Chapter One
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
1. Commandment - Are there commands for us to obey? Is there a danger to those who choose not to obey a command from God?
2. Hope - What is hope? How many people have true hope as the Bible describes the term?
2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
1. “Son in the faith” - In the Catholic Church, the priest is called “Father” as a religious title - Is this biblical? What is the difference in a priest and Paul?
2. Timothy - Who is Timothy? What nationality is he? How old is he? How does Paul feel about this man? Can he be trusted?
3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
1. Charge - What is a charge as used in this verse? Can we “charge” people today?
2. No other doctrine - How many doctrines are there? How can you tell if a teaching is true or false? Can there be false doctrine within the church?
4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
1. Fables - What are fables? Do we have to deal with fables today? When you hear the word “fable” what stories come to mind?
2. Genealogies - Should we be interested in our heritage, lineage and genealogy? Why was Paul speaking against such here? What was wrong with discussing their blood line and ancestors?
3. Godly edifying - What is edifying? How many kinds of edifying are there? What would make an edification godly or ungodly?
5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
1. Conscience - What is our conscience? Can we trust our conscience? Is it a reliable guide for our behavior? Should we ever violate or go against our conscience?
2. Unfeigned - What does this word mean? How can our faith be feigned? Can you think of some areas of religion that are often feigned?
6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
1. Vain - What is the meaning of this word? List some things in our life, worship and service to God that could be vain.
2. Jangling - What does this refer to? Have you ever known of one in the church who jangled?
7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
1. Teachers - What are the duties of a teacher? What are the Biblical qualifications required?
2. Affirm - Is our faith affirmed? How is it affirmed? Where would you need to look for affirmation of our faith?
8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
1. The law - What is “the law” mentioned in this verse? It this law binding on us today? Does this law include the Ten Commandments?
2. Use it - How can we “use” the law? Can you think of a time when Paul used the law? Should Christians use the law?
9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
1. Righteous man - What is “righteous” as used in the New Testament? Is any one here today - righteous? What qualities would you look for to find a righteous man?
2. Disobedient - What is required to be disobedient? How many people are disobedient to God? Are there people who are not disobedient to God?
3. Ungodly - What would one do to be called ungodly? What does this term describe?
4. Unholy - How is unholy different from ungodly? List some actions that are unholy.
5. Profane - What does this word mean? Name some profane people in the Bible. What made them profane?
6. Murderers, manslayers - What is included in the prohibition not to kill? Does this include: abortion, euthanasia, war, accident, “living will”, suicide?
10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
1. Whoremongers - Who are whoremongers? Are there any of these people in the church today?
2. Defile themselves with mankind - To what sins does this phrase have reference? Are there people in our world who defile themselves?
3. Menstealers - Does this word prohibit kidnapping? Dose this only deal with the stealing of slaves from another’s plantation? Are there other ways that we could be menstealers?
4. Liars - What is a lie? Are there times when it is OK to lie? Are there degrees to lying? Does God accepts some forms of lying? It is a lie to “just not tell the whole truth”? It is a lie to tell a half-truth?
5. Perjured persons - Who are perjured persons? How does one become a perjured person?
6. Any other thing - What else could Paul have put here? Compare to the list of “works of the flesh” (Gal. 5) and the phrase - and such like.
7. Contrary - Name some things that can be contrary. Can people be contrary?
8. Sound Doctrine - What makes a doctrine sound? What does “sound” mean in this passage? What would make a teaching, or a teacher, unsound?
11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
1. Gospel - What is the meaning of this word? What is the good news about Jesus that we need to preach?
2. Committed - Should Christians be committed to Christ? List some others areas of our life that demand commitment. Does the Bible require “total commitment” as practiced in the Boston Movement?
3. Trust - Who can you trust? How do you get trust? Is trust to be earned? How can trust be regained after it is lost? List some things we should not trust. Then list some things that we should trust.
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
1. Enabled - Are Christians enabled? What are we able to do? What limitations are keeping us from being enabled?
2. Into the ministry - Are preacher to be ordained? How was Paul put into the ministry? Was Timothy put into the ministry? If a man today wanted to be put into the ministry, what would you need to do?
13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
1. Blasphemer - What is the meaning of this word? Is this the “unpardonable sin” Jesus spoke about? Can one be forgiven of this sin? How do people commit this sin today?
2. Persecutor - Have you ever suffered persecution because of your faith? Is there persecution in the world today?
3. Injurious - How does this differ from the persecutor mentioned above? Is this a less serious offense?
4. Ignorantly - Is ignorance a valid excuse for sin? What if one “messes up” their life ignorantly? Can they still obey God and go to heaven?
5. Unbelief - What is unbelief? Is there a difference between unbelief and atheism? Can Christians be guilty of unbelief?
14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
1. Exceeding abundant - How much does God supply of our needs? When it comes to salvation, is there just enough grace to “sneak” into heaven?
2. In Christ Jesus - How does one get into Christ? What are the advantages of being in Christ? How can you tell if one is in Christ or out of Christ?
15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
1. Faithful saying - Did your parents share with you some “faithful sayings” that were helpful to you? What does Paul mean by stating that this is a “faithful saying”? Does he mean that other statements are not faithful?
2. To save sinners - What was the primary mission and purpose of Christ coming to earth?
3. Chief - Does the world have “too many chiefs” and not enough indians? Is this a problem for the church? Are there some areas of life that we should not seek to be chief?
