Study Guide for 1 Timothy 3:14-4:16Horton Road Church of Christ / Spring 2010

1.How does this section balance the earlier teaching in 2:1-3:13?

[It puts theemphasis back on each believer and how they live, as well as Timothy'scharge to encourage this; away from the emphasis on other people (churchleaders).]

2.Why is Paul writing this letter (3:15)?3.By which names does Paul call the church in 3:15?4.What is the "mystery" of true godliness (3:16)? How does this mystery promoteor produce godliness?5.Do all "believers" uphold this mystery and grow in godliness (4:1-2)?

[No.]

6.What are the marks of false teaching (4:2-3)?

[Hypocrisy; lies about scripture;overbearing, restrictive and controlling teaching based on prohibitions notfound in the bible.]

7.How do we know false teaching (4:3-4)?

[It limits and restricts God or thecreated things of God that can be received with thanksgiving.]

How is falseteaching discerned (4:5)? How is false teaching tested?

[Are you able tohonestly and sincerely give thanks to God for what you are doing orreceived?]

8.How is this different from how we typically understand false teaching?9.How is Timothy to prove himself as a minister (4:6)? What does 3:6-7 say aboutthe work and role of ministers?10.What does it mean to be "godly" (3:7)? Why is godliness valuable, and trainingfor godliness better than physical training (4:7-8)?11.What is the trustworthy saying (4:9)?12.Why should/do ministers labor and strive (4:10)? What is the laboring andstriving?

[the training in godliness]

13.Since 4:6-16 is written directly to Timothy (4:16), how much generalapplication can we take from it?14.Is 4:11-16 a good job description for ministers today? Why or why not?© 2010 Jeremy Hoover / www.jeremyhoover.com / jeremyhoover@gmail.com