First Book of Timothy.
1st Timothy One ….(verses 1-20)
1. Verses 1-16
a. How does Paul refer to Timothy in verse 2?
As his son in the faith.
b. What did Timothy often do? (verse 3; 1 Corinthians 4:17)
He would travel with Paul to a new area, and then stay on there to teach the young believers while Paul went ahead to another area.
c. Where was Timothy when Paul wrote this letter to him? (verse 3)
He was at Ephesus reinforcing the teaching that Paul had given.
d. What were the believers there getting into? What did Paul say it would lead to? (verse 4; 2 Timothy 2:23)
They were getting tangled up in philosophies, intellectual debates, genealogies and fine lines of the law which only led to confusion and more questions. These things tend to tear down faith rather than build it up in the Lord and His Word.
e. What was a person to aim for? What IS a person to aim for today? (verse 5; Colossians 3:12-14)
To love God and others, and to have a good conscience before God….everything else will fall into place if these are done first.
f. What use is there in keeping the commands and doing good if it is not stimulated by, and shown in love? (verses 6-8; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
It becomes simply empty jangling with no depth, doing no real good to others’ souls.
bg. What does 1 Corinthians 8:1 tell us about knowledge without love?
It only puffs the person up in pride.
h. What is the point of any law? (verse 9)
To keep wrong-doers going straight.
i. What sort of people are described here? What is their end? (verse 10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
The immoral and homosexuals, those who kidnap others, liars and those who twist the truth in a court of law….none of those who continue to practice these things will ever be able to enter or inherit God’s kingdom.
j. What did Paul say about himself in his unconverted days? (verses 12-15)
Even though he was as highly qualified as he could be in the Jewish law, and was full of zeal in persecuting this new movement, yet he was still a great sinner in God’s eyes.
k. What overcame his prejudices and broke his pride? (Acts 22:6-11)
It was the meeting with Jesus Christ on the Damascus Road, who in spite of being persecuted through His people, still loved Paul enough to call him to His service.
l. What is the “faithful saying” that Paul was proclaiming? (verse 15)
That Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.
m. What did Paul say in verse 16 about his own sufferings?
That he would be an example to all persecuted believers down through the ages.
2. Verses 17-20
a. What is verse 17 saying?
It is a paeon of praise to God for Who and What He is!
b. What does it say about God’s Person?
That He is invisible to the human eye; that He is immortal and everlasting; He is the only wise God who knows everything.
c. What is our attitude toward Him to be? (verse 17b)
One of praise, giving glory and honour to Him for ever.
d. Compare verse 17 with chapter 6:15-16…what similarities do you see, and what additional thoughts are in 6:15-16?
Chapter 6:15-16 expands the thought of the Eternal King by adding the word Potentate to it, which means the Supreme Ruler, the Supreme Being, the Sovereign Lord, King of Kings and LORD of Lords. Immortal is reiterated, and the thought of invisible is qualified by the fact that it is impossible for man to see or look upon God with physical human eyes because of the brilliance of the light surrounding Him and emanating from Him We can only give God praise for His glory, honour and power for ever and ever.
e. What happened to Saul (Paul) when he saw heaven’s light on the way to Damascus? (Acts 22:6-11)
He was blinded by the brilliance of it and couldn’t see again until he was prayed for by Ananias.
f. What does 1 John 1:5b tell us about God?
That God is Light and that there is NO DARKNESS in Him AT ALL…His light emanates from within and all sides of Him, He alone is the source of ALL light.
g. What was Paul encouraging Timothy to do in verses 18-19?
To stick to his faith and maintain a good conscience before God.
h. What was the warning if he didn’t? (verse 19b)
That his life might be like a ship wreck….useless for God.
i. What does it seem that Hymenaeus and Alexander had done? (Acts 19:33-36; 2Timothy 2:16-18; 4:14-17)
It seems as though they had started off well, but had turned to other ideas which they were preaching, saying that the Lord had already come the second time. Alexander was a coppersmith in Ephesus, but it seems that he put something across Paul and took up these false ideas.
j. What did the Lord Jesus have to say about people who wouldn’t be corrected by the Word of the Lord? How did Paul describe it? (Matthew 18:17; 2 Timothy 2:17)
That other believers were not to have close fellowship with them in case they also learned their ideas which would erode away their faith. Paul said it would be like a cancer in the flesh.
3. Challenge…..
The main challenge in this chapter seems to be two-fold, both negative and positive…..
a. What is the negative challenge? (what NOT to do) (verses 4-8)
To not be drawn aside to other teaching that is not based on God’s word, which may seem attractive to the intellect.
b. What is the positive challenge? (what TO do?) (verses 12-14, 18-19a)
To remain faithful to God’s Word and be built up in the faith, realising that it is all His work and as He has saved the chiefest of sinners (Paul) and enabled him to be a preacher of His word, bringing light and life to others, so all the honour and glory is due to God alone.
1st Timothy Two ….(verses 1-15)
1. Verses 1-15
a. What is Paul saying in verses 1-2? What challenge is there in this for Christians today?
