THE BOOK OF FIRST TIMOTHY

CHAPTER 1

Warning against false teachings (3-11)

 What was Timothy’s responsibility in Ephesus?
 What may classify as a “strange doctrine?”
 Why would someone pay attention to myths and endless genealogies?
 What could be examples of this type of behavior?
 What is result of engaging in these types of discussions?
 What then should a follower of God busy himself doing?
 What are myths and genealogies contrasted with?
 Why do you share your faith (or teach Bible studies?) What is your goal?
 What qualifies as “fruitless discussion?” Examples?
 What should you do if believers around you want to engage in fruitless discussion and speculation?
 What does Paul mean that the law is not made for a righteous person?
 Who is the law for? Why?
 Have you also been entrusted with the gospel of God like Paul?
 If so, then what should this knowledge spur you to do?

Paul’s Testimony (12-17)

Discussion Questions
 Do you think there are any sins too serious for God to forgive?
 What do you notice about Paul’s attitude towards his previous condition?
 What about his attitude towards his present condition?
 What purpose/purposes did Christ have in choosing Paul?
 How do we see this purpose still being fulfilled almost two thousand years later?
 Finish this statement, “If Paul could be saved, then…”
 What does Paul’s testimony tell us about God’s grace?
 Why is it important for us to also share our testimony?
 How can we use our testimony as a witnessing tool?

Cross-References

Verses on Sharing Your Testimony:

1 Chronicles 16:8 – Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has
done.
Daniel 4:2 – It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me.
Psalm 107:2 – Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble
Luke 8:39 – “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming
throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.
2 Timothy 1:8 – Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in
suffering for the gospel by the power of God.

Class Assignment
1. Study Paul’s more lengthy testimony in Acts 22:1-21

CHAPTER 2
Pray for all (1-3)
Discussion Questions
 Why does Paul say “first of all” when he is already in chapter 2?
 What, if any, are the differences between entreaties, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings? Why use four
words to describe prayer content?
  Who do you spend the most time praying for? What percentage of the time do you think you prayer for
others compared to yourselves?
 Who should we pray for? Share some practical ways to make prayer for others (even leaders and
politicians) a regular aspect of your prayer life.
 How will praying for others, even unrighteous leaders, in this manner effect our own attitudes?
 What is the tie in between the latter part of verse 2 and the first parts of verses 1-2?
 What does it look like if a person is leading a tranquil and quiet life? What may the opposite look like?
Cross-References
Romans 8:26 – Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but
the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Matthew 6:7 – And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be
heard for their many words.
Ephesians 6:18 – Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all
perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
Colossians 4:2 – Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Proverbs 29:11 – A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
Psalm 37:7 – Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his
way, over the man who carries out evil devices
Jesus is our Mediator (4-6)
Discussion Questions
 What can we learn about God’s character from verses 4-6?
 What is the relationship between these verses and the instruction to prayer?
 What are some important qualities that good mediators have?
 Are there any areas that you need to mediate in?
 If Jesus were standing here right now, what might you say to Him about His ransom sacrifice for you?
 Explain the phrase “the testimony given at the proper time.”
Cross-References
Proverbs 11:30 – The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.
2 Peter 3:9 – He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the
day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire,
and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
Romans 8:34 – Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at
the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
Hebrews 8:6 – But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the
covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.
We respond through preaching and praying (7-8)
Discussion Questions
 Why do you think Paul wants to emphasize that he is telling the truth here?
 Is this a surprising statement in some way?
 What have you been appointed to do? List out all of the things God has appointed you to do.
 Paul was very clear about his gifting and calling. Do you know your gifting? Do you know your calling?
What might the purpose of “lifting up holy hands be?”
 How can you make your hands holy?
 Why the reminder “without wrath and dissension?”
Cross-References
Psalm 63:4 – So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
Lamentations 3:41 – Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven.
Romans 6:13 – Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to
God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for
righteousness.
Joshua 3:5 – Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders
among you.”
Psalm 66:18 – If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
Proverbs 28:9 – If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination
The character of women in the church (9-10)
Discussion Questions
 Why does Paul say “likewise” here? What is the connection between this passage and the previous?
 What is the key instruction given to women in verse 9?
 What is modest clothing? What is immodest clothing?
 What is discreet clothing?
 In light of this passage, is it OK for a woman to braid her hair and wear jewelry? Why or why not?
 What is the universal principle behind these instructions?
 How can a godly young lady apply them today?
 What should a godly woman focus on rather than outward beauty?
 How can a lady discern whether too much time and money is spent on apparel and beauty? What is too
much?
Cross-References
1 Peter 3:3-4 – Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the
wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle
and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
Proverbs 31:30 – Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Ecclesiastes 3:11- He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so
that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
Song of Solomon 4:7 – You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.
1 Samuel 16:7 – But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature,
because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but
the Lord looks on the heart.”
Proverbs 6:25 – Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes
Proverbs 27:4 – One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of
the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.
Proverbs 11:22 – Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion

