Day 4: 1 Timothy 2:1–15 — Instructions for Worship and Community Life
Reading: Guidelines for prayer and conduct in worship
Study Questions:
1. Observation: What priorities does Paul establish for corporate worship and prayer?
Paul’s priorities include communal opportunities to communicate with God; different types of prayers hold great significance for Paul, and he expects Timothy to ensure they’re established as essential parts of the gathering. These communications are intended to align everyone with the order of God, from all individuals to those in positions of authority, in pursuit of the desired outcome. That outcome is living the life that pleases God and extending the gospel of Jesus to as many people as possible, so they have the chance to accept it.
2. Interpretation: How do Paul’s instructions reflect the values of the early Christian community?
Words that appear to reflect the values of the early Christian community include – gospel truth, peace, godliness, faith, holiness, and self-control. Considering the nature of the instructions – communicate with God, communicate with others in your conduct and appearance – Paul is keen for those values to be on display in the gathering of the saints. Even to the point that godly order recognises the order of male and female in teaching and leadership – an order that’s about character and responsibility. In all of this, Paul appears insistent that the gathering reflect the character and priorities of God through Jesus Christ.
3. Application: How might these principles shape your approach to worship and prayer?
What a wonderful question. These principles shape my approach to worship and prayer by challenging me to ask questions. Does the worship offered centre on the gospel of Jesus Christ? Is the worship stimulating the appeal to live a godly life? Are the prayers diverse in nature and reflective of God’s heartbeat and mission? Does the worship challenge and encourage further character formation in line with the character of Jesus Christ? Does the worship challenge our relationships with God and others, helping us see if we’re in the right place with them? Do the prayers engage with the wide spectrum of life? Are the prayers a core part of the gathering? Does the worship and prayer reflect the desire for the life of shalom?
4. What changes could you make to better contribute to your faith community’s worship?
Ah. Another brilliant question. Prayer should be a more focal point in the gathering, rather than being treated as an optional extra in the main gathering and the warm-up act for what else happens. Prayer should be explored and expressed creatively through the gathering in its manifold ways. Worship should certainly be considered as something more than just singing and music, and it should encourage members to join together and express themselves individually through contributions that stimulate growth in Christ and deepen their understanding of His mission. Congregants should view themselves as active participants – platform ministry should be reduced to the absolute minimum to give room and space for that participation in worship and prayer that focuses on what God wants for His community and for others.
Questions for Day 5: 1 Timothy 3:1–16 — Qualifications for Church Leadership
Reading: Requirements for overseers and deacons, plus the church’s purpose
Study Questions:
1. Observation: What character qualities are emphasised for church leaders?
2. Interpretation: Why does Paul focus more on character than on skills or abilities?
3. Application: How do these standards apply to leadership in any context (work, family, community)?
4. Reflection: Which of these qualities do you most need to develop in your own life?
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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