These 14 studies taught by Dr. Paul Benware in a Sunday school class setting provide an in-depth study of 1 Timothy and a summary of the book of Titus since there are many similarities between the two books.
Introduction to 1 Timothy – Study 1
This first study deals with necessary background information to the two letters being studied: 1 Timothy and Titus. There is discussion on the evidence for Paul taking a journey after Acts 28, where he had been under “house arrest” in Rome. There is compelling evidence that the letters of 1 Timothy and Titus were written from Macedonia and Asia Minor respectively after his release. Some information is also given on these two “apostolic representatives.
1 Timothy 1:1-5 – Study 2
There are wonderful theological truths in Paul’s introduction. Here Timothy is also exhorted to deal forcibly with false teaching. The matter of false teachers and their “strange” doctrines was a matter of great concern to Paul and to all the apostles.
1 Timothy 1:5-8 – Study 3
It is sometimes said by people in the church that the church needs less doctrine and more love. But this study shows that we cannot have one without the other. Solid teaching of the Bible produces love which is then manifested in three different way. The study includes a look a the “good” conscience and the “weak” conscience. Also in this study, there is a return to the matter of false teaching where the emphasis is on “law” in the distorted teaching. (“law” looks beyond the Mosaic law code and to law in general which can breed legalism).
1 Timothy 1:9-20 – Study 4
Paul was once a false teaching himself who opposed God and did great harm to God’s people. For this reason he saw himself as the “sinner who was first in rank”. In this section, he tells us how he dealt with such terrible sin and failure in his life. Many believers today live with heavy guilt over past sin and failure. Paul’s testimony gives wise counsel on how to be totally liberated from past sin.
1 Timothy 2:1-11 – Study 5
The Apostle gives instructions regarding the church as it gathers. He emphasizes the role that men and women are to have. This study includes a discussion of the two basic views within evangelicalism today concerning the ministries of men and women: (1) the egalitarian view (men/women equal in all areas including being elders) and (2) the complementarian view (men/women equal in their spiritual status, but there are restrictions on women being elders (pastors). Briefly explored are a number of NT passages which deal with the role of women in the church, including Gal. 3, 1 Cor. 11 and 14, and Eph. 4.
1 Timothy 2:12-15 – Study 6
Perhaps the most debated verse on the role of women in the church is 1 Timothy 2:12. This verse is discussed as well as the Apostle’s appeal to the creation/fall narratives to support his posiition. His point that women will be “saved” by the bearing of children is also briefly dealt with.
1 Timothy 3:1-7 – Study 7
In business, in a nation, in a family and in a church; leadership determines the whether the outcomes will be good or not so good. The Apostle’s emphasis here is on the leadership qualifications for those who would lead the local church. Before the qualifications are given, this study looks at five critical considerations that must be factored in when a church is choosing its leadership. If inadequate leaders are put into positions of authority in the church, the local church will suffer. This is a major issue in the church today which often ignores the standard God has given for leaders.
1 Timothy 3:8-16 – Study 8
1 Timothy 4:1-12 – Study 9
This study looks at 1 Timothy 4:1-12. Paul returns to the matter of false teaching and reveals important truths about the character of the false teachers (they know what they are doing) as well as the demonic source of their false teaching. Again Timothy, and all believers, are exhorted to pay close attention to the truth of God. Physical discipline has some limited value, but spiritual disciplines (including our focus on the Word) will bring great benefit to us in the present as well as the future.
1 Timothy 4:13 – 6:2 – Study 10
This study looks at 1 Timothy 4:13 – 5:16. Chapter 4 ends with good advice about life in the corporate meeting of the church including the public reading of the Scriptures. The Apostle then turns his attention to various groups within the local assembly. He deals with 4 general groups of believers but then gives attention to widows and to the elders. Elders will be dealt with in the following study. The unique section talks about three kinds of widows and gives information on dealing correctly with those who are “widows indeed.” But the passage also gives some basic ideas on who the church should give money to and who should not receive funds.
1 Timothy 5:2-6:2 – Study 11
This study reviews and continues the focus on groups within the church but emphasizes the elders. The honor that is due the hard working elder; the discipline of sinning elders; and the care that must be taken in the selecting of elders, is the heart of this discussion.
1 Timothy 6:3 – 6:19 – Study 12
Often overlooked in a biblical view of money and material things, this section of 1 Timothy is a dynamic reminder to believers that money and material things have great blessing and great danger attached to them. While God has “given us all things to enjoy”, it is also true that money and materialism can become deadly to the vibrant Christian life. This section defines who is “rich” and gives helpful principles related to money and to giving.
1 Timothy 6:11 – 6:21 – Study 13
The final study out of 1 Timothy includes Paul’s exhortations to Timothy and to us to “flee”, “follow” and “fight”; and concludes with yet another warning about the false teachers and their false teaching which is so damaging to the church.
Titus
This study gives a summary of the Book of Titus. Since there are many similarities between 1 Timothy and Titus; this study looks at 7 contributions that the Book of Titus makes to our understanding of the way we are to do church.