Opening Question:
Today’s sermon touched on fueling up for our “race” of the Christian life. What helps you run the race of faith?
Now that we’ve talked about some of the things that fuel us, let’s go back to the passage and let it fuel our discussion!
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Reflect Together:
In verse 6, Paul talks about being poured out as a drink offering. How does understanding the Old Testament offerings help us to understand what Paul is trying to say? (See Numbers 15:1-12) Why do you think he’s talking about leadership like an offering?
Now looking at verse 8, let’s think about the last phrase “to all who have loved his appearing,” or in the NIV, “to all who have longed for his appearing.” What does it mean to love his appearing and what difference does that make in how we live presently? Why would these believers be awarded a crown of righteousness?
