7 Keys To A Transforming Life
Written by Kevin Ford
Sunday, 25 May 2008 09:00
Sermon Notes
Scripture Passage: 2 Timothy 2:1-7
1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 5Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
Background
Paul uses 3 metaphors:
- A soldier
- An athlete
- A farmer
Memories or Memorials?
Our memories shape us for the rest of our lives.
- Memories: we don't have a choice... they happen to us.
- Memorials: these we choose to remember and honor.
Looking Back
v.2:7 "Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this."
His Story
Saul becomes Paul the apostle.
Looking forward
v.2:2 "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."
7 Keys To A Transforming Life
To live a transforming life, ...
1. God calls us to be reflective.
- v.2:7 "Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this."
2. God calls us to proactive choices.
- v.2:1a "You then, my son, be strong in the grace..."
- v.2:4 "No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer."
3. God calls us to follow Him.
- v.2:1b "...that is in Christ Jesus."
4. God calls us to live for others.
- v. 2:2 "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."
- As Paul passed on to Timothy and others what God had given him, Paul wanted Timothy to pass that on (entrust) to others as well.
5. God calls us to be joyful in adversity
- v.2:3 "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus."
6. God calls us to be true to our unique calling.
- v.2:5 "Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules."
7. God's vision becomes our hope for the future.
- v.2:6 "The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops."
Small Group Questions
Ice Breaker:
What is your first memory of coffee?
Worship:
Pray, sing, or prayerfully read Philippians 3:20-21
Application Questions:
- Do you spend time being reflective? When? How? If you are not already doing so, will you commit to spending 30 minutes this week in quiet reflective time with God?
- If you had your life (up until now) to live over again - what would you do differently?
- Are you living for others? What are you doing to invest in others? As you think about this, what would you be excited to do to invest in others?
Share the Vision:
Pray for, by name, non-believers that you would like to develop a relationship with this summer.