Weekly Lesson #1
This lesson is the first in our new series of Bible Study that will take us through three epistles the Apostle Paul wrote that are part of the New Testament - 1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus. The majority of Paul's letters were written to different churches in different cities but the three letters we will be studying were written to two different men, Timothy and Titus. Although these letters are known as Pastoral Letters, each letter contains practical instructions that will teach us how we are to conduct ourselves as believers so that what we believe will be reflected in our behavior.
1. To benefit the most from your study, commit your time in the Word to the Lord. Ask Him to grant you a greater knowledge of His Word and how it applies to your life today. Thank Him for the freedom you have to open your Bible and for what He will show you whenever you do. Write your prayer here.
2. It is thought that Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy, who was the pastor of the church in the city of Ephesus, sometime in AD 62. For a quick overview of Chapter One, read I Timothy 1:1-20 and record a few words, phrases or verses that catch your attention.
3. What is revealed about Paul and Timothy in I Timothy 1:1-2?
Optional: Use Acts 16:1-5, II Timothy 1:3-6 and II Timothy 3:10-11,15 to write
a short biography on Timothy.
4. Paul addressed several issues of concern in his letter. What did he instruct Timothy to do according to I Timothy 1:3-4?
a. Verse 4 in the NLT reads, Don't let people waste time in endless speculations
over myths and spiritual pedigrees. For these things only cause arguments; they don't help people live a life of faith in God. Share a few things that do help
people to live a life of faith in God.
5. Print the goal or purpose of Paul's instruction found in I Timothy 1:5.
a. How does this and I Corinthians 13:1-3 reveal the importance of love?
6. According to I Timothy 1:6-7 what did Paul declare about those who had strayed (wandered away)?
7. Read I Timothy 1:8-10 in more than one version of the Bible, if possible. Briefly summarize what you learn about the law from these verses.
a. What did Paul say about the Law according to Galatians 3:24?
8. J.V. McGee wrote, Under the Law the best man in the world is absolutely condemned, but under the Gospel the worst man can be justified if he will believe in Christ. Without the Gospel there will not be sound doctrine/healthy teaching. Gospel means good news. Use I Corinthians 15:3-4 to explain the Gospel.
a. The Gospel was committed to Paul's trust. How did he describe the
Gospel? See I Timothy 1:11.
(1.) Print one word you would use to describe the Gospel.
9. After giving thanks to the Lord for putting him into the ministry, Paul wrote a description of himself before he met Jesus. View this in I Timothy 1:12-16. What do you see?
a. Write a brief description of your 'before and after Jesus' self.
10. Let Paul's praise ignite praise in your heart as you print I Timothy 1:17 here phrase by phrase.
11. Read I Timothy 1:18-20. Paul instructed (commanded, charged) Timothy, evidently, in line with prophecies given about him previously. What did he tell Timothy to do and why?
a. Most Bible scholars believe verse 20 refers to two men Paul dealt with
due to false teaching. Write the phrase in this verse that gives reason
to believe these men could be restored to fellowship.
12. Share a way I Timothy 1:1-20 has deepened your understanding of why sound doctrine is vital for the spiritual health of the believer and the church.
