January 2016
The Books of 1 & 2 Timothy
Discussion Guide
January Dates to Note:
MEETING WILL BE HELD:
Date:
___________________ Time: ____________________________________________
Place: ______________________________________________________________________
Person to Contact with Questions: ________________________________________________
PASTOR’S INTRODUCTION TO 1 & 2 Timothy:
Monday, January 4, 7:00 p.m., Room 482-86, Mpls Campus
BEFORE YOUR SMALL GROUP MEETING
1. Read 1 & 2 Timothy.
a. We suggest you read through “1 & 2 Timothy: Theme and Purpose” on page 4 and
“Who or What Is . . . ?” on page 5 before you begin your reading.
b. Use the “To Guide Your Reading” section on pages 6 - 8 to help you think through
what you read, paying particular attention to the questions in boldface.
2. If possible, attend, listen to, or watch the DVD of the Pastor’s Introduction to 1 & 2
Timothy.
3. Read and recite this month’s memory verse often! It is:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. – 2 Timothy 4:7
Our goal and prayer is that you will walk away from each study having had at least one
important insight that informs your faith and your knowledge of God’s Word. In other words, we
hope you will discover a “message” just for you!
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AT YOUR SMALL GROUP MEETING
Welcome
Welcome to the January meeting of your Living the Message Bible discovery group. In order to
keep to your agreed-upon time frame, place a clock where it is clearly visible or ask someone to
be “timekeeper” and let the group know when 15 minutes remain for discussion and closing.
Opening Prayer
Pause to quiet your hearts and minds with a few moments of silent prayer. Then have someone
open with his or her own prayer or pray the following together:
Dear Lord, Enter our time together with the flaming light of your truth that we may discover in
your Word your way for our lives and the freedom, grace, and peace of the gospel. In your
precious name, Amen.
This Month’s Memory Verse
Recite this month’s memory verse (including the book, chapter, and verse) together as a group.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. – 2 Timothy 4:7
Getting Under Way
Spend a moment in silence thinking about this month’s memory verse (above). If you drafted a
spiritual “last will and testament” for your family and friends, what would you say?
Setting the Scene
Before beginning discussion, invite your small group facilitator and anyone else who attended,
listened to, or saw the DVD of the Pastor’s introduction to 1 & 2 Timothy to share what they
learned.
Discuss Together
Go to “To Guide Your Reading” on pages 6 – 8. Discuss together the questions in boldface
and/or others of the questions that particularly struck members of your group. Remember, a
good discussion on fewer questions is better than rushing through all the questions. If you wish,
ask if any of the questions (boldface or not) were of particular interest to someone and begin
there.
Following your discussion, go to “For Next Month” on the next page for reminders about
your next meeting and closing prayer.
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FOR NEXT MONTH
Our next meeting will be in February:
Date:
___________________ Time: ____________________________________________
Place: ______________________________________________________________________
Person to Contact with Questions: ________________________________________________
February’s Reading Assignment: Forty in the Bible: More than a Number – The Appendix on
pages 9 & 10 is a list of examples which use the number 40 in the Bible. Read through the list,
and as time allows look some up some or all of these citations noting the context in which the
number 40 appears. Jot down thoughts, patterns, and questions that occur regarding ways the
number 40 is used.
February’s Memory Verse:
After his suffering, he presented himself alive to [the apostles] . . . appearing to them
during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. – Acts 1:3
Save the date! Next Pastor’s Introductions:
Monday, February 1, 7:00 p.m., Room 482-86, Minneapolis Campus
CLOSING PRAYER
Gather requests for prayers, encouraging both things for which God’s help and guidance is
needed and things for which people are grateful. If someone is comfortable doing so, ask that
person to pray aloud a prayer bringing these concerns to God, or take time for silent prayer
during which these concerns can be brought to God. End with a prayer of your own, by reciting
the Lord’s Prayer, or by praying the following together:
Dear Lord, We need your guiding love as we fight the good fight, run the race, and keep the
faith. We ask, the, that you would open our mouths so that we can talk to you and of you. Open
our ears so we can hear you and the cries of those in need. Open our eyes so we can see you
in the beauty of creation and the faces of those who are lit with your love. Open our hearts so
that we can more fully love, thank, trust, and serve you. And teach us to pray that we may know
your will and be strengthened for these and all things. In your precious name, Amen.