16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
1. Mercy - On the day of judgment do you want Justice, Mercy or Grace? Does God offer mercy to the lost? Is there a time when mercy will end? Will there be mercy shown on the day of judgment?
2. Longsuffering - How long must we suffer? When we have suffered a long, long, long time - what then?
3. Pattern - Is the Bible a pattern, blueprint, for us to follow? Does the New Testament present a pattern for the church to follow in - salvation, worship, organization and work?
4. Life everlasting - How long is eternity? Will hell last any longer than heaven? Will those who are lost be “alive”? What does “life everlasting” promise for Christians?
17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1. King - Who is our King? Is he now King? Should we pray “Thy Kingdom come”? How would you respond to those who teach that Christ will return to earth and set up an earthly kingdom for 1,000 years?
2. Immortal - Who is immortal? When do we get immortality? Do the wicked get immortality?
3. Invisible - Does faith require us to see the invisible? Name some invisible things.
4. Only wise God - Does this mean: [A] God is the only one with wisdom? [B] That God is only wise and not part of Him is unwise? [C] That He is the only God who is wise and that all other gods are unwise?
5. Honor - List some places and people we should honor. How do we honor our parents? How can we honor our government and elected officials? Must we honor the president when we disagree with his policy?
6. Glory - To whom does glory belong? How can we offer glory?
7. Amen - What does this word mean? How was this word used in the early church? Why do we end our prayers with “Amen”?
18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
1. Charge - What is the difference in a command and a charge?
2. Commit - Must we be committed to the Lord? How can you tell if one is committed to the cause of Christ?
3. Prophecies - What is prophecy? Name some prophets in the New Testament. Are there prophets in the church today?
4. War - In what kind of war are Christians involved? Who is to fight this war - elders, preachers, deacons, every member?
19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away, concerning faith have made shipwreck;
1. Conscience - What is a conscience? Is our conscience a safe guide? Why do many people rely on their conscience?
2. Put away - Can we put away our faith? What causes people to lose their faith in God?
3. Shipwreck - How does this word describe the spiritual condition of these people? What does this word teach about “once saved, always saved”?
20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
1. Delivered - How can we deliver one to Satan? If we deliver one to Satan, are we judging?
2. Satan - What are some other names for Satan? It Satan a real person? Does Satan have power today?
3. Blaspheme - What does this word mean? List some ways that people can blaspheme God. It this sin unpardonable?
1. I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
1. Supplications - What are supplications? How much of our prayers are supplications?
2. Prayers - How does prayer differ from supplications and intercessions? Give a simple definition of prayer. What are some essential parts of prayer?
3. Intercessions - What are intercessions? List people for whom intercession should be made.
2. For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
1. Kings - Not too many nations have kings anymore? Who would be included in this term? Does this include: President, Governor, Mayor, Congressmen?
2. Authority - Does this word refer only to Biblical and church authority? Does this word apply to police, judges and government officials?
3. Quiet - How is the word quiet used here? What is a quiet life? What would cause our life not to be quiet?
4. Peaceable - Is peace an unreachable goal? How can we have peace? Discuss: Three types of peace mentioned in the Bible - [1] With God; [2] With fellow man; [3] With yourself.
5. Honesty - What is honesty? Why is this such a rare quality today? Are there situations where dishonesty is permitted?
3. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
1. Acceptable - Who sets the standard of what is acceptable?
2. God - Who is God in this verse? Who is called “God” in the Bible?
4. Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
1. Saved - Who will be saved? Did Jesus die just for the elect?
2. Knowledge - What is meant by this word? Does God require a college degree? Does this word refer to knowledge about art, science, math and history? Does this word refer to spiritual information as revealed in the Bible?
3. Truth - What is truth? How does the Bible use this word? List some terms that are interchangeable with truth.
5. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
1. God - See questions with verse 3.
2. Mediator - What does a mediator do? Who is our mediator? Why do we need a mediator? Does the Holy Spirit serve as a mediator? Is there a difference in “mediator” and “intercession”? (See Rom. 8:26-27)
6. Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
1. Ransom - Were we kidnapped? Why was a ransom needed?
2. Testified - How is this word used in religious groups today? How does current usage differ from the Biblical meaning?
7. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not,) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
1. Ordained - How is this word used in the religious world today? What does this word mean? Are preachers, elders, deacons, ordained today?
2. Preacher - What other terms does the Bible use to describe this work? What are the qualifications for a preacher? Does the preacher have any authority or power in the church?
3. Apostle - What is an apostle? What are the qualifications for the office of an apostle? Are there apostles today?
4. Teacher - Who is to be a teacher in the church? Is this a special office or work in the church? What are the qualifications for this work?
5. Gentiles - Who are Gentiles? What does this word mean? Why are almost all people lumped together under this one word?
6. Verity - Does this word describe a quality of character? Should we be people of verity, sincerity, integrity?
8. I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or doubting.
1. Men - Does this word refer to all mankind or to the male gender? Who are the “men” under consideration in this verse - all men, adult men, Christian men?
2. Everywhere - Does this word designate location or occasion? Are there places or situations were women may lead in prayer?
3. Lifting - Is this a required action of our worship? Why don’t we lift up our hands as we praise God?
4. Wrath - How does wrath affect our worship? Does this verse teach that we should not pray when we are angry? What is a prayer of imprecation?
5. Doubting - How does doubt alter our prayers? Does our doubting change the answer to prayer?
9. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
1. Women - Does this verse apply to all women or only to Christians? How does this verse stand in contrast to the previous verse?
