1Ti 4:11 From the immediate context as well as the context of the entire letter, what “things” was Timothy to teach? See especially 1Ti 4:7-10 but also 1Ti 2:1-3:13 and the “these things” of 1Ti 3:14, and Ti 4:1-5 and the “these things” of 1Ti 4:6. See also 1Ti 4:15, 5:7,21, 6:2. How are all the things Paul would have Timothy teach related to his main concern that Timothy hold in check those who were advocating “strange doctrines” (1Ti 1:3)? Note: the Greek word translated by the NASB here as “prescribe” is the same as that translated as “instruct” in 1Ti 1:3; see also 1Ti 1:5,18, 5:7, and 6:13 & 17 for the same word that can be translated most generically as “charge”.
1Ti 4:12-13 How old would Timothy have been at this time to still be considered youthful by the elders of the Ephesian church? Recall that this epistle was written around 63 a.d., and Timothy joined Paul at the beginning of his second missionary journey around 50 a.d. What 5 things does Paul list for Timothy as exemplifying those who believe (or are faithful, as the word is often translated)? Note: KJV conversation means manner of life, conduct. What is meant by purity? See 1Ti 5:2 for the only other NT occurrence. Instead of giving attention to the speculative myths (1Ti 1:4) and doctrines of demons (1Ti 4:1) as some in Ephesus were doing, to what was Timothy to give his attention? See 1Ti 4:13. What does 1Ti 4:13 teach us about what must precede and should be the source and foundation of a minister’s teaching and exhortation? See Neh 8:8, Acts 13:15, Luke 4:16-21.
1Ti 4:14 By what special means was Timothy to fulfill the charge entrusted to him? See also 1:18 and 2 Tim 1:6. In what two-fold way was the spiritual gift of which Paul speaks imparted to Timothy? See again 1:18 and 2 Tim 1:6. What seems to have been the nature of that gift, and how was it different from any of Timothy’s natural abilities? See also 2 Tim 1:7. How might one “neglect” his spiritual gift, and how might he “kindle [it] afresh” or “fan [it] into flame” (NIV)? What does this teach us about our role in the partnership we share with the Holy Spirit in accomplishing God’s will?
1Ti 4:15-16 With what four phrases in these verses does Paul exhort Timothy with the importance of his task? Why was it important that his progress be evident to all? See again 1Ti 4:12. What is the great importance that a spiritual leader “take heed unto [himself]” (KJV) and “watch [his] life and doctrine closely” (NIV)? See 1Ti 4:16b. What is the great importance that one seeking the Lord search out such spiritual leaders to follow? See Lk 6:39-40. What does Paul mean that by paying close attention to himself and his teaching Timothy will save both himself and those who hear him? What does this teach us about the active role we have in our own salvation and the salvation of others?
1Ti 5:1-2 The relationships in what most basic structure of human society were to govern Timothy’s relationship to others in the church? What impact might dysfunctional family-at-home relationships have upon the church? What does this teach us about the importance of our family relationships and how an enemy might seek to undermine the Church? Do Paul’s words to Timothy imply that it is always wrong for one to correct his elders? See 1Ti 5:19-20 and note that the NASB “sharply rebuke” means to censure severely or most literally to inflict with blows. Confer also the example of Elihu in Job 32:1-10.