That we should spend as much time in praying for those in authority as for anyone else….it is no use grumbling about the government, we are to pray for those there, especially for the few Christians in that position.
b. From what angle are we to pray for the government generally? (verse 2)
That we can lead a quiet and peaceful life in an honest, God-fearing manner and continue to be free to preach the Gospel.
c. We often talk about pleasing the Lord and doing His will…..how does this apply in this matter? (verse 3: 2 Peter 3:9b)
Because God is not willing that any should perish, and even politicians, greedy and twisted as some of them may be, are included in God’s desire for ALL men to be saved. The thought that His people are praying for this is pleasing to Him.
d. What pivotal truth is in this passage? (verses 5-6)
That there is one God and one Mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus.
e. What was different about the Man Christ Jesus? (Matthew 3:17)
He was also God’s beloved Son.
f. What did this Man do that no other man has ever done or is able to do? (verse 6)
He gave his life to buy back sinful man for God.
g. Why was He the only One who was able to do this? (Hebrews 4:14-15; 7:25-27)
Because He was the only One who was ever born without a sinful nature…..He was (and still is) holy, harmless, absolutely pure and totally separate in his manner of thinking than any other person.
h. How did Paul himself relate to all this? (verse 7)
He knew that God had called him to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people.
i. What did Paul want to see wherever he went? (verse 8-15)
He wanted to see godly families living holy lives for God in this world of wickedness and corruption, with the fathers leading their families in worship and the mothers not over-ruling them.
j. What is the man’s responsibility in this? (verse 8)
To lead the family in prayer, living a life beyond reproach, not giving place to anger or doubts, to be even tempered and certain of what he believes.
k. What is the woman’s responsibility? (verses 9-12; chapter 5:14)
To be quiet and not dress to draw attention to herself; not to rely on fancy clothes or hairdos for their beauty and to learn quietly from their men folk.
l. Why is this important? (Genesis 3:13, 16)
Because it is God’s order for human beings….He made Adam first and then Eve from Adam to be a helper fit for his needs. It was Eve who was deceived by Satan and she had to be reminded again by God to do what her husband told her…..her role was childbearing and home-making.
m. Where does feminism fit into God’s plan? (verses 11-12)
It doesn’t! It is contrary to God’s plan for people today and has no part in the church. Women are to keep silent and listen quietly. This goes against all popular belief, and is a hard thing to have to take in today’s modern society as are many of the other things that please the Lord.
1st Timothy Three….(verses 1-16)
1. Verses 1-16
a. What is this chapter basically about? (verses 1, 8)
It is about appointing elders and deacons, and the necessary qualifications for these positions.
b. What gender is a deacon or elder? What is he to be like? (verses 2-5)
Only men are qualified to be deacons or elders…..nowhere do we read in the Bible of a woman being appointed as such. The men were to have only one wife, to be good, patient and kind, a good husband and father with a good testimony all round, a mature Christian aware of the pitfalls of the Christian life.
c. What is the warning given in verse 6? (verse 3; 2 Peter 3:9b)
Those appointed to these offices were to be mature Christians and not novices, in case they would become proud and arrogant
d. Who was to appoint the elders and deacons? (Acts 6:3; 20:28; Titus 1:5)
The Holy Spirit moves those in charge as to who is suitable for the job and they appoint them. For example, the elders appointed seven men in Acts to be deacons, and Titus was to appoint the elders in Crete.
e. What sort of character must a deacon have? (verses 8-10)
The same as the elders….they must be honest, just and fair, and be men of stead, sober habits with a happy home life and good wives and children. They must have proved themselves before they are appointed.
f. What part do the wives play with their husbands being elders and deacons? (verse 11; chapter 2:10)
They are to be quietly working in the background supporting their husbands, and not to gossip about the business of the church.
g. Why was Paul writing this letter to Timothy? (verses 14-15a)
So that he would know how to set things in order in the church.
h. What is the basis of the church? (verse 15b; Ephesians 5:23b)
Christ is the Head of the church which is His body. It is all made possible through His death and sacrifice on the cross….no Christ, no church! Otherwise, it just becomes a club.
i. What does Paul call the concept of the church? (verse 16a; Colossians 1:26-27)
He refers to it as the “mystery of godliness”, the fact that Christ lives in His people and they are to reflect Him.
j. Who is verse 16 talking about, and how is He described?
It is talking about Jesus Christ….
- He is God in the flesh, He came as a human being.
- The Spirit of God was with Him
- He was seen and helped by the angels
- He is being preached to ALL men and believed on by some
- He was taken bodily to heaven.
k. What do each of the references below tell us about Him?
John 10:30 That He and His Father (God) are one.
Matthew 3:16 The Spirit of God descended on Him like a dove, and was seen by those
around.
Matthew 4:11 Angels strengthened Him after the temptation by Satan
Luke 22:43 An angel came to Him in the Garden of Gethsemane in his time of distress.
Acts 2:5-6, 41 He was being preached to people of all different nations, with many believing.
