Search The Scriptures —Study 2 — Titus 2

Study 2 From The Book of Titus Is: Titus 2

1.    Verses 1-10. How many Christians ‘adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour’? Examine carefully the characteristics demanded from the different classes mentioned; and summarize them briefly in your own words. Which characteristics ought you particularly to covert and cultivate?

2.    Verses 11-14. What reasons are here given why a Christian should live differently?  (a) What should he give up?  (b) How should he now live? How far is this true of you?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 1 — Titus 1

Study 1 From The Book of Titus Is: Titus 1

1.    Verses 1-4.  What does Paul tell us here concerning the origin and the aims of his ministry? What was the basis of his assurance?

2.    Verses 10-14. What was wrong with those whom Paul here criticizes? Make a list of their faults and failings. How, by contrast, are sincerity and genuineness revealed?

3.    Verses 6-9.  Make a list of the qualifications desirable in a Christian minister which are here mentioned. Compare them with those stated in 1 Tim 3: 1-13.  

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Search The Scriptures —Study 0 — Introduction to Titus

Study 0 From The Book of Titus Is: the Introduction

Titus was a Gentile convert (Gal. 2:3), led to faith by the apostle himself (Tit. 1:4). He accompanied Paul on some of his journeys and was sent by him on important missions to churches, as for example, to Corinth (2 Cor. 8:16-18, 23; 12 17, 18) and to Dalmatia (2 Tim. 4:10). This letter reveals that Paul left him in Crete to establish the churches of that Island (1:5).

This letter is very similar to 1 Timothy and was probably written about the same time, in the interval between Paul’s two imprisonments. It is therefore earlier than 2 Timothy.  It emphasizes the importance of order and discipline in the churches. The gospel had evidently made rapid headway in Crete, but, church government was a yet undeveloped (1:5). False teaching also had to be countered, and the apostle has some strong words to say on this subject. But, above all else, the letter stresses the Christian’s calling and obligation to live a holy life. It contains also two great doctrinal passages (2:11-14; 3:4-7), which stand out like mountain ranges in the landscape.

Search The Scriptures —Study 7 —1 Timothy 6:3-21

Study 7 From The Book of Timothy is: 1 Timothy 6:3-21 

With this study we end the book of 1 Timothy and will delve into the very small book of Titus

1.    Verses 3-5, 20, 21. What characteristics of false teachers are here mentioned? What is lacking, and what out of place, in their attitude and practice? From these statements make a list of things to be avoided, if you wish to be an acceptable teacher of the things of God. Set over against them the positive aims desirable in a true man of God (verse 11:14).

2.    Verses 6-10, 17-19.  What are the perils of covetousness and wealth? What is the proper attitude to, and use of, material possessions? On what should our desires and hopes be fixed?                              

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Search The Scriptures —Study 6 —1 Timothy 5:1-6:2

Study 6 From The Book of 1 Timothy Is: 1 Timothy 5:1-6:2

1.    Note Paul’s concerns for others, and his detached interest in the special conditions and needs of particular groups.  What may we here learn concerning the way to treat people?

2.    How ought the elderly, e.g., widows, normally to be cared for? Why does Paul advise against the giving of church support to younger widows?

3.    5:19-22. Of what dangers and responsibilities is Timothy here made aware? What, in principle, can I learn from these instructions for my own guidance?

Notes

1.    5:3, 17. “Honour”: probably implies financial support.

2.    5:22. ‘The laying on of hands’ refers to the setting apart of individuals for specific service, e.g., as elders.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 5 —1 Timothy 4: 6-16

Study 5 From The Book of 1 Timothy Is: 1 Timothy 4: 6-16

1.    Make a list of all the things which Timothy is here told to do and to avoid in order to become ‘a good minister of Christ Jesus’.

2.    Distinguish in this passage (and in the list made in answer to Question 1) between actions which concerned (a) Timothy’s personal life, and (b) his public ministry.  What may we here learn concerning the connection of these two?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 4 — 1 Timothy 3:14-4:5

Study 4 From The Book of 1 Timothy 3:14-4:5

1.    What truths about the Christian church are signified by the descriptive phrases of 3:15? Consider each in turn.  Cf. Eph. 2:19-22; 2 Cor. 6:16-18. (See Note below) What demands ought these truths to make upon us?

