Sermon for the Watford church of Christ
“Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.” (Acts 16:1–5 NIV11)
1. The courage and humility to be trained
Why does it take courage and humility to be trained?
How do you feel about being trained?
In what area of life and following Jesus could you use some more training?
Are you passing on your experience to others?
The Spirit wants me to think more about………………………………………………………………………………
2. The courage and humility to be refined
Why does it take courage and humility to be refined?
1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
Why do you think Timothy agreed to be circumcised?
What struck you about the video clip of the sharing by Alice Dannatt?
Is there any area in your life where God is helping to make you more all things to all men?
The big questions:
- What are key motivations to help you be more courageous?
- What are key motivators to help you be more humble?
Suggestions:
Consider Jesus and how his humility and courage was fed by his trust in his Father. Read and pray about this to find greater trust in God for your own growth in courage and humility.
Read the references to Timothy below (and their context) to build a picture of a faithful, humble, courageous young man and what you can learn from him.
References to Timothy:
Acts 16:1; 17:14: 17:15; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4; Rom. 16:21; 1Cor. 4:17; 16:10; 2Cor. 1:1, 19; Phil. 1:1; 2:19, 22; Col. 1:1; 1Th. 1:1; 3:2, 6; 2Th. 1:1; 1Tim. 1:2, 18; 6:20; 2Tim. 1:2; Philem. 1; Heb. 13:23
