Dependable Discipleship 01 – Daily Study Themes and Questions – 1 Timothy 1

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Let’s choose seven themes from this chapter, one for each day of the week, for personal study. We’ll add a parallel passage each day for further thought. Then we’ll pose some questions for thought and discussion, based on this chapter.

DAY 1 – Stop False Teachers! (1 Tim 1:1-4). Read also Tit 1:10-16.

DAY 2 – Stick to God’s Goal! (1 Tim 1:5-7). Read also Phil 3:7-14.

DAY 3 – Set Law in its Place! (1 Tim 1:8-11). Read also Rom 13:1-7.

DAY 4 – Show the Grace of God! (1 Tim 1:12-16). Read also 1 Cor 15:9-10.

DAY 5 – Stress the Glory of God! (1 Tim 1:17). Read also Rom 11:33-36.

DAY 6 – Stay in the Fight! (1 Tim 1:18). Read also 1 Tim 6:12-16.

DAY 7 – Secure Your Ship! (1 Tim 1:19-20). Read also 2 Tim 2:14-19.

Questions for Thought and Discussion

1:1 What does the term “apostle” suggest about Paul’s mission? The authority of his words? How did Paul come to be an apostle? How seriously did he take his role? Have you found the purpose(s) for which Jesus Christ has sent you?

1:2 What does Acts 16:1-5 reveal about Timothy’s background? What does “son in the faith” imply about Timothy? About Paul? For Paul's feelings about Timothy, see Phil 2:19-24; 1 Cor 4:17; 16:10-11; etc. "Timothy" = "one who honors God"

1:3-11 What title would you give this section?

1:3 Locate Macedonia and Ephesus. What primary purpose does Paul have for Timothy’s presence? Why is this so crucial? Is the Lord concerned about doctrine, or only about sincerity?

1:4-5 What are the dangers of teaching what is [1] false, [2] speculative, [3] or controversial? Which is easier: to talk about religion or to practice it? To debate religion or to do it? What gets the church more excited: a juicy controversy or a call to commitment? A powerful test of every sermon, class or discussion: “Does it further God's work or just promote controversies?” What three elements are necessary to produce love? Do I have these? What is a clear conscience worth? What does it take to have one?

1:6 Is it easy or hard to wander (swerve, go astray)?

How can one tell whether a doctrine is false or true?

1:7 Describe a know-it-all teacher or student you have known. Why are the motives of teachers so important? Why do people so readily follow false teachers who sound confident? How can we avoid being deluded and deceived? What is our responsibility as hearers?

What is Timothy's responsibility for the good of the church? What will happen to the church if he does not challenge and rebuke the false teachers? Why is it not very popular today to correct those who teach error? Are people so deter­mined to avoid conflict that they will remain quiet while others are taught lies?

1:9 Would we need laws, if everyone were righteous? Discuss.

1:10 Which of the items in this list are still against the law in the United States? How and why does our culture push for acceptance of sexual license and perversion? Under what circumstances do many people believe that lying is permissible?

1:11 Define “sound.”

1:12-17 What title would you give this section?

What is Paul’s motive for serving Christ? Does grace cause Paul to do less, or to do more?

How could a faithful Christian read this passage and then say, "I'm not sure I'm saved?"

Give three reasons why Paul gives glory to God in worship and in his life.

1. A sense of who God is.

2. A sense of who Paul is.

3. A sense of what God has done for Paul (saving him, putting him into service).

1:18-20 What title would you give this section?

What threefold challenge does Paul put forth to young Timothy?

Is it possible for Christians to suffer shipwreck in regard to their faith?

List Scriptures which indicate that a Christian can fall away.

How can they do so? How can they avoid doing so? What about you?

Why would Paul need to identify Hymenaeus and Alexander by name?

Why and how could Paul deliver these men to Satan? For what purpose?