Explore the Bible | Discovery Study Guide | Spring 2013 ...
An Interactive, Book-by-Book Bible Study for Adults
1, 2 TIMOTHY; TITUS Entrusted with God’s Good News
Study Guide
Spring 2013
D I S CO V E R Y
S T U DY
G U I D E
Contents Spring 2013
LESSONS FROM 1, 2 TIMOTHY; TITUS
Unit One: Grow in Godliness 10 March 3 March 10 March 17 March 24 March 31 April 7
Follow Sound Doctrine 1 Timothy 1:1-20 Please God in Your Worship 1 Timothy 2:1-15 Honor God in Your Service 1 Timothy 3:1–4:16 Care for Others 1 Timothy 5:1–6:2 Believe in the Risen Lord* Matthew 28:1-20 Pursue Spiritual Gain 1 Timothy 6:3-21
11 17 23 29 37 41
Unit Two: Pass It On 48 April 14 Be Loyal 2 Timothy 1:1-18 49 April 21 Be Strong in God’s Work 2 Timothy 2:1-26 55 April 28 Be Guided by God’s Word 2 Timothy 3:1-17 61 May 5 Be Persistent to the End 2 Timothy 4:1-22 67
Unit Three: Strengthen Your Church 74 May 12 May 19 May 26
Look for Qualified Leaders Titus 1:1-16 75 Look for Spiritual Excellence Titus 2:1-15 81 Look for Good Works Titus 3:1-15 87
Plan of Salvation 2 Make the Most of Discovery Study Guide 4 Debunking Three Myths About Starting New Groups 47 Give Life 73 Why Are 1 and 2 Timothy So Different? 93 Reaching Beyond Your Bible Study Group 96 Memory Verse Cards 97 Map 99 *Easter Evangelistic Lesson
special articles & features
DDI SI SCO COVVE ERRYYS ST TUUDY DYGGUUI D I DE E
3 3
Discovery Study Guide Volume 6, No. 3 Spring 2013 PRODUCTION TEAM DWAYNE McCRARY—Team Leader PHILIP NATION—Director, Adult Ministry Publishing FAITH WHATLEY—Director, Adult Ministry Special thanks to Judi Hayes for her help on this issue. Send questions/comments to Editor, ETB Discovery One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234-0175 Or make comments on the Web at www.lifeway.com. Printed in the United States of America EXPLORE THE BIBLE: Discovery Adult Study Guide (ISSN 1552-7212) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President, © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. For ordering or inquiries VISIT www.lifeway.com, or WRITE LifeWay Church Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For subscriptions or subscription address changes E-MAIL [email protected], FAX 615.251.5818, or WRITE to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, E-MAIL [email protected], FAX 615.251.5933 or WRITE to the above address. We believe the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. The 2000 statement of The Baptist Faith and Message is our doctrinal guideline. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible® Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
The Joy of Empowering the Next Generation
E
ntrusting is about empowering. When we entrust someone with something, we are empowering them to act. They become the protector, the caregiver, the
one who shares in responsibility. We usually do so with confidence that they will act with best interests in mind. As we look at Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus, we discover the joy of empowering the next generation to act. Paul knew his time would soon end, and he was making sure the next generation would know how to carry on. Paul could have held on to all he had learned and hoped the next generation of leaders could make it on their own. Why would anyone hoard the lessons they had learned? Why would he want to empower the next generation of leaders? Others who went before us empowered us by passing on their experience and wisdom to fulfill God’s purposes to our generation. We chose
Suggestions for pronouncing Bible names are from That’s Easy for You to Say: Your Quick Guide to Pronouncing Bible Names by W. Murray Severance, copyright © 1997 by Broadman & Holman Publishers. Used by permission.
whether to take on that trust and responsibility.
Printed in the United States of America.
ing. We also have the opportunity to entrust the
AMP—Scripture quotations taken from The Amplified® Bible, copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.lockman.org) CEV—Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version. Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by permission. ESV— Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. GNT—Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second edition). Copyright © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. Message—The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. NASB—Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission (www. lockman.org). NCV—Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NIV—The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. NLT—Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189 USA. All rights reserved.