2. Adorn - What is included in adorning? Does this include make-up, jewelry, shoes, hairstyle, and general appearance?
3. Modest - What is modest? What is NOT modest? Do the definitions of modesty change with customs and styles?
4. Shamefacedness - What does this word mean? Have we lost our ability to blush? Does this word apply to conduct as well as dress?
5. Sobriety - Is sobriety the opposite of drunk? What qualities would show a person to be sober?
6. Costly array - Is the price we pay for our clothes a factor in their modesty? Why are gold and pearls mentioned in this verse?
10. But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
1. Professing - What does this word mean? Can we profess something that is not true? Is profession an oral statement we make? Can we profess with our actions, attitudes and conduct?
2. Godliness - How does one demonstrate godliness? Can this quality be faked? What is included in godliness? How doe we become godly?
3. Good works - List some good works. What makes a work good or bad? How can good works help a godly woman?
11. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
1. Learn - Does this verse refer to spiritual learning and worship? Does this verse apply in all situations of learning (school, on the job)?
2. Silence - Does this term prohibit a woman from singing, commenting in class, asking questions? Does this word mean “absolute silence”? How is this term different from the word in 1 Cor. 14:34?
3. Subjection - What is included in subjection? To whom is the woman to be in subjection? Does this require strict obedience without voicing objection? Discuss - SUBJECTION TO: [1] God; [2] Christ; [3] Husband; [4] Elders; [5] Civil rulers; [6] One another.
12. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
1. Teach - Does this prohibit a woman from ALL teaching? What about the command in Titus 2:3-5? Is this public teaching (preaching), including classrooms or does it also include private teaching in the home? Can a Christian woman teach a non-Christian man the gospel?
2. Usurp - What if the men “grant” a woman permission to have authority over them? Does this verse allow the giving of authority to women? Can woman have ANY authority in church matters?
3. Over the man - Who is the man under consideration here? Does this apply to all men? Does this verse discuss Christian males?
SUMMARY - What is prohibited in this verse? What can a woman do in the church? Have we added some extra regulations?
“A CHRISTIAN WOMAN CAN DO EVERYTHING THAT A MAN CAN DO EXCEPT TEACH OVER THE MAN AND HAVE AUTHORITY OVER THE MAN.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?
13. For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
1. First - What is purpose of this verse? In what sense is Adam first?
14. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
1. Deceived - What is the importance of who was deceived and who was not? Is Paul pointing out a weakness in women?
2. Transgression - Whose sin was greater, Adam or Eve? What is transgression? Is all sin a transgression of the law?
15. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
1. Saved - Does this verse discuss eternal salvation? What if a woman is childless? Does this prevent her from being saved? How does childbearing save?
2. Charity - What is the more common word used in the Bible?
3. Holiness - How can we be holy? Does holiness require perfection? Define - Holiness.
Chapter Three
1. This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
1. Desire - How important is it for a man to desire to serve as an elder? Should men be appointed even if they do not desire the office?
2. Office - What does this word mean? Does it allude to a room with a desk, file drawers and a phone? Does it involve your name on the letterhead?
3. Bishop - What is the work of a bishop? Why do we NOT use this word in studies of the leadership in the church? What other terms are used to refer to this office?
2. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
1. Must - Are the following terms absolutes? Must a man possess these qualities to be a leader in the local congregation?
2. Blameless - How can we be blameless? Don’t all men sin? Do we not all make mistakes? Does this word demand perfection?
3. One wife - Can one be a bishop and never be married? Can a divorced man serve as an elder? Can a man widowed and remarried be appointed to this office? If an elder’s wife dies, does this disqualify him for continued service?
4. Vigilant - Describe this word. For what must an elder be vigilant?
5. Sober - Does this prohibit an elder from laughing, telling funny stories?
6. Behavior - What type of behavior would be prohibited here?
7. Hospitality - Does this mean that an elder must have each family of the church in his home for a meal? What is hospitality? Is there a relation to the word - hospital?
8. Apt - What is required for one to be “apt” to teach? Must an elder teach a class each Sunday to qualify? Does this require public teaching and preaching? Can an elder teach in private settings and meet this requirement?
3. Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
1. Given - Can an elder drink any alcoholic beverages?
2. Striker - Does this prohibit an elder from joining a union? How would you describe a striker?
3. Greedy - What is prohibited by this qualification? Does this bar a business owner because he seeks to make a profit? Does this qualification conflict with the desire for the office? Can one desire the office and not be greedy for the power associated with it?
4. Patient - Who among us has all the patience he needs? Is this an absolute? Can men have patience of varying degrees?
5. Brawler - How would you describe a brawler? Can a man fight for principles, doctrine, truth and not be a brawler?
6. Covetous - What is included in covetousness?
4. One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
1. Ruleth - What is the obligation of the man in the operation of a home? Does this require a man to be a “dictator” with his family?
2. Children - Why is this requirement given? Does this obligate the man to have more than one child? Does having only one child disqualify a man from this office? What if the man or his wife are not physically able to have children? Can the children be adopted, foster children?
3. Subjection - To whom should the children be in subjection - God or the father? What if a grown child, after they leave home, become rebellious? Can a man be an elder with a rebellious child? Can parents do all the right things to train, teach and instill faith in their children and still have them leave the faith? Can parents do all the wrong things and still have children turn out strong in the faith and active in the church?
5. (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall be take care of the church of God?)
