A Good Servant Part 1 (1 Tim. 4:6-10)

Outline: A Good Servant Part 1 (1 Tim. 4:6-10): 

1. The desire to be a good servant
2. The discipline it takes to be a good servant

Summary:  There is an assumption in v.6 that looms large over vv.6-16, namely, that Timothy  desires to be a "good servant" of the Lord Jesus.  In fact, God inspired this passage in order to stimulate and channel this desire in every genuine Christian.  In v.6 Paul seeks to stimulate the desire by essentially saying this: "you do desire to be a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus, don't you?  Implied answer: "yes, most definitely!" Paul then channels this desire vv.7-10 by telling Timothy to discipline himself in order to make that desire become a reality.  Christians are commanded to discipline themselves spiritually for the purpose of growing in godliness.

Main Point: Self-discipline is essential to living a godly life

Discussion Questions:

• What part of this sermon was most helpful or instructive to you? Why?  
• How should we as Christians feel about the title "good servant"?  Why do you think Paul would include that phrase at the beginning of vv.6-16?
• What is the meaning of the word "godliness"? 
• What is valuable about bodily or physical training/discipline?  
• Why is godliness (i.e. the fruit of spiritual discipline) more valuable than physical discipline?
• What might it look like to exercise self-discipline for the purpose of growing in godliness?
• What fueled Paul to exert himself in terms of spiritual discipline? (v.10)

Application Questions:

• On a scale of 1-10, how strong is your desire to be a "good servant" of the Lord Jesus?
• In what ways do you currently discipline yourself for the purpose of growing in godliness?
• Do you exert yourself in spiritual discipline/training to the point that you can you say " I toil and strive"?  If not, this might suggest a misplaced hope (v.10).  Confess this to the Lord and ask him to help you re-focus on what is truly valuable in this life and the life to come.

Prayer Points:

• Praise the living God for saving us and using us to save others
• Praise Jesus for the privilege it is to be His servants 
• Ask God to help us grasp more deeply the value of living a godly life
• Ask God to empower us to discipline ourselves for the purpose of growing in godliness 

The Trap of Legalism (1 Tim. 4:1-5)

Outline

1. Perversion of God’s Gifts

2. Gratitude for God’s Gifts

3. Goodness of God’s Gifts

Summary

Paul begins chapter 4 by picking up on the theme of false teaching. He begins in

verse 1 by stating that this false teaching will arise in the “later times”, referring to

the time between Christ’s first and second coming. Paul means to say that every

church in every age needs to be guarding against this false teaching. He goes on to

describe the false teachers as having “seared consciences.” These teachers were

perverting God’s gifts by teaching that 1) God’s gifts were inherently evil, 2)

legalistically restricting their use where God has not, 3) redefining Christian

holiness through merely abstaining from them. Paul rightly condemns this sort of

teaching as demonic. He then positively asserts that the proper response to God’s

gifts is to receive them with gratitude, a gratitude that consists in enjoyment of

God’s gifts and leads to worship of God. This kind of gratitude is only possible for

those who “believe and know the truth”(v. 3). Paul concludes this passage by

showing the inherent goodness of God’s gifts.

Discussion Questions

• What is the connection between the false teachers described in 4:2 and Hymenaeus and Alexander in 1:18-20?

• What were the false teachers teaching? Further, what made what they were teaching so wrong? (cf. Col. 2:20-23; 2 Timothy 3:5)

• Describe how this teaching has manifested itself through the history of the church?

• Explain how Paul says we should view and receive God’s gifts?

• What does true gratitude for God’s gifts look like?

• Will true gratitude for God’s gifts lead to over-indulgence?

Application Questions

• In what ways have I attempted to pervert God’s gifts?

• How do I view God’s gifts and blessings in my life?

Prayer Points

• Spend time praising God for all of the good gifts that he has provided for our enjoyment.

Posted by Caleb Janson, Pastoral Apprentice 

The Heart of 1 Timothy (3:14-16)

Outline: The Heart of 1 Timothy (1 Tim. 3:14-16): 

1. The Church's Character 
2. The Church's Confession

Summary:  Now we come to the very heart of 1 Timothy where Paul clearly states his reason for writing: "I am writing these things to you so that...you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth" (vv.14-15).  Godly behavior is expected from members of God's family, God's church.  And when such fitting behavior is embodied by God's church, the church's character takes on a robustness that allows her to do what she was designed to do, namely, serve as a pillar and buttress of the gospel.  But if the church is to uphold the gospel she must first be upheld by that gospel, which is the very heart of her confession, the very mystery behind her godliness.

