Discovering the Bible For Yourself- Week 3 PDF Print Email
by John Sullivan - Davenport, Iowa  -  Tuesday, 02 December 2008
Week Three   I Timothy
 
No One Else Like Him

Paul’s relationships were always outstanding. His relationship with Timothy is one that we know most about because of these two letters.

Timothy is first mentioned in Acts 16:1, on Paul’s second missionary journey. His mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, were devout Jews who raised him to be faithful. His father was a Greek. 

Paul referred to Timothy as his son in the faith. Timothy helped Paul write five of his letters. Paul sent him to Thessalonica, Corinth, and Philippi when he wanted to give them special advice or messages. At the writing of this first letter, Timothy was in Ephesus, while Paul went into Macedonia. Later on, Timothy was a prisoner for the sake of Christ (Hebrews 13:23.)

Paul once wrote about Timothy: “I have no one else like him who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.” (Philippians 2:20). Why were there no others like Timothy? Is it any different today?

As you read this first letter to Timothy, pray that it cannot be said that there are no more like him. 
 
Memory Verse

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (I Timothy 6:12)

Day 1, Fight the Good Fight
 
Read I Timothy 1

a. What was Paul’s goal for Timothy while he was in Ephesus (1:3 – 5)?

b. What was Paul’s opinion about his own sin (1:15 – 16)? What was Paul’s opinion about the grace of God (1:15 – 16)? Can you identify with those thoughts?

c. What do you think it means in your life to fight the good fight (1:18)?

d. Use the praise in verse 17 in your prayer and meditation today. 
 
 

Day 2, God’s Household

Read I Timothy 2 – 3.
           
a. Paul refers to the church as God’s household (3:15). What do you think is significant about that?  Is that the way you view yourself and the church? 

b. What was Paul’s first request for all of God’s people (2:1)? 

c. In chapter 3, Paul gives some qualifications for overseers (elders) and deacons in God’s household. What stands out to you about those qualifications?           

d. The “mystery of godliness is great” (3:16). Why do you think Paul describes that mystery as “he” not “it”?           

e. Think about your life and conduct in God’s household and how you will apply these thoughts in your life today.

 
 
Day 3 Train Yourself to be Godly
 
Read I Timothy 4.           

a. The conscience seared with a hot iron (4:1 – 5). Study these 3 steps to a hard heart and plan how you will avoid it:

                        Acts 7:51 Resist the Spirit

                        Ephesians 4:30 Grieve the Spirit

                        I Thessalonians 5:19 Quench the Spirit

In other words, the more times to say “no” to God’s Spirit, the easier it gets.           

b. If godliness is a gift, why do you have to train yourself (4:6 – 8) to be godly? How does training in godliness compare to physical training? What is your GTP (Godliness Training Program)? 

c. Be an example (4:11 – 16). How can you do what is taught here? 

d. What does it mean for you to “watch your life and doctrine closely” (4:16)?           

e. Think about how you will devote yourself today to what is taught here. 

 

Day 4 Relationships in the Church

Read I Timothy 5.           

a. How are you to treat men and women in the family of God, regardless of their age (5:1 – 2)?

b. What stands out to you about the atmosphere and support that is described here (5:3 – 21)?           

c. Paul describes the facts of life about sinful acts and good deeds in 5:24 – 25. What do you get out of that statement?           

d. Think about how you will apply all of this to your relationships today.

           
 
Day 5 Man of God
 
Read I Timothy 6.           

a. How can you apply what he said about slaves and masters to your situations today (6:1 – 2)?           

b. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (6:6). Is that your feeling about it?
           
c. What does Paul say about being a man of God (6:11)?           

d. Fighting the good fight of faith is mentioned again in 6:12. (We saw it also in 1:18 and will see it again next week.) Why do you think this is so important?           

e. What are his instructions about handling material wealth (6:17 – 19)?           

f. “Guard what has been entrusted to your care” (6:20). Think about how you can apply all of this to your life today.
 
 
Week Three Summary
 
No One Else Like Him
 

Deep Conviction: did you get it? 

As you close this week’s study, write a summary of your convictions. 

Put it in your heart. Quote the memory verse for the week. 
Share it.

Call or visit someone and share your thoughts from this week’s studies. 

Prepare for worship and fellowship.

Recommended Scripture:   Psalm 32

Recommended Song:    Lord, I Thank You
 
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