Sunday School Lesson July 9, 2023

Subject: Paul and Timothy

The Point: Focus your mentoring on growth in Christ and in His Word.

Scriptures: Acts 16:1-5, 2 Timothy 2:1-2; 3:10-12

Study The Bible: Acts 16:1-5

1). Mentoring occurs best when a person walks alongside us and sees our example.

1. Paul went on to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple names Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but the 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.

Lasting truths from: Acts 16:1-5

*  Parents and grandparents should raise their children in the knowledge of the Scriptures and the ways of Christ.

* Sometimes a believer’s ethnic, racial or religious heritage can benefit him or her in witnessing and doing missions with others of their same background.

* The degrees to which a church emphasizes evangelism and discipleship are important indications of its spiritual health.

2). Encourage those you disciple to also disciple others.

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.

Lasting truths from: 2 Timothy 2:1-2

*  The grace of God is essential for receiving salvation and for effectively living the Christian life.

* Mature Christians must mentor each new generation of believers in the basics of Christian faith and practice.

* Mature Christians must also challenge other believers to find and train disciples of their own for the continued spread of the gospel.

3). We often need to be reminded to continue in our walk and growth in Christ.

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.

Lasting truths from: 2 Timothy 3:10-12

* Christian leaders should exemplify the highest levels of ethical principles.

*  Older believers should model how to live in difficult times for younger Christians.

* Godly Christians can expect opposition from secular and non –Christian cultural forces at work in the world.

Live It Out

As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:

1. How can we overcome barriers that may alienate people from on another to show the love of Christ and share the gospel?
2. What would you consider to be the essential doctrinal tenets a person needs to believe to be an authentic Christian?

Closing Prayer:

“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”

“If this lesson has been a blessing to you, leave us a comment.”