Introduction
In this letter, Paul writes to Timothy, his “son in the faith”, who has been tasked with dealing with issues that had arisen in the church at Ephesus. Both Paul and Timothy had previously ministered to the church there.
1 Timothy, Chapter 1
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each day.
Day 1 – Introduction
Timothy had been Paul’s protégé since his youth. Because of Paul’s concern for the church at Ephesus and his confidence in Timothy, he sent the young man to oversee the Ephesian church.
It is believed that this letter to Timothy was written after Paul’s two year imprisonment in Rome. Paul had many places he desired to visit after his long imprisonment, so he urged Timothy to stay in Ephesus to help with the church there. In this letter, Paul is advising Timothy on how to address the issues the church there was facing.
Over the course of Paul’s ministry he had many contacts with the church at Ephesus. Paul first stopped at Ephesus on his way from Corinth to Syria (Acts 18:18-19). He later returned and established a church and remained for two years (Acts 19:1, 8-10). Paul had contact with the church leaders over the course of several years. He became concerned upon hearing that there were false teachers in the church (I Timothy 1:3). He explained in I Timothy 3:14-15 that he was writing so the people would know how to conduct themselves properly in the household of God. As always, Paul’s primary concern was the impact of the church and its mission to lead the world to salvation. (I Timothy 2:3-7).
1. What do we know of Timothy’s background according to the following verses?
a. Acts 16:1-3
b. 2 Timothy 1:5
2. How do you think early exposure to godliness can impact a child? What example do you know of?
3. From Acts 16:1-2a, what are the factors that may have led Paul to invite the young man Timothy to join him and Silas on their missionary journey?
Day 2 – 1 Timothy 1:1-2
1. How does Paul describe himself in verse 1?
2. Why do you think it might be important to begin his letter this way?
3. How does Paul describe his relationship to Timothy in verse 2 and Philippians 2:19-22?
4. According to Acts 16:3, what led Paul to arrange for Timothy to be circumcised?
5. Do you agree that this was the right thing to do under the circumstances? Explain how Romans 14:13 applies?
Day 3 – 1 Timothy 1:1-2 continued
1. Read the verses below to determine some of the assignments Paul had sent Timothy on. For each one, state where he went and what his task was.
a. Acts 17:13-14
b. Acts 19:21-22
c. 1 Corinthians 4:17
d. Philippians 2:19-20
2. What did these types of assignments suggest about Paul’s confidence in Timothy?
3. According to the following verses, what letters did Timothy co-author or cooperate with Paul in?
2 Corinthians 1:1
Philippians 1:1
1 Thessalonians 1:1
2 Thessalonians 1:1
Philemon 1:1
Colossians 1:1
Day 4 – 1 Timothy 1:3
1. Read 1 Timothy 1:3 and 1:5. Why did Paul want Timothy to stay in Ephesus and why was he writing to Timothy at this time?
2. From Acts 20:29-30, what was Paul’s warning several years before about the church at Ephesus?
3. Read the following verses and record what the warning regarding false teaching was, who it was given to, and by whom?
| Warning | Given to | By Whom | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galatians 1:1-7 | |||
| 1 Corinthians 1:11-13 | |||
| Titus 1:1, 4, 11-12 | |||
| Jude 1:1-4 | |||
| 2 Peter 1:1; 2:1 |
Day 5 – 1 Timothy 1:4-16
1. What were the false teachers Paul was writing about saying? (verses 4, 6)
2. What did the false teachers want to be known as? (verse 7)
3. What was the point that was being missed by these teachings and an emphasis on the law?
(verses 5-7)
4. Examine 1 Timothy 1:8 -11; Romans 7:7-13 and Galatians 3:19.
a. What is the purpose of the law Paul refers to?
b. What examples can you give of what can happen when the law of God is not taught or practiced as it should be?
5. In 1 Timothy 1:12-15, why is Paul thanking God?
a. What had Paul done in the past?
b. What did God do for Paul?
c. In what ways can you relate to Paul’s experience of receiving God’s mercy?
1 Timothy, Chapter 2
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each day.
Day 1 – 1 Timothy 2:1-7
1. According to verse 1, what is to be the first priority for God’s people?
2. What is to be included in our prayers for others?
3. From 1 Timothy 2:2-4, how do you think praying for those in authority will lead to peaceful and quiet lives for those who love the Lord?
a. Think about the admonition to pray for our leaders. What specifics might be included?
b. What does God desire for everyone?
