Opening Question:
Have you ever been in training for something (i.e. to run a race or to do a new job)? What type of mentality or what kind of goal did you have when you were in training? How did that mentality help you?
Paul is instructing Timothy here to be brought up in the truths of the faith, to be trained up for godliness and then train up others in godliness as well.
6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
Reflect Together:
What does it mean to “be trained in the words of faith” (v. 6)?
What are some “myths” that news, social media, or other things you read or hear promote? (v.7) How do we train our minds to discern how God wants us to respond to these messages, especially in such a divisive time in our country?
What difference does hope in God make in our daily “toil and strife” (v. 10)?
