Grace Bible Chapel, September 1, 2024, Greg Rhodea PhD

2 Timothy 2:1-10

I. Transformation over Stagnation

^2:1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

II. The Next Generation over My Generation

² And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

III. Participating over Spectating

³ Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. ⁵ Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. ⁶ The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. ⁷ Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

IV. Outward over Inward

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, ⁹ for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. ¹⁰ Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

The Bottom Line

and

Reveal Answer

to

Reveal Answer

your

Reveal Answer

in Christ.

…by recognizing your mission involves

at some level.

…by

where you are now in

Reveal Answer

these values.

…by taking

,

Reveal Answer

to adjust your

Reveal Answer

in these areas.

Selected GBC Core Values for Evaluation

Transformation over Stagnation
We value a continual process of discipleship, where we all strive together to be more like Christ and to not be satisfied with the same old us. We seek to grow together in personal spirituality, as well as in obedience to all Christ has commanded us.

Evaluate how well this value influences our church culture and practice on a scale of 1 to 6.

Evaluate how well this value influences your own life and practice on a scale of 1 to 6.

The Next Generation over My Generation
We value investing in those who will come behind. We seek to mobilize every generation to invest in children and youth to help raise them in the faith and give them a solid spiritual foundation.

Evaluate how well this value influences our church culture and practice on a scale of 1 to 6.

Evaluate how well this value influences your own life and practice on a scale of 1 to 6.

Participating over Spectating
We value the active ministry involvement of all those who are part of our church. We aim for everyone to discover and employ their gifts to serve Christ both within our church in the community.

Evaluate how well this value influences our church culture and practice on a scale of 1 to 6.

Evaluate how well this value influences your own life and practice on a scale of 1 to 6.

Outward over Inward
We value serving our community in areas of need, aligning our church as a whole with the posture of Christ who came not to be served but to serve. We desire to bless Grand Rapids by our presence and to take the message of Christ outside of our doors and into the community.

Evaluate how well this value influences our church culture and practice on a scale of 1 to 6.

Evaluate how well this value influences your own life and practice on a scale of 1 to 6.

Next Steps

Which of these four values do you most feel called to grow in personally?

Which of these four values do you most feel called to help our church grow in?

What steps can you take this month to move in these directions?