Day 6: 1 Timothy 4:1-16 — Combating False Teaching and Personal Godliness
Reading: Warnings about future false teaching and Timothy’s personal conduct
Study Questions:
1. Observation: What specific false teachings and practices does Paul predict?
Forbidding marriage and saying certain allowable foods shouldn’t be eaten. These are the specific ones mentioned after the general mention of these coming from deceitful spirits and known as demonic doctrines.
2. Interpretation: How does Paul connect personal godliness with effective ministry?
Paul outlines how the pursuit of personal godliness is crucial to serving Jesus Christ – this training allows for what matters now and the life to come. It also underlines why this training can be effective in delivering what matters to God. Leadership is modelled in the character of Christ. That means those who seek to serve must be like Jesus and focus on that to be effective in what Jesus calls them to do. That will reinforce the example of what is said, regular behaviour, the heart of love, the practice of faith, and the expression of purity.
3. Application: What spiritual disciplines does Paul recommend, and how can you implement them?
Paul commends Timothy to dedicate himself to the word both in study and in public reading. He instructs his spiritual son to encourage and teach. He also directs him to continue using the gift that was given to him as he considers what he has been taught. Pursuing these will ensure that witnesses can see how he’s growing. For my part, there’s the importance of public reading of scripture wherever possible, definitely prioritising whatever it takes to train in godliness and put into practice regularly the gifts God has given me for the building of the church and the implementation of the mission wherever I am. Implementation of these takes place through interaction with the saints via midweek meetings and after-service on Sundays. Then there are the online portals and opportunities.
4. In what areas of your life do you need to “train yourself to be godly”?
Every area of my life requires training in godliness. Every single area. There is no area of my life that doesn’t need it. And it’s not the case that some areas need it more than others. Every aspect of how I live requires training in godliness. That’s essential so I can exemplify what it means to follow Jesus and what it means to be godly.
Day 7: 1 Timothy 5:1–6:19 — Practical Instructions for Church Relationships
Reading: Guidelines for various groups within the church community
Study Questions:
1. Observation: How does Paul address different ages, social classes, and roles within the church?
2. Interpretation: What principles of honour, respect, and responsibility emerge from these instructions?
3. Application: How can these principles improve your relationships within your faith community?
4. Reflection: What specific actions can you take to better care for others in your community?
What you’re releasing has something to do with what lives in you, 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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