Cover Photo by Dean Dixon Photography All other images in Discovery Study Guide are © iStock Photo.com
We still have time to make good on that entrustnext generation with the truth of the gospel. As you study these three letters, our prayer is that God will remind you of the trust placed on you to carry the gospel to your generation as well as ways you can pass that trust on to the next generation of believers.
G. Dwayne McCrary Team Leader—Ongoing Adult Curriculum [email protected] 1 Timothy 6:20a
Download FREE teaching plans for Discovery online at
www.lifeway.com/explorethebible. 66
LORREE TTH HEE BBIIBBLLEE EEXXPPLO
WEEK OF MARCH 3
Follow Sound Doctrine How can I avoid falling for false teaching? Background Passage: 1 Timothy 1:1-20 Lesson Passage: 1 Timothy 1:3-17 1 Timothy 1:3-7 3 As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach different doctrine 4 or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These promote empty speculations rather than God’s plan, which operates by faith. 5 Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. 6 Some have deviated from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion. 7 They want
to be teachers of the law, although they don’t understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on. 1 Timothy 1:8-11 8 But we know that the law is good, provided one uses it legitimately. 9 We know that the
law is not meant for a righteous person, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and irreverent, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral and homosexuals, for kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching 11 based on the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was entrusted to me. 1 Timothy 1:12-16 12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has
strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry— 13 one who was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate His extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:17 † 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
† Memory Verse
Key Words instruct certain people—By inference, Timothy knew who Paul meant, and he was to warn them strongly on behalf of Paul. myths and endless genealogies—While it is not clear which specific doctrines Timothy was to challenge, they were not true, and led to no good end. pure heart and good conscience—Hebrew (pure heart) and Greek (good concience) similar in meaning—conceived out of a spiritually clean person sexually immoral and homosexuals—Both terms refer to male homosexuals—one passive prostitutes and the other active or searching out male sexual partners as a lifestyle. sound teaching—healthy moral teaching that leads to right behavior mercy—undeserved compassion and affection Now to the King … Amen—Praise consisting of a listing of some of God’s attributes. He is timeless, incorruptible, a mind without body, and unique. For those reasons there will never be a time when God will not be praised.
D I S CO V E R Y S T U DY G U I D E
11
Consider This: We attract a lot of families not related to our church through a sports ministry. As director, I pray for unchurched families to sign up their children to play in our league. All of the league coaches, referees, and helpers are volunteers. I use an application to screen those who will have direct contact with children. I must make sure our coaches are Christians who are able to share how and why they came to be Christians. This past season an assistant coach told me he could not lead an assigned devotional with his girls’ team unless I would allow him to “add to” the explanation of the gospel. An Adult Sunday School teacher who had a daughter on the team heard the conversation and volunteered to take on the role of devotional leader for the team for the rest of the season. What would happen in the lives of children if they heard a gospel explanation that differed from the one taught in the Bible? How important is it for churches to continue to engage lost people in their ministries? Are there risks to these lost people among us expressing their beliefs in other gods or in false doctrines related to the one true God? What responsibility does the average Christian have in guarding against false teaching creeping into the church?
Recognizing unbiblical teachings is important for all Christians.
12
E X P LO R E T H E B I B L E
week of M arch 3
Know Your Assignment
REFLECT & RESPOND:
As you read 1 Timothy 1:3-7, look for the goal of spiritual instruction and how it differs from the actual outcomes produced by false teaching. When lawyers prepare to take a case to court, they must distinguish it from previous cases. Their case should be specific to the facts available and the reasoning those facts will support. Paul provided Timothy with a reminder of how he could stay focused in his fight against false doctrine. He warned him of the danger involved in false teaching and pointed him to a purpose that has remained consistent ever since. When it comes to myths and endless genealogies, how have modern-day false teachers drawn people toward emptiness or a constant search for better answers to life’s problems? In order for God’s love to grow in you, how can a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith (v. 4) be fed regularly? Paul gave Timothy advice for defending the faith and attacking false doctrine. The foundation of his argument was: (1) false teaching results in empty guesswork, while (2) teaching truth results in God’s love strengthening your heart, conscience, and faith. He pointed out that the attempt to be fruitful teachers of the law when deceived by false doctrine leads to fruitlessness and misinterpretation of the law.
