SUPPLEMENTAL SCRIPTURES
- 1 Timothy 6:12
- Hebrews 10:31-39; 11:31-35
Down through the centuries battles have been won and battles have been lost. Yet, in every conflict there is a common goal—VICTORY! That victory may have been conquering a hill, a city, a country, or it may just be achieving a personal goal. To the Christian engaged in spiritual conflict with the “enemy” of his soul, victory means “enduring unto the end” and spending eternity with Jesus.
QUESTIONS
- Paul commanded Timothy to be “instant in season, out of season.” How can we as Christians do this?
- Before a person can go to battle he must identify the enemy. List ways that you think might help one to be able to identify his spiritual enemy.
- Timothy was told, “watch thou in all things.” Why is it necessary that we watch? See 1 Peter 5:8.
- The enemy challenges Christians in every phase of life: in school, at home, on the job, wherever they are. How will one who has determined to endure to the end respond when he encounters:
Temptations
Physical affliction
Pressure from acquaintances
Financial burdens
Depression - Verse 5 of our text lists three other things that the Christian is instructed to do in addition to enduring affliction, the subject of our lesson. What are these three things, and what connection can you see between each of them and the command to “endure afflictions”?
- Everyone, Christians and non-Christians alike, have things in their lives that they must endure. Afflictions come to Christians for various reasons. Explain. See 1 Peter 2:19-20.
- How would you relate the word motivation to the Christian walk? What is our motivation to endure for Christ’s sake? What are some ways we might be able to increase our motivation?
- Every Christian will not face the same set of circumstances or trials. What are some specific things a Christian may endure for Christ? Consider Biblical examples as well as examples from your own knowledge or experience.
- In verses 7 and 8 of our text, Paul speaks of having finished his course, and goes on to tell about the reward he expects to receive. Those that “love his appearing” are eligible for the same reward. In Revelation 3:11, we find the key to Christian endurance. State it in your own words.
THEME THOUGHTS
Just what are the steps that lead to being a successful Christian soldier? In this quarter, we will study the basic principles on which we can establish our spiritual walk with Christ. We begin with a lesson on the Adamic nature, understanding that the starting point for each person must be a realization of why he needs a change of heart. The lesson on the Adamic nature is closely tied to the second lesson, which is about the remedy for sin—the Redeemer. In this lesson we will see that God provided a solution for the problem of sin, and will understand how it was made available to man. The next two lessons take up the necessary steps preliminary to receiving salvation—conviction and repentance—what they are and why they are necessary. The lesson on salvation is followed by lessons on the experiences of sanctification and the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Then we will consider how being equipped with these experiences gives us power to live a more victorious life and power to work for the Lord. Concluding lessons emphasize the importance of obtaining the whole armor of God, that we may effectively “fight the good fight” until the end.