In a 2011 survey it was discovered that even though nearly 70% of family businesses would like to pass their business on to the next generation, only 30% will actually be successful at transitioning to the next generation. It was Paul’s desire to entrust the “business” of the gospel to Timothy and the generations that would follow. The Explore the Bible Study: Entrusted will explore this as we begin a new series focused on 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus.

As you guide your group through the first session, consider challenging them to answer these questions:

• Are you so moved by the grace Christ gave you when He saved you that you are passionate about sharing and showing the good news of Jesus Christ to others, beginning with your family? 
• Are you investing in others so that they are capable of being entrusted with the gospel message? 
• Could you entrust the gospel to your family members or closest friends? Why or why not?

Because we have been entrusted with the gospel, we should not only be investing in others, but we must also be vigilant regarding our own lifestyle as well. Ask God to help you become the kind of disciple who is worthy to be entrusted with the gospel message.

Resources to Consider Using

• There are PowerPoint slides that can be used when introducing the session. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD.
• The following link from ReConnectSS provides a great overview of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Why do you think the disciples felt as if all hope was lost when Jesus died? Why do we, today, knowing that the tomb is empty and Jesus is alive, still wonder if all hope is lost for some. Why do we struggle with knowing whether or not Jesus can rescue some people from the clutches of sin? It is because we are human and we need to always be reminded that Jesus lives! This is the focus of this week's Explore the Bible Study: He Lives, provided by LifeWay.

Imagine you were one of the followers of Christ who had just observed His death. In our passage today, we will get to view Christ's death from the perspective of those who had such high hopes of being rescued from the tyranny of Rome and seeing the Kingdom of God ushered into reality. What they didn't know is how that rescue would take place. They never imagined that it would involve the death and resurrection of the one they loved so much.

We need to be careful not to criticize these followers. They didn't yet understand the mission of Jesus, but they fully embraced it after His resurrection; they finally understood. On the other hand, we live on this side of His resurrection and we, too, sometimes struggle with the reality of His resurrection. We sometimes wonder if the One who overcame the grave and defeated death can actually rescue people who are captive to sin. Still others doubt the reality of His resurrection altogether because they just can't comprehend how this is possible. To those who struggle with doubt, the Apostle Paul gives this advice:

Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say, “There is no resurrection of the dead”? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is in vain, and so is your faith. . . For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.  Those, then, who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone. (1 Corinthians 15:12-19 CSB)

VIDEO OPTION
The following video could be used as an option for introducing the concept of being rescued. The Downloadable Supplemental Teaching Ideas give direction on how to use the video.

BACKGROUND OF THOSE PRESENT AT HIS BURIAL AND RESURRECTION
Be sure to check out the background and the discussion ideas pertaining to those present at Christ's burial and resurrection. Background is included for:

• Joseph of Arimathea
• Pilate
• The Centurion
• Mary Magdalene
• Mary the mother of Joses

Ruins of the City of Magdala (Mary of Magdelene's Hometown)

Rolling stone tomb near Megiddo. Discovered during construction of a road through part of Mount Carmel. Example of tomb similar to Jesus' tomb.

Jesus prepared to pay the price for our sin, submitting to the Father’s plan. We should follow His example as we prepare to live for Him daily. This is the focus of the Explore The Bible Study: Jesus Prepares, as we look at Jesus' days leading up to His death in Mark 14:3-36.

Jesus knew what lay ahead, but He still had to prepare for what He is about to face. As the disciples observe His time of preparation it is met with confusion because they did not have the same outlook of the future that Jesus had.

The downloadable teaching ideas will look at two examples of how Jesus prepared for what He was about to face. In the days leading up to His sacrifice, He prepared by allowing others to “pour into His life”  and He spent an agonizing time in prayer in order to gain strength for what He was about to face.

We need to learn from His experience about the high price Jesus paid for our sins. We should also understand how important it is for us to prepare to live for Jesus daily.

Just wait until your father gets home! What comes to mind when you hear this statement? In many instances this statement is used as a threat with hopes of changing a child’s behavior when he/she is misbehaving . But it doesn’t have to always be used in this manner. However it is used, this promise should prompt a change in behavior. In LifeWay's Explore The Bible Study this week, we will look at Jesus' promise to return. His promise to return should prompt us to behave differently as well.

As your group focuses on Mark 13:24-37, be sure to focus on the following TARGET: Jesus' promise to return to establish His eternal kingdom should change how we live as believers.

Caution: As is the case when studying any passage that focuses on the return of Christ, we can get bogged down by focusing too much on the nuances of the different eschatological views. While this is important, it is not the intended TARGET for this week's session. This session focuses on how we are to live as we anticipate Jesus' promised return.

A few months ago a friend of mine invited me to tour the car manufacturing facility in which he works. The facility was huge and their commitment to quality control was amazing. While on the tour he pointed out the painting facility. He explained to me that everyone going into that area is monitored for impurities that might hurt the paint. Everyone who works in that area can only wear one type of antiperspirant, because other brands contain elements that could hurt the paint. Now this is quality control! In the Explore The Bible Study: Jesus Purifies, Jesus, exercises quality control with regard to worship.