Welcome to this daily study of the Paul's Letters to his student, Timothy. The purpose of this study is to enhance your spiritual relationship. One method of study is to first read the section for the day. Then, by reviewing the text, answer the questions. Most of the questions may be answered by merely quoting the verse which is cited in the question. The answer to some questions is not explicit in the verse. These are marked with an asterisk (*), and may require some additional reflection on the material, or material from other books of the Bible. Finally, when you reach a question which is marked with a (§), spend some time contemplating how what you have read can enhance your spiritual life. You may find that these questions require a considerable amount of thought over a period of time. Quietly, in a relaxed state of mind, reflect on the question and find out where it seems to be leading you to consider. You are, of course, never required to share your answers unless you feel comfortable doing so. The LORD your GOD will bless your study of her word.
In the Letters of Paul to the Thessalonians, we learned of his care and devotion to a church he had founded. In his letter to Philemon, Paul's diplomatic side was revealed. Paul's message continues to be relevant partly due to his ability to address practical issues which can guide us today.
In the Letter of Paul to Timothy, advice is given to a young pastor early in his career. Timothy was one of Paul's most trusted disciples. He was now in charge of the church at Ephesus, and Paul was assisting this courageous man in his ministry.
In the next lesson, we will study 1&2Samuel which marks the beginning of the history of the Kings of Israel.
From Acts 16:1, where did Paul meet Timothy?
What were the results achieved by Paul and Timothy from Acts 16:5?
In 1 Corinthians 4:17, what was Timothy's mission?
What praise did Timothy receive in Philippians 2:19-24?
What news in 1Thessalonians 3:6 was brought by Timothy?
(§) What about Timothy inspires you in your spiritual life?
Which of Paul's companions in Acts 18:19 remained in Ephesus?
According to verse 3, who else might have been there?
What convinced Paul to visit Macedonia in Acts 16:9?
With whom did Paul visit in Acts 16:14?
What happened to Paul and Silas in Acts 16:16-40 while in Philippi?
(§) How does the courage of Paul influence your own convictions?
What is GOD's work according to verse 4?
From verse 5, what is the goal of the LAW?
What did Paul receive in verse 14?
In verse 15, what trustworthy saying is given?
Why were these instructions given to Timothy according to verse 18?
(§) To what service doe you feel you have been appointed?
What does GOD desire according to verse 4?
From verse 6, what role does the man Jesus play?
What does Paul want men to do in verse 8?
According to Genesis 3:17, why was Adam cursed?
Who was Priscilla according to Acts 18:2?
In Acts 18:26, what did Priscilla do?
(§) How does a knowledge of the truth help you to live a more peaceful spiritual life?
Which trustworthy saying is offered in verse 1?
How does verse 5 stress the importance of stewardship?
How is Paul's advice consistent with Matthew 25:23?
From verse 13, what are the rewards of servitude?
(§) What are some rewards you have received from servitude in your spiritual relationship?
What does Paul write in verses 4 and 5 concerning what God has created?
In verse 8, how does Paul use physical training to explain godliness?
Who is saved by GOD according to verse 10?
From verse 16, how do we save both ourselves and those around us?
(§) How are you a good minister of Jesus, the Christ?
How should we treat others in verses 1 and 2?
From verse 8, how should we treat our family?
What advice is given in verse 14 to younger widows?
From verse 25, what is the nature of good deeds?
(§) How might you apply verse 18 to your tithes and offerings?
From verse 1, how should we treat those in authority over us?
What is the reality of our temporal condition as stated in verse 7?
What does the love of money result in according to verse 10?
In verse 12, what instruction does Timothy receive?
From verses 17 and 18, how may we lay up treasures for the coming age?
(§) How might you fight the good fight of faith this week?
What have we received in verse 7?
How does Paul summarise his gospel in verse 9?
In verse 12, how does Paul find encouragement?
How had some people responded in verse 15 to Paul's imprisonment?
What did Onesiphorus do in verse 17?
(§) How might the example of Onesiphorus help you accept others?
What insight do you receive when you reflect on verses 1 through 6?
What is our reward in verse 12 if we endure?
How are we to present ourselves according to verse 15?
From verse 21, how may we become an "instrument for noble purpose"?
How should a servant of the LORD act according to verse 24?
(§) How might you be servant of the LORD this week?
According to verse 2, how will the people act in the last days?
What advice are we given in verse 5, regarding these people?
From verse 10, what is Paul's way of life?
What happened to Paul in:
Antioch (Acts 13:50)
Iconium (Acts 14:2)
Lystra (Acts 14:19)
What is promised to us in verse 12?
What is promised to us in verses 16 and 17?
(§) How might verse 17 assist you in your spiritual relationship?
What is Timothy charged with in verse 2?
What does Paul look forward to in verse 8?
According to Philemon 24, what status did Demus have?
(*) How has Paul's opinion of Mark changed from Acts 15:37,38:
During the riot in Ephesus, what role did Alexander play in Acts 19:33?
What hope expressed in verse 18 buoys the spirits of Paul?
(§) How might you keep from being discouraged by hardship?
As you finish this study of Paul's Letter to Timothy, you also complete the third volume. Congratulations you have been introduced to a broad range of material. I sincerely hope that you have found an increased dimension of your spiritual relationship from this study. Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from [Paul], in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us. (2 Timothy 1:13,14).
Far from being a destination, or worse yet, a resting place, Paul saw the Christian experience as a struggle which he courageously met everyday. No athlete is crowned without competing according to the rules. It is the farmer who does the work who ought to have the first share of the crops. It was the memory of Jesus the Christ as raised from the dead which was the central point of Paul's gospel. It was this gospel which strengthened him through hardship even to the point of being chained like a criminal. (2Timothy 2:5-9).
The restraints, however, which are most damaging to a spiritual relationship are those behaviours which chain us to ourselves and prevent us from communion with the LORD who loves us. Chief among these, Paul cites, are lovers of themselves (2 Timothy 3:2). Self-love is much different than loving our self in a way appreciates what we do and guides us to a fuller understanding of who we are in our spiritual relationship. Self-love, simply put, is arrogance. Francis LeSalle wrote that we will benefit greatly from examining our faults so as to correct them. The greatest fault, he points out, is to acknowledge none. Another is an incapacity to forgive ourselves when we stumble. This action presumes that we are perfect, incapable of a mistake. This type of thinking is negatively symbiotic. The more I refuse to accept I am wrong, the more wrong I must accept.
Paul had no delusions of his own saintliness. On the contrary, he writes, "I am grateful to Christ Jesus our LORD, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence." (1 Timothy 1:12-13) Further, Paul takes no credit for his current, enlightened state, "But I received mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our LORD overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- of whom I am the foremost."
May the lessons and example of Paul encourage your spiritual development. Receive the mercy and grace of our LORD as it overflows with faith and love which are in the Christ Jesus. Always hold fast tot the hope that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, just like me. It is because I am in need of forgiveness that I experience the grace of GOD through repentance. Peace and joy, let the LORD be with your spirit. Grace be with you.