FOLLOWING YOUR SMALL GROUP MEETING
Ponder
“The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power but love, not force but example,
not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands
of those who humble themselves to serve.” – John Stott
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1 & 2 Timothy Theme & Purpose
First and Second Timothy, along with Titus, are each written from a pastor to a pastor and so
are called the “pastoral epistles.” These “companion pieces” share much in terms of style and
theological themes, though 2 Timothy differs from the other two in that it has nothing to say
about ecclesiastical offices and begins with a section of thanksgiving and encouragement.
The First Letter to Timothy letter is addressed to Timothy in Ephesus, who is serving as Paul’s
appointed leader of the church there. Paul himself has departed for Macedonia. While he plans
to return, he is concerned he may be delayed, and so sends instructions he expects to be
carried out while he is away. Though addressed to Timothy, the letter sometimes addresses the
larger community, encouraging them, for example, to honor elders who rule well, preach, and
teach.
In emphasizing the goodness of God and of the creation, this first letter also affirms that God not
only created all things, but created them good (1 Tim 1:2; 2:5; 4:3-4; 2 Tim 1:2). There also is an
emphasis on living in the world rather than fleeing from it. Much of the letter, however, contrasts
true and false teachers and prescribes specific rules for how the church is to be ordered or
governed.
The much more intimate Second Letter to Timothy addresses Timothy as a “beloved child.”
Written as Paul faces possible martyrdom in Rome, the letter offers what feels like last words of
instruction. Believers are urged to not to be ashamed of the gospel and to stand firm even if that
means suffering on its behalf.
The picture of Paul that emerges is that of the ideal Christian and apostle who not only
proclaims the gospel, but is willing to suffer for it. Paul’s suffering and willingness to die are lifted
up not only as an example of his faithfulness, but as an argument that both Paul and the gospel
are authentic, since it was commonly believed in early Christianity that false teachers would
never endure such suffering.
good order in the church.
Common themes that emerge in both letters include the affirmation of Christ’s pre-existence and
incarnation (1 Tim 3:16; 2 Tim 1:9-10); his true humanity (1 Tim 2:5; 6:13; 2 Tim 2:8); his certain
death (1 Tim 2:6; 2 Tim 2:11); his ascension to heaven and reign in the present era (1 Tim 3:16;
2 Tim 1:10; 2:12); and his coming again (1Tim 6:14; 2 Tim 4:8).
While there are special expectations for office holders in the church, there are general ethical
teachings that apply to all believers. These include good works in general (1 Tim 2:10; 2 Tim
2:21; 3:17), moderation (1 Tim 6:8), generosity (1 Tim 6:17-18), and care of the elderly (1 Tim
5:4). The love of wealth is to be avoided (1 Tim 6:9-10; 2 Tim 3:2). Stress is placed on the
goodness of marriage and having children (1 Tim 3:2-5; 5:10, 14) and the legitimacy of secular
authority (1 Tim 2:1-2).
Content on this page draws heavily from www.enterthebible.org’s summary and overview of 1 & 2 Timothy written by
Dr. Arland Hultgren, Professor Emeritus and former Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Chair of New Testament, Luther
Seminary, and is used with permission.
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Who or What Is . . . ?
Ephesus. This wealthy port city located on west coast of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). Most of
its half million inhabitants worshipped the goddess Artemis (Diana), whose temple in Ephesus was
at the time one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Ephesus also was home to Hellenistic
mystery religions, as well as the residence of many Jews. Each of these exerted its influence on the
religious climate in the city, making the young Christian church there subject to the winds of heresy
from both Judaism on the one hand and the Hellenistic mystery religions on the other. Not
surprisingly, then, the need to correct false teachings was a frequent problem for the church to
survive intact. Acts 19 tells the story of Paul's two-year ministry founding the church in Ephesus,
probably about 53-54 AD. The city was so important to Paul and early Christianity that it was the
recipient of four letters that exist today: Ephesians, 1 Timothy, 1 John, and Revelation.
Salvation. “Sin” comes from serving the self and its passions (2 Timothy 3:2-6), which leads away
from eternal life and toward judgment and eternal death (1 Tim 5:22, 24). Salvation is the divine
rescue of persons from mortality for life in the eternal and heavenly kingdom of God (2 Tim 1:10;
4:18). Such salvation is possible only through Christ, who gave himself as a ransom for all =, thereby
bearing the divine judgment against sins for the benefit of others. Being raised from death, he
“abolished death and brought life and immortality to light” (1 Tim 2:6; 2 Tim 1:10).
