1 Timothy 3-4 Study Questions
The Big Idea: Leaders in the church must have the character to deal responsibly with the realities of spiritual issues if the church is to fulfill its role of guarding God’s truth and bringing salvation to others.
I. Leadership Requirements (3:1-13) / Key Idea: Those who lead others in the church must be people known for their character and integrity.1. Read 3:1-3. How should we view the elder (overseer) role (v1)? List the characteristics in v2-3 that he should exhibit, and what you think they mean. / If a man (the word is gender-specific) aspires/desires/pursues the position of elder (actually this is “over-seer”, which means one who “looks over”, or “oversees” the church), it is a good thing. We should see this as a privilege, not as a burden, and consider those who do this well as people worthy of honor. The word “aspire” means to “stretch toward” and Paul’s point is that when a man wants to do this, it is a good thing. However, if they want to, they must meet certain characteristics, most of which have to do with character and maturity (overall as well as spiritual). The unspoken implication is that anyone who desires to lead and shepherd others should have these same characteristics, so we should all strive to be these kinds of people. Another important note is that these should be observed characteristics, not just potential characteristics. The question also arises if anyone can perfectly fulfill these standards. The answer is “no”, but we try to get as close as we can in each setting, and the quality of the leadership will always be only as good as the leader’s character. The characteristics that Paul lists are 1) above reproach (no “smear” on their reputation); 2) husband of one wife (literally, “a one-woman man”, meaning a man solely devoted to his wife); 3) temperate (not prone to excess in any area, but self-controlled); 4) prudent (wise, good common sense); 5) respectable (from the word, “ordered” – so a person with a well-ordered life); 6) hospitable; 7) able to teach (could also be rendered “teachable”) – understands the Word and is able to communicate that understanding; 8) not addicted to wine; 9) not pugnacious (not a “fighter”, but seeks unity); 10) gentle; 11) uncontentious – doesn’t like to quarrel or argue; and one who is 12) free from love of money (not “money-hungry”, MSG). The list continues in question 2.
2. Look at 3:4-7. What additional characteristics are listed here, and why do you think they are important? / The next 4 characteristics are 13) one who manages household well (lit, “stands before his household beautifully” – his family gladly follows his loving and wise leadership); 14) keeping children under control with all dignity (reverence, respect - so the kids are respectful, but the dad is respectful of them as well) – this goes with #13, just a further explanation of it; 15) not a new convert (not a tender shoot, a young, bendable plant), because they are more prone to become inflated with vain pride; 16) a good reputation with those outside the church, implying that #1 applies to no reproach among those inside the church. When the list of characteristics from 3:2-7 is considered, they can easily be intimidating; but it is important that we attempt to find people like this – and that we become people like this.
3. From 3:8-11what qualifications do deacons or deaconesses need to administer the physical needs of the church? Why are these important? / Deacons (v8-10), and “women” – probably referring to female deacons, must possess certain characteristics to fulfill their roles well. The role of the deacon (diakonos) probably originated in Acts 6 when “table waiters” were appointed to distribute food fairly to Greek speaking and Hebrew speaking Christian widows, thus allowing the apostles to attended to the ministry of the Word and prayer (Acts 6:1-4). This became an official church position in the church of Philippi, based on Phil 1:1. It appears from Rom 16:1 that Phoebe was a deaconess (servant) to the church of Cenchrea. So, the position describes anyone who officially serves the church to meet physical needs in the body. At Celebration we see our small group “lay pastors” as those who insure that the physical needs of the Body are being met. Anyone who is in the official position of overseeing and ministering to the physical needs of the Body should have the qualifications listed in 3:8-11. They are to be 1) dignified (serious-minded – they take this job seriously); 2) not double-tongued (talking out of both sides of their mouth); 3) not an addict; 4) not driven by money (sordid gain refers to “shameful” gain – manipulating people for monetary gain). 5) These servants of the church should also hold to the “mystery of the faith” with a clear conscience. This refers to the once hidden truths that have now been revealed – truths about Christ being God in the flesh who dwelt among us, and is now in us by His Holy Spirit, and the truth that even Gentiles are included in the family of God by faith in Jesus Christ. Furthermore, they must be those 6) who have demonstrated their spiritual maturity, and who are shown to be above reproach. Female deacons (deaconesses) must not be gossips, and also are to be temperate (self-controlled and balanced) and faithful. It is important even for these servants of physical needs of the church to be people of such faith and character, because they represent Christ as they serve. Two of the more notable “deacons” were Stephen, the first martyr (Acts 7), and Philip, the famous evangelist (Acts 8). This shows that deacons in the early churches were not those of lesser ability or rank than elders, but they, too, were significant contributors to the work of the ministry, capable of extending the kingdom in spiritual ways even as they took care of physical needs.
4. Based on 3:12-13 what further characteristics should deacons have (v12), and what are they promised if they do the job well (v13)? / Deacons, like overseers (elders) are also to be “one-woman” men, and those who manage their households well. When they have all of these characteristics, and then carry out their jobs well, they obtain for themselves a high standing in the kingdom, and great confidence that their faith in Christ is genuine. As Jesus said, “he who is servant among you will be greatest”, so deacons (servants) who do their job well will be great in the kingdom. Another truth that this demonstrates is that when we actually put “feet to our faith”, we show ourselves that our faith in Christ is genuine, and thus have great confidence in the inheritance that is laid up in the heavens for us.
II. Leadership Realities (3:14-4:8) / Key Idea: Leaders must understand the realities of kingdom work - that Christ’s nature is the source of success, and that false teachers will contest it.