Acts 1:9 His disciples watched him rising into the clouds to heaven.
1st Timothy Four….(verses 1-20)
1. Verses 1-20
a. What was Paul warning Timothy against here? (verses 1-2)
That there would rise up teachers who would be preaching false doctrines and lies, making all sorts of new rules to follow.
b. What would some of these rules be? (verse 3)
Not allowing marriage or eating certain foods.
c. What are God’s views on these two issues? (verses 3-5; Hebrews 13:4; Matthew 19:4-6; Acts 15:28-29)
That both are good and have His blessing….He instituted marriage in the beginning…..one man, one woman for life. All food is good apart from blood and offerings to idols.
d. How are believers to know when someone is teaching false teaching? (Acts 17:10-12)
They are to test what they hear against the Scriptures….if it lines up with the Bible, it is OK; if it doesn’t, it’s out!
e. What sort of spirit are Christians to exhibit? (verses 4-5)
A spirit of prayer and thankfulness.
f. What was Timothy to do for the fellowship? (verse 6)
He was to remind them of these things; to warn and encourage them.
g. What else did Paul warn him against? (verse 7)
To not be drawn into old superstitions and suppositions, but to follow godliness.
h. What does Paul contrast godliness with? How? (verse 8)
He contrasts godliness with fitness exercises….whereas one only lasts a short while, the other is for both this life and eternity!
i. What did Paul’s godliness do for him physically? (verse 10)
It only seemed to get him into trouble…..it was his driving force to get out and preach and in most cases the authorities didn’t like it and would beat and/or throw him into prison!
j. How could Timothy (or any young person) command the respect of older
people? (verse 12)
By being a good example in his speech, his way of life, his love for others and his sanctified life (holy), and by being dedicated.
k. What four things in verses 13-16 was Timothy to do to help him be this good example?
He was to read the right things, to preach and pass it on, to think about the things of God and stand firm in his beliefs.
l. What did Paul advise Timothy to do to help him cultivate these desirable ways? What do you think the reading would be of? (verse 13; Psalm 119:9,11)
He was to spend time reading the Scriptures so he could encourage others and to teach.
m. What are some ways today we can cultivate a holy life style? (Psalm 101:2-3; Colossians 3:1-2)
Be careful what we watch and read and to put our minds on the things of the Lord instead of being taken up with earthly interests that might draw us away.
n. What does Paul tell Timothy to do in verses 14-15?
To use his gift before he loses it; to meditate on the things of the Lord and be whole hearted about it all and to continue to be self disciplined.
o. What results will this way of life bring? (verse 16)
It will help the believer in the way he should go and help him to be an encouragement to others.
2. Summing Up….
a. What overall impression do you get from this chapter?
Encouragement to live a useful and focussed life for the Lord, doing whatever you can find to do with all your heart.
b. What are the negatives in this chapter? (what NOT to do)
Refuse wrong teaching; don’t waste time in getting too taken up with purely physical things.
c. What positives are there here?
Stick to right doctrine; be a good example to others; to actively seek to be an encouragement to others, and to practice self discipline.
1st Timothy Five….(verses 1-25)
1. Verses 1-25
a. Suppose you disagree with an elder in the church, how are you to approach him about the matter? (verses 1,19)
He is not to be rebuked as an equal but to be honoured for his position and spoken to respectfully as a father in the faith. There must be at least two people together to do this.
b. How is a young man to treat female believers? (verse 2)
He is to treat the older women as he would his mother and the younger women as sisters with pure intent, not allowing lustful thoughts to creep in.
c. What are the rules for dependent Christian widows in the church (where there is no social service available)? (verses 3-10)
They are to be respected because their husbands have died and they have no provider and protector. But it is the responsibility of their immediate family to look after them….children or nephews. For those who have no-one, then it is the church’s place to provide for them if they have earned this by their good manner of life and are over sixty years of age.
d. Why are younger widows not the church’s responsibility in the same way? (verses 11-14)
Because they can work for their living and/or remarry.
e. What does a person have to be careful of? (verse 14c)
To not give anyone the chance to point the finger or speak reproachfully of them as a Christian.
f. Whose is the real responsibility to look after widows unable to look after themselves (i.e. sick, or with young children)? (verse 16)
Their relatives are to look after these ones.
g. What is the principle about dealing with those who sin blatantly? (verse 20)
They are to be rebuked publicly to be an example to others to not do the same things.
h. Who observes the behaviour of believers at all times? (verse 21a; 1 Corinthians 4:9b; 11:10b)
God the Father and the Lord Jesus are continually watching as well as the angels, both good and bad.
i. How did Paul tell Timothy he was to treat situations that might arise? (verse 21b)
That he was to be without prejudice and impartial in his judgements….not to have favourites.
j. What do you think verse 22 means? (chapter 3:6)
He was not to promote anyone without much consideration and prayer, nor to choose anyone who was young in the faith and without experience. At the same time he was to keep himself right before God.
k. What did Timothy seem to suffer from? (verse 23)
He seemed be rather sickly and to have a weak stomach.
l. What can we gather from this verse?
