InstaStudy

A Study of 1st Timothy: Upholding Truth and Godly Living

This Bible study outline explores Paul's first letter to Timothy, providing guidance on sound doctrine, church leadership, personal conduct, and the pursuit of godliness. It emphasizes the singular nature of God and the preeminence of Jesus Christ as the full manifestation of the divine.

1. Sound Doctrine and Godly Living

1.1 Guarding the Truth Against False Teachings

Verses: 1 Timothy 1:3-7
  • Paul charges Timothy to correct those teaching false doctrines and myths.
  • False teachings distract from the true faith and lead to endless speculations.
  • The goal of the commandment is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith.

1.2 The Purpose of the Law and God's Mercy

Verses: 1 Timothy 1:8-11; 1 Timothy 1:15-17
  • The law is good when used lawfully, intended for the lawless, not the righteous.
  • Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, demonstrating God's abundant mercy.
  • God's grace and long-suffering are revealed through Jesus, the manifestation of the one true God.

1.3 Paul's Call and Testimony

Verses: 1 Timothy 1:12-14
  • Paul expresses gratitude for being entrusted with ministry despite his past as a persecutor.
  • God's grace was exceedingly abundant, empowering him with faith and love in Christ Jesus.
  • His testimony serves as an example for all who would believe in the one God for eternal life.

2. Worship and Leadership in the Church

2.1 Prayer for All People

Verses: 1 Timothy 2:1-4
  • Exhortation to offer prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for all humanity.
  • Pray for leaders and those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives.
  • God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2.2 The One God and One Mediator

Verses: 1 Timothy 2:5-6
  • There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
  • Jesus, as the man, perfectly bridges the gap between humanity and the singular divine Godhead.
  • He gave Himself as a ransom for all, a testimony to God's universal plan of salvation.

2.3 Roles in Public Worship

Verses: 1 Timothy 2:8-15
  • Men are to pray everywhere, lifting holy hands without anger or disputing.
  • Women are to adorn themselves modestly, with good works, and learn in quietness.
  • The emphasis is on order, reverence, and distinct roles within the assembly for spiritual growth.

2.4 Qualifications for Overseers (Bishops)

Verses: 1 Timothy 3:1-7
  • An overseer must be blameless, temperate, sober-minded, hospitable, and able to teach.
  • He must manage his own household well and have a good reputation with outsiders.
  • These qualities ensure effective leadership and a respected witness to the community.

2.5 Qualifications for Deacons

Verses: 1 Timothy 3:8-13
  • Deacons must be reverent, sincere, not given to excessive wine, nor greedy for dishonest gain.
  • They must hold the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience and be proven trustworthy.
  • Their wives must also be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, and faithful in all things.

2.6 The Mystery of Godliness

Verses: 1 Timothy 3:14-16
  • These instructions guide conduct within the church, which is the pillar and ground of the truth.
  • Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh.
  • This singular God was justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up in glory.

3. Ministry and Personal Conduct

3.1 Warnings Against Apostasy

Verses: 1 Timothy 4:1-5
  • In later times, some will depart from the faith, following deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.
  • They will forbid marriage and command abstinence from certain foods.
  • Everything God created is good and to be received with thanksgiving, sanctified by His word and prayer.

3.2 A Good Minister of Christ Jesus

Verses: 1 Timothy 4:6-10
  • Timothy is to be nourished in the words of faith and sound doctrine, rejecting worldly fables.
  • Exercise yourself toward godliness, which is profitable for both present and future life.
  • We labor and strive because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all people.

3.3 Timothy's Example and Gifts

Verses: 1 Timothy 4:11-16
  • Timothy is to be an example to believers in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity.
  • He should not neglect the spiritual gift within him, received through prophecy and the laying on of hands.
  • He must give attention to reading, exhortation, and doctrine, persevering to save himself and his hearers.

3.4 Instructions for Various Groups

Verses: 1 Timothy 5:1-2
  • Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as a father.
  • Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with all purity.
  • These guidelines promote respectful and godly relationships within the church family.

3.5 Care for Widows

Verses: 1 Timothy 5:3-16
  • Honor truly desolate widows who have no family support.
  • Family members should care for their own, demonstrating practical godliness.
  • Younger widows are encouraged to marry, bear children, and manage their households to avoid idleness.

3.6 Honoring Elders and Dealing with Sin

Verses: 1 Timothy 5:17-25
  • Elders who rule well, especially those who labor in word and doctrine, are worthy of double honor.
  • Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
  • Those who are sinning are to be rebuked publicly, so that others may take warning.

3.7 Instructions for Servants

Verses: 1 Timothy 6:1-2
  • Servants under the yoke should count their masters worthy of all honor, so God's name is not blasphemed.
  • Those with believing masters should not despise them because they are brethren.
  • Rather, they should serve them even better, knowing that those who benefit are believers and beloved.

4. Wealth, Contentment, and the Good Fight of Faith

4.1 False Teachers and Godliness with Contentment

Verses: 1 Timothy 6:3-8
  • Those who teach contrary doctrines are proud, ignorant, and view godliness as a means of financial gain.
  • Godliness with contentment is great gain, as we brought nothing into this world and can carry nothing out.
  • Having food and clothing, we should be content with these necessities.

4.2 The Danger of Riches

Verses: 1 Timothy 6:9-10
  • Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, snares, and many harmful lusts.
  • These desires drown people in destruction and perdition, leading them away from faith.
  • The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, causing some to stray from the faith and pierce themselves with many sorrows.

4.3 The Charge to Timothy: Fight the Good Fight

Verses: 1 Timothy 6:11-16
  • Timothy, as a man of God, is to flee these evils and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
  • Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were called.
  • Keep this commandment without spot, blameless until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, the blessed and only Potentate, King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light.

4.4 Instructions to the Rich

Verses: 1 Timothy 6:17-19
  • Charge those who are rich not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God.
  • They should do good, be rich in good works, ready to give, and willing to share.
  • By doing so, they will lay up for themselves a good foundation for the future, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

4.5 Guard the Deposit

Verses: 1 Timothy 6:20-21
  • Timothy is to guard what was committed to his trust, avoiding profane and idle babblings.
  • He must also avoid contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge.
  • Some professing this knowledge have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you.