1 + 2 Timothy | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsSample

1 TIMOTHY 1

PAUL ENTRUSTS TIMOTHY TO CORRECT FALSE TEACHING + SHARE TRUTH

Paul begins his letter to Timothy by reminding him of the hope and peace of Jesus. Paul views Timothy as a valuable co-laborer and talented leader. He commissions Timothy to remain in Ephesus to help correct false teaching. In Ephesus, there is a group of leaders who are devoted to speculating about the faith instead of spreading the truth of God. Paul is not advocating against wrestling with challenging parts of scripture or questioning God, but instead encourages Timothy to help the Ephesians grow in love and understanding.

Paul believes that the purpose of the law is to show humanity's need for a Savior, not to speculate about genealogies or make assumptions regarding specific laws. Timothy’s role is to help the people of Ephesus not miss the entire point of learning Scripture: to know the character of God.

In Paul’s great efforts to spread the gospel, he highly values correct theology. The law is only good if the people use it lawfully, not as a source of distraction or false assumptions. Paul thanks God for his personal conversion from a persecutor of believers to a messenger of Jesus. Paul sees his success as an overflow of God’s faithfulness and love in his life. Although Paul has accomplished a great deal, he gives all of the glory and honor to God.

Prioritizing the integrity of the church, Paul entrusts Timothy with correcting false teaching and rejecting corrupt theology within the church in Ephesus. Paul mentions two specific individuals, Hymenaeus and Alexander, who are guilty of blasphemy. Desiring the church to be a place of truth and hope, Paul sends Timothy to share the truth according to the gospel.

STUDY QUESTIONS

Paul wrote to Timothy concerning false teachers. According to 1 Timothy 1:3-4, what false beliefs were being spread throughout Ephesus?

How did Paul describe “the aim of the charge” to combat the false beliefs (1 Timothy 1:5)?

How did Paul reflect on his own sin as a reminder of God’s goodness and power (1 Timothy 1:13-17)?