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Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus provide glimpses into how he related to younger Christian leaders he was discipling. Timothy probably became a Christian after Paul's first missionary visit to Lystra. Returning to Timothy's home town on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-5), Paul recruited Timothy to become his apprentice.

2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2:1-2; 3:10, 14

1. From whom have you received "wholesome teaching" (1:13) foundational to your faith? How can you build on that foundation?
   
   
2. What gifts (1:14) has the Holy Spirit given you? How are you—or could you be—putting them to use?
   
   
3. If your strength is based on trusting in God's grace—his undeserved favor (2:1)—what does that tell you about trying to go it alone?
   
   
4. Why (2:2) is leading someone to initially place his faith in Christ for salvation not enough? How is a believer taught well enough to be able to make disciples of others?
   
   
5. If the church consistently followed Paul's advice, what would be the result?
   
   
6. Can you be confident (3:10) that your friends know what truths you stand on? Do you think they see you (3:14) as a trustworthy coach?
   
   

As a Christian committed to grow and do your part to see the Great Commission observed, ask God to help you be discipled yourself, disciple someone else, or both.

2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2:1-2; 3:10, 14

1:13 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.

2:1 Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 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.

3:10 But 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.

3:14 But 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.

Adapted from Adapted from Relationships: A Mess Worth Making (New Growth Press, 2006) by permission. All rights reserved by Tim Lane and Paul Tripp and/or New Growth Press.

Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Thank you, Jesus, for the priority you gave to building faith in the lives of a few men. Help me to follow your example.

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