Messes and Masterpieces: Shepherding with Purpose

Messes and Masterpieces: Shepherding with Purpose

1 Timothy 4:11-16

6-2-19

 I. Shepherds serve by embodying the truth they proclaim. (1 Timothy 4:11-16)

1. Live a life worth following.

1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”

2. Serve with confidence and humility.

3. Impact through faithfulness in the routine of life.

II. Shepherds serve with eternity in view. (2 Timothy 4:1-8)

1. Proclaim the truths of God’s Word.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 –“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

2. Protect against compromising beliefs.

3. Patiently love people where they are.

4. Pass the torch with joy.

 For Discussion this Week

1. Read 1 Timothy 4:11-16 and 2 Timothy 4:1-8. How can you relate Paul’s instructions to Timothy to your own life, even if you are not a pastor?

2. Read 1 Corinthians 11:1. In what one or two areas have you seen God transform you so that you are now living a life worth following? What are some areas God is still addressing?

3. What are some Bible truths that are becoming harder for us to faithfully hold in our culture?

4. How does Christ’s return and future redemption of all things frame how you live now? Give examples.

5. What are some ways we can encourage and pray for our pastors and leaders as they live out and proclaim God’s Word?