 Click Play to Watch

Setting

The first section of study in this session records our introduction to a young believer named Timothy, whom Paul invited to join him on his second missionary journey. Timothy, perhaps only a teen at the time, would grow to become a major protégé of Paul. His ministry would be shaped by his experience traveling and observing the great apostle.

The other verses for this session are from the second letter Paul wrote to Timothy. It was written from a Roman prison and likely the last of all his epistles. Second Timothy is one in the trilogy of “Pastoral Letters,” along with First Timothy and Titus, written to encourage his two young friends and to offer specific guidance for their gospel ministry.

Timothy was one of Paul’s most valued coworkers with whom he had a deep personal relationship, seen in that he referred to him as his “own son in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:2). The letter needs to be read with the sense of urgency that was behind it, having come from one who stood faithfully for Christ and would soon be laying down his life for the cause of the gospel. He exhorted Timothy to be strong and faithful in his service to Christ. The letter has a little more of a personal tone than the other two Pastoral Letters.

He sought to prepare Timothy to carry on the work of the gospel after he was gone. “Paul is understandably concerned to pass the baton of the gospel to his trusted followers. . . . Although staring execution and death in the face, Paul continues to be concerned about the missionary enterprise and the welfare of his band of co-workers.” 1 Therefore, Paul urged Timothy to draw on a source of strength outside himself, to become a mentor to others, to live faithfully despite difficulty, and to grow in Christ through his adherence to God’s Word. Such faithfulness was necessary from those who claimed to follow Christ. Paul had not only preached it to Timothy; he had lived it before him.

 

 

10 REASONS WHY CHURCHES MUST REACH COLLEGE STUDENTS

 

I first wrote about this topic in 2016, but my burden for university and college students has grown exponentially since then. I’m convinced we can change the world for Christ if we reach this group; in fact, I want the next season of my ministry career to include investing even more in college students. Here’s why:

 

1.   There are a lot of them.  More than 19 million students are in colleges and universities in the United States. That’s a “people group” unto themselves – a mission field often within a short distance of our churches.

2.   They are in a critical stage of life. They are inquisitive, open, and ask questions. They’re being exposed to theories and worldviews other than Christian. If we can reach them now while they’re open, the rest of their life will be transformed.

3.   God has often begun awakenings with college students. In the Second Great Awakening, God moved at places like Hampden-Sydney College and Williams College (where the “Haystack Meeting” occurred). The 1970 revival that began at Asbury College in Kentucky spread to multiple campuses in the U.S.—and we recently saw glimpses again of that movement.  

4.   They are the nations among us. More than 1 million international students attend colleges and universities in the U.S. Many are open to talking about religious matters, and some will have their first exposure to the gospel on their university campus. The fields are ripe . . ..

5.   When they follow the Lord, they do so with great passion. My faith is challenged when I hang out with students willing to give their lives to take the gospel to the nations. When they truly know the Lord, they dig into His Word and fight for holiness. We need them in our churches.

6.   They need – and genuinely want – mentors. Give them just a few minutes, and they’ll flock to you. They want cross-generational relationships that help them navigate life. The local church wins when older Christian mentors and young mentees connect.

7.   They rightly challenge us to explain our faith. They’re not interested in superficial, routine Christianity. Rather, they want authenticity, depth, and relevance—and they’re unafraid to ask questions we should be ready to answer.

8.   They are the leaders of today and tomorrow. I know that sentence sounds cliché, but it’s right. We have an opportunity to influence their lives today for the sake of the gospel tomorrow. Don’t miss it!

Take a little time today to learn about college and university students near your church. Reach out to them. If you’re not within driving distance of a campus, spend time intentionally in prayer for those leaders who are.

 

Pass It On

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,

And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;

That's how it is with God's Love,

Once you've experienced it,

Your spread the love to everyone

You want to pass it on.

 

 

Class Lesson July 2, 2023

 

5. Barnabas and Paul

Question 1: In what areas of life do you typically measure growth?

THE POINT

Expect mentoring relationships to change over time.

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE

“My, how she has grown since I last saw her.” How many times have you said that about someone’s child? We expect babies to grow. We get excited when a child takes those first steps, speaks those first words, and even later, goes to school. It’s a natural part of life.

In one of my college classes, we took a trip to a state school for the developmentally challenged. We saw children as old as eleven years old still in diapers and still sleeping in cribs. These were children who for a variety of reasons had never grown up.

Even as we expect babies and children to grow, the same should be true for those we are mentoring. We want them to grow. As that occurs, the relationship between the one mentoring and the one being mentored will change as well. It is a natural part of the discipling relationship. With that change there may also come a time of ending the mentoring relationship and finding someone else to assist in growing spiritually.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Acts 9:26-28

26 When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. 27 Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 Saul was coming and going with them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.