Office bearers in the church. The terms “bishop,” “deacon,” “women,” “widow,” and “elder” appear
in 1 Timothy (3:1, 8, 11; 5:3, 17, and elsewhere). The offices of bishop, deacon, and elder, appear to
be fixed offices in the church at the time of the letter's composition. Their interrelationships and
functions are not clear, however, nor is it clear whether or not the women mentioned are counted
among the deacons, even though they appear to carry on diaconal work. There is a roster of widows
who receive financial support. But whether one can speak of an "order of widows" (as did some
Christian writers in the second century) is not clear.
Slavery. The author takes it for granted that some Christians are slaves and that some Christians
are slave owners (1 Tim 6:1-2). He assumes that slavery may be preserved. Slaves and slave
owners are exhorted to be respectful of one other. Paul, then, is simply dealing with what was a
reality at the time; he was not arguing in support of slavery as an institution.
Timothy. The name means “honoring God” or “venerating God.” The son of a Jewish mother and a
Greek, unbelieving father, Timothy lived in the city of Lystra. On Paul's first missionary journey to this
city, Timothy, his mother Eunice, and grandmother Lois become believers (Acts 14:8-20; 2 Tim 1:5).
Visiting Lystra on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-5), Paul recognized Timothy’s great
spiritual growth and took him as his companion and assistant on his missionary journeys.
Women in the church. 1 Timothy 2:11-14 exhorts women to remain silent in church, refrain from
teaching, and not assume authority over men. While on one hand this is fitting with the general place
of women in the ancient world, Paul’s writings are not consistent on this subject. In Ephesians 4:11,
for example, Paul praises the work of Euodia and Syntyche, who like Timothy worked at Paul’s side
for the cause of the gospel. Paul also commends Phoebe, who in Romans 16:1-2, he describes as a
deaconess. It may be that the comments were prompted by Paul having heard that certain women
had begun teaching a false version of Christian faith. Here and elsewhere, it is good to follow
theologian Arland Hultgren’s suggestion of asking “what is fitting for the proclamation of the gospel
and the ordering of the church in one’s own time and place.”
Content on this page draws heavily from www.enterthebible.org’s summary and overview of 1 & 2 Timothy written by
Dr. Arland Hultgren, Professor Emeritus and former Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Chair of New Testament, Luther
Seminary, and is used with permission.
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To Guide Your Reading
Use the following questions to guide your reading and personal reflection, jotting down your
thoughts in the space between each question. For those who wish, we have suggested a
three-week schedule to help you in your reading and reflection.
Questions in boldface are the ones we suggest you consider at your small group
meeting. Groups are free, however, to focus on whatever questions are of most interest and
concern to the group. Let the Spirit lead!
WEEK 1 – 1 TIMOTHY 1 – 3
1. Paul affirms, “Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great…” (3: 16). Is
the mystery and message of our (Christian) religion sufficient and compelling
enough today to compete against extremists claims justifying terrorism and Jihad
as obedience to Allah?
2. 1 Timothy 3:1-13 sets down the qualities one must have in order to serve as a bishop or
deacon in the early church. What qualities do you feel are of most importance for those
in leadership of the church today?
3. In 1:13-16, Paul reminds Timothy that he himself was a sinner until God grabbed his
attention and granted him mercy so that “in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might
display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe
in him for eternal life.” Share a time when:
a. God got your attention OR
b. God demonstrated patience with you OR
c. God provided opportunity for you to share the gospel
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WEEK 2 – 1 TIMOTHY 4 – 6
1. 1 Timothy 4:10 says that God is “the savior of all people, especially of those who
believe.” What do you understand this to mean?
2. Paul encourages Timothy to not neglect his gifts and to maintain the spiritual disciplines
that would strengthen his faith and allow the fruits of the Spirit within him to be visible to
others (1 Tim 4:14-16). It is a conscious choice to open ourselves to God’s efforts to
strengthen our faith. You have made such a choice by being involved in Living the
Message. What other choices have you made in this regard (A few possible examples:
Daily devotions, Bible study, regular prayer, attending worship, Christian service) What
part can you plan in encouraging others to make similar choices in their walk of faith?
