AUGUST 3, 2025 SERMON NOTES

Unashamed: Overcoming the Enemy of Loneliness

2 Timothy 4:9-22

9 Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. 21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

I. The Request is Urgent (2 Timothy 4:9-12)
1. The People We Know
     i. People Desert Us
     ii. People Oppose Us
     iii. People Love Us
2. The Challenges We Face
3. The Mistakes We Make
     i. Excuses
     ii. Unforgiveness  

 II. The Response is Critical (2 Timothy 4:13-22) 
1. God's Servants
2. God's Forgiveness
3. God's Word
4. God's Promises
5. God's Purposes 
6. God's Grace

What Do You Need to Say to a Few Selected, Trusted People?   
1. I Thank You
2. I Hear You
3. I Love You
4. I Need You 

AUGUST 3, 2025 STUDY GUIDE

Unashamed: Overcoming the Enemy of Loneliness

2 Timothy 4:9-22

Mental health is a relevant topic of conversation. Many people battle depression, discouragement, and despair. Life looks hopeless at times. Have you talked about your mental health lately? What does the Bible say about mental wellness?   

Another painful reality for many people is loneliness. You can be in a crowded room and still feel lonely and isolated. You feel like no one cares about you or notices you, leaving you feeling alone and empty. Have you ever battled loneliness? What would you say to someone who feels alone and afraid? 

Paul was in a dungeon, a Roman prison. People close to him deserted him. Paul asked Timothy to assist him. He wanted four things...Mark, a cloak, the books, and above all, the parchments. Paul wanted companionship and God's Word. He never lost his teachable spirit. Do you have a teachable heart? Are you hungry for biblical truth?         

What are the various forms of loneliness? One form of loneliness is when a family member is away on a business trip or deployed in the military. Another lonely season of life is when you move to a new city, take a new job, or enroll in a new school. Many people are lonely because of the death of a family member, the pain of a broken relationship, or the reality that no one comes around to visit. How can you love and serve someone in your church who is facing one of these lonely realities? 

What did Paul share with Timothy about overcoming loneliness?  

1. The Request is Urgent (2 Timothy 4:9-12). Paul talked about people (those who were hurtful and helpful). Paul longed for Timothy to visit him. He was lonely and desired biblical fellowship. Why are many marriages healthy, and other marriages unhealthy? Why are many companies great, and other companies poor? Why are many churches growing, and other churches declining? What causes loneliness today?  

In your study group, answer the following set of questions: 

• How did people affect Paul's mental health? How did people's actions cause him to be lonely? Are your closest relationships healthy or unhealthy? 

• What challenges did Paul face in a Roman dungeon? How did he handle his awkward environment and strained relationships? What challenges (relational or environmental) are you facing currently? 

• How did Paul experience God's goodness and grace? How do you see forgiveness in Paul's story? In what areas of your life do you need God's goodness and grace?                         

2. The Response is Critical (2 Timothy 4:13-22). Paul remembered people at the end of his life. He listed sixteen individuals by name. Paul wasn't angry, bitter, or calloused. He related to people with a forgiving heart. Paul modeled for Timothy (and for you and me) how to live and die. He lived for the glory of God, and he came to the end of his physical life, longing to be with his Lord. Paul's life and death testified to Psalm 116:15. 

In your study group, answer the following set of questions: 

• Can you name two to four close friends? These people walk into your life when everyone else walks out.          

• Is there someone whom you need to forgive? This person wounded you, and it's time to forgive him or her.  

• Are you hungry for God's Word? You're committed to reading, studying, memorizing, meditating, and sharing His Scriptures. 

• Are you aware of God's promises? You're confident of God's presence. You believe He'll never leave you nor forsake you.  

• Are you in desperate need of God's grace? You know that grace allows you to survive and thrive in tough life circumstances.    

If you've got a few brothers or sisters in Christ who are loyal and steadfast to you, what do you need to say to them? 2 Timothy 4 is personal for Paul. He remembered people and admitted his needs. 

Our pastor will conclude the sermon with four short phrases you may need to say to someone you trust. What do you believe those four phrases might be? 

You're invited to worship with us on Sunday. You can worship in person, by live stream at www.fbct.org, or on one of our social media platforms.

Thank you for connecting with us at First Baptist Clarksville. 

View all of the "Unashamed" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/unashamed.

BACK TO SCHOOL SPLASH

Wednesday, August 6 | 5-7pm | fbct.org/backtoschool

We invite you and your entire family to join us on Wednesday, August 6 from 5-7pm in the Grace Parking Lot for our Back to School SPLASH! We can’t wait to celebrate the new school year with water inflatables and food that will include hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, cookies, ice cream, bottled water and sodas. We will have LOTS of water inflatables and water fun for all ages: babies-Students/adults! In case of inclement weather, we will move indoors to the Laida Fellowship Hall.

GET CONNECTED - CONNECT SUNDAY

Sunday, August 10 | 9:00am

Small Group Bible Study is so very important for spiritual growth, building authentic relationships, and doing life together. We invite you to Get Connected in a Connect Group on Sunday, August 10 at 9:00am for our Connect Sunday.

Connect Groups meet every Sunday at 9:00am before our 10:30am Worship. We have groups for ALL ages! Learn more about Connect Groups at fbct.org/connectgroups. if You have any questions, please contact info@fbct.org or stop by a Connect Center on Sunday mornings, and we will be happy to help you find the group for you and your family!