1. House - What is included in “ruling his own house”? Why is this an important qualification for an elder?
2. Take care - What is the duty of an elder? What must he “take care” of? How does his management of the home demonstrate his ability or lack of ability?
6. Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
1. Novice - When does one cease being a novice? Does this word apply to the spiritual status, their occupation, or their mental and emotional maturity?
2. Pride - What is wrong with pride? Is it sinful to be proud of our work or accomplishments? Is there a good type of pride? What are the dangers of pride?
3. Condemnation - What is the condemnation of the devil? Can such a fate befall a Christian? How does this affect a novice more than one who is more mature in Christ?
7. Moreover he must have good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1. Report - Who makes out this report? How does one gain a good report? What would result in a bad report?
2. Without - To what does this word refer? Does it describe those who have less material goods (food, clothes, shelter)? Explain this word in Rev. 22:14-15.
8. Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, nor greedy of filthy lucre;
1. Deacon - What is the difference in this work and that of an elder? Are deacons “junior elders” in some area of work? What does the word “deacon” mean?
2. Grave - What does this word mean? How can you tell if a man is grave or not? What qualities would show a person to be grave?
3. Double-tongued - Is this similar to the Indian phrase “forked-tongue”? Why are some people double-tongued? What is the danger in a deacon being double-tongued?
4. Wine - Is there a difference in the requirement for elders and deacons? What is prohibited here? Can a deacon take a “social drink” while an elder must be a “tea totaler”?
5. Filthy lucre - What is filthy lucre? Is there such a thing as clean lucre? What behavior shows a person to be greedy? Does this quality prohibit greed or using the office for personal gain?
9. Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience,
1. Mystery - What is the mystery mentioned here? How is this term used in other passages? See - Eph. 3:3-6; Col. 1:26-27; 1 Tim. 3:16.
2. Conscience - What is the conscience? How do we develop a “pure” conscience? What other types of conscience can a person have?
10. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
1. Proved - What must a deacon do to be proved? Why is this an important requirement?
2. Blameless - Is there a person who is “blameless”? How can a man be blameless as this passage requires?
11. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
1. Wives - Why are qualifications given for the wife?
2. Slanderers - What is a slanderer? How could a slandering wife harm the work of a deacon?
3. Faithful - Does this phrase refer to her spiritual faithfulness? Does this require her to be faithful to her marriage vows? Does this require her to be faithful to the work of the local congregation?
12. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling well their children and their own houses well.
1. Husbands - Can a man serve as a deacon and never be married? Can a man serve as a deacon whose wife has died and he has remarried?
2. Children - Since this term is in the plural does it require each deacon to have more than one child? What is the purpose in this requirement?
3. Ruling - How is a man expected to “rule” his children? How does a man “rule” his house? What behavior would show a man not qualified in this area?
13. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
1. Used - How does one “use” an office? Is this office to be used as a stepping stone to move up to service as an elder?
2. Degree - Does this word designate an award of higher learning, (college degree, for example)? Does this term imply a stage or step in one’s career?
3. Boldness - What is the relationship of boldness and faith? Can one have a strong faith and lack boldness? Can one have boldness and lack faith?
14. These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
1. Write - Was this letter the work of Paul or God? Does this phrase deny inspiration of the Holy Spirit? Is this letter just the thoughts and ideas of Paul?
2. Hoping - What is the difference in a wish and a hope? Is it proper for Paul to hope for things of a material nature like seeing a friend?
15. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
1. Behave - Does this term apply to all actions of Timothy? Is there a spiritual meaning to this word?
2. In the house of God - Is Paul discussing behavior in the church building? Does this verse prohibit running the halls, eating in the building, etc.?
3. Church of the Living God - Is this phrase a title for the church? Could we put “Grundy Street Church of the Living God” on the sign in front of our building?
4. Pillar - How is the word pillar used here? Does God expect all church buildings to have pillars? How is the church a pillar? Can people be pillars? (See Gal. 2:9)
5. Ground - How is the church to be the ground of truth? What is intended by this term?
16. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
1. Godliness - What is godliness? Can we be godly? How can we possess godliness when we are sinful?
2. God - Who is being described in this passage? Is Jesus God? If Jesus is God, then who is the Father? Is the Holy Spirit God? To what does the word “God” allude?
3. Flesh - How is flesh used in the Bible? Does this word always mean our physical body of bone and muscle?
4. Justified - How are we justified? Since Jesus was without sin, why was he justified?
5. Angels - List some times that angels helped Jesus while he was on earth. what is the work of an angel? Are angels active in the world today?
6. Preached - What is the purpose of preaching? Do most sermons fulfill the purpose God intended?
7. Gentiles - Who are Gentiles? What makes preaching to Gentiles different from the Law of Moses?
8. Believed - How do we come to believe? Why do some not believe? Does belief alone save us? List some kinds of faith mentioned in the New Testament.
9. Glory - What is the glory described here? What is glory? Who will be received into glory? Who will not enter glory?
Chapter Four
1. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1. Spirit - What is the difference in Spirit (with a capital “S”) and spirit (with a small “s”)? What is the primary work of the Holy Spirit?
2. Latter times - To what period of time does this term have reference? Are we now (late 1900’s) in the “latter times”? When did the latter times begin? When will they end?
3. Depart - What is implied in this term? Can one depart from a place they have never been? Does this verse teach that apostasy is possible?
