Author: Paul Date Written: A.D. 64 Key Place: Ephesus Outline I Timothy Key Verse 3:15 I. Charge to Timothy ~ Chapter 1 A. Introduction (v. 1-2) B. Warning Against False Teachers (v. 3-11) C. Responsibility: Preach the Gospel and Hold the Faith (v. 12-20) II. Conduct of the Church ~ Chapter 2 A. Prayer: Worship of God our Savior (v. 1-7) B. Men in Public Worship (v. 8) C. Women in Public Worship (v. 9-15) D. Qualification of Officers (Chapter 3) 1. Elders (v. 1-7) 2. Deacons (v. 8-13) 3. Hymn of the Gospel (v. 14-16) III. Conduct of the Minister ~ Chapter 4 A. Instructions to Timothy Regarding Apostasy 1. Faithfully preach the Word. (v. 1-6) 2. Faithfully live the Word (v. 7-14) 2. Faithfully progress in the exercise of the gift. (v. 15-16) IV. Church Ministry ~ Chapter 5 and 6 A. Instructions Regarding: 1. Older men (5:1-2) 2. Widows (5: 3-16) 3. Officers (5:17-25) 4. Slavers (6:1-2) 5. False Teachers (6:3-10) 6. The Wealthy (6:17-19) B. Instructions to Timothy / Paul s Charge (6:11-16, 20-21) 1. Flee Corruption 2. Fight the Good Fight of Faith 3. Paul s Charge to Timothy By: Mary Anne Merwin Presbyterian Church of the Master 2010
Lesson #1 Timothy 1 Read entire letter of I Timothy in one sitting. Re-read chapter 1 1. How does Paul introduce himself? 2. By whose authority was Paul sent? 3. What title did Paul give to: God: (Deut. 32:15, Lu 1:46,47) Jesus: (Ps. 43:5, Col 1:27) 4. Read Acts 16:1-3, 17:14-15, 18:5, 19:22, 20:4, I Cor. 4:17, II Cor. 1:1, 19, I Phil.12:19, Col 1:1 From these verses, what do you learn about Timothy? How do you think Paul felt about him? Note: Mercy is used as a salutation only in the Pastoral Letters (I Timothy, II Timothy, and Titus) 5. Define Mercy, Grace and Peace. Why would these encourage Timothy? Why do they encourage you? 6. What did Paul urge Timothy to do (v. 3) Why was this crucial to the church? 7. What is the goal for teaching sound doctrine? 8. What is the law s purpose? What can the law do? What can t the law do?
9. List the kinds of people condemned by the law (v. 9-10, and Gal 5:19-21, Ex. 20) 10. Why was Paul his own best example of a man in need of the Gospel? (v. 12-16, Acts 9:1-22) 11. Would you share how the Gospel has changed your life? 12. Read verse 17 prayerfully. In Paul s doxology he states several attributes of God, which is the most meaningful to you? Why? 13. What was Paul s last instruction in this chapter for the local church to fulfill besides teaching sound doctrine and preaching the Gospel? (18-20) 14. Name the two apostates. What had Paul done about them? Note: This discipline implies apostolic discipline (I Cor. 5:3). Remember, the purpose of all godly discipline is to learn, repent and restore. Prayer: God, my savior, grant to me mercy, grace and peace. Amen
Lesson #2 Read: I Timothy 2 and 3. Reread: Chapter 2 1. What was Paul s purpose to urge prayer? For whom is the church to pray? 2. How might believers prepare for prayer? (Matt. 6:5-15. Luke 11:22-25) 3. Give a definition of Prayer 4. Paul says that prayer is good and pleasing to the Lord. Give reasons why that is so? 5. Why is Jesus Christ the basis of all our prayers? (Hebrews 9:15) 6. What did Paul declare was his Purpose? (v. 7) 7. How many physical positions are there in prayer? Which one is your favorite? Why? 8. What guidelines did Paul give to women s attire? What is the principle here? 9. What guidelines did Paul give to women learning in the church? 10. What were his reasons? 11. Do you believe Paul was speaking to the culture of his day?
12. Who does Paul encourage women to teach? (Titus 2:3-4, II Tim. 1:5, 3:15) a) What is the principle here? (I Cor. 14:40, I Pet. 3:1-7, Eph 5:21-22) Note: In the New Testament the word used for pastor, elder, or bishop are synonymous. 13. List the qualifications Paul gives for elders (Titus 1:6-9) 14. List the qualifications for deacons. Read Acts 6 for background 15. Read 3:14-15. What was Paul s purpose for writing this letter? 16. How did Paul describe the church or body of believers? 17. Verse 16 may be a hymn fragment of the early church. a) Which phrase affirms the divinity of Christ? b) Which phrase reveals His humanity? c) Which phrase fills you with awe? d) Which phrase fills you with hope? e) Which will you share? 18. In your own words what is the mystery of godliness? Prayer: Christ Jesus my Savior, thank you for Your life lived for me and you death died for me.
