1. The Need for Sound Teaching:

2. The Need for Sound Teachers:

For Further Thought and Discussion

Getting Started
1. What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?

Going Deeper
2. Read 1 Timothy 3:2. What must an overseer be able to do (compare Titus 1:9)? What makes this leadership qualification unique (compare Paul’s list of qualifications for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-13)?

3. Why was the church at Ephesus in need of sound teaching (see 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 4:1-5; 6:3-5)? Why is teaching so central to leadership in the New Testament (see 1 Timothy 3:14-15; compare Ephesians 2:19-22)? Why is the authority of overseers bound up with their fidelity to the God’s word? How is the teaching ministry of overseers vital to the health of the church (see 1 Timothy 4:16; 6:2; 2 Timothy 2:1-2; Titus 1:9; 2:1)?

4. How is the teaching ministry of overseers unique (see 1 Timothy 1:3; 2:12-14; 3:2; 4:11; 5:17)? In what ways can the whole church participate in the ministry of teaching (see Romans 15:14; Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 3:16)? Why is this important to keep in mind, especially as we consider our mission as believers (see Matthew 28:19)? Why is teaching fundamental to disciple-making?

5. Read Hebrews 5:11-14 and James 3:1. What do these passages teach about the ministry of teaching? Why do we need both passages to maintain a proper perspective on this ministry?

Application
6. Hebrews 5:11-14 helps us assess our readiness to teach others about the faith (i.e. to make disciples). Jeff drew a number of lessons from this passage. Which of these stood out to you? Why?

7. Jeff addressed a number of barriers that keep us from making disciples? Which of these have you experienced? How can we overcome these barriers?

8. What’s one thing you can do this week to apply this message?