Chapter 3:1-7
Overseer: ἐπισκοπῆς
Pastor overseeing other pastors.
This list (albeit good) may not be complete in addressing all the relevant issues for our culture today. What other requirements might you see as important in a pastor of pastors?
And, why do you see these or other requirements as important?
What if a man stumbles in one area of our expectations? What are we to do with him?
Are some of these points more important than others? In other words, can you tolerate it if he or she has a wayward child for which they pray so long as they are not a new Christian?
Chapter 3:8-13
Deacon: διάκονος
A servant, one who carries out the orders of others, a waiter.
Deacons had much the same requirements as Bishops. What is the bigger picture for Christian service?
Notice the requirement of testing first before allowing them to serve. What is the wisdom in that?
Why would monogamy be required do you suppose in a society that accepted polygamy?
This is an incredibly important position as they represented the congregation in a very practical way interacting with others on a daily basis. Outsiders would likely make assumptions about the community of Christians based on their observations of the deacons.
Chapter 3:14-16
Paul makes an interesting observation of the role of the church in society: that is, “a pillar and buttress of the truth.” There is some disagreement around whether the church should or should not be involved in politics, whether it should or should not endorse a particular political candidate.
- What do you see as the role of the church in society? Should it seek to influence society and push for cultural change?
- Or, should there be a true “separation of church and state?” Should one view the church as relevant only to the individual?
- What are the benefits, trouble-spots, or biblical demands of the church in society?
- Can you articulate the pros and cons of a position other than your own?
The italicized portion at the end of verse 16 is widely seen as a hymn of the early church affirming the ministry of Jesus following this form:[1]
a earthly — “flesh” (line 1)
b heavenly — “spirit” (line 2)
b heavenly — “angels” (line 3)
a earthly — “nations” (line 4)
a earthly — “world” (line 5)
b heavenly — “glory” (line 6)
What do you see this hymn communicating?
[1] Robert H. Gundry, “The Form, Meaning and Background of the Hymn Quoted in 1 Timothy 3:16,” in Apostolic History and the Gospel: Biblical and Historical Essays Presented to F.F. Buce, ed. W. Ward Gasque and Ralph P. Martin(Exeter: The Paternoster Press, 1970).
Chapter 4:1-5
Certainly it seems as though Paul is affirming Peter’s rejection of the dietary restrictions of the Jews. However, it also seems he is rejecting Gnostic asceticism (especially given his mention of those who forbid marriage in verse 3; this would not be an assumption if we were restricting our observation to his comments in relation to the Jews or Judaizers). At any rate, it appears that the nature of false teaching is rooted in deception (vv. 1-2) yet substantial freedom is given to Christians. Cross reference verses 4 and 5 with Romans 14 (a key passage in this regard).
- What do you see as your “right” as a Christian?
- What do you see as your responsibility as a Christian?
- How do you balance the two when it comes to:
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Tattoos
- Gambling
- Marijuana
- Mood altering prescription medications
- Credit cards
- What else…?
At what specific point, after engaging in certain activities (see 4:1) does one “depart” from the faith and become apostate?
Chapter 4:6-16
Paul instructs Timothy to rely on the doctrines he was taught emphasizing the need to teach good doctrine.
Have you ever heard anyone say that doctrine was bad (at worst) or that doctrine was the sayings of old men and not inspired by the Holy Spirit (at best)? What do people assume when they suggest that sort-of approach?
Paul seems to be telling Timothy the opposite is true. Paul is telling Timothy that godliness is the result of good doctrine and it holds to promise for eternal life (verse 8).
List some ways you might get good doctrine “inside” you.
Paul is not giving Timothy permission to do whatever he likes per his role as teacher. The opposite is true. Paul is holding young Timothy to a higher standard than the others because of this position and his capability in successfully pulling it off.
- What does Paul emphasize for Timothy to practice?
- Why do you suppose these are the most important?
Can you give an example of someone who handled a situation well? Or, can you give an example of a situation that was handled poorly?
Chapter 5:1-16
In chapter five Paul’s instructions turn from Timothy as a person and turn toward other groups of people in the church. He instructs Timothy on how to handle these specific types of people. In these first two verses he charges Timothy not to take a harsh tone. Rather, soft encouragement is important for Timothy’s ministry.
- 1. Contrast Paul’s advice to Timothy in 5:1-2 with the Apostle’s approach to Hymenaeus in 1 Tim. 1:20 & 2 Tim. 2:17. Why this difference?
- 2. Is this approach of handling folks softly always going to work? When and how should a harsher tone be taken? Who should take it?
There was a serious financial burden on the early church in the care of widows. What principles do you glean from Paul’s approach to the Ephesian widows? Hint: read vv. 3-16 line-by-line.
Chapter 5:17-25
Paul next takes up another group: elders. The connecting link between widows in chapter 5 along with elders in this second half of chapter 5 is that of honor. How the church best honors these particular folks as groups of people is the question at hand.
Outline these verses (17-25).
- vv. 17-18
- v. 19
- v. 20
- v. 21
- v. 22
- v. 23
- vv. 24-25
Chapter 6:1-2
The third group to which Paul now turns in his instructions to Timothy are slaves. The three groups are: 1. Widows, 2. Elders, 3. Slaves. This can be disturbing unless the context of these comments are clearly understood.
Review:
- Eph. 6:5-9
- Col. 3:22-4:1
- Titus 2:9-10
- 1 Peter 2:18-20
- 1 Cor. 7:20-24
- Phm 10-21
Summarize the content of each of the above passages. And, for each passage, answer:
- How does Paul view the slave?
- How does Paul view the master?
- How does Paul view the institution of slavery?
In the remainder of chapter 6 Paul returns to the subject of false teachers repeating much of what we have covered from chapters 1-2.
The Faithful Way 