Lesson #3 Read Chapter 4 Note: Paul, in the power of the Holy Spirit warns his son in the faith against apostasy. The church in Ephesus was plagued by false teaching, men teaching another gospel. One of the main lines of false teaching was that of Gnosticism which had two extremes; asceticism, and complete lack of morality. Judaism too was a constant threat. The church was under attack as she has been in every age. The test of any religious doctrine is what it says about Jesus and does it square with Scripture. The weapons of spiritual warfare are always the same: spread the word, live the Word and serve God. (Eph. 6:10-20) 1. Who is behind false teaching? (Gen. 3:15, John 8:44) 2. What do false teachers advocate? v. 3 3. What great principle does Paul give? V. 4-5? (Acts 10: 9-16) 4. How could Timothy tell if he was a faithful minister of Christ Jesus? V. 6 5. What did Paul say were to be a pastor s main priorities? V. 7-10 6. How was Timothy or any pastor to accomplish this? Does this apply to all believers? 7. What is meant by the phrase Savior of all men and especially those who believe?
8. Noting that Paul uses the word command, as well as teach, how is Timothy to preach? 9. Why do you think Paul encouraged Timothy in regard to his youth? How is age viewed today? 10. In what way was Timothy to be an example? V. 11-12 11. To what is Timothy to devote himself? V. 13 a) To what must you devote yourself? 12. Why was it important for Timothy to use his spiritual gift? V. 14-15 a) Do you know what gift you have been given? b) Are you using that gift to the glory of God? 13. What wonderful promise is found in verse 6. Note: Warren Wiersbe says: The building up of the saved and the winning od the lost are the purposes of our ministry, to the glory of God. But God must work in us before He can effectively work through us (Phil. 2-12-13). As good ministers, we preach the Word; as godly minister, we practice the Word; as growing ministers we progress in the Word. Prayer: Holy Spirit of God, may I be a good, godly and a growing Christian. Amen.
Lesson #4 Read I Tim. 5 and 6. Re-read Chapter 5 Note: Paul continues his instruction to Timothy. He gives the young minister practical advice on how to treat the members of his church. 1) How should Timothy treat an older man? V. 1 a) How should he treat younger men? b) Does this mean he should never rebuke an older man? (See v. 20 and Titus 2:15) c) How should he treat older women? d) How should he treat younger women? Can you suggest reasons why? 2) Read 5: 3-17 Pick a verse that teaches the main principle; how does this verse teach that principle? Are there other principles? 3) How was the church to determine a widow s eligibility? List the requirements for a widow indeed (vs. 9-10) 4) Why were younger women not to be considered for the church s list of widows? (vs. 11-15) 5) How are we to treat the elders who direct the affairs of the church? (v. 17) a) What is the financial principle supported by Scripture?
6) Why should witnesses be called if an elder is accused? 7) Why should elders who sin be rebuked publicly? (v. 20 and James 3:1) 8) Read verse 21. Define charge. a) Who were the witnesses of Paul s charge? b) What was the gist of this charge? c) Why are partiality and prejudice warned against? 9) Can you think of examples of now hasty in the laying on of hands is not a good idea? V.22 a) Give ways that a Christian may keep pure. 10) What are the principles taught in scripture concerning wine? What principles are taught about one s health? (v.23) Read Verses 24-25. Note: Paul s words were meant as a caution in appointing leaders. Careful investigation of the lives of potential leaders is essential in selecting church leaders. If we ordain leaders with sin in their lives we become part of that sin. Those selecting leadership should be supported with much prayer. Godly leadership means God s blessings and that is what we want. Warren Wiersbe Read Chapter 6 11) How can we apply the principles Paul gave about slaves to employees in today s workplace? (vs. 1-2)
12) What are the marks of a false teacher? (v. 3-5) 13) What is the motive of a false teacher? a) What should be every teacher s first priority? b) How can we avoid many pitfalls? (v. 6-10) c) Can you share why you think godliness is great gain? 14) Read verses 17-19. Who do these verses concern? a) What command is given? b) How does Paul s charge apply to you? c) What principles are taught? (Deut. 8:18, Luke 12:13-2, Eccl. 3: 12-15) d) Why should the wealthy put their hope in God? e) What wonderful promise is given? f) Describe what life that is truly given means to you. 15) Read verses 11-16 with 4:16 and 6:5 a. From what should a Christian flee? b. What is a Christian to pursue?
c. Who are we, as Christians, to follow? d. What are we to defend? 16) Again Paul gives Timothy a charge in verses 13-6; what is it? How long is he to guard it? 17) Read prayerfully verses 13-16 a) How is God described? b) What confession did Christ Jesus give before Pilate? c) What is His appearing (Titus 2:13) d) Where does God live? e) How does God s light revealed to man? (John 3:19, 8:12) *Personal: Have you asked, How can I dwell in God s glorious Light forever? If you have questions please speak to either our pastor or a group leader who would be honored to answer your questions. God s desire is that all come to Him and be saved. This is the Gospel or Good News! 18) What was Timothy told to guard? a) Why is the Gospel of Christ Jesus to be guarded with one s life> b) Why is the Gospel, and not false teaching, life? Prayer: Light of the world shed your light on me. Amen.