The role of women in the church (11-15)

Discussion Questions
 How would you summarize the key theme in verses 11-15?
 Is this based on the culture of that time or not? Why or why not?
 What key attitude is the woman to display?
 What key role is the woman to have in the church?
 Does this apply outside the church? Why or why not?
 In a day and age of feminism and equal rights for all, how can we understand why God’s prescription for
women and the church is so different?
 What then should a woman not do in church?
 How can a godly woman still minister for and serve God?
 Does God view woman as less valuable in some way? Defend your answer.
 What would you say to a person who says this passage is “sexist?”
 What does the statement mean in verse 15 “but women will be preserved through the bearing of children?”
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 14:34-35 – Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be
in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at
home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
Titus 2:3-4 – Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted
to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and
children.
Ephesians 5:22-23 – Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.23 For the husband is
the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
Galatians 3:28 – There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are
all one in Christ Jesus.
Genesis 2:18 – Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for
him.
1 Corinthians 11:3 – But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her
husband, and the head of Christ is God.
1 Timothy 3:2 – Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-
controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach

CHAPTER 3
Discussion Questions
 Based on verse 1, how should the church view those who aspire to the office of overseer?
 What is the office of overseer?
 What other words are used for this same role in the New Testament (elder, shepherd?)
 Do you think this is an exhaustive list of requirements? Why or why not?
 Why does Paul set such high standards for a person to have this role?
 What does it mean to be above reproach?
 Is a divorced man disqualified?
 What does temperate mean?
 What would a person look like who is prudent? What kind of things will a prudent person do?
 What does hospitality look like?
 Must an overseer have the gift of teaching? What does the phrase “able to teach” mean?
 Why is it important for a leader to be gentle? What is the opposite quality?
 Why is observing how a man manages his household important when considering whether or not to make
him an overseer?
 Does this disqualify a man with grown up unsaved or rebellious children?
 Why is “with all dignity” emphasized in verse 4?
 What is a “new” convert? Saved for six months? Three years? Twenty years? Or some other standard?
 What is the danger of “promoting” a new believer into leadership too quickly?
Cross-References
1 Peter 5:1-5 – So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well
as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising
oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not
domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears,
you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe
yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the
humble.”
Acts 14:23 – And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed
them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Acts 20:28 – Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you
overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
1 Timothy 5:17-19 – Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor
in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and,
“The laborer deserves his wages.” Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three
witnesses.
Titus 1:5-9 – This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in
every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers
and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above
reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a
lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so
that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Discussion Questions
 What is a deacon?
 What is the difference between a deacon and an elder?
 What kinds of things are deacons responsible for?
 What do you notice about the similarities of the qualifications of the two groups?
 Are there any differences in qualifications?
 What does it mean to be a “man of dignity?”
 What is an example of being double-tongued?
 Why do you think Paul mentions addiction to wine in both lists?
  What is the “mystery of the faith?” (verse 9)
 How would you go about testing a deacon? Why is this testing phase important?
 In verse 11 are these women deacons or wives of deacons or something else?
 According to this passage would you say women should be deacons?
 What does it look like when a man is a “good manager” of his family?
 What happens to deacons who serve faithfully?
 What does verse 16 mean?
Cross-References
Acts 6:1-6 – Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose
against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve
summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of
God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and
of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the
word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy
Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch
Philippians 1:1 – Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi,
with the overseers and deacons.
1 Peter 4:10 – As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
Acts 20:35 – In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember
the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Matthew 20:28 – Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for
many.
Matthew 23:11 – The greatest among you shall be your servant.

