1 and 2 Timothy - Week 6

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6

1. Paul used a number of action words when writing to Timothy. What action words did you detect in reading the passage? Why would Paul use such words as opposed to passive words to encourage Timothy?

2. Overall, Paul’s first letter to Timothy provided a vision for the church. Why was this important to Paul? What did Paul see as the proper workings within a Christian church?

3. In Chapter 6, Paul provides instructions and guidance for some leadership positions, masters (employers), pastors, and those with wealth. How would Paul’s vision for these leaders make for a better church, community, and nation? Was Paul on the right track? If you were in Timothy’s role, how stressed would you feel in having to convey Paul’s message to others? How stressed do you think today's pastors are in having to de?

4. Do you feel that Paul’s tone with Timothy was appropriate? Was his instructions comforting, or challenging, coaching or chastising?

5. The word “contentment” is used in the passage. How do you apply the concept of contentment in your life? Do others see you as content with what you have? How does the concept of contentment conflict with the world concept?

6. Paul spends several verses on personal wealth. Today’s church in America seems to struggle with teaching Paul’s concept. Do we as Christians act in accordance with Paul’s guidance? How do these instructions re-iterate previous messages/teachings in the New Testament?

1 and 2 Timothy - Week 5

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 5

1. What did Paul indicate to Timothy as the distinction between the
responsibilities of the church, and the responsibility of individual to
their families? Talk about the correlation Paul makes of the members of the
church, and of family members.

2. He talks quite a bit about "Widows". What is the distinction that he
makes between "real/truly" widows, young woman who become widows, and those
with children and grandchildren?

3. Paul also warns about hastiness (Ver 22) - Laying hands, Sharing other's
sins... What does this say about the expectations and responsibility of the
members to the leaders/elders?

4. Paul makes reference to Deuteronomy "Thou shalt not muzzle the oz while
he treads out the grain" (V18), and "Double Honor". Talk about the rights
and privileges of the elders. How does this and Q3 apply to our thinking
today and in our own church?

Applications:

1. In Ver 8, We are tasked to provide for our relatives. What are some of
the cues and rules that govern our own decision to draw the line when it
comes to responsibility for meeting the needs of family members?

2. Think about some way in which we could do better (or simply do
differently) to provide practical support for a "family" member, or backing
off when more faith is what is needed.

3. Christian teaching and practices are said to be practical. How is 1 Tim 5
compare to other teachings, such as the lessons of Matthew that we studied?

4. How do we in our culture "muzzle the ox"?

1 and 2 Timothy - Week 4

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 4

1.Though you may be familiar with the names of some cults, do you know what they believe that deviates from Biblical Christianity?

2.What other ideas have you heard, perhaps even in the Christian community, that you feel deviate from Biblical Christianity?

3.What do think attracts people to such false ideas?

4.What motivates the teachers to propagate such false ideas?

5.vs 7 what is an "old wife’s tale" and why is it called such?

6.vs 7,8 How does one "train himself" to be godly?

7.vs 12 a person's physical age is not necessarily an indication of his level of spiritual maturity. Nor should physical age be a factor in submission to a legitimate authority figure, as Timothy. However, it is legitimate to treat people different based on their age as 1Tim 5:1,2 will indicate.

In each of the areas listed in this verse, what may be particular examples of what Paul had in mind?

8.vs 13 Do you feel you are sufficiently devoted to reading, learning and perhaps teaching the Bible?
How might you become more devoted?

1 and 2 Timothy - Week 3