That it is OK for a person to take a little wine for medicinal purposes; we are to look after our health.
m. What do verses 24-25 seem to be saying?
Some people’s sins are blatant and open where others are secret, but all will be judged in the end. It is the same with people’s good deeds….some are seen and some are not, but all will come to light in time.
2. Overview….
a. What is the overall lesson to learn from this chapter?
- i. To honour the elders of the fellowship, and to do what you can for those in need.
- To be respectful to others and treat everyone the same.
- To look after one’s health (both physically and spiritually) and remember that God will judge all things in a day to come.
1st Timothy Six….(verses 1-21)
1. Verses 1-14
a. What is the first group of people in this chapter? (verses 1-2)
Servants and masters; employers and employees.
b. How is a person to conduct themselves in their workplace? (verse 2)
They are to do an honest day’s work and respect the boss, especially if they have a Christian one.
c. If a person won’t listen to this teaching (as from the Lord), what does that prove? (verses 3-4)
That they are self willed and proud, not knowing what really matters and certainly not following the Lord as they should. They are trouble makers and as such were not to have any authority in the church.
d. What did Paul advise Timothy to do with these sort of people? (verse 5)
To keep away from them and not have anything to do with them
e. What is pointed out to us in verses 6-8?
To be a content and godly person is the best thing in the world….we cannot take out possessions with us when we die, so why pile them up?
f. What happens to those who seek to be rich? (verse 9)
They will be swallowed up by all sorts of ambitions and be snared by their desires and habits, which lead nowhere spiritually. They will end up with nothing that really matters.
g What is the root of all evil? (verse 10)
The love of money….greed. Men will steal and even kill to get more money….it brings pride and showing off and will lead people away from God rather than to Him.
h How does James 5:1-3 describe worldly riches?
As being of no value spiritually….money cannot buy a way into heaven, nor does it bring health or happiness.
i What is a believer to strive after? (verse 11)
Righteousness, godliness and faith, then love, meekness and patience will follow.
j. What are these things called in Galatians 5:22-23?
They are called the fruit of the Holy Spirit which He produces in those who actively seek the first three.
k. What analogy does Paul use for the Christian life? (verse 12)
As a fight of faith….it is a continual struggle against evil.
l. How does a soldier keep himself fit? How does this apply in the Christian life? (2 Timothy 2:3-4)
A soldier endures and doesn’t give up…he remains single minded and doesn’t allow other things or interests to take him from his purpose. In the same way, a believer must keep on keeping on, with his eyes fixed on the Lord at all times.
m. Who is our supreme example in this scenario? (verse 13; Isaiah 50:5-7)
Our Lord Jesus who set His mind as a flint (hard and determined) to do God’s will. Nothing deflected Him from this, and this is how we are to be.
2. Verses 15-21
a. Look at how Paul describes the Lord Jesus in verse 15. What is a potentate?
A potentate is the absolute tops in perfection and power….there is no-one greater, the ultimate in all things. Our Lord Jesus is all of these things, and also the King of kings, and Lord of lords, and as such is the only Potentate there is.
b. In what way is He superior to any other man? (John 1:4; Revelation 1:8)
Jesus Christ has endless life.. He IS life, and the giver of all life.
c. What bathes and surrounds Him, and indeed emanates from Him? (Luke 9:29; Acts 22:6, 9)
He is surrounded by such a great light that mortal man cannot look upon Him… He IS Light and Life!
d. How did this light affect Paul when he saw it? (Acts 22:11)
It physically blinded him and he couldn’t see for several days until God healed him through Annanias.
e. What is the result of contemplating this great light and purity surrounding His Being? ( Revelation 5:13)
We can only say, “Blessing and honour, praise and glory be to Him for ever and ever”.
f. Change of subject now…is it wrong for a believer to be rich? What are the dangers of having money? (verse 17)
No, it is not wrong, but a believer has to be on guard against the temptations that come with money.
g. What IS wrong about money? (verses 9-10)
It is not the money that is wrong, but loving it and seeking after it all the time…..if we allow it to become our ambition, we will forget about God and trust the fact we have money; we will become proud in what we have.
h. What do we have to remember about riches on earth? (Proverbs 23:4-5)
That they can fail at any time….they are not lasting.
i. What are the true riches of life? How can even “poor” people be rich? (verses 6-7; Proverbs 22:1,4)
Having a good reputation and a loving family and friends are better than any amount of riches without them. To fear the Lord and be humble is how true riches will come. Then there is the enjoyment of God’s creation which ALL people can have.
j. What are believers to do with their money, and what is this called? (verses 18-19; Matthew 16:19)
They are to share it with those in need, and be willing to give it to the spread of the Gospel. This is called laying up treasure in heaven, rather than laying it up on earth.
k. Does this mean then, that those who are poor in this world can’t lay up treasure in heaven? (Luke 21:1-4)
No, because they can be rich in good works and share the little they have. The poor widow only gave two mites, but it was worth more than the large amounts given by those who had plenty.
l. What was Paul’s main concern for Timothy? (2 Timothy 2:1)
That he remain faithful to the Lord and to the things that Paul had taught him…Paul didn’t want him to get side tracked into philosophies and qualifications of earth. He wanted him to be a strong man of God.
