Memory Verse
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
Timothy 3:16–17
Overview

In 1 and 2 Timothy, Paul writes to Timothy, a young pastor in the city of Ephesus, to teach him how to fight the good fight of faith and the importance of fostering faithful conduct in the house of God. Paul also instructs him how to manage the affairs of the church.

One of the realities of pastoral ministry is that pastors often encounter many varied challenges. Paul himself said, “I fought with beasts in Ephesus.” Timothy was no different. He pastored in a pagan city and faced many difficulties.What is the solution? Hold fast to the Word of God which is “given by inspiration of God and is profitable” for everything. 

Hymn: Onward, Christian Soldiers
Sheet Music
Top 5 Facts to Remember
  1. Timothy joined Paul in his missionary journeys prior to being appointed as an elder in Ephesus (Acts 16–20).
  2. This is most likely the same Timothy in Hebrews 13:23 that is noted as having been imprisoned.
  3. Not counting the letters addressed to him, Timothy is mentioned in eight of Paul’s letters (nine if Hebrews is Pauline), often as coauthor: 2 Cor. 1:1; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:1; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; Phm 1.
  4. 1 Timothy arguably provides more information about church government than any other New Testament book. 
  5. 2 Timothy was Paul’s last letter. He was martyred in Rome between 66–68 A.D. Perhaps due to his impending death, 2 Timothy is much more personal than Paul’s other writings.
Theme: Fighting the Good Fight

In 1 & 2 Timothy, God is glorifying Himself through Christians fighting the good fight, so that He might demonstrate His superior goodness in the salvation sinners, the damnation of the wicked, and for the preservation of His people, for His eternal glory, and their eternal joy.

Author: Paul

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope…” 

1 Timothy 1:1

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus…”

2 Timothy 1:1

Audience: Timothy

“To Timothy, a true son in the faith”

1 Timothy 1:2

“This charge I commit to you, son Timothy…” 

1 Timothy 1:18

“O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust…” 

1 Timothy 6:20

“To Timothy, a beloved son” 

2 Timothy 1:2

Key Verses:

“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”

1 Timothy 1:15–17

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”

1 Timothy 2:1–2

“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”

2 Timothy 2:22–26

Lessons:
  1. We should pray for those who are in authority.
  2. When selecting elders and deacons, we should make sure that they have the proper qualifications.
  3. We should regard Scripture as our ultimate authority, because it is God-breathed.
Outline

1 Timothy

  1. Don’t Give Up (1 Tim. 1)
  2. Keep Praying (1 Tim. 2:1–8)
  3. The Life and Adornment of Women in the Church (1 Tim. 2:9–15)
  4. The Office of Elder (1 Tim. 3:1–7)
  5. The Office of Deacon (1 Tim. 3:8–13)
  6. Conduct in the House of God (1 Tim. 3:14–16)
  7. Be Holy in an Unholy World (1 Tim. 4:1–11)
  8. Overcoming Obstacles (1 Tim. 4:12–16)
  9. Developing an Atmosphere of Honor in the Church (1 Tim. 5:1–6:10)
    1. Honor for Different Kinds of People in the Church (1 Tim. 5:1–2)
    2. Honor for Widows (1 Tim. 5:3–16)
    3. Honor for Elders (1 Tim. 5:17–21)
  10. Presumptuous Endorsing of Men (1 Tim. 5:22)
  11. Miscellaneous Instructions (1 Tim. 5:23–25)
  12. Honor of Masters and Contentment (1 Tim. 6:1–10)
  13. The Good Confession of Men of God (1 Tim. 6:11–16)
  14. Instructions for the Rich (1 Tim. 6:17–19)
  15. Final Appeal to Guard the Deposit (1 Tim. 6:20–21)

2 Timothy

  1. Hold on to Sound Doctrine and Do Not Give Up (2 Tim. 1)
  2. Teach Sound Doctrine to Faithful Men (2 Tim. 2)
  3. Preach Sound Doctrine in the Face of Opposition (2 Tim. 3–4)
Study Questions

1 Timothy

What changed Paul from being a blasphemer and enemy of the church into an apostle and missionary?
The mercy and grace of God (1 Tim. 1:13–16).

Who does Paul say Christians should pray for?
For all people (1 Tim. 2:1) and especially for those in authority (v. 2).

What are the two offices in the church?
Overseers (bishop/elders) and deacons (1 Tim. 3:1–13).

What three things are to occur in the church meeting?
Public reading of Scripture, exhortation, and teaching (1 Tim. 4:13).

How should other Christians in the church be treated?
Like family (older men as fathers, young women as sisters, etc.) (1 Tim. 5:1–2)

What is a root of all kinds of evil?
The love of money (1 Tim. 6:10).

2 Timothy

What kind of spirit has God given to Christians?
One of power, love, and sound judgment – not fear (2 Tim. 1:7).

What should everyone who names the name of Christ do?
Depart from iniquity (2 Tim. 2:19).

What is Scripture profitable for?
For doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, and to be equipped for good works (2 Tim. 3:16–17).

Why do people listen to false teachers?
Because the false teachers tell them what they want to hear (2 Tim. 4:3–4).

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