Review the Law Read 1 Timothy 1:8-11, identifying how specific phrases reveal violations of the Fifth through the Ninth Commandments in Exodus 20:12-16
Lawyers consult the law and opinions about the law as they prepare for court. Paul used his expert training in the law to lay a foundation for his argument. The proper use of the law includes:
P E R S O N A L D I S C O V E R Y
• To what personal interests and curiosities do false teachers direct their messages? How have false teachers found ways to entice you into considering their teaching? • How can you teach God’s truths as you go about your daily life? Who are your learners? D I S CO V E R Y S T U DY G U I D E
13
P E R S O N A L D I S C O V E R Y
• How might letters of instruction and encouragement from Paul help you avoid doctrinal error and defend the truth with gentleness and respect in this day of political correctness?
(1) acting as a locked door to discourage “trespassing onto the wrong territory,” (2) resembling “a mirror to reveal sin and to lead us to Christ,” and (3) acting as a “rule and guide to point out the works that please God.” The empty logic of would-be teachers testifies against them. Sound teachers relate the Law to the specific sins that violate the Law. Paul did this with examples of behavior that broke elements of the Ten Commandments. He said sound teaching was based on the glorious gospel, and thus would support the arguments against false teaching. Which is more difficult for you to communicate with—those who acknowledge their sins or those who defend the sinners without admitting any personal participation in the sin?
Present Your Evidence As you read 1 Timothy 1:12-16, compare Paul’s early testimony in Acts 22:6-21, written a decade earlier. Each version fit the purpose for the audience. When he wrote to Timothy, Paul focused on the power of Christ’s mercy to transform him from a violent enemy of Christ into a role model for Christ followers. Paul did not forget Timothy when, upon leaving for Macedonia [MASS uh DOH nih uh], he appointed his young representative to stay behind in Ephesus [EF uh suhs] to continue what he had begun. Timothy had the difficult responsibility of confronting leaders who were spreading false teaching. In case any doubt or discouragement had crept in, Paul let Timothy know that standing firmly against false doctrine was important to the health of the church. Paul strengthened Timothy’s support when he implied that Timothy should read the letter aloud to the church in Ephesus. In 1:2, Paul opened with “Grace (to you—singular).” In 6:21, he closed with “Grace be with all of you.” 14
E X P LO R E T H E B I B L E
1, 2 TIMOTHY; TITUS Entrusted with God’s Good News
Study Guide
Spring 2013
D I S CO V E R Y
S T U DY
G U I D E
Contents Spring 2013
LESSONS FROM 1, 2 TIMOTHY; TITUS
Unit One: Grow in Godliness 10 March 3 March 10 March 17 March 24 March 31 April 7
Follow Sound Doctrine 1 Timothy 1:1-20 Please God in Your Worship 1 Timothy 2:1-15 Honor God in Your Service 1 Timothy 3:1–4:16 Care for Others 1 Timothy 5:1–6:2 Believe in the Risen Lord* Matthew 28:1-20 Pursue Spiritual Gain 1 Timothy 6:3-21
11 17 23 29 37 41
Unit Two: Pass It On 48 April 14 Be Loyal 2 Timothy 1:1-18 49 April 21 Be Strong in God’s Work 2 Timothy 2:1-26 55 April 28 Be Guided by God’s Word 2 Timothy 3:1-17 61 May 5 Be Persistent to the End 2 Timothy 4:1-22 67
Unit Three: Strengthen Your Church 74 May 12 May 19 May 26
Look for Qualified Leaders Titus 1:1-16 75 Look for Spiritual Excellence Titus 2:1-15 81 Look for Good Works Titus 3:1-15 87
Plan of Salvation 2 Make the Most of Discovery Study Guide 4 Debunking Three Myths About Starting New Groups 47 Give Life 73 Why Are 1 and 2 Timothy So Different? 93 Reaching Beyond Your Bible Study Group 96 Memory Verse Cards 97 Map 99 *Easter Evangelistic Lesson
special articles & features
DDI SI SCO COVVE ERRYYS ST TUUDY DYGGUUI D I DE E
3 3
Discovery Study Guide Volume 6, No. 3 Spring 2013 PRODUCTION TEAM DWAYNE McCRARY—Team Leader PHILIP NATION—Director, Adult Ministry Publishing FAITH WHATLEY—Director, Adult Ministry Special thanks to Judi Hayes for her help on this issue. Send questions/comments to Editor, ETB Discovery One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234-0175 Or make comments on the Web at www.lifeway.com. Printed in the United States of America EXPLORE THE BIBLE: Discovery Adult Study Guide (ISSN 1552-7212) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President, © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. For ordering or inquiries VISIT www.lifeway.com, or WRITE LifeWay Church Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For subscriptions or subscription address changes E-MAIL [email protected], FAX 615.251.5818, or WRITE to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, E-MAIL [email protected], FAX 615.251.5933 or WRITE to the above address. We believe the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. The 2000 statement of The Baptist Faith and Message is our doctrinal guideline. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible® Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