3. Similarly, consider the statements in 1 Timothy 6:13, 17 that God “gives life to all things”
and “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” Knowing there are faithful
Christians who greatly suffer in any number of ways, what do you think Paul means in
saying this?
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WEEK 3 – 2 TIMOTHY 1 – 4
1. The first chapter of 2 Timothy is particularly poignant. In the face of suffering and death,
Paul expresses gratitude and deep faith, while at the same time encouraging Timothy in
the ministry with which he has now been entrusted. Which statements of Paul’s, in this
chapter or elsewhere in 2 Timothy, are particularly meaningful to you and why?
2. 2 Timothy 1:14 reads: Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the
Holy Spirit living in us.” Throughout the centuries, Christians have both guarded and
passed on the treasure of the gospel. Who are some of the people who have helped you
in your faith journey and/or provided examples of the value of Christian faith and trust?
What example and strengths do you hope to pass down to children in your personal or
Christian family?
3. Based on what you have read in 1 & 2 Timothy, how would you say Paul would
define a life well-lived? How would you define it?
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APPENDIX
The number forty is significant in the Bible because:
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Of the frequency of its use (approximately 150 times throughout both Testaments)
It is the traditional Hebrew number signifying
o The duration of a time of trial, preparation, probation, or consecration, or when times
are hard and a person’s faith is tested (this often is followed by blessing)
o Completion, fulfillment
o A spiritual truth
o A generation
Examples include:
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Genesis 7:4, 12, 17; 8:6
The rain fell 40 days and nights during the great flood;
after the water receded, Noah waited 40 days to open the Ark
Genesis 25:20
Isaac was 40 years old when he married Rebekah
Acts 7:30
Moses in Midian 40 years before his return to Egypt
Deuteronomy 1:3; 34:7; Exodus 16:35 The Hebrews ate manna for 40 years in the wilderness
Exodus 24:18
Moses was on Mount Sinai to receive the Law the first time for
40 days
Exodus 34:28
Because of the peoples’ sins in his absence, including making
a golden calf, Moses again spends 40 days on the mountain with
God interceding for Israel & again receives the Law
Leviticus 12:1-4
Hebrew/Israelite male infants were dedicated to God 40 days
after birth
Numbers 13:25
Spies scouted the land of Canaan for 40 days
Numbers 14:33; Deut 1:1-3; 8:2 Israel spent 40 years in the wilderness before camping by the
Jordan River
Joshua 14:7
Caleb was 40 years old when Moses sent him to investigate
Canaan
Deuteronomy 34:7
Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt at age 80 (2 x 40) and after
40 years in the wilderness died at age 120 (40 x 3)
Judges 3:11; 5:31; 8:28
Three times God heard the peoples’ cries, sent a deliverer,
and then allowed peace (the land to rest) for 40 years
Judges 13:1
Because of the peoples’ sin, God gave them to an enemy for
40 years
1 Samuel 4:18
Eli judged Israel for 40 years
1 Samuel 17:16
Goliath taunted Israel 40 days
2 Samuel 5:4; 1 Kings 2:11
David reigned as King of Israel for 40 years
1 Kings 11:42; 2 Chronicles 9:30 Solomon reigned as King of Israel for 40 years
2 Kings 12:1
Jehoash reigned 40 years in Jerusalem
1 Kings 19:5-8
One meal from the angels gave Elijah the strength to travel
40 days and nights to Mount Horeb/Sinai in search of God
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2 Kings 12:2
Ezekiel 4:6
Josiah reigned in Judah for 40 years
Ezekiel lay on his right side 40 days and nights to symbolize the
40 years of Judah’s transgressions
Exodus 29:11-13
Ezekiel prophesied 40 years of judgment for Egypt
Luke 2:22-24
40 days after Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph took him to the
Temple to complete Mary’s purification and dedicate Jesus to
God
Matthew 4:2; Mark 1:13; Luke 4:2
Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, tempted by
the devil
Acts 1:3
Jesus taught his disciples for 40 days following his Resurrection;
on the fortieth day, he ascended to the Father.
Jonah 3:4
God gave Nineveh 40 days to repent
Genesis 50:3
Embalming took 40 days in early Bible times
Deuteronomy 25:3
40 stripes was the maximum whipping penalty
1 Kings 6:17
The holy place of the temple was 40 cubits long
 1 Kings 7:38
The size of the lavers in the Temple was 40 baths
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