4. What is the definition and role of a mediator?
a. From 1 Timothy 2:6-7, how is Christ the mediator between God and man?
b. What part, if any, do we have in this mediation process?
5. What title would you give this passage to summarize it?
Day 2 – 1 Timothy 2:8
The false teachers in Ephesus were leading the people astray, thus impacting every aspect of the people of God including their personal conduct and conduct in the worship services.
Here Paul gives his advice as to how men and women should conduct themselves in worship.
1. According to 1 Timothy 2:8, describe how men should worship?
2. There are numerous examples of lifting hands in prayer to the Lord: see Exodus 9:29; I Kings 8:22; and Psalm 28:2.
According to the following verses, describe the other examples of postures in prayer.
a. I Samuel 1:26
b. I Kings 8:54
c. Mark 14:35
3. Paul notes that the hands are to be “holy”. Read Isaiah 1:15, Job 11:13-14 and Psalm 24:3-4.
What causes our hands to be unholy before the Lord and what effect does that have on our prayers?
4. How can you apply these verses to your time in prayer and worship? Are there any changes you would like to make? Explain.
5. Do these verses suggest that different times and places will determine the best posture of prayer and worship? Explain why or why not.
6. From what you have read so far about the situation in the church at Ephesus, why do you think men would be angry or disputing in the worship service?
7. What title would you give this passage to summarize it?
Day 3 – I Timothy 2:9-10
Note that Paul has not shifted topics here. He continues to reflect on prayer.
1. How does Paul ask women to dress at the worship service?
2. In 1 Peter 3:3-4, Peter applies these same standards to general practice. Do you think this applies to women today as well as those in New Testament times? Explain why or why not.
3. In general, what do you think is often the motivation for women to wear expensive clothes, and adorn themselves with jewelry such as gold and pearls?
a. How could overdressing or under-dressing (extreme casual) be a distraction in worship or in our witness?
b. God is concerned about our heart as we come to worship Him. How could the way we dress and adorn ourselves reflect what is in our hearts?
c. Are there times when wearing expensive clothes and jewelry is appropriate for Christian women? Explain your answer.
4. How do Paul and Peter (according to today’s verses) suggest women can truly reflect their devotion to God?
Day 4- 1 Timothy 2:11-15, part 1
1. How does Paul say that women are to learn?
2. In light of 1 Corinthians 11:5 and 14:1-3, do you think Paul is asking women to remain totally silent in the worship service? Explain why or why not.
3. Read 1 Timothy 2:11-14 and Genesis 3:1-6.
a. Describe how Eve was deceived in the garden and what she did?
b. What was Adam’s mistake in the garden?
4. Do you think Paul was right to be concerned about women’s susceptibility to deception? Explain why or why not.
5. What does Paul’s reference to Adam and Eve have to do with the current situation at Ephesus? Consider 1 Timothy 1:3.
Day 5- 1 Timothy 2:11-15, part 2
1. Read 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 and Romans 5:12. Although Eve sinned first, who is held responsible for bringing sin into the world?
2. Read Genesis 2:15-22. What does the created order suggest about roles of men and women?
3. Do you think Paul was limiting women’s roles in the church? Read 1 Corinthians 11:3-16; 14:34-35. Explain your answer.
4. Describe the roles that the following women had and how they might be applied in the church today:
a. Deborah: Judges 4:4-5
b. Priscilla: Acts 18:24-26
c. Euodia and Syntyche: Philippians 4:2-3
d. Women: 1 Corinthians 11:5
e. Older women: Titus 2:3-5
f. List all the women you see in Romans 16 and what they did.
1 Timothy, Chapter 3
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each day.
Day 1 – 1 Timothy 3:1-7
Paul discusses church leadership in this passage. In practice today we see many variations of church structure, some more closely following a Biblical model than others. There are also different uses of words, such as overseer, bishop, and elder.
1. According to Ephesians 1:22 and Colossians 1:18, who is to be the head of the church?
2. Read Acts 14:23. Who did Paul appoint to lead the early churches and who did they depend upon?
3. Read Acts 20:28 and 1 Peter 5:1-4. What was the role of the elders?
Note: A flock is often used as a metaphor for God’s people. The head of a flock is the shepherd. Pastor is the Latin word for shepherd.
4. From 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, list the necessary characteristics of an overseer, bishop or elder.
5. Paul mentions the importance of the elder’s ability to manage his own family well before he takes leadership of the church. Why do you think that might be a prerequisite? What similarities and differences do you see between managing a family and managing a church?
