JUNE 15, 2025 SERMON NOTES

Unashamed: Take Advantage of the Opportunity

2 Timothy 1:1-12

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.

I. Maintain God's Outlook on Life (2 Timothy 1:1-5) 
1. Live Out God's Will
2. Invest Your Life in Others 
3. Understand the Importance of Family 

II. Discover God's Expectations in Life (2 Timothy 1:6-10)
1. Use Your Spiritual Gift(s)
2. Depend on God's Provisions
3. Rejoice in God's Grace  

III. Keep God's Perspective on Life (2 Timothy 1:11-12)   
1. It's the Great Adventure 
2. It's Not Always Easy
3. It's a Safe Investment

JUNE 15, 2025 STUDY GUIDE

UNASHAMED: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY

2 Timothy 1:1-12

As you launch this week's study, read Romans 1:16-17. Paul said that he wasn't ashamed of the gospel. What did that statement mean for Paul, and what does that theological conviction mean for you?   

Take a moment to reflect on your life's most vital areas. How are your family relationships truly flourishing? Is your retirement account charting a course toward security? Are you genuinely nurturing your health—physically, relationally, financially, mentally, and spiritually? And, perhaps most profoundly, are you actively mentoring another person in the Christian faith?

To genuinely answer these questions, investment is not just suggested; it's required. You pour your time and energy into your family, diligently save for your future, and commit to your well-being. You also invest in the lives of other people. But amidst all this giving, a crucial question emerges: Who is investing in you?

Consider the Apostle Paul, a man who deeply understood the power of investment. He wasn't just dedicated; he was unashamed—unashamed of his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Are you living that same unashamed witness for the Lord? Do those around you—your family, colleagues, classmates, and friends—see your love for and commitment to Jesus? Are you, like Paul, intentionally investing time in the lives of others, unashamed to align yourself with God's people and fulfill His purposes? Paul famously poured his life into young Timothy, building a bond where neither was ashamed of the other. Do you have spiritual relationships built on that same powerful conviction of being unashamed?

As a spiritual father, what did Paul want Timothy to know and do? If you have children, what do you want them to know and do? Are you living an unashamed life for Jesus before them? 

1. Maintain God's Outlook on Life (2 Timothy 1:1-5). Paul labored to build up Timothy. While many people are quick to expose weaknesses, mistakes, faults, and sins, Paul's outlook on life, in contrast, was consistently half-full-always seeing the potential for growth and redemption. How do you maintain God's outlook on life, as it relates to His will, spiritual discipleship, and family relationships?   

2. Discover God's Expectations in Life (2 Timothy 1:6-10). Paul, through his mentorship and teachings, shared God's expectations with Timothy. Employers, coaches, and parents must share expectations with others to achieve success and unity. What does the Bible teach about God's gifts, God's provisions, and God's grace? Can you name several practical and spiritual expectations with your group?    

3. Keep God's Perspective on Life (2 Timothy 1:11-12). Paul called Timothy to live God's way. Paul said he was appointed to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher. What do those titles mean? How would you describe the Christian life? Take a moment and list three relevant statements about living God's way. Timothy was to obey God's leadership and remain faithful to Him. 

As you celebrate Father's Day, commit to live unashamed of the gospel and invest spiritually in the lives of other people. God wants to use you. 

Here are three final questions for your group to discuss: 

1. How does being invested in by others (or the lack thereof) affect your ability to live out an "unashamed witness" for Jesus

2. In what specific, practical ways can you apply this "half-full" perspective to your daily interactions, especially within your family, workplace, or church?

3. What is one specific expectation you feel God has for you right now, and how will understanding that expectation guide your beliefs and behaviors this week?

May the Lord bless you and your family this Father's Day weekend! We'll see you soon in Bible study and worship.

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

WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROWTH GROUPS

Check out our Midweek Growth Groups on Wednesdays from 6:00-7:15pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in Christ together!