The Joy of Empowering the Next Generation
E
ntrusting is about empowering. When we entrust someone with something, we are empowering them to act. They become the protector, the caregiver, the
one who shares in responsibility. We usually do so with confidence that they will act with best interests in mind. As we look at Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus, we discover the joy of empowering the next generation to act. Paul knew his time would soon end, and he was making sure the next generation would know how to carry on. Paul could have held on to all he had learned and hoped the next generation of leaders could make it on their own. Why would anyone hoard the lessons they had learned? Why would he want to empower the next generation of leaders? Others who went before us empowered us by passing on their experience and wisdom to fulfill God’s purposes to our generation. We chose
Suggestions for pronouncing Bible names are from That’s Easy for You to Say: Your Quick Guide to Pronouncing Bible Names by W. Murray Severance, copyright © 1997 by Broadman & Holman Publishers. Used by permission.
whether to take on that trust and responsibility.
Printed in the United States of America.
ing. We also have the opportunity to entrust the
AMP—Scripture quotations taken from The Amplified® Bible, copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.lockman.org) CEV—Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version. Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by permission. ESV— Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. GNT—Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second edition). Copyright © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. Message—The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. NASB—Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission (www. lockman.org). NCV—Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NIV—The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. NLT—Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189 USA. All rights reserved.
Cover Photo by Dean Dixon Photography All other images in Discovery Study Guide are © iStock Photo.com
We still have time to make good on that entrustnext generation with the truth of the gospel. As you study these three letters, our prayer is that God will remind you of the trust placed on you to carry the gospel to your generation as well as ways you can pass that trust on to the next generation of believers.
G. Dwayne McCrary Team Leader—Ongoing Adult Curriculum [email protected] 1 Timothy 6:20a
Download FREE teaching plans for Discovery online at
www.lifeway.com/explorethebible. 66
LORREE TTH HEE BBIIBBLLEE EEXXPPLO
WEEK OF MARCH 3
Follow Sound Doctrine How can I avoid falling for false teaching? Background Passage: 1 Timothy 1:1-20 Lesson Passage: 1 Timothy 1:3-17 1 Timothy 1:3-7 3 As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach different doctrine 4 or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These promote empty speculations rather than God’s plan, which operates by faith. 5 Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. 6 Some have deviated from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion. 7 They want
to be teachers of the law, although they don’t understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on. 1 Timothy 1:8-11 8 But we know that the law is good, provided one uses it legitimately. 9 We know that the
law is not meant for a righteous person, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and irreverent, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral and homosexuals, for kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching 11 based on the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was entrusted to me. 1 Timothy 1:12-16 12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has
strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry— 13 one who was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate His extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:17 † 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
† Memory Verse
Key Words instruct certain people—By inference, Timothy knew who Paul meant, and he was to warn them strongly on behalf of Paul. myths and endless genealogies—While it is not clear which specific doctrines Timothy was to challenge, they were not true, and led to no good end. pure heart and good conscience—Hebrew (pure heart) and Greek (good concience) similar in meaning—conceived out of a spiritually clean person sexually immoral and homosexuals—Both terms refer to male homosexuals—one passive prostitutes and the other active or searching out male sexual partners as a lifestyle. sound teaching—healthy moral teaching that leads to right behavior mercy—undeserved compassion and affection Now to the King … Amen—Praise consisting of a listing of some of God’s attributes. He is timeless, incorruptible, a mind without body, and unique. For those reasons there will never be a time when God will not be praised.
