the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Commentaries
Old & New Testament Restoration Commentary Restoration Commentary
Paul's Charge; Warning Against False Teaching.Chapter 2
Instructions on Worship; Roles of Men and Women.Chapter 3
Qualifications for Church Leaders; Mystery of Godliness.Chapter 4
Instructions on Godliness; Warnings Against False Teaching.Chapter 5
Instructions on Care for Widows; Elders.Chapter 6
Teachings on Contentment; Instructions for Wealthy.
- 1 Timothy
by Multiple Authors
INTRODUCTION TO THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY.
LIFE OF TIMOTHY
Timothy was a native of Lystra. (Acts 16:1-3.) He had been carefully instructed in “the sacred writings” by his pious mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, and trained in the knowledge and observance of the same. (2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:14-15.) He became obedient to the gospel under the preaching of Paul during his first missionary journey. (1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:2.) On the second missionary journey (A.D. 51-54) Timothy, being commended by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium, was selected by Paul as his assistant in the work of the Lord, and after his circumcision (Acts 16:3) was set apart to that work. Thenceforward he remained the beloved and trusted friend and fellow laborer with Paul and companion with him in all the perils and labors and triumphs of his marvelous career. Among the last words of Paul, written just before his death, these were addressed to his true and faithful “child” in the gospel.
Frequent mentions of Timothy are found in Acts of Apostles and Paul’s Epistles. From Lystra he accompanied Paul through Asia Minor to Macedonia and assisted in planting the gospel in Philippi (Philippians 2:22) and probably in Thessalonica. At Berea he was with Paul and probably accompanied him to Athens, thence he was sent back to Thessalonica to assist, to instruct, and strengthen the young congregation there. (1 Thessalonians 3:2.) On leaving there he went with Silas to Corinth, where he assisted in the establishment of the gospel, as also in the neighboring cities of Achaia. (Acts 18:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:6.) His name, with that of Silas, is associated with Paul’s in 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1, and his service in that city is mentioned with high commendation.
On Paul’s third missionary journey he is again seen with him at Ephesus, and near the close of the three years spent there, he was sent to Macedonia and Achaia on a special mission to the churches in those regions. (Acts 19:21-22; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 16:10-11.) Returning, he was with Paul in Macedonia—probably in the autumn of A.D. 57—when the Epistle to the Corinthians was written (2 Corinthians 1:1), and in the following winter he was laboring with Paul at Corinth, when the Epistle to the Romans was written, as he there writes in the salutations sent to the church in Rome (Romans 16:21). On Paul’s return eastward through Macedonia, Timothy was in the company that preceded him from Philippi and waited for him at Troas. (Acts 20:4.)
His subsequent course at this time is not indicated. It is not certain whether he accompanied Paul to Jerusalem, and was with him during the two years’ imprisonment at Caesarea and the voyage to Rome. But he was with him during his first Roman imprisonment—A.D. 61-63—as he is mentioned with glowing eulogy in some of the Epistles written at that time (Colossians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Philemon 1:1); and Paul speaks of his intention of sending him to Philippi for the comforting of the church there (Philippians 2:19-23.) It was probably at this time that Timothy suffered imprisonment at Rome (Hebrews 13:23), and possibly there in the presence of the imperial court confessed the “good confession in the sight of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12). After Paul’s release from his first imprisonment at Rome—A.D. 63 or 64—Timothy’s movements, like those of Paul’s, are not certainly known; but in A.D. 65 or 66 he was with Paul at Ephesus, and on Paul’s passing into Macedonia, Timothy was left behind to act in Paul’s stead during his absence. (1 Timothy 1:3.) The separation seems to have been deeply sorrowful to Timothy, who trembled in view of the responsibility thus placed upon him. (2 Timothy 1:4.) At a later period—in the fall of A.D. 67—Paul, then a prisoner at Rome, wrote the second Epistle to Timothy, charging him to hasten his coming to Rome and gave to him his farewell counsels. Beyond this nothing is certainly known concerning Timothy. Whether he reached Rome before Paul’s execution, and was present to cheer him in his closing hours, is not known. Tradition says he suffered martyrdom.
The character of Timothy as set forth in the Scriptures is one of rare beauty. There is not an intimation in the divine record that there was ever a failure of his faith. From his call at Lystra to the end of his earthly sojourn there is not an intimation of his swerving from the faith revealed in the gospel, never a shrinking from the post of duty and danger of suffering, and never of failing in fidelity to the trust committed to him or in love and loyalty to Paul.
PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE.
After Paul’s release from his first Roman imprisonment, he went to Ephesus, where he left Timothy to set in order the things that were lacking. There were two sources of anxiety to the apostle: (1) False teachers had arisen in the church—Jewish in their origin—desiring to be teachers of the law, whose teaching was accompanied by a debased ethical standard and a factious and disorganizing spirit. (2) The other which gave him great concern was the practical administration of the work of the church. The position of Timothy was one of great and delicate responsibility, and it was especially important that his right to act should be fully authenticated by the apostle, and that he be given clear and explicit instructions for his guidance. Paul, therefore, after reaching Macedonia, writes and sends his Epistle to him, which, while adapted for this immediate end, was also especially suited to be an infallible guide for church activity throughout all future ages. The affecting circumstances in which Paul himself was placed carry home to every earnest heart his impassioned eloquence.
TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING.
This Epistle was written to Timothy in the year 66 or 67 as Paul was passing through Macedonia, possibly at Philippi or Corinth.
LESSON 1
TIMOTHY’S WORK IN EPHESUS
1 Timothy 1:1-20
1. Who was the author of this epistle? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:1.
2. He was an apostle according to whose command? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:1.
3. What relation existed between Timothy and the author? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:2.
4. Where was Timothy to remain? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:3.
5. Where did Paul go? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:3.
6. Why should Timothy stay there? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:3-4.
7. What is the end or aim of these instructions? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:5.
8. What had some done? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:6.
9. Describe some who were attempting to teach. Ans. 1 Timothy 1:7.
10. When is the law good? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:8.
11. For whom was the law made? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:9-10.
12. The "sound doctrine" of verse 10 had been set forth through what? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:11.
13. How had Paul once treated Christ? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:13.
14. For what reason was mercy granted unto Paul? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:13.
15. What had Paul been given since he had been forgiven? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:14.
16. Christ came to save whom? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:15.
17. How did Paul rank among this group? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:15.
18. How was this qualification used to advantage for Christ? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:16.
19. To whom was he an example? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:16.
20. These instructions from Paul to Timothy were a fulfillment of what? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:18.
