The summer my oldest son, Jonathan, was 13, he came home from Bible camp and asked, Mommy, will you write a blog post about my week at camp? Of course, there was no way I could refuse, especially after he agreed to write out what he learned at camp that he wanted to focus on in his life.

Lessons from 2 Timothy

Practical Ways to Live Unashamed for Our Lord (2 Timothy 1)

  1. Refresh your gift (v. 6)
  2. Serve with courage (v. 7)
  3. Anticipate hardship (v. 8)
  4. Remember the God who saved You (v. 8)
  5. Trust your security (vv. 11-13)

Jonathan’s Application: After hearing these steps, I am going to try and be more open to talk about the Bible at school.

Jobs of a Christian (2 Timothy 2)

  1. Teachers (v. 2)
  2. Soldiers (vv. 3-4)
  3. Athletes (v. 5)
  4. Hard-Working Farmers (v. 6)

Jonathan’s Application: I am going to try and do these jobs to be a better Christian.

How to Be a Useful Vessel (2 Timothy 2)

  1. Handle the Word rightly (vv. 14-19)
  2. Have a clean heart (vv. 21-22)
  3. Engage others correctly (vv. 23-26)

Jonathan’s Application: I am going to try and be a useful vessel to God by following these steps.

How to make Time for God’s Word (2 Timothy 3)

  1. Pray for help & guidance (James 4)
  2. Make a plan (Isaiah 32:8)
  3. Get accountability (Proverbs 27:17)
  4. Get back-up (Psalm 37:23-24)

Jonathan’s Application: I am going to try using these steps and make time for God’s Word.

How to Effectively Preach the Word (2 Timothy 4)

  1. Have spiritual wisdom and an understanding of the Gospel
  2. Experience the power of the gospel in your heart
  3. Handle the Bible with skill
  4. Have the right motive
  5. Be ready at all times

Jonathan’s Application: After hearing these steps, I am going to try and preach the Word to some of my friends.

Mom’s Thoughts

Not only did my son come back excited about studying God’s Word, but he also came back questioning some of the teachings. Through his questioning, he and I were able to discuss several important aspects of being a Christian. Not only that, but we discussed the importance of “examining the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11) on your own in addition to hearing preaching/teaching.

My son was too young that year to become a junior counselor after going through Christians in Training (CIT), but he did become one after that. To have your child excited about not just learning about God’s Word but also eager to apply it in his everyday life and beyond truly brings the greatest joy a parent can have.