3. Overview….
a. What are the main challenges of this chapter? (2 Timothy 2:1)
- To remain faithful and true to God’s Word.
- To be content with moderate means and not strive after wealth and importance.
- To strive after what is good in God’s sight.
- To share what we DO have, with others.
Second Book of Timothy.
2nd Timothy One ….(verses 1-18)
1. Verses 1-3
- a. How does Paul introduce himself ? (verse 1)
As an apostle of Jesus Christ.
b. How did Paul regard Timothy? In what way was he this? (verse 2; 1 Corinthians 4:14-15, 17)
As a dearly beloved son. Timothy was Paul’s spiritual son in the faith, and Timothy looked up to him as his spiritual father.
c. Why did Paul feel that Timothy (and many of the other believers) was his son? (Galatians 4:19)
Because he spent so much time and effort praying for them that Christ would be seen in them (and firstly that they would respond to the Gospel) that he felt he was giving birth to what they should be.
d. What is the greatest joy that a Christian teacher can have? (3 John 1:4)
To see and hear many years later that those they taught in the things of the Lord are still continuing in them.
e. What sort of family did Timothy come from? (verse 5; Acts 16:1-3)
Timothy’s father was a Greek who had married a Jewess (Eunice) who was the daughter of a godly mother (Lois) and who were both believers. Both his mother and grandmother had taught him the Old Testament Scriptures.
f. How did Timothy receive this gift of preaching? (verse 6; chapter 4:14)
First of all the gift came from God, the Holy Spirit, but others recognised his abilities and had laid their hands on him to show their support and prayers in taking on this work. No one should take on themselves single-handed a task like this without the support of others.
g. What is a person to remember when presenting God’s Word? (verse 7)
God’s Word does NOT have to be apologised for….Timothy was not to be ashamed of it nor afraid to tell it out….God IS with His people in power, love and a gives a sound mind!
h. What did Timothy risk when visiting Paul in prison? (verse 8)
He risked getting into trouble with the authorities for supporting Paul, a supposed criminal.
i. What is the criteria for God calling and saving us? (verse 9; Ephesians 1:4-5; 2:8-9)
It is NOTHING that we have done! It is because He wanted us and knew we would respond to Him before creation began! It is all of His grace and His own purpose that He wrote our names in the book of Life.
j. How did this salvation come about? (verse 10)
By the work on earth of Jesus Christ and His death whereby He abolished spiritual death for ever, and has made life and immortality available to all those who will take it.
k. Why was Paul not ashamed of the Gospel? What will keep us from being ashamed of it? (verse 12; Romans 1:16)
Paul KNEW the One he was preaching about and was enthusiastic about Him; the more we know Him , the less we will be ashamed in telling about it. Paul had great assurance that God would keep him until his job was completed and his course run.
l. What was Paul wanting Timothy to do in verse 13?
To hold fast to what he had been taught by Paul and to keep to his tasks.
m. By whose power would he be able to do this? (verse 14)
By the power of the Holy Spirit.
n. How did Paul feel about the believers in Asia? (verse 15)
He felt deserted by them.
o. Who was the one exception? What did he do? (verses 16-18)
Onesephorus was the only one who visited him in prison and encouraged him….he was continually helping Paul.
2. Summing Up…..
a. What specific things did Paul ask Timothy to do in this chapter? Can these apply to us today?
i. verse 6…. To stir up his spiritual gifts and use them.
ii. verse 8…. To not be ashamed of the gospel (or of Paul in prison!)
iii. verse 13… To hold fast to what Paul had taught him.
In the same way these three points are a challenge to each one of us….we have to evaluate whether we are using the gifts that God has given us, and think about how we feel about the Gospel. Do we water it down too much? Do we stick to what the Bible says about controversial issues or do we take the easy way of the world and say it doesn’t matter any more?
2nd Timothy Two….(verses 1-26)
1. Verses 1-8
a. What two things are the sign of a good leader? (verses 1-2)
A leader must be strong in what he believes and the reasons for it, and must have the ability to teach these things to others who in turn can pass it on.
b. What three illustrations did Paul use to describe a godly person? (verses 3-6)
A soldier, an athlete and a farmer/gardener.
c. What characterises each of these types if they want to succeed? (verse 1)
To be strong in their dedication and hard work.
d. What does a soldier have to do to rise to the top? (verse 3)
Not get side tracked, but to be single minded.
e. What does an athlete have to do to win the race? (verse 5)
Train and practice regularly.
f. What does a farmer/gardener have to do to grow good crops? (verse 6)
Be on the job continually, labouring at it!
g. How do each of these things relate to the Christian life?
These professions each require self discipline and regular application…. a person cannot learn God’s Word if they stop and start.
h. How do we learn about a subject? How does David describe this in Psalm 119:11?
