PASSAGE GUIDE | Next Gen Sunday: We are always both students and teachers in the Kingdom of God.
In 2 Timothy 1:3-7, Paul begins by affirming Timothy’s sincere faith, one that first lived in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. This isn’t just a passing compliment; it’s a recognition of generational faithfulness. God honors legacy. Spiritual inheritance matters to Him, and Paul reminds Timothy that his current calling is rooted in seeds sown by those who came before him.
Throughout Scripture, God is revealed not just as personal, but generational: “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” He is deeply invested in the long story, not just individual moments. Paul’s words show that God doesn’t only call individuals, but He cultivates generational lines of faith. Timothy’s destiny is shaped in part by the legacy of faithful women who discipled him at home. We are stewards of more than our own spiritual growth—we are links in a chain meant to continue beyond us.
Paul is modeling generational investment as he writes, not just as a mentor, but like a spiritual father. He doesn’t just hand Timothy responsibilities; he calls out the gift that’s already there and fans it into flame. This is how spiritual batons are passed: through intentional relationship, encouragement, and affirmation. The work of the Church is not only about raising up the next generation but also about walking alongside them until they’re ready to run.
This passage also challenges us to invest both upward and downward. While we pour into the next generation, we also honor and learn from those ahead of us. Timothy received faith from older generations, was mentored by Paul, and was now being commissioned to lead others. Healthy spiritual legacy flows in both directions; it honors the past, speaks into the present, and prepares others for the future. We are always both students and teachers in the Kingdom of God.
Paul’s charge to “fan into flame the gift of God” is not only for Timothy. It’s a call for all believers to nurture what God has placed within them and in others. We cannot afford to let potential lie dormant. If the Scriptures are true, that God has not given us a spirit of fear, then we must boldly invest in others, calling out their purpose, walking with them, and trusting the Spirit to multiply the work. Legacy and destiny are not accidents; they are built through faithfulness, relationship, and obedience across generations.
*We are a church located in Greenville, South Carolina. Our vision is to see God transform us into a community of grace, passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus.
SUGGESTIONS FOR COMMUNITY GROUP QUESTIONS
Remember, these are “suggested” questions. You do not have to go through every single one of them. No matter which campus you attend, these questions will help you open up a discussion in your group.
OPENING PRAYER
Take a moment to think of people God has placed in your life who have poured into you. Thank Him that they have given guidance and shared wisdom. Ask the Spirit to show you who you can, in turn, pour into.
OPENING QUESTION
Share about someone specific in your life who intentionally included you and/or gave guidance during a difficult time.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What does it look like to create and maintain a relationship with someone of a different generation?
- What obstacle is keeping you from investing in someone?
- How can you balance both grace and truth when walking with someone through their relationship with Christ?
- What questions do you have about the next generation (Gen Z and/or Gen A)?
- What assumptions might you be making about those younger or older than you that could be causing hesitation to build relationships?
PRACTICE OPTIONS
Carve out space this week to seek out the person or people who have invested in you. It could’ve been from childhood, college years, or even the present. Call them and share about the impact they’ve had on your life. You never know how this could serve as life-giving encouragement to someone!
CLOSING PRAYER
Ask God to give you a willingness to invest in someone. Open yourself to the opportunities He may already have in front of you.