Week 1: 1 Timothy 1:1-11
September 4-10
Overview: In this opening section, Paul greets Timothy and earnestly reminds him of the task that has been set; to defend the truth of the Gospel against false teachers who are trying to mislead believers. While doing so, Paul reminds us of the qualities and actions we may see from those who are faithful. By these traits, we may assess the trustworthiness of those who claim to guide others.
Day 1: 1 Timothy 1:1-11
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: Before we dive deeper into 1 Timothy, read or listen to the whole book. (It should only take about 13-14 minutes to listen to.) This might be a great option on your commute to work. You can listen on your favorite Bible app or use this free version.
Day 2: 1 Timothy 1:1-11
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: Read or listen to the whole book of 1 Timothy again. You may see overall themes or patterns as you read through more than once and as we study the text each day.
Day 3: 1 Timothy 1:1-11
From Paul’s descriptions, what do you think drives the false teachers’ actions? What sort of character do they show?
Are the actions of the false teachers harmonious with love, a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith? Why, or why not?
What do you think the proper use of the Law would be for people in our day?
How does the weight of the Law affect your thoughts about the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
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 1:1-11
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 1:1-11
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.”