CHAPTER 4
Discussion Questions {1 - 9}
 Is Paul referring to inspiration of Scripture or something else in 4:1?
 When is the later times? Are we in it now? Was Paul in it then? Why is it called later or end?
 What are deceitful spirits? What are doctrines of demons? What does this tell us about false teachers?
 What are some examples of these false teachings in this passage?
 Why are these teachings harmful?
 What lesson can you learn from verses 4-5?
 How can we be “constantly nourished” on the words of faith?
 Why is it important to receive constant nourishment rather than sporadic nourishment?
 What are worldly fables? Can you share an example?
 Why does Paul say these are fit only for old women?
 In what areas does a godly person need to discipline himself?
 How can we become more disciplined spiritually?
 Name one area that you think you need to be more discipline in for the purpose of godliness?
 What comparison can we see between bodily discipline and spiritual discipline? Does one help the other?
Cross-References
2 Timothy 3:1-7 – The peril of the last days.
2 Peter 3:3-4 – Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own
sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things
are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”
1 John 2:18 – Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists
have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.
1 Corinthians 10:23-33 – All foods are good and to be enjoyed.
Genesis 2:18 – The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Romans 14:6 – Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord,
for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.
Romans 10:17 – Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the
word about Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-12 – So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and
teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
1 Peter 2:2-3 – Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now
that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
2 Peter 1:16 – For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of
our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
2 Timothy 4:4 – And will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such
a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown
that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running
aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that
after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Discussion Questions {9 - 16)

 What is the statement that deserves full acceptance?
 In what way is God the savior of all men (including those who don’t believe)?
 What do we put our hope in God to do?
 Command and teach what things (verse 11)?
 What do we learn from verse 12 about Timothy’s age?
 Can a young person then be leader in the church? Why or why not?
 How are young people to act in the church?
 Should a young person use their age as a reason not to serve God? Why or why not?
 What other examples is there in the Bible of God choosing young people to serve Him in various roles?
 What attitude was Timothy to have toward the Scriptures? What do we learn about the place of
teaching/preaching the Word in church? Why is this so important?
 What spiritual gift might Paul be referring to?
 Do you know your spiritual gift? Are you using it?
 How can one diligently use their gifting? Why might it be important for others to see Timothy’s progress?
 How could Timothy save himself and his hearers by doing these things?
 What application can you make from this chapter?
 How can you diligently use your gift in the church?
Cross-References
Romans 8:24-25 – For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what
they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
1 John 3:2-3 – Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But
we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in
him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
2 Timothy 4:2-3 – Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—
with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.
Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching
ears want to hear.
Acts 2:42 – They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to
prayer.
1 Corinthians 12:28-31 – And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers,
then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are
all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all
interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.
Ephesians 4:11-13 – So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and
teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity
in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the
fullness of Christ.
Romans 12:6-8 – We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying,
then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to
encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to
show mercy, do it cheerfully

