Main Point: The gospel of grace strengthens us for the fruit of faithfulness
1. Who were some of the most significant influences in your growth in Christ? Do you know where they learned to follow Jesus, and if so, who did they learn to follow Jesus from? How far back can you trace the line?
2. How has this section influenced your view of Christian ministry? Since all Christians are to be involved in ministry in one way or another, how does this motivate you and shape your expectations for your own ministry? Read Matthew 28:18-20 for further context on the ministry that all Christians are to engage in.
3. Paul gave three metaphors about staying focused and working hard in the face of suffering. What is the point of each metaphor? Which one seems particularly important in your life right now?
4. What does it look like to be a modern-day Onesiphorus and comfort people in their distress and suffering?
5. What does it look like to draw our strength from grace? Why is it freeing to know that we aren't called to live the Christian life or do Christian ministry merely out of human strength? (Read over Isaiah 40:28-31; Phil. 4:10-13)