21. How was Timothy to fight the good fight? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:18-19.
22. Who were two of these people? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:20.
23. What had Paul done to them? Why? Ans. 1 Timothy 1:20.
LESSON 2
PRAYERS, MODEST APPAREL,
BISHOPS AND DEACONS
1 Timothy 2:1 to 1 Timothy 3:16.
1. Paul desired Timothy to pray for whom? Ans. 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
2. What sort of life should we live? Ans. 1 Timothy 2:2.
3. What is God’s desire toward all men? Ans. 1 Timothy 2:3-4.
4. Salvation is gained through a knowledge of what? Ans. 1 Timothy 2:4.
5. What is the truth? Ans. John 17:17.
6. How many mediators are there? Name him. Ans. 1 Timothy 2:5.
7. What did this mediator do? Ans. 1 Timothy 2:6.
8. Paul bad been appointed to bring this knowledge to whom? Ans. 1 Timothy 2:7.
9. In what manner ought men to pray? Ans. 1 Timothy 2:8.
10. Tell how women should dress. Ans. 1 Timothy 2:9-10.
11. How should a woman learn? Ans. 1 Timothy 2:11.
12. What restriction is placed upon women? Ans. 1 Timothy 2:12.
13. What reason does Paul give for this? Ans. 1 Timothy 2:13-14.
14. Women shall be saved through what, provided they continue how? Ans. 1 Timothy 2:15.
15. What is a good work for a brother to seek? Ans. 1 Timothy 3:1.
16. The bishop is allowed how many wives? Ans. 1 Timothy 3:2.
17. Name some other qualifications of a bishop, or elder. Ans. 1 Timothy 3:2-4.
18. What practical reason did Paul give for one of these? Ans. 1 Timothy 3:5.
19. Why should he not be a novice, or new convert? Ans. 1 Timothy 3:6.
20. Especially must a bishop have what? Ans. I Tim. :3: 7.
21. List the qualifications of deacons. Ans. 1 Timothy 3:8-9.
22. When should they serve as deacons? Ans. 1 Timothy 3:10.
23. Describe a God-approved woman. Ans. 1 Tim. :3: 11.
24. What restriction is placed upon the marital status of deacons? Ans. 1 Timothy 3:12.
25. What reward is there for faithful deacons? Ans. 1 Timothy 3:13.
26. Why did Paul write these things to Timothy? Ans. 1 Timothy 3:14-15.
27. What is the pillar and ground of the truth? Ans. 1 Timothy 3:15.
TOPICS FOR CLASS DISCUSSION:
1. Does God have children who are not in his household?
2. People who are not in God’s church are also out of what?
LESSON 3
APOSTASY FORETOLD
1 Timothy 4:1 to 1 Timothy 5:16.
1. According to the Spirit_ what would some surely do? Ans. 1 Timothy 4:1.
2. These would listen to what? Ans. 1 Timothy 4:1.
3. What about the consciences of these false teachers? Ans. 1 Timothy 4:2.
4. Name two distinctive teachings by which the lies, and doctrines of demons may be recognized. Ans. 1 Timothy 4:3.
5. Who will receive meats with thanksgiving? Ans. 1 Timothy 4:3.
6. How can we fulfill God’s purpose in His creation of these meats? Ans. 1 Timothy 4:4-5.
7. When could Timothy expect to be considered a good minister? Ans. 1 Timothy 4:6.
8. What should he refuse? Ans. 1 Timothy 4:7.
9. Godliness carries with it the promise of what both present and future? Ans. 1 Timothy 4:8.
10. What was Paul’s hope in all his toiling and striving? Ans. 1 Timothy 4:10.
11. Timothy was to be an example in what things? Ans. 1 Timothy 4:12.
12. What was he to do until Paul came? Ans. 1 Timothy 4:13.
13. How did Timothy receive the gift which he had? Ans. 1 Timothy 4:14.
14. What would be the result of his devoting himself completely to these things? Ans. 1 Timothy 4:15.
15. Continuing in these things would result in what? Ans: 1 Timothy 4:16.
16. What distinction should be made between elders and younger men? Ans. 1 Timothy 5:1.
17. How should elderly women be regarded? Younger women? Ans. 1 Timothy 5:2.
18.Who should support widows? Ans. 1 Timothy 5:4.
