Week 7: 1 Timothy 4:7-16
October 16-22
Overview: Paul continued to instruct Timothy in how to teach and preach. He was to turn from godless myths and train to be godly, for his hope was in the Living God. Even though Timothy was young, Paul encouraged him to set an example in all things. In order for Timothy to do this, he would need to watch his life closely. He would need to be above reproach and follow Christ’s and Paul’s examples very carefully. This is a process. Training ourselves to be godly takes time, intention or a volition of our will, and God’s Word. Romans 12:1 & 2 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Our mind needs God’s Word to train us in godliness. Let’s take seriously the beautiful words of scripture to move our hearts and transform our minds.
Day 1: 1 Timothy 4:7-16
What does it tell us about God?
What does it tell us about people?
How does God relate to people in this text?
What is the key/main point?
What is God telling me to do in this passage?
Optional Going Deeper: Choose a Bible study method/activity from the list below to deepen your knowledge/understanding of how God is speaking to you today.
Day 2: 1 Timothy 4:7-16
Note that not every text will have each of these. Please don’t force the text to make it fit. Simply look for what is there.
What sins are we called to avoid?
What commands are we given to obey?
What promises can we claim?
What examples are there to follow?
Any other special truths that stick out to you?
Summarize what you think God is teaching the original readers through this week’s reading.
Optional Going Deeper: Choose a Bible study method/activity from the list below to deepen your knowledge/understanding of how God is speaking to you today.
Day 3: 1 Timothy 4:7-16
What is godliness, and what value does godliness have for us? (v. 8-10)
In what areas are we to set an example? Ask the Lord to strengthen us in each of these. (v. 11, 12)
What is Timothy to do until Paul comes? What are we to do as Christ followers today? (v. 13, 14)
In what ways do we watch our lives and doctrine closely? (v. 15, 16)
Optional Going Deeper: Choose a Bible study method/activity from the list below to deepen your knowledge/understanding of how God is speaking to you today.
Day 4: 1 Timothy 4:7-16
M-O-P
Meditation
Pray and ask God for insights as you meditate on today’s passage.
Read through the passage for the day a couple of times.
Observations
Write as many observations as you can from the passage God impressed on you.
Write out word for word the key verse of the passage in which God spoke to you and include the scripture reference.
Prayer
Pray and ask God to remind you during the day about what you just learned and through the power of the Holy Spirit, you will apply these principles to your life.
Spend time just talking with God; take some time in Adoration, some time in Confession, some time in Thanksgiving, and some time in Supplication (making requests).
Optional Going Deeper: Choose a Bible study method/activity from the list below to deepen your knowledge/understanding of how God is speaking to you today.
Day 5: 1 Timothy 4:7-16
Reread the passage for the week and ask God to give you eyes to see His truth and how He wants it to specifically impact your life. Review each day’s notes and highlight/identify what stood out to you most and why.
How would you summarize what God has been teaching you through the text this week?
In 1-2 sentences, write out a key application:
What will you do differently in your life because of the passage? (Try to make your application specific, achievable, and measurable.)
Write out how you will take action with what God has shown you.
Who is someone who doesn’t know Jesus yet that you can befriend this week, or talk to about your faith in Jesus?
Write a goal of what you’re trusting God for with that person.
Going Deeper:
Because God created us all with different personalities and spiritual temperaments, we each have our own unique ways to worship, grow, and connect with Him. Choose a Bible study method/activity from the list below that helps you connect with God and deepens your knowledge and understanding of how God is speaking to you today.
• Meditate on scripture in nature
• Write a poem related to this text
• Sing the scripture
• Do a word study on some words in the text
• Listen to a worship song related to this text
• Draw a picture related to this text
• Look up parallel verses
• Reach out to a friend and talk about what you are learning this week
• Listen to this text of scripture (audio Bible)
• Paint related to this text
• Memorize your favorite verse in the text
• Journal
• Pray the scripture
• Write a letter of encouragement to someone sharing what God is teaching you
• Do a prayer walk as you pray through this scripture or something God spoke to you about in this text
• Read scripture out loud
• Choose a main idea/repeated word or phrase from the text and look at how it is carried out throughout the verses this week
Sermon Notes:
Disclaimer: “Unless otherwise noted, the overviews and questions were taken in part from smallgroup.com, a curriculum writing division of LifeWay Christian Resources.”