2.    Note whence the false teaching described in 4:1-5 would arise and by what kind of men it would be propagated.  What, according to Paul’s teaching here, is the true Christian position with regard to (a) marriage and (b) foods that may be eaten?  Cf. Heb. 13:4; Rom. 14:2, 3, 6b.

3.    3:16 may quote part of an early Christian hymn. What do these statements declare concerning the Person and work of Jesus Christ? What are the sphere and the extent of His Lordship?

Note. 3:15. ‘The pillar and bulwark of the truth’: i.e, displaying and upholding in the world the revelation of the gospel; and so providing a public and enduring witness for God.  Cf. Rev. 2: 5.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 3— 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Study 3 From The Book of 1 Timothy is: 1 Timothy 3:13

1.    Verses 1-7. What are the qualities required in those who exercise leadership in the Church? Note what Paul says about their (a) personal character, (b) Christian experience, (c) general reputation, and (d) abilities.  Why does Paul put such stress upon the personal life of a Christian Leader?

2.    What qualities are necessary for deacons (verses 8-10, 12, 13) and deaconesses (verse 11)? Compare your answer with the answer to Question 1. Note how largely the element of self-discipline enters into these qualifications. In the light of this passage, how do I measure up to the standard God requires?

Notes

1     Verse 1. ‘Bishop’: the bishop here must not be identified with a present-day bishop.  The Greek word means ‘one who exercises oversight’. There were a number of such men in each congregation (see Phil. 1:1); and they were also called ‘elders’ or ‘presbyters’.  See Ti. 1:5, 7; Acts 20:17, 28, av and rv.

2     Verse. ‘Married only once’: cf. 3:12; 5:9; Rom. 7:1-3.

3     Verse 6. ‘The condemnation of the devil’: this probably means to fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil for his sin of pride.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 2 — 1 Timothy 2

Study 2 From The Book of 1 Timothy Is: 1 Timothy 2

1.    Verses 1-7. What theological truths form the basis for confidence in prayer?

2.    For whom, and for what, should we pray (verses1:4)? What kind of people ought we to be in personal behaviour if we wish to be effective in prayer and pleasing to God when we meet to pray? With verses 8:10, cf.  Ps. 66:18; Is. 59:1-3; Mk. 11:25.

3.    Verses 9-15. Paul is not deprecating the role of women in the service of Christ cf. Rom. 16: 1ff.; Phil. 4:2, 3), but he does here forbid women ‘to teach or to have authority over men’ in the local church. Is it conceivable that today change may be permitted in women’s part, or is Paul appealing here to the permanent consequences of the difference made by the Creator between male and female? What is the significance of verses 13 and 14?

Notes

1.    Verse 8. “Lifting holy hands”; it was customary to stand when praying and to spread out one’s hands before God.  Cf.1: Kin. 8:22.

2.    Verse 15. ‘Saved through bearing children’: a difficult expression. It must be understood here in its context, with reference to the place and function of women. Bearing children is a functions to which women are unquestionably called. In it they will experience God’s saving grace provided they continue in faith, etc.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 1 — 1 Timothy 1

Study 1 From The Book of 1 Timothy Is: 1 Timothy 1

Timothy is reminded of the purpose for which he was left at Ephesus.  Verses 12-17 are a digression in which Paul breaks out into thanksgiving for God’s grace toward him.

1.    What is the nature of the false teaching which Paul attacks? From verses 3, 11, 12, 18 and Gal. 1:8, 9, 12 consider why Paul would not allow any deviation from the gospel.

2.    The spurious doctrine evidently exaggerated the law as a means of righteousness.  How does Paul indicate in verses 8:-15 the limitations of the law and the superiority of the gospel.

3.    Compare your own experience of the gospel with that described in verses 12-17. What outstanding features does Paul emphasize?

Notes

1.    Verse 4.  ‘Myths and endless genealogies’: rabbinical fables (cf. Tit 1:14), and attempts to find hidden meaning in the names of the genealogies of the Old Testament.

2.    Verse 20. ‘Hymenaeus and Alexander’: cf. 2 Tim. 2:17; 4:14. Nothing else is known of these men. ‘Whom I have delivered to Satan’: a form of apostolic discipline with a view to spiritual benefit.  Cf. 1 Cor. 5:5; 2 Cor. 12:7.  

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