4/15 "Preventing a Shipwreck" 1 Tim. 1:18-20
In a Nutshell: Jesus said that a common characteristic of "These Last Days" would be people abandoning the faith. (2 Tim. 3:1-6; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 4:3) Paul also warns Timothy about what leads to this and what we can do to prevent it.
Ice Breaker: Have you ever been in a car wreck? Can you describe it? Do you recall what caused it? Which is easier forecasting a wreck or recovering from one? :)
Texts: 1 Timothy 1:18-20
CONNECTING TO THE TEXT
- What "charge" is Paul referring to in verse 18? (see 1 Tim. 1:3-5)
- What are Timothy's "weapons" (vs. 18) and what "war" is he fighting? (see 2 Cor. 10:4,5)
- What had Alexander and Hymenaeus apparently "rejected" causing their faith to shipwreck?
- Why is a persons conscience so important? (Rom. 2:15)
- What appears to be the reasonable response for other Christians when someone "shipwrecks" their faith and doesn't repent? 1 Cor. 5:5, 13
REFLECTING ON OUR LIVES
- Can you recall any similar characteristics in the lives of people who have wandered "off course" in the faith?
- Have you ever struggled with a desire to wander away from your faith in Christ? What kept, or brought you back?
- How might a person today "gives someone over to Satan?"
REFLECTING ON THE WAY WE DO CHURCH
- How should the church help people prevent their members from shipwrecking their faith?
- How should church members handle people that don't repent?
THE CHOICE IS YOURS...
- If you were ever guilty of ignoring your conscience and headed for a "shipwreck" how would you want your CARE group to handle it? How would you want the church leadership to handle it?