19. How could a -widow indeed" be recognized? Ans. 1 Timothy 5:5-6.
20. Why should these things be taught? Ans. 1 Timothy 5:7.
21. What about one who fails to provide for his own family? Ans. 1 Timothy 5:8.
22. Give the necessary requisites of a widow whom the church may support fully. Ans. 1 Timothy 5:9-10.
23. Why should younger widows be refused? Ans. 1 Timothy 5:11-12.
24. How do they conduct themselves? Ans. 1 Timothy 5:13.
25. What should young widows do? Ans. 1 Timothy 5:14.
26. Why should the church not be burdened with those who have relatives able to support them? Ans. 1 Timothy 5:16.
LESSON 4
THE DANGER OF THE LOVE OF MONEY
1 Timothy 5:17 to 1 Timothy 6:21.
1. How should some elders be regarded? Ans. 1 Timothy 5:17-18.
2. How should accusations against elders be handled? Ans. 1 Timothy 5:19.
3. What should be done with elders who sin? Why? Ans. 1 Timothy 5:20.
4. In what manner should these things be conducted? Ans. 1 Timothy 5:21.
5. Name three things required of Timothy. Ans. 1 Timothy 5:22.
6. What instructions were given regarding his health? Ans. 1 Timothy 5:23.
7. Give the difference between the sins of different men. Ans. 1 Timothy 5:24.
8. What can be said about some good works? Ans. 1 Timothy 5:25.
9. Servants should regard their masters how, and for what reason? Ans. 1 Timothy 6:1.
10. What should be done when both servants and masters are Christians? Ans. 1 Timothy 6:2.
11. Sound words are the words of whom? Ans. 1 Timothy 6:3.
12. Describe one who consents not to sound doctrine. Ans. 1 Timothy 6:3-4.
13. What comes as a result of this? Ans. 1 Timothy 6:4.
14. What is great gain? Ans. I Tim. 8: 5, 6.
15. We came into this world with what? Ans. 1 Timothy 6:7.
16. We should be contented with what? Ans. 1 Timothy 6:8.
17. What happens to those who are minded to be rich? Ans. 1 Timothy 6:9.
18. What is a root of all kinds of evil? Ans. 1 Timothy 6:10.
19. Who were pierced through with many sorrows? Ans. 1 Timothy 6:10.
20. A man of God should follow after what? Ans. 1 Timothy 6:11.
21. What solemn charge did Paul give Timothy? Ans. I Tim. 8: 13, 14.
22. Who has immortality only, and who has seen him? Ans. 1 Timothy 6:15-16.
23. What charge is given to rich people? Ans. 1 Timothy 6:17-18.
24. Why should the rich lay for themselves a good foundation? Ans. 1 Timothy 6:19.
25. False knowledge is composed of what? Ans. 1 Timothy 6:20.
26. What has it caused some to do? Ans. 1 Timothy 6:21.
Warning Against False Teachers of the Law
1 Timothy 1:1-11
Open It
1. Which would you rather receive from a good friend: a letter, or a phone call? Why?
2. What are some laws that you benefit from directly?
Explore It
1. Who wrote this letter? (1 Timothy 1:1)
2. To whom was this letter written? (1 Timothy 1:2)
3. Why did Paul want Timothy to stay in Ephesus? (1 Timothy 1:3-4)
4. What did Paul say about myths and genealogies? (1 Timothy 1:4)
5. What was the goal of the command Paul urged Timothy to enforce? (1 Timothy 1:5)
6. In what way had some believers been misguided? (1 Timothy 1:6)
7. How did Paul assess those who wanted to be teachers of the law? (1 Timothy 1:7)
8. When is the Law good? (1 Timothy 1:8)
9. For whom was the Law made? (1 Timothy 1:9-11)
10. What did God entrust to Paul? (1 Timothy 1:11)
Get It
1. When was the last time you wrote someone a letter of encouragement or received such a letter?
2. With whom do you have a relationship of mutual discipleship?
3. What false doctrines still plague many churches today?
4. What sort of doctrines promote controversy in the church?
5. What goals motivate the leaders you respect in your church?
6. What goals motivate your service in the church?
7. In what way should we use God’s law today?
8. What impact does or should God’s law have on your life?
9. How should we determine what is and isn’t sound doctrine?
10. With what unique task has God entrusted you?
Apply It
1. Who is someone to whom you can write a letter of encouragement this week?
2. What steps can you take to make sure your motives are from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith?
The Lord’s Grace to Paul
1 Timothy 1:12-20
Open It
1. Who are some people you know whose lives were dramatically changed at some point? How?
2. What sort of people try your patience the most?
Explore It
1. Why did Paul thank Jesus? (1 Timothy 1:12)
2. What did Paul say he once was? (1 Timothy 1:13)
3. Why was Paul shown mercy? (1 Timothy 1:13)
4. What was poured out on Paul? (1 Timothy 1:14)
5. Why did Jesus come into the world? (1 Timothy 1:15)
6. How was Paul "the worst"? (1 Timothy 1:15)
7. Why was Paul shown mercy? (1 Timothy 1:16)
8. How does a person receive eternal life? (1 Timothy 1:16)
9. What qualities did Paul ascribe to God? (1 Timothy 1:17)
10. Why did Paul give Timothy his instructions? (1 Timothy 1:18)
11. What did Paul say some have done with their faith? (1 Timothy 1:19)
12. Why did Paul hand Hymenaeus and Alexander over to Satan? (1 Timothy 1:20)
Get It
1. To what service has God appointed you?
2. How and when has God shown you mercy?
3. In what way has God used you as an example so that others might believe?
4. How do God’s attributes of being eternal, immortal, and invisible encourage you?
5. In what way is God the King of your life?
6. What does it mean to fight the good fight?
7. What do you fight in your life as a Christian?
8. How and why do people shipwreck their faith?
9. What distractions draw Christians away from their proper course?
Apply It
1. What steps can you take today to ensure that your faith is on the proper course and not in danger of being shipwrecked?