4. Seducing - What does this word mean? How are people seduced? Does Paul use this word to refer to sexual activity?
5. Doctrines - Is the plural important? Does the Bible refer to true doctrines in the plural? What is the significance of the singular?
6. Devils - How many devils are there? What does the term “devil” mean? Are there humans who are “devils” in the world today?
2. Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1. Hypocrisy - What is hypocrisy? How can you tell if a person is a hypocrite? Does the presence of hypocrites hinder the growth of the church? How can you cure a hypocrite?
2. Seared - How is our conscience seared? Explain the connection with the words “seared” and “branded”.
3. Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
1. Forbidding - Who has the right to establish such rules in the church? Why was celibacy introduced? When was it first required?
2. Abstain - From what does God command us to abstain? Discuss “every appearance of evil” in 1 Thess. 5:22.
3. Created - Can a Christian believe in the theory of evolution and also believe the Bible? Does faith in God require faith in creation?
4. Thanksgiving - Should we pray before every meal and offer thanks for the food? Can we pray at the end of the meal? See Deut. 8:10. Are there times when prayer in a restaurant is not appropriate?
5. Of them which believe - Does this imply that if a person does not thank God for his food, he does not believe? Why would a believer NOT want to express thanks to God who blesses him?
4. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
1. Every creature - Does this include insects, worms, etc.? Is there anything in the animal kingdom that Christians should NOT eat?
2. Refused - Should we eat whatever is set before us? Is if proper to refuse food?
5. For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
1. Sanctified - How is our food sanctified? What happens if we eat food which is not sanctified? How does the Word of God sanctify our meat? What role does prayer have in the sancification of our food?
6. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the word of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
1. Brethren - Who is my brother? When does one become a brother in Christ? How does this term describe our relationship in the church?
2. Remembrance - Must every sermon and class teach new material? Can a sermon teach things we have heard before? Why did Peter write the second epistle? See 2 Peter 3:1.
3. Minister - What other terms does the Bible use to describe this work? What are the qualifications of a minister? Are ministers ordained?
4. Nourished - What is the value of Bible study? If the Bible is nourishment for us, if we fail to study the Bible are we malnourished? Discuss 1 Peter 2:2; Matthew 5:6.
5. Good - What is the difference in a “good minister” and one who is not good? How can you tell if a doctrine is a “good doctrine” or some other kind?
7. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
1. Profane - Is it possible to “profane” things, people? How does one profane spiritual truths?
2. Fables - What is a fable? How does a fable differ from a parable? what is the danger in listening to fables?
3. Exercise - What kind of exercise is being discussed?
4. Godliness - How can you tell if a person is godly? How would you describe godliness? What can you do to exercise unto godliness?
8. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
1. Exercise - Does God require us to exercise our physical bodies? Should the church have aerobic classes for its members? In what ways can we take care of our bodies?
2. Little - Does this imply that all exercise is a “waste” of time? Does God forbid a person to be an athlete who trains, practices and exercises much?
3. Profitable - How do most people measure “profit” in the world today? How can we measure “profit” in spiritual matters?
4. Life - Do we have two lives? What is the difference between this life and the life to come? Do the wicked have a “life to come” waiting for them?
9. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation.
1. Faithful - What is the meaning of faithful? How can you tell if a person is faithful? How do you measure faithfulness?
2. Acceptation - How are we to receive the teachings in the Bible? What is included in accepting the message from God?
10. For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe.
1. Labor - What is implied in this word? Is working for God - Labor?
2. Reproach - Do Christians suffer reproach today? How did the early Christians suffer reproach?
3. Trust - What is the difference in trust and faith? How is trust demonstrated in our lives?
4. All men - Will all men be saved? How is Jesus the “Savior of all men” if most will not be saved?
11. These things command and teach.
1. Command - Does God have commands for us today? List some commands in the New Testament.
2. Teach - What are we to teach? To whom are these things to be taught? How are we to do this teaching? Who is to be a teacher?
12. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in faith, in purity.
1. Youth - What responsibility does the church have to its young people? What responsibility do the youth in the church have toward the older members?
2. Example - Who is watching us? To whom are we examples? Can we be an example to people we do not know?
3. Word - What is included in our example in word? Does this warn us about our speech?
4. Conversation - What is included in “conversation” as it is used in the New Testament? What would be a better term to express this idea?
5. Charity - What is charity? Does this word include the Red Cross, the Cancer Society, etc.? How can we be an example in charity?
6. Purity - Does God expect Christians to be pure? List some ways we are to be pure.
13. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
1. Attendance - What does this word mean? Does God just require us to “show up” at worship services? In what should we give attendance?
2. Reading - Does it make a difference what magazines you read? What books would you suggest for a friend to read?
3. Exhortation - How can we exhort one another? List some ways to exhort the weak, lost, depressed, sick, dying and lonely.
4. Doctrine - Is doctrine important? Does it matter what doctrines we believe, as long as we are sincere?
14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
1. Gift - Do Christians today have gifts? How can God use our abilities to serve His purpose? How would you show someone that miracles have ceased?
2. Prophecy - What is prophecy? Are there prophets in the church today?
3. Laying on hands - What uses were given to the laying on of hands in the New Testament? Does laying on hands always include miracles?
4. Presbytery - Does the church today have a presbytery? Who are the presbyters here at Grundy Street?
15. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear unto all.
1. Meditate - Is meditation part of our activity as Christians? What abuses have some made of this practice? What is involved in meditation?