Discussion Questions
 What is the statement that deserves full acceptance?
 In what way is God the savior of all men (including those who don’t believe)?
 What do we put our hope in God to do?
  Command and teach what things (verse 11)?
 What do we learn from verse 12 about Timothy’s age?
 Can a young person then be leader in the church? Why or why not?
 How are young people to act in the church?
 Should a young person use their age as a reason not to serve God? Why or why not?
 What other examples is there in the Bible of God choosing young people to serve Him in various roles?
 What attitude was Timothy to have toward the Scriptures? What do we learn about the place of
teaching/preaching the Word in church? Why is this so important?
 What spiritual gift might Paul be referring to?
 Do you know your spiritual gift? Are you using it?
 How can one diligently use their gifting? Why might it be important for others to see Timothy’s progress?
 How could Timothy save himself and his hearers by doing these things?
 What application can you make from this chapter?
 How can you diligently use your gift in the church?
Cross-References
Romans 8:24-25 – For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what
they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
1 John 3:2-3 – Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But
we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in
him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
2 Timothy 4:2-3 – Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—
with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.
Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching
ears want to hear.
Acts 2:42 – They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to
prayer.
1 Corinthians 12:28-31 – And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers,
then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are
all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all
interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.
Ephesians 4:11-13 – So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and
teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity
in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the
fullness of Christ.
Romans 12:6-8 – We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying,
then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to
encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to
show mercy, do it cheerfully.
2 Timothy 2:15 – Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be
ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

CHAPTER 5
Discussion Questions
 Could Timothy be the spiritual leader of an older man? If so, then why should he not rebuke a person if
they needed to be rebuked?
 How might an older person respond better to encouragement than a strong rebuke?
 What happens when a leader crosses boundaries and treats people in an improper way?
 What are some practical ways to maintain proper relationships with the opposite gender in church or
ministry?
 How should a church treat widows?
 What does the phrase “truly widows” mean?
 How should families treat widows in their own family?
 What kinds of things should a godly widow do?
 What does verse 8 tell us about our responsibility within our own families?
 Why did Paul set an age limit of 60?
 Why are the qualifications/characteristics in verse 10 important to follow?
 What precedent does Paul set here about how to set budgets or allot money within the church? What kinds
of things should a church consider when it decides whether or not to support an individual?
Cross-References
Psalm 68:5 – Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.
Psalm 146:9 – The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the
wicked he brings to ruin.
Exodus 22:22-24 – You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to
me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall
become widows and your children fatherless.
Isaiah 1:17 – Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s
cause.
Treatment of elders in the church (17-21)
Discussion Questions
 What is an elder?
 What does an elder do according to this verse?
 Why are elders who do well worthy of “double honor?”
 How might this honor be shown?
 What do you learn in this verse about the importance of preaching and teaching?
 What is the point of the phrase “do not muzzle the ox”?
 Should Christian workers be paid?
 What are the pros and cons of paying pastors/preachers, etc.?
 How can this verse shed light on this issue?
 Why is it important not to entertain an accusation against an elder unless there are multiple witnesses?
 What does verse 20 tell us about what to do when an elder sins? What is the purpose of this?
 How does this protect the church?
 Does your church apply the above principles? How?
 What should you do if your church doesn’t confront sin in its leaders?
Cross-References
Acts 14:23 – And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed
them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Deuteronomy 19:18-19 – The judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused
his brother falsely, then you shall do to him as he had meant to do to his brother. So you shall purge the evil from
your midst.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 – We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the
Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among
yourselves.
Hebrews 13:7 – Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their
way of life, and imitate their faith.
Matthew 20:26 – It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.
1 Peter 2:2 – Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to
salvation.
Psalm 81:10 – “I, the LORD, am your God, Who brought you up from the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide and
I will fill it.
Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfie
Personal reminders to Timothy (22-25)
Discussion Questions
 What does laying on of hands refer to?
 What does verse 23 teach us about believers and alcohol?
 What is the meaning of verse 24?
 Why does Paul tell Timothy that good deeds are obvious and can’t be hidden?