2. For what grace and mercy that God has shown you do you want to thank Him today?
3. What events or experiences in your life can you use to encourage others to believe?
Instructions on Worship
1 Timothy 2:1-15
Open It
1. What are some of today’s controversial issues?
2. What do you like or dislike about the worship of the church you attend?
3. How would you characterize the worship of the church you attend?
4. What examples show that people in our society are obsessed with their physical appearance?
Explore It
1. What did Paul urge first of all? (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
2. What did Paul hope would be the result of the church’s prayers? (1 Timothy 2:2)
3. What pleases God? (1 Timothy 2:2-3)
4. What does God want? (1 Timothy 2:4)
5. For whom is Jesus Christ a mediator? (1 Timothy 2:5)
6. For whom did Jesus give Himself? Why? (1 Timothy 2:6)
7. Why did Paul insist he was not lying? (1 Timothy 2:7)
8. What did Paul want people everywhere to do? (1 Timothy 2:8)
9. How should women dress? (1 Timothy 2:9-10)
10. What instructions did Paul give women? (1 Timothy 2:9-12)
11. How did Paul instruct women to learn? (1 Timothy 2:11)
12. What didn’t Paul permit women to do? (1 Timothy 2:11)
13. What explanation did Paul give for not allowing women to teach or have authority over men? (1 Timothy 2:12-14)
14. In what way did Paul say that women would be saved? (1 Timothy 2:15)
Get It
1. For what authorities or leaders should we pray?
2. What sort of prayers should we make on behalf of our leaders?
3. If God wants all people to be saved, why then aren’t all people saved?
4. When have you ever served as a mediator between two people?
5. In what way is Jesus a mediator between us and God?
6. To what task would you say God has appointed you?
7. What does it mean to dress modestly?
8. How does your church understand and apply Paul’s restrictions on women?
9. In what way might a woman be saved through childbearing?
Apply It
1. For what national and international leaders can you pray this week?
2. How can you focus your attention on Christian service and worship of God over outward appearance?
Overseers and Deacons
1 Timothy 3:1-16
Open It
1. What were some of the qualifications you had to meet for your job?
2. What important qualities should managers possess?
Explore It
1. What did Paul say about the person who wants to be an overseer? (1 Timothy 3:1)
2. What qualities must an overseer possess? (1 Timothy 3:2-7)
3. Why is good family management a qualification for being an overseer? (1 Timothy 3:4-5)
4. Why shouldn’t the overseer be a new convert? (1 Timothy 3:6)
5. Why must an overseer have a good reputation? (1 Timothy 3:7)
6. What qualities must a deacon possess? (1 Timothy 3:8-10; 1 Timothy 3:12)
7. What is required before someone can serve as a deacon? (1 Timothy 3:10)
8. What sort of person must the wife of a deacon be? (1 Timothy 3:11)
9. What do those who serve well gain? (1 Timothy 3:13)
10. What benefit is there in serving well? (1 Timothy 3:13)
11. Why did Paul write these instructions? (1 Timothy 3:14-15)
12. What is said about Jesus in the hymn Paul quoted? (1 Timothy 3:16)
Get It
1. What role do you desire in your church?
2. To what noble tasks have you aspired?
3. Which of the character qualities needed by both overseers and deacons do you think is the most important for a church leader to possess?
