1–2 Timothy and Titus E-Book

Brian J. Tabb

• Herausgeber: Crossway
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Serie: Knowing the Bible
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 115

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2017

Beschreibung

The Knowing the Bible series is a resource designed to help Bible readers better understand and apply God's Word. These 12-week studies lead participants through books of the Bible and are made up of four basic components: (1) reflection questions that help readers engage the text at a deeper level; (2) "Gospel Glimpses" that highlight the gospel of grace throughout the book; (3) "Whole-Bible Connections" that show how any given passage connects to the Bible's overarching story of redemption, culminating in Christ; and (4) "Theological Soundings" that identify how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture. With contributions from an array of influential pastors and church leaders, these gospel-centered studies will help Christians see and cherish the message of God's grace on every page of the Bible. The letters to Timothy and Titus are among Paul's most personal and practical epistles. The apostle writes to instruct these younger men in the importance of sound doctrine and to urge them to rebuke false teaching. This accessible study shows how Paul's letters exhort all Christians to protect and pass on the true gospel of Jesus Christ, which has the power to save and transform sinners.

Leseprobe

1–2 TIMOTHY AND TITUS

A 12-WEEK STUDY

Brian J. Tabb

Knowing the Bible: 1–2 Timothy and Titus, A 12-Week Study

Copyright © 2017 by Crossway

Published by Crossway 1300 Crescent Street Wheaton, Illinois 60187

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided for by USA copyright law. Crossway® is a registered trademark in the United States of America.

Some content used in this study guide has been adapted from the ESV Study Bible (Crossway), copyright 2008 by Crossway, pages 2321–2351. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Cover design: Simplicated Studio

First printing 2017

Printed in the United States of America

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added by the author.

Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1–4335-5389-9EPub ISBN: 978-1-4335-5392-9PDF ISBN: 978-1–4335-5390-5Mobipocket ISBN: 978-1–4335-5391-2

Crossway is a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover PageNewsletter Sign UpEndorsementsSeries PageTitle PageCopyrightSeries Preface: J. I. Packer and Lane T. DennisWeek 1:      OverviewWeek 2:      Doctrine Makes a Difference (1 Timothy 1:1–20)Week 3:      Gospel-Shaped Living and Leadership in God’s Household (1 Timothy 2:1–3:16)Week 4:      Instructions for the Church and Its Leaders (1 Timothy 4:1–6:2a)Week 5:      Contrast between True and False Teaching (1 Timothy 6:2b–21)Week 6:      Suffering for Christ (2 Timothy 1:1–2:7)Week 7:      Dealing with Opposition in the Church (2 Timothy 2:8–3:9)Week 8:      The Minister’s Conduct, Commitment, and Charge (2 Timothy 3:10–4:22)Week 9:      Appoint Elders (Titus 1:1–16)Week 10:    Teach Sound Doctrine (Titus 2:1–15)Week 11:    Saved for Good (Titus 3:1–15)Week 12:    Summary and Conclusion

SERIES PREFACE

KNOWING THE BIBLE, as the series title indicates, was created to help readers know and understand the meaning, the message, and the God of the Bible. Each volume in the series consists of 12 units that progressively take the reader through a clear, concise study of that book of the Bible. In this way, any given volume can fruitfully be used in a 12-week format either in group study, such as in a church-based context, or in individual study. Of course, these 12 studies could be completed in fewer or more than 12 weeks, as convenient, depending on the context in which they are used.

Each study unit gives an overview of the text at hand before digging into it with a series of questions for reflection or discussion. The unit then concludes by highlighting the gospel of grace in each passage (“Gospel Glimpses”), identifying whole-Bible themes that occur in the passage (“Whole-Bible Connections”), and pinpointing Christian doctrines that are affirmed in the passage (“Theological Soundings”).

The final component to each unit is a section for reflecting on personal and practical implications from the passage at hand. The layout provides space for recording responses to the questions proposed, and we think readers need to do this to get the full benefit of the exercise. The series also includes definitions of key words. These definitions are indicated by a note number in the text and are found at the end of each chapter.

Lastly, to help understand the Bible in this deeper way, we urge readers to use the ESV Bible and the ESV Study Bible, which are available in various print and digital formats, including online editions at esv.org. The Knowing the Bible series is also available online. 