Day 2 – 1 Timothy 3:8-13
(Verse 11 will be studied in Day 3)
1. Read 1 Timothy 3:8-13. List the necessary characteristics of a deacon.
2. What position in the church might this refer to today?
3. What are some of the reasons you think this model is necessary for church leaders?
Day 3 – 1 Timothy 3:11
1. In verse 11, what is expected of the wife of a deacon? Does this presume that deacons are to be men?
2. The Greek word translated here as “deacon” (diakonis) means servant or assistant. What are some ways women can serve and assist in the church without an official position of deacon?
3. Why is it necessary to have roles within the church which can be fulfilled by women? Read 1 Corinthians 12 before you answer.
4. What is your understanding from scripture about women serving as pastors?
Day 4 – 1 Timothy 3:14-15
1. According to 1 Timothy 3:14-15, why was Paul writing to Timothy?
2. From Paul’s stated purpose for writing, what can we understand about the false teachings in the church?
3. In verse 15, how does Paul describe the church?
4. In what ways can the church be the pillar and foundation of truth?
5. What challenges does the church face today in fulfilling this purpose?
Day 5 – 1 Timothy 3:16
1. In verse 16 Paul expands on the great truth of the church. After giving direct and specific requirements of behavior, he wants to refocus on the basics of the faith.
a. What is the essence of the mystery Paul is speaking about?
b. According to Romans 16:25-26, what is to be the result of the revealing of the mystery Paul is speaking of?
2. What are the six points Paul lists for the mystery?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
3. How would you explain this in your own words?
1 Timothy, Chapter 4
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each day.
Day 1 – 1 Timothy 4:1-3
1. According to Hebrews 1:1-2, when did the “last days” referred to in 1 Timothy 4:1 begin?
2. From 1 Timothy 4:1-3 and 2 Peter 3:3:
a. What do these verses say people will do in the last days?
b. What will the false teachers be teaching?
c. What examples of these, if any, can you see happening today?
Day 2 – 1 Timothy 4:4-5
1. Also read Colossians 2:16-23.
a. Does Paul say there are certain foods that the believer cannot eat?
b. What makes all food and drink acceptable for the believer?
2. Why do you think there is disagreement in the Christian community about drinking and eating certain foods?
3. According to Romans 14:1-4, how is the believer to react to such disagreements?
Day 3 – 1 Timothy 4:6-11
1. What does Paul consider to be a waste of time and necessary to be avoided? Have you been guilty of this? If so, in what ways?
2. What is the advantage of godly training over physical training?
3. How can we tell if we are more concerned about our physical health than our spiritual health?
4. What are some of the ways we can train in godliness and what end result of this training can we expect?
Day 4 – 1 Timothy 4:12-13
1. Read Galatians 5:22-23. What is the fruit of godliness?
2. Take some time to review evidence of these fruits in your own life. Do you see yourself increasing in fruitfulness? If not, as you take this before God, what is He showing you?
3. List the five areas in which Paul tells Timothy to be an example. State how your life can be an example in each of these areas.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Day 5 – 1 Timothy 4:14-16
1. Also read 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 27.
a. Paul encourages Timothy to use his Spiritual Gift. From 1 Corinthians 12, who is given a spiritual gift and what is the purpose of spiritual gifts?
b. List the Spiritual Gifts given in the passage.
Note: This is not a complete list of Spiritual Gifts. Others are indicated in various Scriptures, such as Romans 12.
2. What do you think your Spiritual Gift(s) is/are? How can we understand or discover them?
3. What are some of the ways you are using your Spiritual Gift or have in the past?
4. Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-18. Why is it important for each believer to use their Spiritual Gift?
1 Timothy, Chapter 5
Paul continues to give Timothy instructions for proper care and relationships in the church to correct what the false teachers were teaching.
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each day.
Day 1- 1 Timothy 5:1-2
1. According to this passage, how should each of these be treated:
a. Older men
b. Younger men
c. Older women
d. Younger women
2. Explain how young people usually learn the appropriate behavior in each of these relationships.
3. What challenges for this do you see in our culture today?
Day 2 – 1 Timothy 5:3-8
1. For each verse given below, what does it say about God’s concern for widows?
a. Isaiah 1:17
b. Deuteronomy 10:18
c. Palm 68:5
d. James 1:27
2. Does this care for widows apply to the church today? Explain why or why not.
Day 3 – 1 Timothy 5:3-8 Continued
1. What is the role and responsibility of the children and grandchildren in caring for widows?
2. What two things does this accomplish (verse 4)?
a.
b.