2. Wholly - Can we be “part time” Christians? Does God expect whole hearted service? Discuss - Christians on the outer fringe of the church.
3. Appear - Should we do things “to be seen” on men? Should everything we do for God be done secretly?
16. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt save thyself, and them that hear thee.
1. Heed - What is included in taking heed? Does this involve more than just watching? What should pay special attention to?
2. Doctrine - What is doctrine? Is doctrine important? What if one believes a false teaching about some matter? How should false doctrines be corrected when taught in the church?
3. Save thyself - Can we save ourselves? In what sense is it not possible to save ourselves? In what way can we save ourselves?
4. Hear - How can we save those that we teach? Can we save anyone by ourselves?
Chapter Five
1. Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren.
1. Rebuke - When is “rebuke” a proper action to take? Why is rebuke here forbidden when other passages command us to rebuke? (2 Tim. 3:16; 4:2)
2. Elder - Does this verse refer to the office of the eldership or just to older men in the church? What does this passage teach about respect for senior citizens?
3. Entreat - How should we make use of the wisdom and experience of our elderly? How can we “entreat” them?
4. Brethren - Is it proper to refer to a male Christian as “Brother Jones”? Does this become a religious title? What is implied in the term brother? How does this describe the relationship we have in the church?
2. The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
1. Women - Does this verse teach that there can be female elders? Who are the women mentioned here? How can the church make the best use of older women in the congregation?
2. Sisters - Is this a description or a title?
3. Purity - Can we be pure? What is the meaning of this word? List some ways we can become impure.
3. Honor widows that are widows indeed.
1. Widows - Who is a widow? Is a woman who is deserted by her husband a widow? Is a divorced woman a widow?
2. Indeed - Is there a difference between a widow and a widow indeed? How can one be a widow and not be a widow indeed?
4. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
1. Nephews - Compare other translations on this term. Who has the first responsibility to care for widows? Who is second in the chain of responsibility?
2. Piety - How do we show piety? Is there a right and wrong way to show piety?
3. Requite - What does this word mean? How can we requite our parents?
5. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
1. Desolate - How would a widow be desolate? What is the difference in a widow with family (children or grandchildren) and a widow indeed?
2. Supplications - What are supplications? What is the difference in prayers and supplications?
6. But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
1. Pleasure - How does pleasure differ from the widow described in the previous verse? Is pleasure wrong? Is it sinful to have pleasure in life?
2. Dead - If she is still alive, how can she be dead?
7. And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
1. Charge - What is a charge? What is the difference in a charge and a commandment?
2. Blameless - Who is to be charged? Who should be blameless? With what sin might they be charged?
8. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
1. Provide - List the things which a man MUST provide for his family. List some things that are NOT required to be provided.
2. His own - Who are included in this term? Does this include in-laws?
3. House - Who are covered by this word?
4. Faith - What is the faith mentioned in this verse? Does this mean the person has stopped believing in God? How does one “deny” their faith?
5. Worse - Are some sins worse than others? Are there degrees to sin?
6. Infidel - What is an infidel? How can a Christian, believer, be an infidel?
9. Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
1. Number - Does this verse teach that a widow younger than 60 can not be a member of the local congregation? How is a widow “taken into the number”?
2. Threescore - What about a widow who is 59 year old? Why is a difference made between younger and older widows?
3. Wife - Can the church care for a widow who has never been married? What if she scripturally divorced her first husband and married again? What if her first husband died, she married a second time, and he also died?
10. Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed saints feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
1. Reported - Who makes out this report? What should be reported?
2. Works - List some things that would be considered “good” works?
3. Children - This term raises the same issues as the qualification for an elder in chapter 3. Discuss - Plural, a widow with no children, adopted children, children who are not faithful Christians.
4. Strangers - Who are strangers? Is this requirement obsolete? Why don’t we lodge strangers in our homes today?
5. Washed - What is the importance of this qualification? Are there any widows in the church today that qualify in this area? Should “foot washing” be a part of our worship activity?
6. Afflicted - Make a list of people who are afflicted. Are there afflicted people in the church today? How can we relieve their affliction?
7. Diligently - What are the characteristics of diligence? If one person is diligent and another is not, what would you look for to tell the difference?
11. But younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
1. Refuse - What services must the church refuse to give to a widow because they are younger than 60? Are there other factors, besides age, that must be considered?
2. Wax wanton - What is “lasciviousness”? Why would younger widows become wanton when older widows would not?
3. Marry - What is wrong with a young widow getting married? Is remarriage forbidden to widows? (Rom. 7:1-3; 1 Cor. 7:39)
12. Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
1. Damnation - Is there a real place of damnation? Is Hell a place of real fire? Is this a place of darkness? How long will Hell last?
2. First faith - How does a young widow who marries again cast off her faith? Can a young widow remarry and NOT cast off her faith? What is the importance of “first” faith? How many faiths are there?
13. And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
1. Idle - Make a list of idle things. How can you tell if your thoughts are idle or not? Is idleness a problem in the church today?
2. Tattlers - Describe a tattler. What is the difference in tattlers and gossips?
3. Busybodies - What is a busybody? What is the difference in a busy-body and a gossip?
4. Ought not - Write down some types of things which the Christian “ought not” to speak about.
14. I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
1. Bear children - Is bearing children a command from God? Can a woman go to heaven if she has not had any children?
2. Guide - What does it mean to guide the house? Does this conflict with the man as head of the house? List some things a woman is to do as she guides the house.
