At Trailhead, we believe that church is not just about growing in God’s Word but doing so in community. We have designed this study guide to help you follow along with Sunday’s message. Study the scriptures, take notes, and then reinforce what you learned by answering a few questions. Ask others to join you in discussion, whether it be with your family or online with your Trailhead study group. Let’s have church!
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Interactive Scriptures and Notes
2 Timothy 2:20 (NLT)
In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use.
2 Timothy 2:20-26 (NLT)
20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. 22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
Joshua 5:13-15 (NLT)
When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, “Are you friend or foe?” “Neither one,” he replied. “I am the commander of the Lord’s army.” At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. “I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?” The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did as he was told.
** Luke 16:10-11 (NIV)**
10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?
2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV)
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.
1 John 3:2 (NKJV)
Beloved, now we are children of God; …”
Other Notes
Discussion Questions
1) Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:21 (NLT) that “If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use.” What does it mean to “keep yourself pure?” Why is this important when it comes to being a “special utensil for honorable use?”
2) Pastor Josh said that those who OBSERVE and ABSORB are attentive to all that the Lord is, speaks, and does. What should you be observing and/or absorbing to keep yourself attentive to what the Lord is doing? What should you be rejecting?
3)God does not necessarily reveal Himself to whomever is the “best” or “most capable.” Instead, he reveals more to whomever is attentive. In today’s world, it is very easy to focus your attention on things of the world and trusting more in your own skills and abilities. What are some things that regularly take your attention? What are some practical ways set your attention on the things of God while still being aware of what’s going on in the world?