3. What does it say about those who do not care for their family members (verse 8)?
Day 4 – 1 Timothy 5:9-16
1. What are the requirements for widows seeking help from the church (verses 5, 9-10)
2. Why does Paul say it is not a good idea for young widows to be on the list and what advice does he give?
3. What cultural factors may influence the application of these practices today compared to the culture in Paul’s time?
Day 5 – 1 Timothy 5:17-25
In 1 Timothy 3 Paul outlined the qualifications for overseers or elders (pastors). Here he notes the responsibility of the church towards them. Also read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.
1. List the ways the church is to act towards the pastor.
2. What does muzzling an ox have to do with a pastor? See 1 Corinthians 9:9-14.
3. Paul makes clear that church overseers and pastors also need to be held accountable. What does James 3:1 say about this?
4. What process does Paul describe for accusations against pastors/elders?
5. What can we learn from Paul’s warning to Timothy about the ability to observe the sin or good deeds of others?
1 Timothy, Chapter 6
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each day.
Day 1- 1 Timothy 6:1-2
In verses 1 and 2, Paul continues to address conduct of those in the church. Read also Ephesians 6:5-8.
1. Who is Paul addressing in today’s passages?
Slavery was an accepted way of life in Paul’s day and throughout Old Testament history. The practice is not to be confused with the more modern practice that forced people into slavery and mistreated them. Read Leviticus 25:39, 40, 43 as an example of God’s plan to mitigate the burden associated with the experience.
2. How could the verses in 1 Timothy 6:1-2 and Ephesians 6:5-8 apply to the work setting today?
Day 2 – 1 Timothy 6:3-5
1. As Paul reflects back on all he had to say about appropriate conduct in the church, to whom does he attribute his teaching?
2. Read Jude 1:3-4, Acts 17:11 and Romans 16:17-18. How can we know if someone is teaching in accordance with Jesus’ teaching and how should we respond to them if they are not?
3. Why is it important to recognize it when you hear teaching that is not consistent with scripture?
4. What does Paul say is the motivation of false teachers (verse 5)?
5. List as many examples as you can of false teaching we hear today through radio, TV or personal exposure? Why do you think people listen and tolerate such teaching?
Day 3 – 1 Timothy 6:6-10
Paul has identified wealth as the motivation for false teachers. He now turns his attention to this issue.
1. What constitutes wealth for the believer?
2. Have you experienced difficulty with being content with what you have? Explain how discontentment can negatively impact the life of a believer.
3. Does being content mean that we are never to try to better ourselves or our financial situation? Explain your answer.
4. From verses 9-10, what are the traps we can fall into in pursuing wealth and how can we avoid these?
Day 4 – 1 Timothy 6:11-16
In the midst of his discussion about the dangers of pursuing wealth, Paul diverts his attention to give Timothy a pep talk about the preferred alternative.
1. What advice does Paul give Timothy, and any godly person, in verses 11-12? List all the things you see.
2. What does it mean to fight the good fight and how can we do that today?
3. In verses 13-16, Paul encourages Timothy by reminding him of Jesus’ testimony and what to expect in the future. Read John 18:33-38 to be reminded of Jesus’ trial.
a. What did Jesus proclaim to Pilate?
b. How would Jesus’ example under pressure be an example to Timothy?
4. From verse 14, what would be the result of Timothy following Paul’s command to fight the good fight of faith? How does this apply to you?
Day 5 – 1 Timothy 6:17-21
1. According to Psalm 24:1 who is the owner of everything?
2. Read Mathew 24:45-46 and Mathew 25:14-30. What is our role in dealing with the things God has given us?
3. Paul warns against putting our trust in money or material things.
a. Who is our hope and trust to be put in?
b. Do you think it is harder for the wealthy or the poor to put their total trust in God? Explain your answer.
4. Review verses 18-19 and read Mathew 6:20-21. What does it mean to store your treasures in heaven and how is your heart an indicator of this?
5. In verse 20 Timothy is exhorted to guard the deposit that was entrusted to him. Read Mathew 28:18-20. What is the deposit that had been given to Timothy and to us?
6. Do believers today have responsibility for guarding and passing on this deposit? Explain your answer.
7. From your study of 1 Timothy, what are some of the highlights of what you have learned? Think about how you will apply these in your life and consider sharing this with your group.