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.
JUNE 22, 2025 STUDY GUIDE
Unashamed: Go the Extra Mile
2 Timothy 1:13-18
What is it costing you to follow and serve Jesus? Are you putting the needs of other people before your own? Healthy relationships require perseverance, trust, and sacrifice.
In 2 Timothy 1:13-18, Paul gave his son in the faith fatherly advice. He spoke inspired and wise words. Paul wanted Timothy to know that relationships often mean that you go the extra mile. Following Jesus will cost you. Loving people comes with a price (time, comfort, personal desires, popularity).
When was the last time another person went the extra mile and encouraged (refreshed) you? When was the last time you did that for another person?
How do you encourage someone? Talk about these five words:
1. Listen (What is the person saying?)
2. Affirm (What did the person do well?)
3. Celebrate (What is a win?)
4. Ask (What needs to be clarified?)
5. Presence (Who needs you to be in the room?)
What did Paul teach Timothy?
1. Make a Safe Investment (2 Timothy 1:13-14). What's a safe investment these days? Stocks? Real estate? Antiques? Paul used investment language with Timothy. Timothy's life was blessed by the Lord. How has the Lord blessed you? These blessings often come through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, a topic Paul also emphasized. Take a minute and discuss these two questions:
What is the role and function of the Holy Spirit?
When does a believer receive His Spirit?
2. Prepare for Tough Days (2 Timothy 1:15). Is life hard for you currently? Paul shared that people in Asia deserted him. He called out two of them by name. People whom Paul thought he could trust walked away from him. Many people want to avoid the hard conversations about ministry. Serving the Lord is rewarding on the one hand and demanding on the other hand. How do you answer these questions?
What do you do when ministry becomes tough?
How do you deal with abandonment and betrayal in close relationships?
3. Commit to Encourage Others (2 Timothy 1:16-18). Are you in desperate need of being encouraged (refreshed)? At a dark hour in life, Paul needed a friend, an encourager. He needed someone loyal. What do you know about Onesiphorus? He was loyal, trustworthy, and a man of character. Onesiphorus went the extra mile for Paul. Here are two questions to consider:
Who is "Onesiphorus" in your life?
What difference does encouragement make in life and ministry?
As you evaluate your current relationships, who needs you to go the extra mile with them? God uses other people to make a difference in our lives. God wants to use you.
We hope you'll join us for Bible study and worship on Sunday. We're praying for you. Have a blessed weekend.
View all of the "Unashamed" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/unashamed.
JUNE 29, 2025 STUDY GUIDE
Unashamed: It’s Important to Pass the Baton
2 Timothy 2:1-13
Have you ever experienced the thrill and coordination of a relay race? Success in a relay race depends on more than speed. Runners must be skilled at handing off the baton. Drop the baton, and it's almost guaranteed that you'll lose the race.
In many ways, your spiritual journey is like running a spiritual relay race. As a member of God's family, your life is spiritually connected with other believers. These men and women are your teammates-they help you grow in Christ, provide needed accountability, and encourage you to give you all in the race.
As you run your leg of the spiritual relay, consider these important questions:
Who is running alongside you?
Are you prepared to pass the baton effectively to the next generation?
Are you raising up future runners to carry on the race?
Paul passed the divine baton to Timothy. He prepared him for pastoral ministry. Timothy was blessed to learn the ins and outs of ministry from Paul. Paul knew that his time on earth was short, and he was aware that the race continued when he departed for Heaven. Here's a lesson for Christian leaders: Are you leading and serving for the day when you're not in your current position? You need to be preparing to hand the baton to the next runner.
What is Paul saying/teaching about passing the baton?
1. Apply the Principles of Church Growth (2 Timothy 2:1-7). The Lord gave His life for the church and is actively building His church. Paul's life and letters reveal his heart to "pass the baton" to Timothy. While the Lord grows His church, He uses people to do it. It's biblical and healthy to involve other people in ministry. How do you see your church growing and equipping other people for ministry?
2. Strive to be a Contagious Believer (2 Timothy 2:8-9). Just as many diseases can spread rapidly, and we all vividly remember the days of COVID-19, our faith can also be powerfully contagious. Paul expected Timothy to live a life that naturally drew others to God, serving as the Lord's witness. What does it truly mean to live a contagiously Christian life? And is your church building bridges or barriers for those who are far from God?
3. Face Life with Spiritual Confidence (2 Timothy 2:10-13). We all face challenges, but how does life generally feel for you, easy or hard? Paul strongly reminded Timothy that following Christ often means embracing suffering. Consider Paul himself, imprisoned for his faith, even facing desertion. He emphasized the need to "endure." Are you prepared to take the spiritual road less traveled? Are you ready to suffer and persevere for the glory of God?
If you're going to "pass the baton" to the coming generation, you must talk about hard subjects. Paul was straightforward with Timothy. Take a moment and evaluate your current relationships. How are you preparing other people for the day when you're not in your current position? The time to prepare is now.
Here are three final questions for you and your group:
1. How does your church intentionally develop and mobilize new leaders, ensuring the "baton" is effectively passed to the next generation of faithful servants?
2. How is your church equipping people to live contagiously Christian lives? Do your leaders model this type of spiritual lifestyle?
3. How is the Lord growing you and using your challenges in life? Are you looking at life through the biblical lens of Romans 8:28?
We're praying for you! We're excited to worship with you this weekend!
View all of the "Unashamed" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/unashamed.
JULY 6, 2025 STUDY GUIDE
Guest Preacher: Josh Franks, TBMB Team Leader
Unashamed: Be Prepared to Give God Your Best
2 Timothy 2:14-26
View all of the "Unashamed" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/unashamed.
JULY 13, 2025 STUDY GUIDE
Unashamed: It’s All About Me!
2 Timothy 3:1-9
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JULY 20, 2025 STUDY GUIDE
Unashamed: Git-R-Done in Difficult Times
2 Timothy 3:10-17
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JULY 27, 2025 STUDY GUIDE
Unashamed: A Pastor’s Ordination Message
2 Timothy 4:1-8
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AUGUST 3, 2025 STUDY GUIDE
Unashamed: Overcoming the Enemy of Loneliness
2 Timothy 4:9-22
View all of the "Unashamed" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/unashamed.