Tony Diamond taught on Sunday, November 2.  The video and listening guide from that lesson, followed by the scripture, are below.

Core Lesson (Tony Diamond)

A Succession Plan

1 Timothy 1:1-5, 12-19

Keep it pure and stay strong (vv 3-5)

When transitions are made, the noise often prevails and causes a dilution or full divergence from the intended course. Strength is found by keeping to foundational truths.

 

Remember the source of true leadership (vv 12-17)

Humility, perseverance and faith are hallmarks of great leaders. Paul exhibited these characteristics fully and he passed them on to Timothy. This is an example for each of us as well.

 

Always encourage (vv 18-19)

Tanks often get low. It may take more than words to continue fighting the battle, but it always starts with words of encouragement.

 

It’s been said that Christianity is always just one generation away from extinction.

Are the examples we’re leaving for the next generation worthy of emulation?

Who provided for you a positive example of Christian leadership and service?

What changes will you need to make to match his/her impact?

::::::::::::::::::::::SCRIPTURE:::::::::::::::::::::::::

 

1 Timothy 1:1-5 New International Version (NIV)

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

² To Timothy my true son in the faith:

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

³ As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer ⁴ or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. ⁵ The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

 

1 Timothy 1:12-19 New International Version (NIV)

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. ¹³ Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. ¹⁴ The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. ¹⁷ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

¹⁸ Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, ¹⁹ holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.