FALL GROWTH GROUPS

WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROWTH GROUPS

6:00-7:15pm  |  Cost: $10

GROWTH GROUPS BEGINNING AUGUST 13

• Daring Joy (Women’s Study): Tabitha Dowdy Original Fellowship Hall (Mark Briggs’ Classroom)

  In this 7-session Bible study, Nicole Zasowski draws from her experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist to point you to the enduring joy Jesus promises. Through the examples of six women in the Bible who model both the vulnerability of joy and the power of celebration, you’ll see that God longs for you to embrace abundant joy! Don’t miss out on your beautiful, God-given life because you’re busy preparing for the worst.

• Meaning of Marriage: Bryce and Karen Powers - Room 2225 FH

  Modern culture would have you believe that everyone has a soul mate, that romance is the most important part of a successful marriage, that marriage does not mean “’til death do us part” but merely lasts as long as personal needs are being met, and that when serious differences arise, divorce is the best solution. However, all of these modern-day assumptions miss what marriage is truly about. Join Bryce and Karen Powers as they work through The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller.

• Full Circle Parenting: Travis and Licia Massa - Room 2230 FH

  Parenting isn’t for wimps. It’s not just the routines, schedules, discipline, and heartaches—it’s the hard conversations. Using the 3 Circles gospel tool (God’s design; brokenness; gospel), Jimmy and Kristin Scroggins will give you a “conversation map” to work through any tough conversations you have with your children, and will show you how it works with topics such as gender, sexuality, and marriage, technology, alcohol and substance abuse, bitterness, forgiveness, and restoration, and friendship and mean kids.

• Character Still Counts: Mike Madewell - Room 2234 FH

  In a world of social media snapshots and cable news sound bites, we’re often more concerned with our outer image than we are with our inner make up. But in the end, integrity trumps image. You can look good on the outside without being good on the inside. If you long to commit yourself to what matters most—the content of your character—join bestselling author James Merritt as he explores 13 overlooked traits that form the bedrock of a godly life and a good society. Along the way, you’ll encounter surprising role models—flawed people who failed spectacularly, overcame adversity, and went on to live lives worth imitating. In a world that has abandoned the virtues and values that matter, this book offers a clarion call to return to a simple message: Character still counts. It always has, and it always will.

• The Man Journey (ReUp Men’s Study): Ron Pendergrass - The Loft

  The Man Journey is a 12-week focus on discovering the answer to the vital questions… What Is A Biblical Man? The Man Journey will take you on a discovery of the three truths of a Biblical man and gain a clear definition of biblical masculinity. The Man Journey is a weekly experience where you discover the essentials of biblical manhood taught through video teaching, digital or printed content, and grow discussions that build authentic community.

Learn more and sign up at fbct.org/growthgroups.

2025-26 MOM LIFE

TUESDAY GROUP

Mom Life FBCT will meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6:00-8:00pm. We will begin on August 19th and meet through May. Registration/Tuition is $50.00.  Please note that there is no childcare available for the Tuesday Group. Learn more and register at fbct.org/momlife.

MOM LIFE (FRIDAY GROUP) REGISTRATION 2025-26

MomLife FBCT will meet one Friday a month from 9:00am-11:30am. We will begin on Friday, August 29th and meet through May.  Registration/Tuition is $90.00.  Please note that childcare availability is limited for the Friday Group. Learn more and register at fbct.org/momlife.

FIRST STEPS CLASS

UPCOMING CLASS: SEPTEMBER 21, 2025, 12-2pm

LOCATION: hope BUILDING, original fellowship hall

Our First Steps class is designed for new members and guests. We invite you to join our Senior Pastor, Dr. Ronny Raines, and our ministry team for our next membership class. We'll treat you to a delicious lunch and then help you discover how God wants to use you at First Baptist Church. As you attend the class, we'll cover the following subjects:

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ

• Meaning of church membership

• Biblical baptism

• The Lord's Supper

• The church's beliefs and vision

• Opportunities to give

• Ways to serve in the church

• Ministries at First Baptist Church 

• Meet our ministry team

• Time for Q&A

• Tour our church facilities

We hope you'll join us for our next First Steps class. You can register by filling out the online form HERE or contacting Dana in the pastor's office at 931.245.0000 or dana.abee@fbct.org.

FIRST BAPTIST MUSIC

Check out all of the First Baptist Worship Team videos from our online worship services at fbct.org/music.

THE VOICE - MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Stay up to date with all that is going with our monthly newsletter, the Voice! Visit fbct.org/voice!

MEMBERSHIP AND GIVING TOOLS

Fellowship, Worship and Discipleship are fundamental to an obedient life in Christ. First Baptist Church maintains several tools to help us stay connected, share and offer the sacrifice of praise, and grow together. Scroll to the bottom of the home page at fbct.org and click on "app" to see options for adding these tools to your phone or other device. You can use these tools to stay connected to your discipleship group, contact the church, watch past worship services and sermons, as well as support the FBC financially as the Lord directs for you and your family. There are even instructions for how to access these tools using your web browser.

Using these apps, updating your profile information to share with the church is easy. When changes occur in your family life such as a move to a new home, change in email address, etc. you can update your information to be sure that our communication with you is efficient. You can even add a picture to make it easier for your church family to put a name with a face!

Information about any groups that might be of interest to you, such as Connect Groups, teams, committees, etc will be available as well.  Group Leaders can use the tools to take attendance online and access other features.  You can contact the church through the app, read messages from group members/leaders and browse the church directory.

Check out fbct.org/app  for instructions on how to get the app and reach the membership and giving website.

LOVE the time of worship through song today? You can follow us on Spotify and listen to our playlist each week! Follow us on Spotify “First Clarksville” and sing along!