Acts 9:1-25 chronicles the conversion of Saul, who was later known as Paul. When we come to verse 26, Paul had been a believer for three years and might not be considered a new believer. For one thing, he was a Pharisee, so he possessed an incredible knowledge of Scripture. He had studied the Old Testament law under a master rabbi of his day, Gamaliel. Also, before coming to Jerusalem, Saul went to “seminary” in the deserts of Arabia. It was three years before Paul returned to Jerusalem (Gal. 1:17-18).

Question 2: When you were a new believer, what relationship was the most impactful for your growth as a Christian?

The Christians in Jerusalem viewed Paul with great suspicion. Those early believers initially shunned him when he sought fellowship with the church. They were frightened by his reputation as a leader of the persecution of the church. They found it incredulous to believe that he was now a follower of Christ. Was his newfound faith simply a pretense to continue his work of wreaking havoc with the church? Such questions created a barrier between Paul and the other Christians in Jerusalem. Thankfully, Paul had a mentor to come alongside him and help him develop his calling as an apostle of Christ.

That mentor was a disciple named Barnabas, who took the initiative to “sponsor” Paul and vouch for him before the church. This certainly was in character for Barnabas. The first reference to Barnabas is in Acts 4:36-37, where Barnabas’s generosity was highlighted. In that passage, Barnabas was identified as Joseph, whose nickname was “Barnabas,” which meant “Son of Encouragement.” This was certainly true in the role he played with Paul, who must have been discouraged by the lack of greeting he received from the Jerusalem believers.

Every new believer is vulnerable to times of discouragement as they seek to follow Christ. What begins with such joy often encounters bumps in the road. These new believers need their own “Barnabas” to come alongside them. They need someone to walk with them through those early months of their journey. As we work to be an encouragement to a new follower of Christ, we can include the following in our mentoring:

• Development of a regular quiet time with Bible reading and prayer.
• The need for daily confession of sin and surrender to the lordship of Christ.
• Meeting regularly with others in a small group Bible study.
• Steps to confronting temptation.
• Finding a place of service in the church family.
• The importance of regular corporate worship.
• Opportunities to share the gospel.

These are just a few things that will help them grow in their faith.

Acts 11:22-26

22 News about them reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And large numbers of people were added to the Lord. 25 Then he went to Tarsus to search for Saul, 26 and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

Arising out of the wave of persecution that visited the church in Jerusalem, believers were scattered throughout the region (Acts 8:1). Initially they shared Jesus only with the Jews. Soon, however, the mold of Jewish-only believers was broken. As Peter was sharing Jesus with the Gentile Cornelius (10:1-48), the church in Antioch of Syria was preaching the gospel to Gentiles without any restrictions. The Jerusalem church decided that the situation in Antioch warranted investigation, and Barnabas was sent as their representative to Antioch.

It’s apparent that the early church recognized the ability of Barnabas as an encourager and mentor of new believers. As “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith,” he would be the perfect match for this church of new believers, both Jews and Gentiles. Barnabas was a native of the island of Cyprus, and even though he was Jewish, he would easily relate to the Gentiles in the church in Antioch.

Once in Antioch, Barnabas joined himself to the new believers, and he was filled with joy to see how God was working. He quickly discerned that this was God’s work; therefore, he jumped in and got involved in what God was doing. He began teaching those in the church. At some point Barnabas realized the task was immense and he needed someone else to come alongside him to help grow these believers. He chose Paul, the one he had mentored earlier in Jerusalem. Paul would be a good fit for the work.

The last part of verse 26 is significant. It was at Antioch that the followers of Christ were first called Christians. Initially it was not a complimentary term, but one of derision, given to them by those in Antioch who were not a part of the group of believers. Over time the term became a badge of honor, taking on the understanding of one who was committed to Jesus Christ and reflected Him daily in life, even in the face of opposition.

Question 3: When have you had a meaningful experience serving with other believers?

Acts 15:36-40

36 After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers and sisters in every town where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they’re doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take along John who was called Mark. 38 But Paul insisted that they should not take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. 40 But Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended by the brothers and sisters to the grace of the Lord.

Barnabas and Paul continued their relationship as partners in the gospel throughout the first missionary journey. But now the time had come for them to pursue separate ministries. Traveling with Barnabas and Paul on that first missionary journey was John Mark, the young cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10). After the group had traveled through Cyprus, they headed for the coast of modern-day Turkey. Here John Mark left his two traveling companions and returned to Jerusalem. Why he left the mission endeavor is left to speculation. What we can know is that the “desertion” greatly upset Paul. This is made plain when he and Barnabas began planning to return to the cites where they had planted churches to encourage them in their Christian walk.

