These questions are designed to help you read and study the Bible passage preached next week. Our prayer is that these questions will assist you in growing deeper in God’s Word as you examine the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so (Acts 17:11).

Read 2 Timothy 1:3–5.

“I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors”

1. Who were Paul’s ancestors?

2. Why does he appeal to his heritage?

3. How should this impact our view of the Old Testament (see John 4:22)?

4. What’s the story of faith in your family? Do you have ancestors who served the Lord, or are you the first?

“I thank God...with a clear conscience”

5. What is the conscience?

6. What is a clear conscience?

7. Look up these passages on the conscience:

· Acts 23:1 and Acts 24:16

· Romans 9:1

· 2 Corinthians 1:12

· 1 Timothy 1:5 and 1 Timothy 3:8–9

Based on these texts from Paul, what is the significance of the conscience for the Christian life?

8. How do we cultivate a clear conscience toward both God and man?

“I thank God...as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.”

9. What can we learn about Paul’s prayer life from this verse?

10. What lessons can we learn about prayer today?

“As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.”

11. Why does Paul long to see Timothy (see Philippians 1:8)?

12. In what way is our joy incomplete when we are out of fellowship with other believers?

13. How should 2 Timothy 1:4 affect the way we think about church attendance? Is it a legalistic duty?

“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.”

14. What’s the connection between Timothy’s faith and the faith of his ancestors (see questions 1-4)?

15. Read 2 Timothy 3:14–17. What’s the best way to leave a legacy of faith to our children?