Reading and thinking about it, then obeying what it says….continual learning.
i. What does James point out about the Christian life? (James 2:22-25)
That it is no use just learning it with the head, but it must be put into practice in one’s life.
j. What is the principle we have seen in becoming what we ought to be?
To keep at it continually and obey it….to put it into practice.
k. What is verse 7 saying?
If we stop and consider and think of these things, the Lord will give us the understanding that we need.
l. How does Psalm 145:5-6 back this up?
People always talk about what they are enthusiastic about, and so if we are enthusiastic about the Lord, we will talk about Him in our ordinary conversation, we will speak of His honour and his awesome deeds.
m. How important is it that Jesus Christ was the descendant of David? (verse 8; Jeremiah 33:15-18; Matthew 1:1)
Because it is only through him that the Old Testament prophecies can be fulfilled. The Lord Jesus is the BRANCH that is spoken of and the One who came from David’s line through his mother Mary, and He is the One whose kingdom over mankind has no end….this is the spiritual kingdom in which believers have a part.
n. What important fact about Jesus Christ is mentioned in verse 8?
The fact that He was raised from the dead and is alive forever more.
2. Verses 9-18
a. What happened to Paul as a result of his preaching? (verse 9a)
He was put in prison and shut up for the Gospel’s sake.
b. Even though he was in prison, what was happening to God’s Word? (verse 9b)
It wasn’t bound like he was, but it was continuing to spread….Paul never stopped preaching it as long as there was a listening ear to hear it. Imagine being the soldier who was chained to Paul!
c. What was Paul’s outlook on things? (verse 10)
He took the wider view of the whole church hearing the Word regardless of his personal experiences.
d. What are the four “faithful sayings” that Paul emphasises in his letters?
- verse 11….If we die for the sake of the Gospel, we will be alive to God for ever.
- 1 Timothy 1: 15….That Christ Jesus came into the world to die for sinners.
- 1 Timothy 4:8….Physical exercise only profits a little, but godly living is for eternity.
- Titus 3:7-8… God’s wonderful grace to undeserving sinners in making them heirs of all that is in heaven.
e. What serious warning does Paul give in verse 12? What did our Lord say about this? (Matthew 10:33)
If we deliberately deny the things of God, He in turn will deny us in a day to come. The Lord Jesus also said the same thing
f. What happens if we refuse to believe God? (verse 13)
We bear the consequences, but God remains faithful and true to His Word, regardless of how people believe…. NOTHING will change God or His Word!
g. What are believers warned against in verse 14? What can it lead to?
Getting tangled up in useless arguments where there is nothing clear about the matter in Scripture….these things will only confuse people.
h. What IS profitable and of value? (verse 15)
Studying Scripture regularly and comparing Scripture with Scripture.
i. How can we be sure of having the right interpretation when we read the Bible? (verse 15b; John 16:13; Acts 17:11)
- By taking a whole passage of what the Bible is saying about a subject….a doctrine cannot be built out of one verse only.
- By asking the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and ideas.
- By comparing Scripture with Scripture.
j. What thought comes out of verse 15 concerning a believer’s attitude to the Word of God?
One must apply oneself and put one’s mind to it as much as possible.
k. What illustration is used in connection with this? (verse 15)
That of a diligent worker who has nothing to be ashamed of in his application to this task.
l. What was Paul saying to keep away from in verse 16?
Intellectual, worldly ideas with no Scriptural foundation.
m. What do these sort of ideas lead to? What does Paul liken the result to? (verses 16-17)
Too many intellectual ideas lead to ungodliness…. “what I think” and “as I see it”! Our thoughts and ideas must be based on the Word of God or they will lead to mere human speculation. The result of too much of this eats away what is of value….it is like a cancer or an ulcer that festers away and eventually destroys.
n. Who was an example of this and what were they saying? (verse 17b-18)
Hymenaus and Philetus had done this and got hold of the idea that the end times resurrection had already happened….this had over thrown the faith of some of the believers who now didn’t know where they stood.
2. Verses 19-26
a. What is the foundation of God’s church? (verse 19: Ephesians 2:20)
The apostles and prophets ( both Old and New Testaments) with Jesus Christ as the chief corner stone.
b. What is God’s part in verse 19? What is this called?
God has provided the foundation and knows those who are His….He has sealed them for Himself.
c. What is our part? (verse 9c)
Every Christian (Christ’s ones) must live a life beyond reproach.
d. What is the next illustration that Paul uses? (verse 20; Romans 9:21)
That of pots and basins….household utensils…in everyday use. Some are more beautiful than others and used for higher purposes, made of more durable material that will not deteriorate, while others are made of and for more mundane purposes.
e. What is the point in this illustration as far as the individual believer is concerned? (verse 21)
The believer is to keep himself clean and prepared to do every good work so the Lord can use him when things come to his notice.
f. How was Timothy personally to put this into practice? (verses 22-23)
He was to keep away from youthful temptations and useless debates, and to show things like peace and patience in his life meeting with other believers so he could teach and build them up.
g. How can a young person do this today? (Psalm 119:9-11)
A young person today has to be prepared to resist peer pressure in doing irresponsible things for a buzz….he must be sensible, responsible and reliable. He can do this by having regular Bible Study and prayer time, and meeting with the Lord’s people….in other words, by putting God first in his life.
h. What is the correct way to deal with those people who get wrong ideas? (verse 24)
They must be gently and respectfully taught or shown what the Scriptures teach, praying that they will listen to the Lord Himself so they will repent and get themselves out of the snare of Satan.
i. Looking at verse 26 and 1Timothy 3:7b, what picture is Satan is conjured up?