Question 4: What are the benefits and challenges of Christians going their separate ways?

Paul and Barnabas weren’t in agreement whether John Mark should be allowed to go on this second missionary journey. Even in this disagreement, though, God was at work. Paul chose Silas to accompany him on a return trip to the churches in Syria and Cilicia. Barnabas, on the other hand, chose John Mark to accompany him to return to Cyprus. Sometimes in a mentoring relationship, both parties choose to take a different road. This might arise out of disagreement; other times it comes by design. Be aware of this possibility and be prepared to part amicably. Barnabas and Paul maintained a respect for one another and what God was doing through them. (See 1 Cor. 9:6.) We should do the same with those we disciple, even when God sends us in different directions.

Question 5: What can we learn from the relationship between Barnabas and Paul?

Engage

RELATIONSHIPS CHANGE

Relationships that change don’t have to end. Despite the argument in Acts 15, Paul praised Mark in 2 Timothy 4:11. Think of someone you used to be close to, and then write three words of encouragement for that person in the space below.

1.

2.

3.

Pray for that person this week. Then look for an opportunity to share this encouragement with them.

“The world changes — circumstances change, we change — but God’s Word never changes.”

WARREN WIERSBE

LIVE IT OUT

We should expect mentoring relationships to change over time. Choose one of the following applications:

Reconcile. Prayerfully evaluate your relationships to determine anyone with whom you are at odds. Ask God to open a way for you to reconcile with that person.

Consider. Take time to evaluate your relationship with the person you are mentoring or are being mentored by. What areas might become a source of friction? What steps are needed to avoid conflict? Prayerfully consider taking those steps.

Divide. Speak with the other person in your mentoring relationship about a plan to multiply your relationship, with each of you choosing someone else to mentor. In doing this, two will become four and you will double your impact for Christ!

Many Christians just never grow up, and their relationships with others don’t grow either. This hinders not only the work God wants to do in us but the work he wants to do through us. Growing in our walk with Christ and in our mentoring relationships, though, will bring good to us and glory to God. 

Teacher Notes:

Click Play to Watch

Barnabas and Paul

Acts 9:26-28; 11:22-26; 15:36-40

While the love Christians have for one another is to remain constant, how we work or interact together can change. A mentor relationship is no exception. As the people we’re discipling grow in their walk with Christ, God will often take their ministry in a different direction.

 

Acts 9:26-28

When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. Saul was coming and going with them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.

 

Apart from the Holy Spirit Himself, the early church perhaps knew no greater encourager than Joses (Joseph), a Levite from Cyprus. In fact, according to Acts 4:36, he was better known by his nickname, Barnabas. The verses in this session give insight into the ministry of encouragement as practiced by Barnabas. He was an encourager to a relatively new follower of Christ, Saul of Tarsus; to a new church that dared to break the boundaries in preaching the gospel and to another young man who needed someone to give him a second chance.

 

1.   Encourage a new believer. 

 

What might a new believer need to hear that would stimulate spiritual growth?

·      Development of a regular quiet time with Bible reading and prayer.

·      The need for daily confession of sin and surrender to the lordship of Christ.

·      Meeting regularly with others in a small group Bible study.

·      Steps to confronting temptation.

·      Finding a place of service in the church family.

·      The importance of regular corporate worship.

·      Opportunities to share the gospel.

 

Mature believers need to encourage new believers, help them assimilate into the fellowship and lead them to find their place of service for Christ.

 

 

Acts 11:22-26

News about them reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And large numbers of people were added to the Lord. Then he went to Tarsus to search for Saul, and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

 

2.   Encourage others to step up and serve the church. 

 

Why is serving the church a natural outcome of spiritual growth?

Ministry leaders should be on the lookout for believers who can be enlisted in Christian service. Teaching ministry is vital to church growth.

 

 

Acts 15:36-40

After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers and sisters in every town where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they’re doing.” Barnabas wanted to take along John who was called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended by the brothers and sisters to the grace of the Lord.

 

3.   Follow the paths God lays out for you.

 

Why do believers sometimes struggle with the concept that division often leads to multiplication?

Relationships change but everyone has a responsibility to move forward as led by the Lord. Be prepared for God to lead you down a different path from what you have known or expected.

 

Conclusion

Change is inevitable. Remember, change is at the heart of the Christian experience. We need to welcome change rather than fear it or resist it.

Life circumstances changed for Barnabas and Paul. Barnabas had been a respected leader. Now Paul took on the leadership role in their ministry together. But he did so because someone like Barnabas was willing to invest in him and was not obsessed with always being the “out-front guy.” Eventually the Lord used them both in different ways that brought glory to God.

So may you and I be as willing to reverse roles, change behavior, act with humility, and accept new paths of service as the Lord provides opportunity.