Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. 2 Timothy 2:8-9 What are the illustrations Paul uses in verses 3-10? Soldier. Paul often used illustrations about warfare and soldiers. Soldiers must endure hardship, suffering, and even death. They must remain loyal to the officer who commands them. Timothy must be willing to suffer. He must not look back but stay committed to Jesus, his Divine Commander. He must avoid defecting and looking for an easier path. Athlete. Athletes of Paul’s day endured strict discipline…
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In Hard Times: Part 3
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2:3-10 What are the ways we enable the Spirit to minister encouragement to us? Read 2 Timothy 2: 1-13 Do not try to do everything by yourself. Don’t take yourself too seriously. God’s plan is not for the pastor to do all the ministry. His plan is for believers to share the work of teaching others. The harvest is outstanding; the laborers are few. Recruit more laborers. Entrust reliable, qualified men and women to teach others. Recruit…
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In Hard Times – Part 2
“because I know whom I believed, and am convinced that he can guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” 2 Timothy 1:8-12 Read 2 Timothy 1 Encourage yourself through your relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior. Paul encouraged Timothy by reminding him of his relationship with Jesus. Paul suffered and faced death because Jesus appointed him. Paul wasn’t ashamed because he knew whom he believed. Paul had head knowledge of the Father; he likewise knew and trusted Jesus Christ, the son. Paul also had a personal relationship with Christ. He had faith Christ was a faith of experience. Salvation begins with a…
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Relating To Elders
Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 1 Timothy 5:1 Do you find it hard to lead the elderly? One of the challenges that Timothy faced at Ephesus. Some honored the old and looked down on the younger. Paul gave Timothy and the church instructions about their relationship with each other. Paul told Timothy to make sure that no one despised his young age. Then, in contrast, Paul told Timothy to treat older men (and women) with respect. We have already seen that in God’s household, the leader should treat…
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Faithful Leaders Encourage Believers With Their Spiritual Gifts
Please do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 1 Timothy 4:14 Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? Do you use them? Read 1 Timothy 4: 11-16. Paul reminded Timothy not to neglect his spiritual gifts. Scripture reveals that the Holy Spirit may give spiritual gifts as believers pray. Jesus prayed for and breathed on His disciples and imparted the new life of the Holy Spirit to them. In Samaria, the apostles prayed for new believers, laid hands on them, and the Holy Spirit filled them. In Ephesus,…
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Qualified Leaders Respected For Seven Reasons
Now an overseer must be above reproach. . . 1 Timothy 3:2 Do you want to be a good example of representing Christ? Here are a few examples of a respected leader. A church leader must be married to one wife. This isn’t saying that you have to be married, just if you choose to be married, have one spouse, no others. Married people need to be faithful to one another. Church leaders should be of showing the appearance of faithfulness – in following Christ. A church leader should be gentle. When a leader has to correct someone who falls into error, the church leader…
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Qualifications of A Godly Leader
“…. set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and purity” 1 Timothy 4:12 There are positives and negatives of qualifications for overseers and deacons. There are 5 negatives that 1 Timothy 3 states. They are: For the overseer: For the Deacon: not given to drunkenness …
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Women And The Church: Part 2
Reread 1 Timothy 2:8-15. Also, keep in mind his purpose, as he stated in 1 Timothy 3: 14,15. Now make a list of what a woman should do, what she is not allowed to do, and why. Where is this pattern of behavior to be implemented? Keep everything in context, don’t jump to conclusions or opinions. Was Paul against women being in ministry? What are some biblical examples of women in ministry? In your culture, how do women show submission to their husbands? Who are some women in ministry that Paul commended? Why does Paul emphasize that sin came through Adam in Romans 5:12-20…
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Prayer
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone – 1 Timothy 2:1 In chapter one, Paul began his letter on the topic of false teachers. In chapter 2, he is giving instructions on prayer and worship. In verse one of chapter 2, he uses the word urge, which ties his thoughts from chapter one to chapter 2. What is the connection? Paul’s concern about the false teachers to his call for prayer and worship is God wants everyone to be saved, even false teachers. Praying for others helps us to discern teachers and even transform them. God doesn’t…
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What Is Truth: Part 3
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Timothy 1:1-2 Do you remember Paul’s purpose of 1 Timothy? Reread 1 Timothy 1:3 and also look at 3:14, 15 if you can write the purpose in the margin of your bible or a notebook. Let’s also put the date in. A.D. 65. Read chapters 4-6 of this book to familiarize yourself with the rest of the book. Now let’s go back and focus…