4. If you applied the lists of qualifications for these positions to yourself, how would you measure up?
5. What is the common ingredient in the lists of qualifications for leaders in the church?
6. What hymn or praise chorus that you know centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ?
Apply It
1. What quality from the lists in 1 Timothy 3 do you want to improve in your life? How could you start?
2. In what way can you serve in your church?
3. What hymn or song could you include in your devotions this week?
Instructions to Timothy
1 Timothy 4:1-16
Open It
1. Why do you think there is such emphasis on physical fitness in our society?
2. What qualities do you look for in a pastor or minister?
Explore It
1. What did the Spirit say some would do in the later time? (1 Timothy 4:1)
2. What did Paul say about the consciences of hypocritical liars? (1 Timothy 4:2)
3. What did the liars whom Paul attacked forbid people to do? (1 Timothy 4:3)
4. What is true about all that God created? (1 Timothy 4:4)
5. Why should anything received with thanksgiving not be rejected? (1 Timothy 4:4-5)
6. Under what circumstances would Timothy be a good minister? (1 Timothy 4:6)
7. What did Paul instruct Timothy to do? (1 Timothy 4:7)
8. How did Paul contrast physical training with godliness? (1 Timothy 4:8)
9. What saying is trustworthy? (1 Timothy 4:9-10)
10. What should young people strive for? (1 Timothy 4:12)
11. What kind of example did Paul want Timothy to set? (1 Timothy 4:12)
12. To what was Timothy to devote himself? (1 Timothy 4:13)
13. What was Timothy not to neglect? (1 Timothy 4:14)
14. What did Paul want others to see? (1 Timothy 4:15)
15. What could Timothy do to save himself and his hearers? (1 Timothy 4:16)
Get It
1. For what reasons do people today abandon their faith?
2. From what good things have people persuaded you to abstain?
3. How can we be good ministers of Jesus Christ?
4. What does your use of time show about how much you value training for godliness?
5. In what ways can you be an example to other believers?
6. What importance does your church assign to the public reading of Scripture?
7. What gift has God given to you that you should not neglect?
8. How will watching your life and doctrine save you?
Apply It
1. What specific actions can you schedule into your daily routine to nurture your godliness?
2. For what other Christians can you set an example in speech, life-style, love, faith, or purity? How?
3. How can you keep watch over your life and doctrine this week?
Love of Money
1 Timothy 6:3-10
Open It
1. What evidence do you see of a love for money among your friends or coworkers?
2. Why do you think most people are or aren’t content with what they have?
Explore It
1. What do false teachers ignore? (1 Timothy 6:3)
2. What harsh words did Paul have for those who teach false doctrines? (1 Timothy 6:3-4)
3. In what did the false teachers of Paul’s day have an unhealthy interest? (1 Timothy 6:4)
4. What was the result of the false teachers’ unhealthy interests? (1 Timothy 6:4-5)
5. What did the false teachers of Paul’s day really want? (1 Timothy 6:5)
6. What brings us great gain? (1 Timothy 6:6)
7. What do we bring into the world? (1 Timothy 6:7)
8. What will we take out of the world? (1 Timothy 6:7)
9. With what should we be content? (1 Timothy 6:8)
10. What often happens to people who want to get rich? (1 Timothy 6:9)
11. What is a root of all kinds of evil? (1 Timothy 6:10)
12. What price do some people eager for money pay? (1 Timothy 6:10)
Get It
1. What controversial false doctrines have been an issue in your church?
2. How could someone think that godliness was a means to financial gain?
3. How do people attempt to use Christianity for their own profit?
4. Why is it hard to be content?
5. What would it take to make you content right now?
6. What get-rich-quick schemes (big or small) have you fallen for?
7. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being very important), how important is money to you?
8. Why do you think that money is important or not very important?
9. How can you guard against placing too much stock in your personal possessions?
Apply It
1. About what situation in life will you ask God to help you be more content each day this week?
2. How can you help a fellow believer keep a proper perspective on money and possessions?
Paul’s Charge to Timothy
1 Timothy 6:11-21
Open It
1. What well-known people or historical figures are known to you as fighters?
2. What sort of goals do people in your profession tend to pursue?
3. What goals do TV commercials and print ads encourage us to pursue?
Explore It
1. What did Paul tell Timothy to pursue? (1 Timothy 6:11)
2. What was Timothy urged to fight? (1 Timothy 6:12)
3. What did Paul tell Timothy to take hold of? (1 Timothy 6:12)
4. Before whom did Timothy make a confession? What kind? (1 Timothy 6:12-13)
5. When did Jesus make "the good confession"? (1 Timothy 6:13)
6. How long was Timothy supposed to keep Paul’s command? (1 Timothy 6:14-15)
7. When will Christ return? (1 Timothy 6:14-15)
8. What titles and attributes did Paul ascribe to God? (1 Timothy 6:15-16)
9. Why should those who are rich not be arrogant or put their hope in wealth? (1 Timothy 6:17)
10. What command is given to those who are rich? (1 Timothy 6:18)
11. Why would someone want to lay up treasure for themselves? (1 Timothy 6:19)
12. What was Timothy to guard? (1 Timothy 6:20)
13. What was Timothy to turn away from? (1 Timothy 6:20)
14. How had some wandered away from the truth? (1 Timothy 6:20-21)
Get It
1. In what way is the Christian life a fight?
2. How are we to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness?
3. What does it mean to "fight the good fight"?
4. Before whom have you made a confession of your faith?
5. How do God’s attributes influence your worship of Him?
6. Why is it so easy for us to trust in our possessions, accomplishments, or abilities?
7. In what ways do people place their treasure here on earth?
8. How can a person lay up treasure in heaven?
9. How is it possible for someone to wander away from the faith?
10. What actions can you take that will store treasure in heaven for you?
Apply It
1. In what way can you pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, or gentleness in your life this week?
2. How can you fight the good fight of faith each day?
3. What preventive measure can you take each day to be sure that you don’t wander from the faith?