15. For some are already turned aside after Satan.
1. Turned - List some ways we can turn aside to follow Satan. How do we turn aside?
2. Satan - Who is Satan? Is Satan real? Is Satan just a representative of all that is evil in our world?
16. If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
1. Believeth - How do you distinguish believers from others? Does the church have any responsibility to help non-believing widows?
2. Charged - Who is the church charged with helping? What does the word “charged” in this verse mean?
3. Relieved - What do widows need? What can the church do to relieve the widows?
17. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.
1. Elders - Does the word refer to older people in the congregation or to the office of the elder?
2. Rule - Do elders rule? Do they have authority? Are elders to be dictators with full power to tell everyone else what to do? Is there a limitation to their authority?
3. Double Honor - What is the double honor? In addition to respect for the office and work of the elder, what can we do? Should elders be paid by the church for the work they do?
4. Word, Doctrine - Can an elder also be the preacher? Can the preacher be appointed as an elder?
18. For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward.
1. Muzzle - Where does the Bible make this statement? What is the application of a farm animal to the office of an elder?
2. Worthy - How much should they be paid? Why are few elders paid by the church? Is there a danger in elders being paid?
19. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
1. Accusation - Do members have right to “gripe” about some decision of the elders? Can they voice their opinion about them? doe sthis verse have reference to the decisions they make or to their character?
2. Witnesses - Is it OK to accuse an elder if there are four people present listening to you? How can you stop someone from making accusations?
20. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others may also fear.
1. Sin - Do elders sin? Is an elder’s sin worse than the same sin done by other? List some sins that should bring such an accusation against an elder?
2. Rebuke - How are we to rebuke an elder? Is this a formal meeting of the church when charges are read and witnesses are heard? Is the church to be “judge and jury” when an elder sins?
3. Fear - Why would others fear? Is there a different process for dealing with an elder who sins and any other member who sins?
21. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
1. Angels - Why are angels included in this charge? What are the duties of angels? How are angels involved in church matters?
2. Preferring - What does this word prohibit? Are there classes, levels or groups in the church that should be treated differently from others? Should all be treated exactly the same?
3. Partiality - What is wrong with partiality? Is partiality a sin? (See James 2:8-9.)
22. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
1. Lay hands - List some ways this term is used in the New Testament. Why would we “lay hands” on any one at any time?
2. Partaker - How can we partake in the sins of others? Does this verse refer to “guilt by association”? Can you be a friend to a sinner and not partake in their sins?
3. Pure - What is to be kept pure? Is it possible to remain pure? List some ways people are not pure.
23. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
1. Water - Why should we not drink water? Does this verse prohibit the drinking of water?
2. Wine - What does this word mean today? What does the original term mean as it is used in the Bible? Does this word always mean a drink with alcohol? Can there be wine that does not contain alcohol?
3. Infirmities - Does this passage allow the use of alcohol in medicine? Is it wrong to use a cough syrup with alcohol in it?
24. Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
1. Open - List some open sins. In what sense are sins open? Is there a difference in the punishment for open sins and other sins? Is there a difference in the impact on others?
2. Follow - How do sins follow after a person? List some sins that would follow after a person.
25. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
1. Manifest - How are our good works manifest? List some good works that are manifest. List some good works that are NOT manifest.
2. Hid - Can our good works be hidden? Why or why not? Did Jesus try to “hide” some of his good works?
Chapter Six
1. Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
1. Servants - What group of people are being discussed here? Are there different types of servants? Are these people slaves or just hired to work as personal servants (maid, butler) to a wealthy person?
2. Yoke - What is a yoke? Are slaves under a yoke? Are Christians under a yoke?
3. Masters - Who is a master? Do you have a master?
4. Blasphemed - How does one blaspheme? How can one blaspheme the name of God? How can one blaspheme the doctrine?
2. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
1. Believing - Is more than faith in the existence of God included here? What qualities would make a master a believer?
2. Brethren - How are they brothers? What significance is there to being brethren? How does being brethren change their relationship?
3. Benefit - What is the benefit? How can a Christian working for a Christian be a benefit? Are there some dangers in working for a Christian? Are there some dangers in being the boss who hires a Christian?
3. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
1. Teach - Does this word refer to public, oral teaching? Can one teach error in private? Can one hold to an erroneous view, which he does not teach, and still be accepted?
2. Words - What are wholesome words? What are unwholesome words? What particular words are being discussed in this verse?
3. Words of Jesus - Are “red letter” editions of the Bible proper? Are the words of Jesus more important than the words of Paul or Peter? Are there important doctrines which Jesus did not teach?
4. He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, where cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings.
1. Proud - Is it always wrong to have pride? Are there more than one kind of pride? What is wrong with being proud?
2. Doting - Have you ever seen anyone doting? How does a person dote?
3. Questions - What is wrong with asking questions? Can questions create envy, strife, etc.?
4. Envy - What is envy? Where does envy come from? How is envy created in people?
5. Strife - Why do churches have strife? What are some common causes of strife among members?
6. Railings - What does it mean to rail? Have you ever heard someone rail against God, the Bible or the church?
7. Surmisings - What are surmisings? What is the difference between evil surmisings and surmisings which are not evil?
5. Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
1. Disputings - Can Christians disagree? Is it wrong to have disputes about matters of opinion?
2. Destitute - What does it mean to be destitute of the truth? Does this verse teach the possibility of apostasy?
3. Gain - How do we get gain? Is gain godliness? What is wrong with this view?
4. Withdraw - How can we withdraw from our brothers? What reasons are there for withdrawing from a brother? What is prohibited when one is withdrawn from? Can they ever come back to full fellowship?
