Day 1: Book Overview — Setting the Foundation
Focus: Introduction to 1 Timothy and its context
Reading: Skim through the entire book (6 chapters) to get the big picture
Study Questions:
1. Historical Context: What can you learn about Paul’s relationship with Timothy and the situation in Ephesus from scanning the letter?
Paul has an immensely close relationship with Timothy. Paul treats Timothy as a son and as someone entrusted with the significant responsibility of overseeing the construction of God’s church. The situation in Ephesus appears critical. Right teaching is essential in the church, especially given its tendency toward false teaching. This teaching traps people into focusing on things that do not align with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. Major Themes: What recurring topics or concerns do you notice throughout the letter?
Belong – Believe – Behave – Become
Godly character vs ungodly character.
Godly conduct vs ungodly conduct
Godly commands vs ungodly commands
Godly relationships vs ungodly relationships
Good deeds should be practised by those of good character who are influenced by good teaching in pursuit of godliness.
3. Structure: How would you divide this letter into main sections based on your overview?
• Greetings – 1:1-2
• Right vs Wrong Teaching – 1:3-11
• The Gospel and Paul – 1:12-17
• Good Timothy vs Bad Men – 1:18-20
• Gathering – Men – Priority of Prayer for the Gospel’s Sake – 2:1-8
• Gathering – Women – Priority of position and godliness – 2:9-15
• The Godly Overseer – 3:1-7
• The Godly Deacon – 3:8-13
• Summary of Church set up for Godliness – 3:14-16
• Addressing false teaching with right teaching from right character – 4:1-16
• Godly character in godly conduct through godly relationships – 5:1-6:2
• Dealing with opponents and the love of money with the right approach to godliness – 6:2-10
• Command to the gospel and teaching for the glory of God – 6:11-16
• Command to godliness for the rich in the world – 6:17-19
• Final instruction and warning to avoid false teaching – 6:20-21
4. Personal Preparation: What questions or expectations do you have as you begin this study?
Expectations
• Deeper understanding and application of godliness
• Richer appreciation and application of right teaching and right relationships
• Insight into how character and conduct can be learnt and taught
Questions
• What is godliness, and how can I embrace and apply it today?
• How can what I learn be diligently applied to my life?
• How can what I learn influence the shaping of key relationships today?
• What are the implications of what’s taught in how the church should operate?
Questions for Day 2 1 Timothy 1:1–11 — Greeting and the Problem of False Teaching
1. Observation: What specific problems with false teaching does Paul identify?
2. Interpretation: How does Paul contrast false teaching with “sound doctrine”?
3. Application: What modern equivalents of these false teachings might you encounter today?
4. Reflection: How can you better discern between helpful and harmful teaching?
You can only give what you’ve got, so let’s get the Word In to get the Word Out!
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
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