Paul and Timothy had a special relationship. Throughout his letters, Paul referred to Timothy with much affection. In 1 Timothy 1:2, he used the phrase “my dearly loved son.” In 1 Corinthians 4:17, Paul said to the church at Corinth that Timothy was his “dearly loved and faithful child in the Lord.” A sign of a healthy leader is that he or she has healthy relationships with others. Healthy leaders can build deep friendships with others because their character is evident and their lives are marked by the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-24).
While Paul was in prison awaiting his execution, he wrote a letter to Timothy to encourage him and to give the church some of his last words. While doing this, he couldn’t help but praise God for the sweet memories that he and Timothy had shared together and for the many ways God had gifted Timothy. Paul also knew Timothy well enough to speak to areas of his life that could hinder him from maximizing his call (2 Tim. 1:7).
Like Paul, leaders should have several people in their lives whom they have discipled and poured into (2:2). Other members of the church should follow their example and cultivate deep relationships and friendships where mutual encouragement, mentorship, and Christlike love are displayed. This example should make our churches attractive within a society where deep friendships and connections are becoming obsolete.
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Adults
Every week for Volume 4: From Captivity to the Wilderness, Ken Braddy, Lifeway’s director of Sunday School, will offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Adults.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Students
Every week, student ministry leaders offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Students. Listen in as he shares:
- The main point of the session
- Any challenges and opportunities for additional discussion that may arise during this session
- Encouragements for leaders
Podcast (studentsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
A Final Reminder
Don’t forget, you can find tools to help you prepare and lead the discussion in the Additional Resources for this volume. We hope these are a blessing to you as you walk through this session together.
*This week’s leader devotional is written by Jamaal Williams. It is adapted from the daily devotions for Unit 32, Session 4 from The Gospel Project for Adults’ Daily Discipleship Guide.