OUTLINE: II TIMOTHY Key Verse: 2:15 Author: Paul Date Written: A. D. 66 to 67 From prison in Rome Purpose: Although Paul was in prison in Rome and certain of his soon death, he writes to encourage his beloved son in the faith and instruct him in the priorities of God s servant and minister. I. Faith Under Fire ~ Chapter 1 A. Introduction (1-7) B. Not Ashamed (8-18) II. Faith On the Move ~ Chapter 2 1. Steward (v.1-2) 2. Soldier (v. 2-3, 8-13) 3. Athlete (v. 5) 4. Farmer (v. 6-7) 5. Workman (v. 14-18) 6. Vessel (v. 19-22) 7. Servant (v. 23-26) III. Faith for the Final Days -Apostasy ~ Chapter 3 A. Conditions: Flee From (v. 1-9) B. Authority of God s Word: Follow (v. 10-12) C. Instructions: Remain in God s Word (v. 13-17) IV. Faith s Final Charge ~ Chapter 4 A. Final Testimony (v. 1-8) 1. Preach the Word (v.1-4) 2. Fulfill your trust (v. 5-8) B. Faith s Final Testimony and Triumph 1. Request (v. 9-15) 2. Alone but for the Lord! (v. 16-18) 3. Final Greetings and Farewell (v. 19-22) By: Mary Anne Merwin Presbyterian Church of the Masters 2010
Lesson #5 II Timothy Note: Paul writes his second letter to Timothy from prison in Rome. Unlike Paul s first imprisonment when he lived in a house and had many supporters and friends this time Paul was in a cold Roman cell and chained. Only Luke remained with him. He knew his time on earth was drawing to a close. His thoughts were not on himself but the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, and the encouragement of Timothy to carry the torch he was now handing to him. Our Lord Jesus Christ had loved Paul, laid down His life for him, called and commissioned him, taught and stood by him; now Paul was allowing our Lord to do the same through him toward Timothy. II Timothy: Read entire letter through once. Reread chapter one 1. Compare Paul s greeting s in his first letter to his second letter to Timothy. What is the same? What is different? 2. Describe Paul s prayers for Timothy? Why were his prayers so important? 3. a. Paul recalled Timothy s tears can you give possible reasons? (v3) b. Paul longed to see Timothy, why? c. What does this tell you about Paul? 4. Of what was Paul reminded? (v5) Read Acts 16 for background. a. How do Lois and Eunice encourage you? 5. What did Paul remind Timothy to do? Why was this important? (ITim.4:14, ICor:12) Personal: Do you know your spiritual gift or gifts? Are you stirring up your gift?
6. What promise is given when a believer exercises their gift in faith? (v.7) Note: Perhaps Timothy tended to be timid. Paul knew that in the future he would need boldness to confront apostasy and protect God s flock. As you read both of Paul s letters to Timothy you will find twenty five different places where boldness is encouraged. Timothy could be bold in preaching the Gospel without fear because he has been given the Holy Spirit. It is well to remember that boldness is not arrogant force of self will, but humbly submitting to God s will. 7. What are we, as well as Timothy, not to be ashamed? (v.8, Rom.1:16) a. Was Paul suffering for the Gospel, by the power of God? Explain. b. Considering that Nero was ruling Rome at the time what suffering was Paul talking about? c. Consider too the warnings of Paul against heresy, the deliberate intention to change the Gospel, in what ways did this cause suffering? (Acts 20:29-31) d. Will Christians in every age suffer following Christ? Read: Phil.3:10, Rom.:8:17-18, IITim3:1 e. As you read the above verses about suffering what are the promised benefits? f. On the basis of the above verses, what would you call the teaching today that invites you to a Christ who promises a life filled with only comfort, riches, good health and pleasure?
8. Verses 9 and 10 are a summary of the Gospel. Give the different aspects you find here. 9. Link the Gospel to Paul using verses 11-12. How was Paul connected to the Gospel? a. Read verse 12a. This has become a hymn of triumph and hope for the church. Personal: Do you know in whom you have believed? 10. Facing dangers what was Timothy to do? (v.12-13) 11. In verse 15, Paul includes the heartbreaking news that everyone (all) had deserted him. Read I Tim 1:6,19; 5:15; 6:10,21. What had drastically changed at the time of his writing the second letter (II Tim: 4:16)? a. Can you think of possible implications? 12. Who were Phygelus and Hermogenes? 13. Who was Onesiphorus? What character quality do you most admire in Onesiphorus? Prayer: Lord, when you come find me faithful. Amen.