D I S CO V E R Y S T U DY G U I D E
11
Consider This: We attract a lot of families not related to our church through a sports ministry. As director, I pray for unchurched families to sign up their children to play in our league. All of the league coaches, referees, and helpers are volunteers. I use an application to screen those who will have direct contact with children. I must make sure our coaches are Christians who are able to share how and why they came to be Christians. This past season an assistant coach told me he could not lead an assigned devotional with his girls’ team unless I would allow him to “add to” the explanation of the gospel. An Adult Sunday School teacher who had a daughter on the team heard the conversation and volunteered to take on the role of devotional leader for the team for the rest of the season. What would happen in the lives of children if they heard a gospel explanation that differed from the one taught in the Bible? How important is it for churches to continue to engage lost people in their ministries? Are there risks to these lost people among us expressing their beliefs in other gods or in false doctrines related to the one true God? What responsibility does the average Christian have in guarding against false teaching creeping into the church?
Recognizing unbiblical teachings is important for all Christians.
12
E X P LO R E T H E B I B L E
week of M arch 3
Know Your Assignment
REFLECT & RESPOND:
As you read 1 Timothy 1:3-7, look for the goal of spiritual instruction and how it differs from the actual outcomes produced by false teaching. When lawyers prepare to take a case to court, they must distinguish it from previous cases. Their case should be specific to the facts available and the reasoning those facts will support. Paul provided Timothy with a reminder of how he could stay focused in his fight against false doctrine. He warned him of the danger involved in false teaching and pointed him to a purpose that has remained consistent ever since. When it comes to myths and endless genealogies, how have modern-day false teachers drawn people toward emptiness or a constant search for better answers to life’s problems? In order for God’s love to grow in you, how can a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith (v. 4) be fed regularly? Paul gave Timothy advice for defending the faith and attacking false doctrine. The foundation of his argument was: (1) false teaching results in empty guesswork, while (2) teaching truth results in God’s love strengthening your heart, conscience, and faith. He pointed out that the attempt to be fruitful teachers of the law when deceived by false doctrine leads to fruitlessness and misinterpretation of the law.
Review the Law Read 1 Timothy 1:8-11, identifying how specific phrases reveal violations of the Fifth through the Ninth Commandments in Exodus 20:12-16
Lawyers consult the law and opinions about the law as they prepare for court. Paul used his expert training in the law to lay a foundation for his argument. The proper use of the law includes:
P E R S O N A L D I S C O V E R Y
• To what personal interests and curiosities do false teachers direct their messages? How have false teachers found ways to entice you into considering their teaching? • How can you teach God’s truths as you go about your daily life? Who are your learners? D I S CO V E R Y S T U DY G U I D E
13
P E R S O N A L D I S C O V E R Y
• How might letters of instruction and encouragement from Paul help you avoid doctrinal error and defend the truth with gentleness and respect in this day of political correctness?
(1) acting as a locked door to discourage “trespassing onto the wrong territory,” (2) resembling “a mirror to reveal sin and to lead us to Christ,” and (3) acting as a “rule and guide to point out the works that please God.” The empty logic of would-be teachers testifies against them. Sound teachers relate the Law to the specific sins that violate the Law. Paul did this with examples of behavior that broke elements of the Ten Commandments. He said sound teaching was based on the glorious gospel, and thus would support the arguments against false teaching. Which is more difficult for you to communicate with—those who acknowledge their sins or those who defend the sinners without admitting any personal participation in the sin?
Present Your Evidence As you read 1 Timothy 1:12-16, compare Paul’s early testimony in Acts 22:6-21, written a decade earlier. Each version fit the purpose for the audience. When he wrote to Timothy, Paul focused on the power of Christ’s mercy to transform him from a violent enemy of Christ into a role model for Christ followers. Paul did not forget Timothy when, upon leaving for Macedonia [MASS uh DOH nih uh], he appointed his young representative to stay behind in Ephesus [EF uh suhs] to continue what he had begun. Timothy had the difficult responsibility of confronting leaders who were spreading false teaching. In case any doubt or discouragement had crept in, Paul let Timothy know that standing firmly against false doctrine was important to the health of the church. Paul strengthened Timothy’s support when he implied that Timothy should read the letter aloud to the church in Ephesus. In 1:2, Paul opened with “Grace (to you—singular).” In 6:21, he closed with “Grace be with all of you.” 14
E X P LO R E T H E B I B L E
