Lifelong Christians

JAN 22, 2023  / Sunday | Series: God Could Use Someone Like You – Read 2 Tim 1:5 (and 6-13) / 1 Tim 4:12 (Acts 16:1)

Overview: Are you young? How about self-doubting? Or maybe a Christian without a “wow”conversion story? Perfect! God could use someone like you.

23 / Mon – A child of the church  |  Read Acts 9:3-6 / Acts 16:1 / 2 Tim 1:5

Are you one of those people who grew up in the church and don’t have a dramatic conversion like some you’ve heard? Maybe you feel as Timothy might have felt when he compared his experience with Paul’s. Timothy grew up with a believing mother and grandmother and possibly couldn’t even remember a time when he didn’t have faith in God. Yet God used both men in powerful ways to bring the gospel to all kinds of people. Don’t buy into the lie God can’t use your story too.

24 / Tue – Knowing vs knowing  |  Read Acts 26:4-5 / Phil 3:4-10a / 2 Tim 3:14-15

Both Paul and Timothy grew up learning scripture. Every Jewish boy had to memorize the first 5 books of the Old Testament (the Torah) by the time he was 12. Those who excelled, as Paul did, became religious leaders. But do you see the contrast? Paul knew the words of God but became legalistic. Timothy’s knowledge of scripture led him to faith. Only after Paul met Jesus did the scriptures come alive for him. What has been your experience?

25 / Wed – With God, age doesn’t matter  |  Read 1 Tim 4:11-16 / 2 Tim 1:6-10 / 1 Cor 16:10-11

Paul was a mature follower of Christ bringing the gospel to many parts of the then-known world. Timothy was young but showed great promise. Mentored by Paul and then becoming a co-worker, he was given spiritual responsibilities that might have seemed misplaced for such a young person. Timothy may have felt inadequate and it seems others may have felt the same way. What were some of Paul’s admonitions and encouragements? Could they be for you too?

26 / Thu – We all need mentors  |  Read 2 Timothy 1:13-14

Do you relate more to Timothy or Paul? Both were used by God. Neither their age nor their past mistakes could thwart God’s plans for them, both individually and as a team. He will do the same for you. If you are older and wiser now like Paul, look for those who need encouragement to follow where God is leading them and share what you have learned. If you are younger, find mentors whose words and examples you can follow. Who comes to mind? Act on it now.

27 / Fri – First impressions  |  Read 1 Samuel 16:6-7 and 17:32-33

Samuel thought he had found God’s next anointed one but who God chose wasn’t even on Samuel’s radar. And when King Saul compared the young shepherd boy with the seasoned warrior, Goliath, he believed David was too young to succeed. Have you ever misjudged the effectiveness of a younger person? Or maybe you are young but have such self-confidence you misjudge the value of an older person God’s put in your life to learn from? In either case, how do God’s words in v7 apply to you?

28 / Sat – What is God saying to you?  |  Read Jeremiah 1:4-10 and 17-19

Jeremiah was young when God called him to be a prophet. He was the son of a priest and grew up knowing God but he still felt inadequate. He was too young, he didn’t know what to say. How did God respond? What promise was given in v8? These are the only things God required of him: get ready, stand up to speak, say only what you are told, go where I send you, and don’t be afraid. He obeyed and, for 40 years, spoke God’s words to 5 kings, their officials and the people of Judah. Follow his example, one day at a time, and there is no limit to what God will do through you.