5. Looking at 3:14-16, why is it important for the church to function as intended (v15)? How does v16 explain the only way a church can fulfill their purpose? / The church is the “pillar and support of the truth”. This truth refers to that which was handed down from Christ to the apostles, and the church has the specific task of making sure that this truth has a basis from which to continue. That means we, as the church, must teach the truth in many venues, and the truth that we teach is that which has come from Christ. This includes the Old Testament (which Christ fully believed and taught) and the New Testament, which is the record of Jesus’ teachings while He was on earth, as well as the truth He gave to the apostles by His Spirit when He returned to heaven. The only way the church can fulfill its purpose of supporting the truth is by being godly (godliness is a shortened form of God-likeness) – and this comes through Christ, who was revealed as God in the flesh, vindicated as God in the Spirit, beheld by angels (probably refers to crucifixion, burial, resurrection), proclaimed among the nations (maybe referring to His post-resurrection appearances, or even Pentecost – Acts 2), believed on in the world (during the time before His ascension), and taken up into glory (the ascension). The underlying implication of this is that the only way we can be godly, and thus support the church, is by allowing Christ (God) to live and work through us. He is the “secret of our success”.
6. According to 4:1-5 what kind of teaching will always creep into church (v1-3)? Why do you think such false teaching occurs (v1), and why is it wrong (v4-5)? / The false teaching that creeps into the church will always be a rules-based teaching. This comes from deceitful spirits and demonic influence because Satan does not want us to walk in God’s grace. In fact, when God is seen as the great giver that He is, Satan does everything he can to make people believe otherwise (like the Garden of Eden when he accusedGod of with-holding the fruit so they wouldn’t be like Him and receive the very best). The reason that rules-based teaching is wrong is that it makes our salvation our own work, rather than the work of God. This, in turn, steals glory from God and gives it to man, to whom it doesn’t rightfully belong. God wants us to give Him thanks for every gift from His hand and to enjoy it with gratitude. All He wants us to do is be in fellowship with Him through the Word and prayer. When that happens we are able to give all the credit to Him.
7. From 4:6-8 what must a leader beware of (v7)? What 2 things must he do to combat this (v6, v7-8)? How can we do this today? / A good leader must beware of others’ experiences and opinions since they may not be consistent with the Word of God. Experience is not the best teacher, but “informed” experience is – informed by the Word. Others’ opinions are no better than fairy tales (fables), and we must not base our theology on what they think. To combat the proliferation of these false teachings, we must be constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of sound teaching (Jesus and the apostles’ teachings), and we must discipline ourselves for the sake of godliness (engage in certain practices that enable us to become more like God). We can do these 2 things today by 1) being in the Word regularly – not just casually reading it, but feeding deeply on it; 2) practicing various spiritual habits such as prayer, meditation, worship, community, etc – there are many that have been practiced over the last 2000 years that can open us up to receive God’s imprint more completely on our lives.
III. Leadership Responsibilities (4:9-16) / Key Idea:Leaders must accept the responsibility for their own spiritual growth and development of their gifts.
8. In 4:9-11 for what are we striving (see v8), and upon what hope is it based (v10)? In what sense is Jesus the “Savior of all men”, and why “especially of believers”? / We are striving for godliness in the present life, and also in the life to come. This is based on the hope that in this life we will become more like Him, and in the life to come we will be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:2). Our hope is that as Jesus works in us we will progress towards completion, so that we will truly experience His life through us; then, as we arrive in heaven, the process will be completely as we are transformed into our glorified state. This is why it says that Jesus is the Savior especially of believers, because through Him we will finally become who He created us to be. In another sense He is potentially the Savior of all men, because anyone who believes in Him will receive this benefit. However, only those who have believed in will receive it, so it is imperative that we place our faith in Him.
9. Read 4:12-13. What goals should each of us have as followers of Christ? How will doing these dispel any doubts about our ability to lead or disciple others (v12)? / As Christ-followers we should be those who express godliness in our speech and conduct, and who show love, faith, and purity in all we do. Furthermore, we must give attention to scripture (probably a reference to public reading of the scripture), encourage others to obey scripture, and teach scripture. So, we must live in obedience to the Word ourselves, teach others the Word, and encourage them to obey it, just as we try to do. When we base our lives on God’s Word others can follow us, because they will simply be following God, and not us. We must all “hide behind the Word of God” if we are to lead others, because even when we fail, the Word of God will still be followed.
10. Using 4:14-16 how should we relate to our spiritual gift and spiritual growth (v14, 16)? What is the acid test for our success in these areas (v15), and what is promised if we succeed (v16)? / We should all know our spiritual gift, which, as in the case of Timothy, is often revealed to us through others in the body. We must also cultivate this spiritual gift, which means to use it and work on its development. The acid test of success with our spiritual gift and other areas of our lives is progress, not perfection. All that God asks of us is that we “take pains with these things”, and not that we are perfect in them. If we succeed (persevere in making progress) at this we will insure salvation for ourselves, and for those who hear us. True salvation comes from God, and God will enable us to persevere to the end, thus bringing ultimate salvation. Our part is to persevere in making progress, taking great pains with these things.
11. We are all called to lead others in the Christian faith. From this study what areas of character do you need to work on (3:1-10), and what practices do you need to put into place (4:6-16)? / If we are unsure of what God wants us to work on, we must ask Him and He will reveal it to us. It is also good to be in an accountability relationship, or in a support group to discover blind spots that we would personally not discover on our own. It is good to ask for help from those further along in the faith and then to permit them to hold us accountable (ask us about our progress). The practices of godliness are vertical – spending time in the Word, prayer, worship, self-discovery – and horizontal – community and accountability with other believers, service, and sharing Christ with those who don’t know Him. As we practice these things we will become more and more like Christ.