Current Study - Winter 2009 - 2010

We begin our study of 1 Timothy on December 6, 2009. I hope you enjoyed the study of 1 Corinthians we just completed. Be prepared to dive in this quarter as we begin to address the issues that the Apostle Paul had with the churches in Ephesus and Crete. The issues he addressed in this letter also apply to today's church. 
Cross

1 Timothy - Paul, the aged and experienced apostle, writes to the young pastor Timothy who is facing a heavy burden of responsibility in the church at Ephesus. The task is challenging: false doctrine must be erased, public worship safeguarded, and mature leadership developed. In addition to the conduct of the church, Paul talks pointedly about the conduct of the minister. Timothy must be on his guard lest his youthfulness become a liability, rather than an asset, to the gospel. He must be careful to avoid false teachers and greedy motives, pursuing instead righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and the gentleness that befits a man of God.

2 Timothy - Prison is the last place from which to expect a letter of encouragement, but that is where Paul’s second letter to Timothy originates. He begins by assuring Timothy of his continuing love and prayers, and reminds him of his spiritual heritage and responsibilities. Only the one who perseveres, whether as a soldier, athlete, farmer, or minister of Jesus Christ, will reap the reward. Paul warns Timothy that his teaching will come under attack as men desert the truth for ear "itching" words (4:3). But Timothy has Paul’s example to guide him and God’s Word to fortify him as he faces growing opposition and glowing opportunities in the last days.

  Titus, a young pastor, faces the unenviable assignment of setting in order the church at Crete. Paul writes advising him to appoint elders, men of proven spiritual character in their homes and businesses, to oversee the work of the church. But elders are not the only individuals in the church who are required to excel spiritually. Men and women, young and old, each have their vital functions to fulfill in the church if they are to be living examples of the doctrine they profess. Throughout his letter to Titus, Paul stresses the necessary, practical working out of salvation in the daily lives of both the elders and the congregation. Good works are desirable and profitable for all believers.

Winter Quarter 2009 - 2010

Church
    December 2009
  • 6 - The Church and Its Message - 1 Timothy 1:1-20
  • 13 - The Church and Its Methods - 1 Timothy 2:1-15
  • 20 - The Church and Its Messiah - Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 2:1-23
  • 27 - The Church and Is Members - 1 Timothy 3:1-16
    January 2010
  • 3 - The Church and Its Minister - 1 Timothy 4:1-16
  • 10 - The Church and Its Ministry (Part 1) - 1 Timothy 5:1-15
  • 17 - The Church and Its Ministry (Part 2) - 1 Timothy 6:1-21
  • 24 - The Choice - 2 Timothy 1:1-18
  • 31 - The Challenge - 2 Timothy 2:1-26
    February 2010
  • 7 - The Course - 2 Timothy 3:1-17
  • 14 - The Charge - 2 Timothy 4:1-22
  • 21 - Church Organization - Titus 1:1-16
  • 28 - Christian Obligation - Titus 2:1-15, Titus 3:1-15

 

Authorship

1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus: Since the early nineteenth century, the Pastoral Epistles have been attacked more than any other Pauline Epistles on the issue of authenticity. The similarity of these epistles requires that they be treated as a unit in terms of authorship because they stand or fall together. The external evidence solidly supports the conservative position that Paul wrote the letters to Timothy and Titus. Post apostolic church fathers, such as Polycarp and Clement of Rome, allude to them as Paul’s writing. In addition, these epistles are identified as Pauline by Irenaeus, Tertullian, Clement of Alexandria, and the Muratorian Canon. Only Romans and First Corinthians have better attestation among the Pauline Epistles. Bruce Wilkinson and Kenneth Boa, Talk thru the Bible [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1983.