GSCC Small Group 08-24-07

1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

1. Have you had the chance to explain the Gospel to people before? What was the situation and outcome?
2. Read v1. What was the basis of Paul to charge Timothy to preach the Word? (the approval of Father God and Jesus; also in light of the importance of the coming judgment and eternal kingdom)
3. Read V2. Paul urged Timothy to be prepared to preach the Word in season and out of season. Can you give some example when is in season and when is out of season for the audience? When is in season and when is out of season for the speaker?
4. Paul instructed Timothy to correct, rebuke, and encourage listeners with patience and attention. What may be the common mistake we make when we preach the gospel? (we do not focus on the people we preach to) Do you have experience in actions such as correct, rebuke, or encourage of people?
5. Read v3-5. Why would Paul describe men’s ears as “itching”? What do men want to hear? Why would they turn away from truth?
6. Knowing that the truth may not be received well, how can we keep our head? (we are called to the duty of an evangelist, not to be responsible for the outcome of the ministry)