Suggested Lesson Development

Attention Activity

As appropriate, use the following activity or one of your own to begin the lesson.

Ask a class member to read 2 Timothy 4:7. (You may want to point out that a “race” could also be called a “course.”) Explain that the Apostle Paul lived in such a way that he could make this declaration toward the end of his life. This lesson discusses several of Paul’s teachings that will help us as we strive to finish our course successfully.

Display the wordstrip To finish my course, I must:

Scripture Discussion and Application

As you teach the following scripture passages, discuss how they apply to daily life. Encourage class members to share experiences that relate to the scriptural principles.

Explain that Timothy and Titus were trusted associates of Paul who assisted him in preaching the gospel. After Paul’s first Roman imprisonment, he resumed his missionary travels. In Ephesus he left Timothy to minister to the Church, and in Crete he left Titus with a similar assignment. As Paul continued his journey, he wrote letters to strengthen these brethren and to counsel them in their responsibilities as pastors or shepherds over the Saints. Hence these letters are often called the pastoral epistles.

1. Learn and teach true doctrine.

Discuss 1 Timothy 4; 2 Timothy 1–4; and Titus 1. Invite class members to read selected verses aloud.

If you used the attention activity, display the wordstrip Learn and teach true doctrine.

2. “Be … an example of the believers.”

Read and discuss 1 Timothy 4:12.

List each of the ways Paul admonished Timothy to be an example. Ask class members to describe how we can be an example in each of these ways.

If you used the attention activity, display the wordstrip Be an example of the believers.

3. “Follow after righteousness” and deny ungodliness.

Read and discuss selected verses from 1 Timothy 6 and Titus 2–3.

If you used the attention activity, display the wordstrip Follow after righteousness and deny ungodliness.

Conclusion

Explain that Paul knew he would soon be martyred for his testimony of Jesus Christ. But he also knew that because he had lived the gospel, “there [was] laid up for [him] a crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8). Bear testimony of the importance of doing the right things every day and staying on course so we can say with Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).