Lesson #6 II Timothy ~ Chapter 2 Note: What does it take to be a minister of God? Paul answers this in chapter 2 with several examples in which we see faith in action. These words of instruction are practical and they are timely and they are for you and me today. Read chapter 2 1. Where according to verse 1 do we draw our strength? Read: Isa. 40:29-30; 2 Cor. 12:9-10. What is required in order to find strength? 2 What is to be entrusted to reliable men? V.2 a. Why is the training of your replacement in the church so important? 3. How is God s servant to be like a good soldier? Vs. 3-4 a. What principle is taught? 4. How is God s servant to be like an athlete? V.5 a. What principle is taught? 5. How is God s servant to be like a farmer? V6 What principle is taught? 6. How is God s servant to be like a workman? Vs.14-18 What is the principle?
7. How is God s servant to be like a noble or holy vessel? Vs.19-22 What is the principle? 8. How can God s servant act like a servant? Vs.23-26 9. Reflect on what you have written above. Is there an example you need to follow more closely? v.7 10. Reread chapter 2. a. Why does Paul say he endures the consequences of the gospel? b. Think of as many ways as you can that the gospel is unchained today. Name them. Prayer: Make me a good workman who knows and follows your Word. Amen
Lesson #7 II Timothy 3 Read Chapter 3 asking God to speak to you personally. In chapter 2 we saw faith in action. In chapter 3 we will see that action must be firmly grounded in God s Word. 1. Paul said that in the last days there will be nineteen words or phrases to describe the way people will act. List the nineteen. After each discern whether these are applicable today. a. How is a Christian to respond to them? V5 2. Who are the examples given in verses 6-9 who fall prey to these predators? (Note: Tradition tells us that Jannes and Jambres were magicians in Pharaoh s court in Egypt who imitated what Moses did; See Exodus 7-9) 3. What does Timothy know about Paul? Vs.10-11 a. Who will be persecuted? V.12 b. What are we to do when persecutions come? c. What can we expect from evil men? How must we respond? 4. What good advice did Paul give? Vs.14-17 5. What does God breathed mean? V.16 a. How if the Word of God unique? b. What are the purposes of the Word of God? Prayer: Holy Father, equip me for every good work. Amen
Lesson #8 II Timothy 4 Note: We come to the last words we have of Paul. They exude the fruits of the Spirit, chief of which is love. He knows his days on earth are few. He sees his final days in terms of a drink offering poured out for the gospel s sake. He turns his gaze upon his crown in glory. In the presence of God he passes the responsibility for preaching the gospel to Timothy. 1. Read chapter 4 prayerfully. Reread verse 1 a. In whose presence did Paul stand? b. What would God and Christ Jesus do? c. To what great event did Paul look forward? Why? 2. Verses 1-8 are Paul s final testimony, which include a charge to Timothy. What did Paul urge Timothy to do? V.2 a. What were Paul s reasons? v.3-4 b. Who were to be Timothy s main problem? 3. Read vs.6-8 and Phil.2:7-8. What was Paul saying by picturing himself poured out as a sacrifice? Note: The word for departure carries the same meaning as: setting sail or taking down a tent. a. Why do you think Paul choose athletic terms like boxer and runner to describe his life? b. What terms would you choose to describe your life? c. What did Paul look forward to? 4. What was it Paul requested? Vs.9-17 5. Who are Demas, Titus, Luke Mark and Tychicus?
6. What personal items did Paul request? V.13 7. What do you know about Alexander? 8. At Paul s first defense, who supported him? V16 a. How was Paul s attitude Christ-like in this regard? 9. Read v.17 with Acts 18:9-11, Acts 23:11 and Heb.13:5. Who remained Paul s faithful friend? 10. Why was Paul kept out of the lion s mouth? a. Who is the lion? 11. In whom was Paul s trust and confidence at the end of his earthly life? 12. From your concordance or knowledge say who Priscilla and Aquila are. 13. Why do you think Paul urged Timothy to come before winter? Note: Paul leaves us as he has greeted us with grace. It is with a thankful heart I leave this study of Paul and Timothy for Paul has more than any preacher, teacher or evangelist instructed me by word and life. If it were not for the grace of God, Timothy as well as all who have followed Paul would have folded not followed. Paul appeals so greatly because Christ Jesus lived His Life through him. Do you, as I, long to meet them both? Prayer: "Lord Jesus, live Your life through me."