May the Lord greatly bless your study as you seek to know him through knowing his Word.

J. I. PackerLane T. Dennis

WEEK 1: OVERVIEW

Getting Acquainted

First and Second Timothy and Titus are among Paul’s most personal and practical letters. Paul writes to his spiritual children Timothy and Titus in order to instruct and encourage them in gospel ministry. These books are often called the Pastoral Epistles because they focus significantly on the character and responsibilities of those who teach and lead God’s church. However, these letters apply broadly to all Christians and include some of the most explicit biblical teaching on various topics, including:

•the difference between true and false teaching (1 Tim. 1:3–11);

•the power of the gospel to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:12–16);

•the goodness of God’s creation (1 Tim. 4:4);

•the dangers of pride and the love of money (1 Tim. 6:4–10);

•the divine quality and effectiveness of the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:15–17); and,

•the vital importance of good works in the Christian life (Titus 2:14; 3:14).

Above all, Paul stresses that the gospel of Jesus Christ saves and transforms sinners, and this gospel is the “good deposit” that should be protected and passed on to others through intentional discipleship (1 Tim. 6:20; 2 Tim. 1:14; 2:1–2).

First Timothy stresses the need to confront false teaching in Ephesus and to promote a positive vision for doctrine, order, and conduct in God’s household, the church. Timothy must guard the gospel and also set an example to the believers in his speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (4:12; 6:20).

Second Timothy is Paul’s farewell discourse to his “beloved child” (1:2). Although Paul is in chains for Christ, he rejoices that God’s Word is “not bound,” and he eagerly anticipates final salvation and glory (2:8–10). Paul charges Timothy to preach the Word, endure suffering, and entrust the apostolic gospel to faithful men who will teach others (2:2–3; 4:2).

Titus stresses that the gospel and good works are inseparable. Paul directs his coworker to appoint qualified elders in Crete (1:5–9), rebuke false teachers (1:10–16), and model sound doctrine and good works (2:1; 3:14).

Placing These Letters in the Larger Story

God created his world, and it was very good. Then sin brought disorder, devastation, and death for God’s world and humanity. The Old Testament portrays God’s patience with his rebellious covenant people and his promises to rescue sinners and restore his broken world. The New Testament announces that God has fulfilled his ancient promises and demonstrated his goodness and loving kindness by sending Jesus Christ, our Savior. The Gospels narrate the life, death, and resurrection of the Savior and King Jesus Christ. Acts records how Jesus’ followers continued his mission by proclaiming the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit among all nations. The Epistles provide apostolic instruction for believers living between Jesus’ first and second comings.

Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus beautifully summarize the gospel message: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15); he “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). This glorious good news is the standard for sound doctrine and the motivation for godliness. These three letters promote sound teaching and godly leadership in the church while warning against false teaching and ungodly leadership.

Key Verses

“I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:14–15).

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:1–2).

“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people” (Titus 3:8).

Date and Historical Background

Paul wrote 1 Timothy and Titus in order to encourage and instruct his coworkers in difficult ministry situations in Ephesus and Crete. Timothy and Titus were to confront false teaching and promote order and godly conduct in the church. Some interpreters argue that Paul wrote these two letters in the mid-50s, identifying Paul’s journey to Macedonia in 1 Timothy 1:3 with Acts 20:1, where Paul travels to Macedonia after the riot in Ephesus. Others date these letters to the mid-60s, following Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28:16).

Paul wrote 2 Timothy near the end of his life, during his second imprisonment in Rome, in the mid- to late-60s. Paul had “fought the good fight” and “kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7), and he charged Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel but to follow his example of faithful ministry in suffering (1:8, 13). Paul also asked Timothy to visit him soon in prison (4:9).

