Message Notes for August 7, 2022
Series: Connection
Title: Connection to the Truth

Christians are not meant to live as islands in and of themselves, but to usher in God’s Kingdom reign into the lives of others. Growing up to be spiritually mature requires connections with others who speak truth into our lives.

Foundational truth comes through a relationship with Jesus and the guidance of His followers.
Ephesians 4:15-16 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
As God’s people we need people to surround us who can help us:
1- Measure truth with God’s truth!
2- Grow up with a discerning mind of Christ.
3- Judge all things in the Spirit of love.

A model for helping people connect to truth:
Share truth consistently.
2 Timothy 4:1-5 nlt I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not.

Be patient and encouraging.
2 Timothy 4:2 Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

Don’t lose sight of the truth.
2 Timothy 4:5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord.

Remember your commission from Jesus.
2 Timothy 4:5 Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

Family/Group Study Notes for week of August 7, 2022
Series: Connection
Title: Connection to the Truth

How do you go about discovering what is truth or untruth with important events or decisions made in our culture? Do you tend to go with what agrees with you or do you seek to understand the alternate perspectives? What drives your process in finding truth? How does your background, party affiliation or faith affect your quests for truth?
Read 2 Timothy 4:1-5. How is this passage relevant for our world today and our quest for truth? What does Paul encourage Timothy to do and not to do? How can the understanding of God’s truth affect how we respond to knowledge and information today? How can God’s truth help us see through cultural, party and family biases?
From the above passage, how can you prepare to be a better “Timothy” in your family and among your friends? What are the barriers for bringing Godly truth into conversations? How can Paul’s instructions help you cross these barriers?
Read Ephesians 4: 11-16. What is Paul encouraging us to do in this passage? Why is this important with today’s confusing information and situational truth? What would you need to do to grow more in the measure of Christ and the bond of love in a world of division and brokenness? How can becoming more involved with other Christians in a consistent study and sharing, help you be built up in love?
Take some time this week to read through the gospel of John as an individual or family. Highlight the passages where Jesus speaks of truth. What do those passages mean to you?
Take time to pray with each other for daily understanding of God’s truth.