A five-year-old came home from his first dance class disappointed, he expected to learn a somersault, and instead spent an hour repeating one step. That ordinary scene opens a reflection on Paul’s last words from prison: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4). The sermon shows that a life worth living grows out of one task, telling others what Jesus has already done, and that this task does not belong to pastors alone. Listen if you want to know why it is so simple and yet not easy at all.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Paul writes 2 Timothy from prison, just before his death. What in the words "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" shows that he sees his life as a victory rather than a defeat?
- The Greek word Paul uses describes a herald announcing something that has already happened. How does that change the way we understand the command "preach the word" in 2 Timothy 4:2?
- The sermon pointed out that after Stephen's death the gospel was spread by ordinary people, not the apostles. Why do we find it so hard to believe that this task is ours too?
- Bob Goff's story shows that sharing the word began with listening and support, and only later with words. How do your actions and your words fit together when you talk about Jesus?
- Paul warns about teachers who tell people what they want to hear. In what situations are you tempted to soften the truth of the gospel to avoid being laughed at or rejected?
- Who among your family, friends, neighbors or coworkers do you want to show care to this week and tell what Jesus has done in your life?
