1 Timothy

Date Written: 62-66 AD

Author: Paul

Setting: Timothy was one of Paul’s closest companions. Paul had sent Timothy to the church in Ephesus because of the false teaching that was happening there. This letter from Paul to Timothy was to give him practical advice about the ministry.

Key People: Paul and Timothy

Purpose: To give encouragement and instruction to Timothy who was a young leader. To remove false doctrine and to give the right leadership for the church in Ephesus.

Key Verses: Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 4:12-13

Chapter Outline:

1 Instructions on Right Belief

2-3 Instructions for the Church

4-6 Instructions for Leaders

Importance of reading 1 Timothy:

What we read: Paul advised Timothy on practical topics such as qualifications for church leaders, public worship, confronting false teaching, and how to treat various groups of people within the church. He told him to teach sound doctrine and model right living. He was to come against false teachers who were leading church members away from belief in salvation by faith in Jesus alone. What we can learn: Anyone who is going to lead or serve in a church must have the right belief and the right behavior. We must know the truth and defend it. We should stand for truth against those who twist the words and message of the Bible.

What we read: Chapter 2, Paul says for us to pray for each other and for our leaders in government. What we can learn: Prayers matter. Prayers make a difference. Our earnest prayers will have powerful results.

What we read: Chapter 3, Paul gives specific instructions concerning the qualifications for church leaders so that the church might honor God and operate in a godly manner. What we can learn: Church leaders must be wholly committed to Christ. They shouldn’t be elected because they are popular, nor should they be allowed to push their way into leadership. Instead, they should be chosen by the church because of their respect for the truth, both in what they believe and in how they live. This list of qualifications for church office shows that living a blameless and pure life requires effort and self-discipline.

What we read: Paul wanted families to be as self-supporting as possible and to care for the needs of all its members, especially the sick, poor, and widowed. The church is to support those who don’t have families. What we can learn: Family relationships are very important to God. Paul says that a person who neglects their family responsibilities has denied the faith.

Things to think about as you read 1 Timothy:

• Does your church operate according to the principles found in this book?
• How do you esteem your local church leadership?
• Do you pray for others, including those in authority?

2 Timothy

Date written: 66-67 AD

Author: Paul

Setting: Paul was in prison, cut off from the world, with just his writing materials. He knew that he would soon be executed, so he wrote his final thoughts to Timothy, passing to him the torch of leadership, reminding him of what was truly important, and encouraging him in the faith.

Key People: Paul, Timothy, Luke, and Mark

Purpose: To encourage Timothy to remain faithful in ministry even in the midst of suffering.

Key Verses: From infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 3:15-17

Chapter Outline:

1 Thanksgiving

2 Call to Remain Faithful

3 Authority of God’s Word

4 Lead a Godly Life

Importance of reading 2 Timothy:

What we read: Paul gives helpful advice to Timothy to remain solidly grounded in Christ and to endure suffering during the difficult days to come. What we can learn: It’s easy to live for Jesus when everything is going good and easy, but without a solid foundation you will quit during difficult times.

What we read: Paul encouraged Timothy to carry out his ministry without fear or shame, even when faced with opposition and persecution. He told him to use the gifts the Holy Spirit had given him. What we can learn: The Holy Spirit will help you to be strong. To get over the fear of what people might do to you, take your eyes off people, and look only to God. Stay eternity focused.

What we read: Paul says that as Christians, we will be persecuted. Morality is going to continue to degenerate through the last days. As that happens, our stand for God’s truth is going to be tested. Learn to be godly even while living in an ungodly world. What we can learn: It’s not easy to accept that persecution is a part of being a Christian. We want to think that we live in a free country where we can follow Jesus without fear. But the truth is, it’s getting less and less popular to believe that there’s absolute right and wrong or that there’s only one path to God. We have to be committed to cling to our faith and God’s Word.

What we read: At the end of 2 Timothy, Paul asks Timothy to come see him quickly and to bring Mark with him. He asks for some of his personal possessions, including his books and parchment. He is in prison and close to the end of his life and he’s asking for people and the Word of God. What we can learn: At the end of life, what is most important is God and people. Everything else fades away.

Things to think about as you read 2 Timothy:

• What is your responsibility toward the gospel? To what lengths will you go in order to carry out this responsibility?
• What are you doing to make sure you handle the Word of God accurately? Do you simply repeat what you have been taught or are you carefully studying the Word of God?
• Are you willing to suffer for the sake of those who would come to know the Lord and receive salvation?
• What kind of people do you need to beware of in these last days?
• How are you living? Are you a coward or have you fought the good fight of faith?
• Are you ready to die? How will you feel when you see Jesus face to face?

Link to Video:https://youtu.be/R8QnlgZW8F4?si=W-frhHFnj9sqlEEB

Blessings,

Nichole Henson

Fullness of Joy Ministry