2 Timothy 3

This is our Sunday teaching from Senior Pastor, Tom Thompson. Recorded live at our service in Harris Academy Purley, Croydon on Sunday 8th June, 2025. Below you can find the full talk audio, and a summary article.

Want to lead a Connect Group session on this teaching? The notes are here!

Talk Summary - A Soft Heart Towards God

At Pentecost, we remember that God still breathes His Spirit into His people—bringing transformation from fear to power, love, and a sound mind.

That’s the invitation we’ve been exploring together in our recent series through 2 Timothy. The letter encourages us to live lives marked not by timidity, but by wholehearted surrender to God.

One powerful theme that emerged this past Sunday was the importance of a soft heart towards God. A soft heart responds readily to His voice and His call. It says yes when Jesus asks, whether that means offering practical generosity, stepping into a new challenge, or letting go of entitlement and pride. It also runs from youthful temptations—the belief that life should revolve around our wants and comforts—and instead pursues righteousness, faithfulness, and peace.

The Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 2 remind us that God desires not just to save us, but to use us: “If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honourable use” (v.21). A soft heart prepares us for this kind of life—one where we are ready for God’s good work, in our homes, our workplaces, our friendships, and our city.

But this is not something we pursue alone. 2 Timothy 2:22 points us toward companionship in the journey. We grow soft-hearted not just through private devotion, but by walking alongside others who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Together, we can be:

  • Role models, whose faithful example inspires others;

  • Allies, walking together towards shared Kingdom goals;

  • Confidants, offering safe spaces where honesty and healing can flourish.

As a church, we pray for a fresh "Pentecost upgrade"—that more and more of us would live as role models, allies, and confidants in one another’s lives. And at the heart of it all is this simple prayer: Lord, soften my heart once again.

Croydon Vineyard