Search The Scriptures —Study 1 — 2 Timothy 1

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

1. Picture Paul’s circumstances. See also 4:9-13.  What positive Christian truths sustained and encouraged Paul as he lay in prison?

2. Note how Paul reminds Timothy of the demands and cost of Christian service. Express in your own words the chief points of Paul’s counsel and exhortation to him.  To which of these do you particularly need to give heed?

3. What do verses 3-7 reveal concerning the value of a God-fearing and Christian home and upbringing? Cf. 3: 14, 15.

Note.  Verse 16-18. ‘Onesiphorus appears here as one separated from his household, either by absence from home, or quite possibly by death (cf. 4:19).  This does not mean, however, that Paul is praying for his present well-being as one dead, a practice completely unsupported elsewhere in Scripture. The prayer concerns not the intermediate state at all, but conduct in this life, and reward on the future day of judgement’?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 0 — Introduction to 2 Timothy

Study 0 From The Book of 2 Timothy Is: The Introduction

This letter is of peculiar interest because it is Paul’s last, written during his final imprisonment in Rome when he was aware that his death could be not for long delayed. It reveals that his last days were spent without material comfort.  There was no immediate earthly reward to crown his long years of labour. For one reason or another his friends had left him (1:15; 4:10, 12, 16).  Amid the dreary limitations of his imprisonment he asks for his old cloak to be brought to keep him warm and his books for him to read (4:13). He urges Timothy to come quickly that he may see him before his death (1:4; 4:9, 21).

In such difficult circumstances he exhorts his son in the faith to be faithful to the truth. He is more concerned for Timothy and for the future of the gospel than for himself. Steadfast and confident to the end, he has still the same message to give to all who are called to the service of Christ. What the Lord requires in His workers is faithfulness, even unto death; to watch, to endure, to work and fully to discharge the obligation of their office; to finish their course; and live in anticipation of the crowning day that is coming.  For all such is laid up in store ‘eternal glory’.

Search The Scriptures —Study 3 — Titus 3

Study 3 From The Book of Titus Is: Titus 3

With chapter 3 we end our study of the Titus book. Next lesson will be on 2 Timothy.

1.    Verses 1-7. How ought we as Christians to behave in relation to (a) civil authorities, and (b) our fellow-men? What double awareness about ourselves should inspire such conduct?

2.    Verses 4:7.  What are we here told about (a) the source and method of salvation, and (b) our present state and future hope? Do you realize as you ought how ‘richly’ (verse 6) you are endowed?

3.    Verse 8:15. By what actions and by what abstinence should genuine faith in God express itself? What is necessary on our part to ensure that this happens?

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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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