6. But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1. Godliness - What is godliness? How can you tell if a person is godly? Are you a godly person?
2. Contentment - In what ways must we learn to be content? In what ways must we not be content? What are the benefits of contentment?
7. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
1. Nothing - How wealthy are we when we are born?
2. Carry out - How many material things do we take with us when we die? How much wealth follows us into eternity?
8. And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content.
1. Food and raiment - Should we have a different attitude toward necessities of life and the comforts of life? what is the difference between needs and wants?
2. Content - What is contentment? How can we become content? List some areas where we should not be content.
9. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
1. Rich - Who is rich? How do you measure rich or poor?
2. Temptation - Does this word always mean being enticed to do evil? List some ways we are tempted to do evil. List some ways we are tempted or tested in our faith.
3. Lusts - What is lust? Does lust include more than sexual desire? What are some other things we lust for?
10. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1. Love - Give a definition of love. How can people love things? Are there people who love money?
2. Money - Is money evil? Should Christians seek to avoid having money? Is it wrong to have a savings account, stocks, bonds, etc.?
3. Coveted - What is covetousness? Is it wrong to desire to improve the quality of our life? Is it wrong to desire things? What is the difference between desire and covetousness?
4. Sorrows - What are the sorrows of wealth? How can a person gain all the things they desire and be filled with sorrow? Why doesn’t wealth satisfy and bring us happiness?
11. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
1. Flee - What actions are included in fleeing? List some things the Bible commands us to flee from.
2. Follow - What actions are included in following? List some things the Bible commands us to follow.
3. Righteousness - What is righteousness? Who is righteous? Who is “righteous” as used in the New Testament? Is any one here today - righteous? What qualities would you look for to find a righteous man?
4. Patience - How would you define patience? Why does patience seem to be in such short supply in our lives?
5. Meekness - Define - meekness. What qualities tell you that a person is meek. In what sense will the meek inherit the earth?
12. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou are also called, and hast professed a good confession before many witnesses.
1. Fight - Are Christians to fight? What kind of fight is discussed here? Who are we to fight? Where does this fight take place?
2. Eternal life - Who has eternal life? Are all souls (good and evil) eternal? Do we have eternal life now, or is it something we receive on judgment day?
3. Confession - Is confession a part of the plan of salvation? Is confession a part of our daily life as a Christian? In addition to an oral confession with our mouth, how do we confess our faith in Christ?
4. Witnesses - Does this word mean that one can not be baptized in a private ceremony? Who are the witnesses of this verse?
13. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
1. Charge - What is a charge as used in this verse? Can we “charge” people today? What is the difference in a charge and a command?
2. Quicken - What does this word mean? What is included in “all things” being quickened?
3. Confession - What confession did Jesus make before Pilate? How does this compare with the confession we are to make?
14. That thou keep the commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ;
1. Spot - Make a list of “spots” that should be avoided. (See also this word in Ephesians 5:27)
2. Appearing - When is the appearing of Jesus? To whom will he appear? Will there be people who will not see him when he appears?
15. Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
1. His times - How does his time differ from our time? What is he waiting for? Why did Jesus not come yesterday?
2. King - Is Jesus now a King? Over what is he King? Where is his throne? who are his subjects? What is his law? How does one become a citizen of his kingdom? Is the kingdom of Christ the same as the church of Christ?
16. Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.
1. Only - Does this verse teach that Jesus is the only person who has immortality? Does this verse teach that Jesus only has immortality and that he does not have mortality? What part of man is mortal? What part of man is immortal?
2. Light - Where is the light in which Jesus is living? Why can it not be seen by us? Will we ever see this light?
17. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
1. Rich - What kind of wealth is mentioned here? List some ways we can be “rich in this world.”
2. Trust - What is written on American money? What is the purpose of this phrase? How are riches uncertain? How is God more certain than riches?
3. Enjoy - What was the purpose in creating all the flowers, animals and other things of this world? Is it a violation of the Bible to wear an animal fur? Is it wrong to eat animal meat?
18. That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
1. Rich - How does rich in this verse differ from rich in verse 17? Can we rich in good works and be poor in material things? Can one be rich both ways?
2. Distribute - Does this teach that a rich man must give away all his money and material possessions? Does this verse teach the communist philosophy of a “classless” society?
3. Communicate - What is a better translation of this word? Does com-municate include more than talking with people?
19. Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
1. In store - What does this term imply? What does this phrase mean in 1 Corinthians 16:2? Does this word give authority for the church to have a treasury?
2. Foundation - What is the foundation discussed here? Where should we lay this foundation? Study Matthew 6:19-21.
20. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
1. Committed - What does it mean to be committed? Does the Bible require total commitment? What was wrong with the “Crossroads” teachings and demands for total commitment?
2. Profane - Is it possible to “profane” things, people? How does one profane spiritual truths?
3. Babblings - Describe a babbler. Is this a problem in the church today?
4. Science - What is “science” as it is used here? Does this verse refer to the theory of evolution? List some ways that false knowledge can lead people away from God.
21. Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
1. Erred - How can one err concerning their faith? List some errors in our faith that can result in our being lost.
2. Amen - What does this word mean? It is proper to say, “Amen” during a sermon? Should people say, “Amen” and the close of a prayer? Can women say, “Amen” during a worship service?