I Timothy for Beginners

• Supplication (entreaties) – A specific request or request for a specific situation.
• Prayer – A general word referring to all types or general prayers (requests, adoration, praise, confession, etc.)
• Intercession (petition) – A more intimate relationship with God through prayer. Approaching God on behalf of someone.
• Thanksgiving – Expressing gratitude to God for what He provides.

Although Paul mentions, "…on behalf of all men", he specifies in this passage kings and those in authority. He does so since those in authority have the responsibility for keeping the peace so that the gospel can be taught without fear of persecution. Note that God instituted government, therefore, we should honor His plan in this area as well as other areas. (See also Romans 13:1-7 and I Peter 2:13-17)

A possible follow-on discussion is placing this in the context of governmental oppression and persecution the Christians were facing, especially Paul. Note that he does not pray for his relief or comfort, but rather for peace so that the gospel can be spread. This is consistent with his prayer request in Ephesians 6:19-20. He prays that he can complete his mission, and not for his freedom or comfort.

Use the information from the text to outline this discussion.

• It is God's will – (I Timothy 2:3-4)

How is it God's will? What is God's ultimate goal?

• God's will is worked out with the gospel (I Timothy 2:5-7)

• There is one God and one mediator – Jesus Christ.
• Christ gave Himself to purchase (ransom) our freedom.
• Paul is a recipient of salvation and now serves as a teacher to others.
• Like Paul, we have a role in God's plan as well. We are the vehicle through which the gospel is proclaimed.

Paul frequently uses the word, "Therefore" as he transitions into the application of his teaching. In this instance he is transitioning from the instruction for prayer to the specific application "the men in every place to pray". He is now going to go into spiritual leadership and conduct, and specific roles in the church. This is important because Paul will now give Timothy instruction for church leadership and how we are to conduct ourselves as we worship.

Note: Do not lose the importance of attitude as we explore process and roles. A follow-up discussion can be on our proper attitude as we pray and serve in our various roles.

• I Timothy 2:8 – Without wrath and dissension
• I Timothy 2:1-2 – Praying for those responsible to provide a peaceful environment.

I Timothy 2:8 is focused internally to the church; however, a peaceful environment removes external pressures and allows the gospel to be spread.

(See text for detail)

• The conservative view: Women should do nothing in public worship, including Bible class. Women never speak.
• The mainline position: Christian women help as appropriate, and actively participate in Bible class but do not teach mixed classes of adult males and females, and do not participate in a public way during worship (preaching, praying, serving the Lord's Supper, etc.) (Some congregations use women as interpreters for the deaf in the absence of men who can perform this duty but place restrictions on where they do this so as to not appear to be teaching or leading in worship or class.)
• The progressive view: Women are encouraged to participate in public assembly such as serving the Lord's Supper, leading prayer, and serving as deacons.
• The liberal view: Women and men can do all areas of ministry including serving as congregational leaders.

(Answers will vary based on personal values. Keep the discussion positive. Look for how it helps spiritual growth and the gospel.) These prompts are provided but encourage other examples.

• Baptism
• Dress
• Women having their heads covered during worship and prayer
• Role of men and women
• The use of instrumental music in worship
• Meeting times (Sunday and Wednesday evenings, VBS, other special events where attendance is strongly encouraged or even considered obligatory)

Baptism as a practice was commonly used as a religious purification rite in many religions. The people of the time would be familiar with the practice and its religious symbolism. Therefore, Jesus builds on this custom as he commands us to be baptized (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:16). The apostles accepted this and taught and practiced it as well. This command continues today.

In many societies of the early New Testament period, women had a prominent role in society. Some were allowed to hold social leadership positions or were granted special protection by law. Today we see women in all parts of society, including high levels of authority in political, military, law enforcement and education, etc. It is natural that we might expect this to extend into the church, especially if a woman has knowledge and abilities in areas related to our worship practice (education in Bible studies, speaking skills, leadership skills, etc.) Yet, God specifies that when it comes to the church, it is led by men and women are not to take over these leadership roles, nor are men to abdicate their role as spiritual leaders. We must use all of our members and their abilities to serve God, but do so in His way, not our way.

Specifically, males, spiritual leaders in the congregation and families.

He is likely referring to public worship in the areas where this letter is being read. It was intended as a teaching letter to be shared in the various congregations therefore, public worship is likely what he means.

It was a custom to raise one's hands as he led prayer. However, the meaning behind the statement is one of a pure heart before God. The men leading public worship and prayer are to be qualified as righteous before God; those whose lives have been turned over in faithful obedience to God. They are not only dedicated to God, but also peace and unity in the church.

Paul is drawing the similarity in purity between men who lead prayer and the internal spirit of godliness in women. It is not a prohibition on jewelry, clothing, or physical makeup. Rather, it is keeping external things in perspective.

The intent of this question is to develop an understanding of the application of modesty beyond proper clothing.

Modesty applies to men and women. It includes our appearance that is not based on conceit, pride and vanity. There is certainly no problem with dressing to present ourselves in a favorable manner with proper application of clothing and such, but what is important and proper is presenting ourselves as pure and holy before God. See: Romans 12:1; Romans 13:14; II Timothy 2:15; Colossians 3:5; James 1:27; Matthew 5:8; Philippians 4:8; Proverbs 16:2; Proverbs 20:11; I Thessalonians 4:3-5

The use of "quiet" and "submission" is consistent with verse I Timothy 2:10. It is an attitude of humility before God. It does not prohibit asking or answering questions, but rather, a meek and gentle spirit.

Leading worship and teaching publicly (and in mixed assemblies) is a leadership role given to men as spiritual leaders in both the family and the church. Men cannot, nor must not abdicate their role. Men will be held specifically accountable for their obedience to God's commands. Women have a critical and vital role as teachers, but must be practiced within the commands God specifies, and Paul provides application through apostolic authority.

Paul uses God's plan of creation as an example. This is established by God and transcends societal norms, or our personal preferences. God created man first and has the expectation of men as spiritual leaders. Because woman sinned first, God placed her in a submissive role. This is not to degrade any woman, that would be against God's will. Rather, it is a judgment by God that we must all honor.

Sometimes it is difficult for us to accept God's will in areas where we either do not understand or feel that we might have a better insight. Paul sets the initial structure and operation of the church with basic instructions for the role of men and women. Our focus must be on using this knowledge and these skills to honor God, rather than indulgeour personal preferences.

There is danger in putting ourselves and our ideas before God's will. We must use our gifts but do so according to God's will. When we do as God wills, we bring glory to Him and he rewards our humble service, no matter the role.