That of a poacher roaming around with a net, seeing what he can catch for himself or trip up and spoil.
j. What warning do we see repeated in this chapter? How many times does it come through? (verses 14b, 16, 23)
Believers are not to get side tracked or tangled up in useless and valueless theories and arguments. This comes through three times, loud and clear.
k. What things in this chapter can we give thanks for?
v.1 That we can be strong in the grace of Jesus Christ….we can ask to be so.
v.7 that the Lord gives understanding if we take time to look for it
v.8 That Jesus Christ was raised from the dead.
v.10b That we have salvation in Jesus Christ.
v.11 that we will live with Him for ever.
v.13 that God is faithful to His Word.
v.19a That God’s Word stands steadfast and sure.
v.19b That God knows His people.
v.21 That it is possible to be used by the Lord to further His purposes
v.22 that it is possible to live a godly life if we put our minds to it.
2nd Timothy Three….(verses 1-17)
1. Verses 1-9
a. Paul describes what the natural man is like in verse 1-7….when is this particularly so? (verse 1)
In the last days.
- b. What does it prove about man’s nature? (verse 2)
That it is not improving or getting any better.
c. Why is this happening? Why is man not improving with all his education and degrees? (verse 4; Romans 1:21)
Because they have not turned to God to glorify Him, so God has given them up to their own lusts. They love pleasure more than they love God.
d. What do some of these people appear to be? (verses 4-5)
They appear to be godly and good, but there is really nothing in them….they don’t really believe God’s Word and put it into practice deep down in their lives.
e. What is one example of this in verse 5?
They may attend church but don’t live by God’s principles; they may be proud and arrogant, or careless about others, only pleasing themselves etc.
f. Where can these sorts of attitudes and behaviour lead them? What examples do we know of this? (verse 6)
It can lead to immorality and running off with another man’s wife, or leaving their own. Cases like this surface periodically in the media.
g. Why do people like this never come to know the truth in spite of all their learning? (verses 4-8)
Because they have evil minds and have never been really born again.
h. What could Paul say about his life now that he was at the end of it? (verses 10-11)
That others knew what sort of person he was…..Timothy had travelled with him extensively and knew his teachings, his way of life and his persecutions and afflictions, and how God had always delivered him.
i. What did Paul say to the Ephesians the last time he saw them? (Acts 20:17-19)
You know what sort of person I am and what I taught you.
j. What can those who live godly lives expect ? Why? (verses 12-13)
They will suffer persecution from the ungodly and wicked people around them.
k. What did the Lord Jesus say about this matter? (John 16:33)
He said that His people will suffer in this world, but not to worry, but to be cheerful because He has overcome the world.
2. Verses 14-17
a. What is Paul telling Timothy in verse 14?
To continue going on for the Lord and always remembering what he had been taught.
b. How and when did Timothy receive his main teaching of the Scriptures? (verse 15; chapter 1:5)
From the time he was little, his mother and grandmother taught him the Scriptures.
c. What is Paul saying to him (and to us!) about the Scriptures in verse 15?
To keep reading them because they show us God’s salvation and how to live.
d. Why should we do this? (verse 16)
So we may continue to learn what God has done for His people, what we are, what we can do about it and then how to live for God.
e. Where did the Scriptures come from originally? (2 Peter 1:20-21)
They came from God Who inspired godly men to write His Word down and this has been kept down through the years until its present form today.
f. What are the Scriptures able to do for a person? (verse 16; Romans 15:4)
They will cut to the heart and soul (conscience); they will show a person their sinfulness; they show us how shallow and superficial our thoughts are and they call us to Christ. then they build the believer up, feed and satisfy their every longing and spiritual need.
g. Why is it important to continue in these ways? (verse17)
So we may be able to teach others to live godly lives, and be fully equipped and qualified to do this.
3. Conclusion…..
a. What can we give thanks for in this chapter?
i. verse 9 that evil teaching will on go so far and no further.
ii. verses 10-11 for Paul’s faith and godly life and what he is able to teach us today.
iii. verse 15b our salvation in Jesus Christ
iv. verses 16-17 for the Scriptures and all they do for us
b. What challenges are there for you in this chapter?
i. verses 2-5 how many of these evil characteristics surface in my life?
ii. verse 10 can I say what Paul is saying in this verse?
iii. verse 14 am I continuing in the things of God, and not letting things slip?
iv. verse 16 how much do I treasure the Scriptures which God has given me?