WOMEN’S SUMMER BIBLE STUDY

June 3 - July 22, Tuesdays, 9:00-10:15am
Join us for a refreshing and encouraging summer study as we go through Seamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story by Angie Smith.
Cost: $10 (includes the book)
Please note: No childcare provided
All women are welcome!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

SAVE THE DATE: June 16-20 l 9:00am-12noon
WHO: Entering Kindergarten to Completed 5th Grade
Preschool VBS is available for Volunteer children who are PreK and younger.
WHAT: A 5-day intensive Biblical learning experience for kids that is also FUN for kids and teachers alike! Our kids kick-off the day with Worship Rally, then rotate through Bible study, Rec., Missions, Snacks, Crafts, MORE!
WHEN: June 16-20 | 9am-12noon
COST: FREE
Get Involved: Interested in joining the team as a leader or volunteer? Email vbs@fbct.org for more information.

ALL VBS Adult Volunteers will be required to pass a background check and Ministry Safe Training.

Volunteer Early to reserve your VBS shirt.
Learn more and register to volunteer at fbct.org/vbs.
Child registration is OPEN ! Register at fbct.org/vbs.

CHURCH-WIDE VBS TRAINING

We will have church-wide VBS training on May 18, 2025 from 3-5pm. We will provide childcare for volunteers with children Kindergarten age and younger. Register for childcare at fbct.org/vbs.

VBS PREP WEEK

We will also provide childcare during VBS Prep week for volunteers who have children Kindergarten and younger. Register for childcare at fbct.org/vbs.

BASKETBALL CAMP

June 16-19 | 1:00-3:30pm | FBCT Gym

Kids/Students, completed 5th grade through completed 7th grade, join us for Basketball Camp June 16-19 from 1:00-3:30pm (following VBS) in the First Baptist Gym. Cost is $10 per person. Please wear tennis shoes and bring your water bottle! Spots are limited so registration is required! Learn more at fbct.org/basketballcamp.

KIDS MUSIC CAMP 2025

THE AGAPE LEAGUE

For children in completed K through completed 5th Grade

• Music Camp: July 14th-18th | 9:00am-noon

• Musical Presentation: Saturday, July 19th at 5:00pm

Camp choir books and CDs will be available in the church office Monday through Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm and Friday 8:00am-noon.

General Agape has called the mighty Agape League together to solve a crisis in Suburbiana City, high in the mountains in the impenetrable Agape Fortress! Calling on the super-powered fruits of the spirit available to every follower of Christ, these heroes must face an enemy within their ranks when Ironblade forgets his superhero identity (self-control) and becomes entangled in the pervasive worldly culture. Things worsen when they learn that the entire group faces the same fate unless each member continues to exhibit their gifts! Will the League recover its powers? Will the citizens of Suburbia City be saved? Will the source of true power – God’s Word – finally be utilized before time runs out? Find out in the latest release from Word Kids, The Agape League: Superheroes of the Spirit! Acclaimed children’s writer Christy Semsen has delivered another high-powered production that is super-sized in every way: a high-octane story, clever dialogue, dynamic contemporary songs, and uncompromising spiritual truth.

Learn more and register at fbct.org/musiccamp.

Kids Camp 2025

Camp will be at Jonathan Creek in Hardin, KY from July 24th-July 27th, 2025.

Completed 2nd- 5th graders are invited to attend.

Early Bird Registration:
$60 deposit by June 10th, $280 total cost due by July 23rd.

Regular Registration :
June 10th - July 17th: $75 deposit, $310 total camp cost due by July 23rd.

• Current 2025 Medical Release Forms are required to attend.

• A separate form is required for each child.

We are excited to be returning to Crossings Kids Camp at Jonathan Creek for our 7th year!

Crossings Kids Camp is at Jonathan Creek located in Hardin, KY (just an hour and fifteen minutes away). Kids will experience Christ-centered worship, solid Gospel teaching, intentional small group times, exciting water sports, climbing, zip lines and more! Feel free to check out their website at gocrossings.org.

Please fill out a separate form for each child.

Sign up at fbct.org/kidscamp.

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!