Outline of 1 Timothy

    I. Doctrine Makes a Difference (1:1–20)

A. Paul’s greeting to Timothy (1:1–2)

B. Timothy’s charge to confront false teaching (1:3–11)

C. Paul’s gratitude for gospel grace (1:12–17)

D. Timothy’s charge restated (1:18–20)

   II. Gospel-Shaped Living and Leadership in God’s Household (2:1–3:16)

A. Gospel-shaped prayer and orderly worship (2:1–15)

B. Gospel-shaped leadership (3:1–13)

C. The mystery of godliness (3:14–16)

  III. Instructions for the Church and Its Leaders (4:1–6:2a)

A. False teaching in later times (4:1–5)

B. Teach and model sound doctrine (4:6–16)

C. Encourage older and younger believers (5:1–2)

D. Honor widows (5:3–16)

E. Honor elders (5:17–25)

F. Honor masters (6:1–2a)

   IV. Contrast between True and False Teaching (6:2b–21)

A. Negative: False teachers motivated by gain (6:2b–10)

B. Positive: Godly teachers motivated by eternal life (6:11–16)

C. Charge to the wealthy (6:17–19)

D. Guard the gospel (6:20–21)

Outline of 2 Timothy

    V. Suffering for Christ (1:1–2:7)

A. Paul’s greeting to Timothy (1:1–2)

B. Paul’s gratitude for Timothy’s sincere faith (1:3–5)

C. Suffer for the gospel by God’s power (1:6–11)

D. Examples of fearless faithfulness (1:12–18)

E. Entrust the gospel to faithful men (2:1–7)

  VI. Dealing with Opposition in the Church (2:8–3:9)

A. Remember Jesus Christ and the promises of the gospel (2:8–13)

B. Faithful ministers rightly handle the Word (2:14–21)

C. Faithful ministers pursue righteousness and avoid quarrels (2:22–26)

D. Difficulty in the last days (3:1–9)

VII. The Minister’s Conduct, Commitment, and Charge (3:10–4:8)

A. Hold fast to Scripture and Paul’s example (3:10–17)

B. Preach the Word (4:1–8)

VIII. Concluding Instructions (4:9–22)

Outline of Titus

  IX. Appoint Elders (1:1–16)

A. Paul’s greeting to Titus (1:1–4)

B. Titus’s charge: Establish order, appoint elders (1:5–9)

C. Titus’s challenge: False teachers (1:10–16)

    X. Teach Sound Doctrine (2:1–15)

A. Good works for God’s people (2:1–10)

B. The gospel foundation for good works (2:11–15)

  XI. Saved for Good (3:1–15)

A. Good works toward outsiders (3:1–2)

B. The gospel foundation for good works (3:3–8)

C. Avoid controversies and division (3:9–11)

D. Concluding instructions (3:12–15)

As You Get Started

As you begin this study, do you have a sense of specific emphases in Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus? Without consulting your Bible, are there any particular passages that come to mind? Have these letters been meaningful for your own walk with the Lord in any specific ways?

What is your current understanding of what 1–2 Timothy and Titus contribute to Christian theology? That is, how do these letters clarify our understanding of God, Jesus Christ, sin, salvation, the end times, or other doctrines?

What aspects of these three epistles have confused you? Are there any specific questions you hope to have answered through this study?

As You Finish This Unit . . .

Take a few minutes to ask God to bless you with increased understanding and a transformed heart and life as you begin this study of Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus.

WEEK 2: DOCTRINE MAKES A DIFFERENCE

1 Timothy 1:1–20

The Place of the Passage

Paul writes to his dear coworker Timothy with apostolic authority and urgency. Most of Paul’s other letters begin with a greeting, followed by a lengthy thanksgiving and prayer. But in 1 Timothy and Titus, Paul moves immediately from a greeting to his reason for writing. Paul urges Timothy to remain at Ephesus to confront false teachers, who lack love, sincere faith, and understanding of the law and sound doctrine (1 Tim. 1:3–11). Paul thanks God for showing mercy to himself, the “foremost” sinner (1:12–17). Paul’s testimony of personal transformation illustrates the truth and power of the gospel, which contrasts with the impotence of the false teaching circulating in Ephesus. Paul then restates his charge to Timothy (1:18–20).

The Big Picture

In 1 Timothy 1, Paul charges Timothy to confront false teachers and to hold fast to the gospel that glorifies God and saves sinners.

Reflection and Discussion

Read through the complete passage for this study, 1 Timothy 1:1–20. Then review the questions below concerning this introductory section to 1 Timothy and write your notes on them. (For further background, see the ESV Study Bible, pages 2325–2327; available online at esv.org.)