2nd Timothy Four….(verses 1-22)
1. Verses 1-5
a. What is the “judging” that is spoken about here? When will it take place? Who does it?
God’s judgement seems to have at least five different areas………..
i. Matthew 25:31-46 The whole world will be judged by the King, the Lord Jesus, when He comes and we see the separation of believers and nonbelievers.
ii. Matthew 12: 36; Romans 14:10c-12 People will judge themselves when they give an account of themselves faced with God’s holiness and justice.
iii. Philippians 2:9-11 All people will give glory to God in acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord and will bow down before Him
iv. 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 Believers will participate in the judgement of the world, and also of angels
v. The great judgement will take place at the return of Christ….all wrongs must be righted before heaven can be entered as there are no wrongs there.
b. What is to be done in the light of this impending judgement? (verse 2 )
The Word is to be preached while people will listen and teaching will be given which will build them up.
c. What can happen in a Christian community after a period of time during the course of several generations? (verses 3-4)
People will turn away from the truth they have been taught….they class it as “tradition” and want something new and different. The world creeps in and fancy teachers arise with new concepts not found in the Word.
d. What is God saying to us in verse 5?
Watch….. endure……do……and fulfill.
e. What tense are these verbs in? What does this tell us?
They are in the present tense. This tells us that we must always be in action…..we cannot rest on past laurels.
f. What could Paul say now that he had come to the end of his life? (verses 6-7)
I am ready to go; I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith…..in other words he had no regrets about his Christian life.
g. What did Peter have to say about the end of a faithful Christian life? (2 Peter 1:5-11)
That if one lives a godly life, one will come to know our Lord Jesus Christ better, will leave the old life behind and will enter heaven like a ship in full sail, not limping in with broken gunwales….one that has an abundant entrance!
h. What else do we read about this same thing? (chapter 2:15; 1 John 2:28)
That if a believer studies and/or reads the Word regularly and puts it into practice in their lives, they will be abiding in Christ, and will have be nothing to be ashamed of when they meet Him.
i. How does Paul say this is possible? (verses 7-8)
By being one who studies his life faithfully in the light of God’s Word and obeying it….not someone who just drifts along.
j. What waits for those who love the Lord and His appearing? (verse 8)
A crown of righteousness.
k. What other sorts of crowns are there in 1 Thessalonians 2:19 and James 1:12?
Seeing others come to knew the Lord as a result of preaching, and a crown of life.
l. What will believers do with their crowns when they see Jesus Christ for themselves as the Lamb that has been killed as a sacrifice? Why? (Revelation 4:4; 10-11)
They will throw their crowns at His feet because if it were not for Him, they wouldn’t be in heaven. He alone is worthy to receive honour and glory.
2. Verses 9-22
a. What was Paul wanting Timothy to do in verse 9?
To come and see him as soon as he could.
b. What disappointment do we see here for Paul? (verse 10; Acts 15:37-40)
Demas, who he had classed as a fellow worker, had left him in prison and gone off on some good business deal.
c. What comfort did he have in prison now? (verse 11a)
Luke was able to be still with him.
d. What other encouragement did he have? (verse 11b; Acts 15:37-38)
John Mark who had started off well and then left them in the middle of a trip was the one who Paul and Barnabas had had a sharp disagreement over. Now we see Paul asking for him to come as he would be a help to him again. So Mark must have matured and proved himself in the intervening years.
e. What does this tell us?
Not to ever write anyone off for good as anyone can make a come back with the Lord’s help.
f. What homely things was Paul asking for? (verse 13)
His coat, and books and papers he had left behind.
g. We dealt with Alexander in 1 Timothy 1:20….what is Paul warning Timothy against here? (verses 14-15)
Paul is telling Timothy to beware of Alexander and his teaching because he was anti Paul and his preaching.
h. Who stayed with Paul when everyone else left him? (verses 17-18)
The Lord never left Paul, and he was conscious of His presence with him at these trying times.
i. What were two occasions when was Paul most conscious of the Lord’s presence? (Acts 23:11; 27:23)
When Paul was going to be taken by the soldiers, and when the ship was about to be wrecked, both times when he was in dire distress and danger.
j. What was Paul’s confidence in, in these last days of his life? (verse 18)
His confidence was in the Lord and his deliverance from every evil, and that He would preserve Paul to His heavenly Kingdom.
k. What are the last verses of this chapter about? (verses 19-22)
They are last minute greetings to and from people he knew and an urging to come to him (Paul) as soon as he could.
2. Challenge….
a. What challenge is there in this chapter for you?
Verse 2… To be prepared to pick up the gloves when others leave or can’t continue
Verse 5…. To preach and teach, to watch and endure
Verse 7…. To fight the good fight and run the course.
Verse 8….. To look for the Lord’s return continually.
b. What is there to be thankful for in this chapter?
Verse 14…. That the Lord will sort things out in the end; He is the righteous Judge, and
will not be unfair in His judgements.
Verse 17…. That the Lord stands by His people and delivers them.
Verse 18…. That the Lord keeps His people until they reach heaven.