CHAPTER 6
Instructions for slaves (1-2)
Discussion Questions
 Slaves were told to honor their masters. How would this look if it was practiced?
 Why does Paul tell them to do this?
  Is the Bible condoning slavery? Why or why not?
 How should slaves treat believing masters?
 We are not slaves, but can we make any application from this?
 How should you treat a boss who is a believer?
Cross-References
Colossians 4:1 – Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
Ephesians 6:5 – Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would
Christ.
Exodus 21:16 – Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to
death.
Galatians 3:28 – There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for
you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:22-24 – Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you
and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with
all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an
inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Instructions about false teachers (3-5)
Discussion Questions
 What kind of sound words might the false teacher disagree with?
 What is the false teachers’ attitude towards controversial questions?
 Where do these kinds of questions lead?
 What does the word “depraved” mean in verse 5?
 What does it signify about these false teachers’ spiritual condition?
 Are they simply believers who have some doctrine wrong?
 What key principle can we see they misunderstand in verse 5 and following?
Cross-References
2 Peter 2:1- But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who
will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves
swift destruction.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 – For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of
Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants,
also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 – For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they
will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and
wander off into myths.

Instructions about money (6-10)

Discussion Questions
 Can you think of any time in the Bible where a person is commended for pursuing money? What about
where a person is condemned for loving money too much (young ruler, Elisha’s helper?, Achan)?
 How does the Bible say we should use money? What is its purpose? (Luke 16:9)
 What should our attitude be towards money?
 Why do people want to make more money?
 Looking at verse 8, is their any situation in life where it might be OK to be discontent?
 What kind of sins spring from a love of money?
Cross-References
Hebrews 13:5 – Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will
never leave you nor forsake you.”
Matthew 6:24 – No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be
devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 – He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income;
this also is vanity.
Luke 12:15 – And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does
not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Proverbs 22:1 – A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
Philippians 4:19 – And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus

Fight the Good Fight (11-16)

Discussion Questions
 Why does Paul emphasize “man of God?”
 Flee what things (11)?
 What is the relationship between fleeing and pursuing? Can you flee one thing and pursue another thing at
the same time?
 How do you pursue something intangible like righteousness or faith?
 What is the good fight of faith? Why is called a fight? How can you win this fight?
 How would someone “take hold” of eternal life?
 What “good confession” did Jesus make in front of Pontius Pilate?
 What commandment is Timothy supposed to keep unstained (14)?
 What do we learn about Jesus’ return in these verses?
 How can you prepare for His return now?
 What do these verses teach us about God and His character?
 How can you give God honor in your daily life?
Cross-References
Hebrews 13:5 – Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will
never leave you nor forsake you.”
Ecclesiastes 5:10 – He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income;
this also is vanity.
2 Timothy 2:22 – So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who
call on the Lord from a pure heart.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 – I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is
laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and
not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Ephesians 6:13 – Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and
having done all, to stand firm.
Set your hope on God, not money (17-19)
Discussion Questions
 What is the present age?
 What is the future age?
 How could a person become rich in the future age?
 Why might a rich person become haughty? How might his riches change his attitude toward others?
 How do people set their hopes on their riches?
 What does it mean that “He provides is with everything to enjoy?” He gives us everything we want?
 Should Christians deny themselves nice things for the sake of serving God?
 What is the proper balance of enjoying good things without pursuing luxury?
 If God has blessed you with money, what should you do with it?
 How can a poor person also be generous?
 What does verse 19 mean? How does one store up for treasure for himself?
 Share with the group one way you can serve God with your money (that you are not already doing.)
Cross-References
Proverbs 11:28 – He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.
Jeremiah 48:7 – For because of your trust in your own achievements and treasures, Even you yourself will be
captured; And Chemosh will go off into exile Together with his priests and his princes.
Psalm 52:7 – “Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge, But trusted in the abundance of his riches And
was strong in his evil desire.”
Psalm 62:10 – Do not trust in oppression And do not vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your
heart upon them.
Matthew 19:21 – Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and
you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Luke 12:19-21 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and
be merry.”‘ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get
what you have prepared for yourself? “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not
rich toward God.”
Stay on the right path (20-21)
Discussion Questions
 What is the deposit entrusted to Timothy?
 What is irreverent babble and contradictions?
 What does “by professing it” refer to?
 Name one thing you have learned in our study of 1 Timothy that you would like to keep practicing in your
own life.
Cross-References
Proverbs 21:23 – Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
Ephesians 4:29 – Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits
the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Psalm 141:3 – Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips