A Good Servant Part 2 (1 Tim. 4.11-16)

Outline: A Good Servant Part 2 (1 Tim. 4:11-16): 

1. Good servants must intentionally lead by their example (v.11-12)
2. Good servants must diligently steward their gifts (vv.13-15)
3. Good servants must vigilantly protect their integrity (v.16)

Summary:  In vv. 6-10 we saw that good servants of Christ Jesus are those who willingly discipline themselves in order to grow in godliness.  In vv.11-16 Paul adds three more marks of a good servant: those who 1) lead by their example, 2) steward their gifts, and 3) protect their integrity.  And good servants carry out their responsibilities intentionally, diligently, and vigilantly because they know how much is at stake.

Main Point: Christians must diligently maintain the integrity of their character and teaching

Discussion Questions:

• Name the four marks of a good servant in vv.6-16. Which one stands out most? Why?
• Why is it so important to lead by example?  How does setting a good example serve our brothers and sisters in the household of God? 
• What would it look like to be devoted to the public reading and teaching of the Word of God?
• How would one avoid neglecting the gift they have?
• In what sense does vigilantly protecting one's integrity save others? (v.16)  

Application Questions:

• In what areas of my life am I setting a good example for other believers?  In what areas of my life am I setting a poor example for other believers?  How can I discipline myself to grow in these areas?
• How can I be more devoted to the public reading and teaching of the Word of God?
• How has God gifted me and how am I using my gift(s) to encourage and enrich my brothers and sisters in Christ?

Prayer Points:

• Confess to God any areas of your life you are setting a poor example of godliness or any ways you have neglected the gift(s) God has entrusted to you
• Praise Jesus, the ultimate Good Servant whose godliness saved us and now sanctifies us
• Praise Jesus for the privilege it is to be His servants 
• Ask God to help us fan into flame the gift(s) He has entrusted to us
• Ask God to help us grasp more fully what is at stake protecting our integrity 

Jesus' Teaching on Oaths (Matt. 5:33-37)

Outline: Matthew 5:33-37

1. The Pharisees' take on oaths (v.33)
2. Jesus' take on oaths (vv.34-37)
3. Q & A 

Summary: Jesus' fulfillment of the OT should cause us to excel in our obedience to the OT in such a way that exceeds the surface "obedience" of the scribes and pharisees (5:20). The topic of oaths is here taken up by Jesus as his fourth example of the type of heart-obedience God desires.  The pharisees missed God's heart behind the laws concerning oaths. Instead of focusing on the importance of keeping one's word, they fixated on the oath formulas and looked for ways to avoid the heart of the law (Matt. 23:16-22).  Jesus, however, taught that oaths were unnecessary for those whose speech is consistently truthful and honest, straightforward and clear.  When our intentions are consistently followed up with actions, people will find our words to be reliable.

Discussion Questions:

• What was the Pharisees' take on oaths (v. 33; 23:16-22; cf. Lev. 19:12; Num. 30:2; Deut. 23:21)?
• What aspect of the law on oaths did the religious leaders emphasize and how did they apply it? (cf. Matt. 23.16-22)
• What was Jesus' take on oaths? (v.34-37)
• Why would people swear by heaven, earth, Jerusalem, etc?
• What is Jesus commending instead of oaths in v.37?
• What would it look like to honor v.37 in your parenting, marriage, workplace, etc?

Application Questions:

• How dependable is my word? 
• In what ways do I still lack clear speech and consistent follow through? 
• Are there any unkept promises that I need to follow through on and/or apologize for?

Prayer Points:

• Confess any way you have failed to keep your word.
• Praise God for His faithfulness, for always keeping His word.
• Ask God to help you be clear and straightforward in your speech.
• Ask God to help you be a man/woman of your word so that others can bank on your words.