Happy Friday and greetings from Bible Study Snacks! Whether it's your first time with us, or if you're a regular follower of this blog, it's great to have you!
I'm delighted that you will be joining me as we walk through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. As always, I hope you had a great week, and that today finds you in good health, positive in energy, and strong in faith! Before we start, a little background information is in order.
This week, we begin our study of The First Epistle to Timothy, or 1 Timothy. It was written about 58-59 A.D. Some believe that Paul may have written 1 Timothy after his extended stay at Ephesus and departure to Macedonia on his third missionary journey. Generally, it is the consensus that Paul wrote this epistle from Macedonia, following his first imprisonment in Rome.
Paul's letter is directed to a young evangelist who was given the responsibility of working with a congregation and leading them in the right way. All that is written is designed to assist, both, him and the congregation in doctrine and conduct.
The studies presented here are intentionally brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. It is my ultimate hope that they might inspire you to an even deeper study of Scripture!
As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let us pray together...
"Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen"
If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are some things to think about for this week's lesson...
This Weeks Objectives: Participants should be able to...
* notice two different kinds of teaching: one that gives rise to disputes, and the other which produces godly edification in faith.
* consider what ought to be the goal of all teaching: love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith.
* appreciate the example of Paul's conversion in how long-suffering Christ is to those who believe on Him.
For your convenience, here is a summary of this week's lesson, specifically 1 Timothy, Chapter 1...
Paul begins this epistle by urging his "true son in the faith" to remain in Ephesus and instructed some not to teach other doctrines, nor pay attention to fables and genealogies that cause disputes rather than godly instruction in faith. The goal of this commandment is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith, from which some have deviated and turned to idle talk in their desire to be teachers of the law. While the law is good when used properly, it is not designed for the righteous person, but for those whose conduct is contrary to "sound doctrine" which is, according to the gospel of God, committed to Paul's trust (1 Timothy 1:1-11).
Speaking of what was committed to Paul's trust sparks an expression of thanksgiving and praise to Christ for counting him faithful and enabling him to be of service. His gratitude is increased by remembering what he had been prior to receiving the grace and mercy of the Lord. But, Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom Paul was predominant, and in him Christ shows an example of His long-suffering to those who believe on Him for everlasting life (1 Timothy 1:12-17).
Paul then orders Timothy to carry out his responsibility in keeping with prophecies made concerning him. The dictate is to "wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience." He is reminded of two men, Hymenaeus and Alexander, who have rejected such things. As a result, they had suffered shipwreck concerning the faith and had been turned over to Satan by Paul that they might learn not to blaspheme (1 Timothy 1:18-20).
REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1) How does Paul describe Timothy in his salutation? (1 Timothy 1:2)
2) Where did Paul want Timothy to remain? (1 Timothy 1:3)
3) What two things did he want Timothy to charge some? (1 Timothy 1:3-4)
4) Paul's concern is that such teachings would cause disputes rather than what? (1 Timothy 1:4)
5) What was the three-fold purpose of this commandment? (1 Timothy 1:5)
6) What had some turned aside to? Why? (1 Timothy 1:6-7)
7) When is the law good? Who is the law not made for? (1 Timothy 1:8-9)
8) When is something considered "sound doctrine"? (1 Timothy 1:10-11)
9) Why did Paul thank Christ Jesus? (1 Timothy 1:12)
10) What had Paul been formerly? Why did he obtain mercy? (1 Timothy 1:13)
11) What is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance? (1 Timothy 1:15)
12) How did Paul view himself? (1 Timothy 1:15)
13) Why did Paul obtain mercy, and Christ show all long-suffering toward him? (1 Timothy 1:16)
14) To whom does Paul ascribe honor and glory? (1 Timothy 1:17)
15) What charge does Paul commit to Timothy? What does it involve having? (1 Timothy 1:18-19)
16) Who had made shipwreck concerning the faith? What had Paul done in response? Why? (1 Timothy 1:19-20)
After completing this week's study, I encourage you to go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!
As always, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until our next time...
God bless you!
Sheri
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