I Timothy for Beginners
The Reason for Paul's Letter to Timothy
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on reasons for Paul’s instructions to Timothy. Of special note is the impact of not following God’s instructions and how we grow spiritually when we do God’s will.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand Paul’s reason for writing I Timothy.
- Feel: Recognize the importance of Paul’s instructions.
- Do: Apply God’s will to live faithful lives as servants to our Lord.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
See the associated introduction from the text for key points.
It is the gospel, the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (I Corinthians 15:1-9). The concept of a mystery usually refers to something unknown. Now we know. Throughout man's history God promised a redeemer. Through Jesus Christ we see the Redeemer, and God's full plan for our salvation through Him is now known.
- Household of God – We're God's family dwelling in His household.
- Church of the Living God – God is real, alive and active in our salvation through the Holy Spirit. We have received His blessings reserved for His family.
- Pillar and Support of the Truth – We hold to the truth (the gospel message) and demonstrate it by our faithful lives and the proclamation of it to others. We teach God's truth, not the teachings and philosophies of men (false teachers and teachings). (See also Ephesians 1:3-14; Ephesians 3:1-13)
This is the incarnation; God becoming flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. This is a foundational teaching of Christianity. We defend and promote this truth. (See John 1:1; John 1:14)
Jesus confirmed who He was and His role though His resurrection. Without the resurrection, He would be just another false teacher. Vindicated by the Spirit specifically refers to the Spirit's role in resurrecting Jesus. It also refers to Jesus speaking truth by His resurrection. Note: At our Lord's baptism and transfiguration, although all three members of the Godhead were present, God the Father was primarily active in these events. At the resurrection, God the Father is silent, but the Spirit takes the lead (Romans 1:4 – Through these three actions we see Jesus identified and glorified as the Son of God.)
Not only was Jesus' resurrection witnessed by those that saw Him die and alive afterwards, but angels also testified about Him (Matthew 28:2).
Jesus began to be proclaimed among the nations at Pentecost in Acts 2. Peter and the others provided the truth of who Jesus was to those gathered there. As the church was scattered (Acts 1:8; Acts 8:1) they took the gospel with them wherever they went, not to forget that Paul, the Apostle, was charged by Jesus to bring the Gospel to the Gentile world which he did establishing churches throughout the Roman Empire. We continue that work today as faithful disciples. The result is that the Church grew then and continues to grow today, just as Jesus commanded.
(See the summary for this chapter in the text for discussion points)
- Specific order and organization for the church
- Qualifications for church leadership
- Conduct for members of the Church
- Role of the church
God has placed the responsibility and opportunity of sharing the gospel on us (II Corinthians 4:7). We begin by learning and following God's will for our own salvation and then helping others do the same. As members of God's household, we enjoy the blessings He provides. But just as God told Abram (Abraham) in Genesis 12:1-2, there is an expectation that we will pass on those blessings to others. As we do so, we grow spiritually and help others learn of salvation. All of this combined brings glory to God.