Main Point: The church upholds the greatness of her confession by means of her godly character

Discussion Questions:

• What do others say about the church?
• How would God have us see the church?  Reflect on the three descriptions provided by Paul:
• The household of God
• The church of the living God
• A pillar and buttress of the truth
• What is the church's confession (cf. v.16)?
• What is the relationship between the church's character and the church's confession?
• Reflect on this statement: "The church does not create the truth; rather, the church is created by the truth and then called to uphold the truth." 
• What part of this sermon was most helpful or instructive to you? Why?  

Application Questions:

• How do I think and feel about the church?  Does my attitude toward God's church shaped more by the world or by God's word? Explain. 

Prayer Points:

• Praise God for adopting us and making us part of his household
• Thank God our church family and the privilege it is to be part of it
• Pray God would help us to depend on and be upheld by the gospel
• Pray that God would enable us to support and elevate the gospel by living godly lives

Qualifications for Deacons (1 Tim. 3:8-13)

Outline: Qualifications for Deacons (1 Tim. 3:8-13): 

1. Qualifications
2. Motivations
3. Responsibilities

Summary:  Deacons (3:8-13), like elders (3:1-7), must be tested to see if they meet certain character qualifications before being formally recognized as lead-servants in the local church.  They should be marked by a dignified life that displays the gospel.  Or, to put it another way, they must reflect the dignified and sacrificial character of the Lead Servant, Jesus Christ, who did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).  Deacons are task-specific, word-protective, unity-promoting servants who long to see the word of God spread and the number of disciples multiply.  May God raise up many such servants in every local church for the glory of the One who stooped to serve us!

Main Point: Deacons must be qualified in order to be recognized as lead-servants in the local church.

Discussion Questions:

• What are the basic qualifications for deacons (vv.8-12)?
• Why do you think it is vital that deacons first prove to be qualified in regards to character?
• What incentives do deacons who serve well get to enjoy (v.13)? 
• Flesh out the following phrases that describe the deacon's responsibilities (cf. Acts 6:1-7)
• Deacons are task-specific servants
• Deacons are word-protective servants
• Deacons are unity-promoting servants (Hint: think "shock absorbers")
• What is the relationship between elders and deacons in the local church? What happy results may come from a biblical cooperation between the two (Acts 6:7)?
• What part of this sermon was most helpful or instructive to you? Why?  

Application Questions:

• How has this passage helped me see the significance of the deacon's role in the church?
• In what ways am I serving in the church?  How can I more actively and sacrificially serve my brothers and sisters at FBC?

Prayer Points:

• Praise Jesus as the Lead-Servant who stooped to serve us by saving us from our sin
• Pray God would grow you to be more dignified in character and more sacrificial in service
• Pray that God would raise up more lead-servants at FBC 

Qualifications for Elders (1 Tim. 3:1-7)

Outline: Qualifications for Elders (1 Tim. 3:1-7): 

1. Titles
2. Tasks
3. Tests

Summary:  Last week we considered the role of men and women in the local church (2:8-15). When doing so we heard Paul say that he does not "permit a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man."  A natural and appropriate question to ask would be this: who then should teach or exercise authority in the local church?  Paul's answer comes in the very next passage (3:1-7) were he describes the qualities that must mark a man if he is to be considered fit to carry out the noble task of shepherding the blood-bought flock of the Good Shepherd.

Main Point: Shepherding God's people is a noble task reserved for qualified men in the local church.

Discussion Questions:

• What is the relationship between 2:8-15 and 3:1-7?
• How should we think about the relationship between the titles pastor, elder, and overseer (cf. Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7; 1 Peter 5:1-2)?
• What wisdom do you see in the biblical pattern of having multiple elders in each local church? 
• What is meant by the phrase "first among equals"? [Hint: think Peter among the other disciples]
• What is involved in the task of biblical eldership (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Heb. 13:17)?
• What biblical tests or qualifications must be met for one to be considered for eldership?
• Why might the home be a fitting context to test whether or not one is fit for eldership?
• What other conditions must be met in order to proceed with eldership?  What is at stake if such conditions are not taken seriously? 
• How might this passage shape your prayers for yourself and for your leaders?

Application Questions:

• In what areas am I lacking in godly character?  What steps can I take to grow?
• How has this passage helped me see the significance of the elder's role in the church?
• How might I pray for my leaders in light of what I've learned in this passage? 
• How might I respond to/interact with my leaders in a way that would bring joy and not groaning as they seek to care for the church (Heb. 13:17)?

Prayer Points:

• Praise Jesus who met God's qualifications so that we might be qualified through faith in Him
• Thank God for Jesus our Chief Shepherd and for the under-shepherds He has given to you
• Pray that you would personally grow in these biblical qualifications for the glory of God
• Pray for faithfulness and fruitfulness as well as joy and protection for your elders 
• Pray that God would enlarge the shepherding ministry at FBC by raising up more qualified men to help care for the flock

Men and Women in the Church (1 Tim. 2:8-15)

Outline: Men and Women in the Church (1 Tim. 2:8-15): 

1. Gospel effects on men in the local church
2. Gospel effects on women in the local church

Summary:  Just as we saw that the gospel is meant to inform the scope of our prayers (2:1-7), so now we see that the gospel is meant to shape the contours of how men and women live and relate to one another in the local church (2:8-15).  The gospel has implications. The gospel has effects.  It doesn't just save us, it also transforms us.  As Paul said in 1 Cor. 6:20-21, "You are not your own, for you were bought with a price, so glorify God with your body." The same logic is applied here.  Jesus paid your ransom and now He serves as the Mediator between you and God almighty; therefore, glorify God by living as men and women who are marked by godliness and a deep reverence for God's order within His household.  

Main Point:  Men and women should allow the gospel to effect the way they live the Christian life

Discussion Questions:

• What is the logical significance of the word "then" in v.8? 
• What does it mean that men should pray, lifting holy hands? (cf. Ps. 24:4; Isa. 1:15; Job 17:9)
• Read vv.9-10 then describe and discuss the five points on the "Modesty Spectrum":  1) dress to impress, 2) dress to seduce, 3) dress without thinking, 4) dress intentionally modest for the glory of Christ, 5) dress extravagantly with every good work (cf. 5:9-10).
• How are modesty, self-control, and good works related to one another? 
• Discuss this statement: all of us are under various layers of authority and are called to recognize and humbly respect God-given authority in our lives.
• What heart attitude should characterize how a woman learns in the church? (v.11)
• Why is a woman not permitted to teach or exercise authority over a man? (vv.12-13)
• What is the most probably interpretation of v.15 according to pastor Brandon? (v.15)

Application Questions:

• Am I currently expressing outward devotion to God while lacking integrity of heart and life?   
• What category do I find myself in when it comes to the issue of modesty: 1) I dress to impress, 2) I dress to seduce, 3) I dress without thinking, 4) I dress intentionally modest for the glory of Christ, 5) or aim to dress extravagantly with every good work I can (cf. 5:9-10)? Explain.
• How can I dress in a way that does not seek to impress others with costly clothes, name brands, fads, fringe fads etc?   
• How can I dress in a way that does not accentuate (or expose) the contours of my body, especially the most intimate parts?

Prayer Points:

• Confess to God any sin that is tainting your worship.
• Praise Jesus for His integrity of heart and life that make it possible for you to continually approach God with clean hands and a pure heart.
• Ask God to empower you by the Holy Spirit to live an integrity-filled life so that you can lift holy hands before Him in a lifestyle of worship. 
• Ask God to help us be a people who respect God-given authority in our lives, especially in the church as the household of the living God.  
• Pray that we would not be swayed by our culture and its sad confusion over gender God and that we would joyfully honor God's good design for men and women.

Prayer that Pleases God (1 Tim. 2:1-7)

Outline: Prayer that Pleases God (1 Tim. 2:1-7): 

The aim of this passage is two-fold:

1. To call us to pray for all people
2. To Motivate us to pray for all people

Summary:   If the church is to be a "pillar and buttress of the truth" (3:15), then prayer must be strongly prioritized ("first of all").  One of the primary means that God uses to bring about His purposes in the world is the prayers of His people. This passage has a two-fold aim, to call God's people to pray for all people and to motivate God's people to pray for all people.  And it is the description of God's heart for all people (2:3-7) that is meant to stimulate our prayers for all people (2:1).  In one sense, God is simply saying "imitate my heart for the lost."  Perhaps this is the secret of all faithful and effective prayer: crying out to God in such a way that God hears the echo of the loving desires of His own heart.

Main Point:  We must let God's love for all people shape our prayers for all people

Discussion Questions:

• What hints in v.1 teach us about the priority that prayer should have in our lives?
• Who should be included in our prayers? (vv.1-2)
• What in this passage is designed to motivate and stimulate our prayers for all people? 
• Reflect on the phrase "God our Savior." What do we learn about God's heart for all people?How should this shape our prayers for all people? 
• What does it mean that Jesus is the one and only Mediator between God and man?

Application Questions:

• Have I been seriously and urgently prioritizing prayer? Explain.
• What is the current scope of my prayers? Do they include all people? Civil authorities? What new habits need to be formed in order to increase the scope of my prayers?
• How has God's love for all people shaped my prayers for all people?
• What do we mean when we say Jesus is our "ransom"?

Prayer Points:

• Praise "God our Savior," whose big heart lead to our salvation
• Praise Jesus for paying our ransom with the high price of His own life
• Praise Jesus, our faithful Mediator, who made a way for sinful man to reach the holy God
• Ask God to allow His love for all people shape our prayers for all people
• Ask God to make us a church that is marked by fervent, big-hearted prayer for all people