TPT The Books of 1 & 2 Timothy E-Book

Brian Simmons

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Serie: The Passionate Life Bible Study Series
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 158

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

The books of 1 & 2 Timothy are apostolic epistles rich with teaching on leadership, church life, and the last days. These letters from Paul to his spiritual son reveal heaven's urgency and focus our hearts on Christ, his glory, and his resurrection.   This 12-lesson study guide on the books of 1 & 2 Timothy, designed for both individual and group study, provides a unique and welcoming opportunity to immerse yourself in God's precious Word as expressed in The Passion Translation®. Begin your journey with a thorough introduction that details the authorship of 1 & 2 Timothy, date of composition, first recipients, setting, purpose, central message, and key themes. The lessons then walk you through every portion from the books and include features such as notable verses, historical and cultural background information, definitions of words and language, cross references to other books of the Bible, and character portraits of figures from the Bible and church history.   Enrich your biblical understanding of the books of 1 & 2 Timothy, experience God's love for you, and share his heart with others.  

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BroadStreetPublishing.com

TPT: The Books of 1 & 2 Timothy: 12-Lesson Bible Study Guide

Copyright © 2025 BroadStreet Publishing Group

9781424570355 (softcover)

9781424570362 (ebook)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Unless indicated otherwise, all Scripture quotations are taken from The Passion Translation®. Copyright © 2017, 2018, 2020 by Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ThePassionTranslation.com. Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken 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. Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible, public domain. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

General editor: Brian Simmons

Managing editor: William D. Watkins

Writers: Andrew P. Kauth and William D. Watkins

Cover and interior by Garborg Design Works | garborgdesign.com

Printed in the United States of America

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Contents

From God’s Heart to Yours

Why I Love Paul’s Letters to Timothy

Lesson 1

1 Timothy: Heaven’s Truth

Lesson 2

Prayer and Learning

Lesson 3

Leading from the Front

Lesson 4

Courageous Ministry

Lesson 5

The Golden Rule

Lesson 6

Fearing God

Lesson 7

2 Timothy: Heaven’s Urgency

Lesson 8

There Can Be Only One

Lesson 9

Defending and Living the Truth

Lesson 10

The Last Days

Lesson 11

An Exemplar Life

Lesson 12

A Fighter’s Final Words

Endnotes

From God’s Heart to Yours

“God is love,” says the apostle John, and “Everyone who loves is fathered by God and experiences an intimate knowledge of him” (1 John 4:7). The life of a Christ-follower is, at its core, a life of love—God’s love of us, our love of him, and our love of others and ourselves because of God’s love for us.

And this divine love is reliable, trustworthy, unconditional, other-centered, majestic, forgiving, redemptive, patient, kind, and more precious than anything else we can ever receive or give. It characterizes each person of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and so is as limitless as they are. They love one another with this eternal love, and they reach beyond themselves to us, created in their image with this love.

How do we know such incredible truths? Through the primary source of all else we know about the one God—his Word, the Bible. Of course, God reveals who he is through other sources as well, such as the natural world, miracles, our inner life, our relationships (especially with him), those who minister on his behalf, and those who proclaim him to us and others. But the fullest and most comprehensive revelation we have of God and from him is what he has given us in the thirty-nine books of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament) and the twenty-seven books of the Christian Scriptures (the New Testament). Together, these sixty-six books present a compelling and telling portrait of God and his dealings with us.

It is these Scriptures that The Passionate Life Bible Study Series is all about. Through these study guides, we—the editors and writers of this series—seek to provide you with a unique and welcoming opportunity to delve more deeply into God’s precious Word, encountering there his loving heart for you and all the others he loves. God wants you to know him more deeply, to love him more devoutly, and to share his heart with others more frequently and freely. To accomplish this, we have based this study guide series on The Passion Translation of the Bible, which strives to “reintroduce the passion and fire of the Bible to the English reader. It doesn’t merely convey the literal meaning of words. It expresses God’s passion for people and his world by translating the original, life-changing message of God’s Word for modern readers.” It has been created to “kindle in you a burning desire to know the heart of God, while impacting the church for years to come.”1

In each study guide, you will find an introduction to the Bible book it covers. There you will gain information about that Bible book’s authorship, date of composition, first recipients, setting, purpose, central message, and key themes. Each lesson following the introduction will take a portion of that Bible book and walk you through it so you will learn its content better while experiencing and applying God’s heart for your own life and encountering ways you can share his heart with others. Along the way, you will come across a number of features we have created that provide opportunities for more life application and growth in biblical understanding.

  Experience God’s Heart

This feature focuses questions on personal application. It will help you live out God’s Word and to bring the Bible into your world in fresh, exciting, and relevant ways.

  Share God’s Heart

This feature will help you grow in your ability to share with other people what you learn and apply in a given lesson. It provides guidance on using the lesson to grow closer to others and to enrich your fellowship with others. It also points the way to enabling you to better listen to the stories of others so you can bridge the biblical story with their stories.

  The Backstory

This feature provides ancient historical and cultural background that illuminates Bible passages and teachings. It deals with then-pertinent religious groups, communities, leaders, disputes, business trades, travel routes, customs, nations, political factions, ancient measurements and currency…in short, anything historical or cultural that will help you better understand what Scripture says and means.

  Word Wealth

This feature provides definitions for and other illuminating information about key terms, names, and concepts, and how different ancient languages have influenced the biblical text. It also provides insight into the different literary forms in the Bible, such as prophecy, poetry, narrative history, parables, and letters, and how knowing the form of a text can help you better interpret and apply it. Finally, this feature highlights the most significant passages in a Bible book. You may be encouraged to memorize these verses or keep them before you in some way so you can actively hide God’s Word in your heart.

  Digging Deeper

This feature explains the theological significance of a text or the controversial issues that arise and mentions resources you can use to help you arrive at your own conclusions. Another way to dig deeper into the Word is by looking into the life of a biblical character or another person from church history, showing how that man or woman incarnated a biblical truth or passage. For instance, Jonathan Edwards was well known for his missions work among native American Indians and for his intellectual prowess in articulating the Christian faith, Florence Nightingale for the reforms she brought about in healthcare, Irenaeus for his fight against heresy, Billy Graham for his work in evangelism, Moses for the strength God gave him to lead the Hebrews and receive and communicate the law, and Deborah for her work as a judge in Israel. This feature introduces to you figures from the past who model what it looks like to experience God’s heart and share his heart with others.

  The Extra Mile

While The Passion Translation’s notes are extensive, sometimes students of Scripture like to explore more on their own. In this feature, we provide you with opportunities to glean more information from a Bible dictionary, a Bible encyclopedia, a reliable Bible online tool, another ancient text, and the like. Here you will learn how you can go the extra mile on a Bible lesson. And not just in study either. Reflection, prayer, discussion, and applying a passage in new ways provide even more opportunities to go the extra mile. Here you will find questions to answer and applications to make that will require more time and energy from you—if and when you have them to give.

As you can see above, each of these features has a corresponding icon so you can quickly and easily identify them.

You will find other helps and guidance through the lessons of these study guides, including thoughtful questions, application suggestions, and spaces for you to record your own reflections, answers, and action steps. Of course, you can also write in your own journal, notebook, computer document, or other resource, but we have provided you with space for your convenience.

Also, each lesson will direct you toward the introductory material and numerous notes provided in The Passion Translation. There each Bible book contains a number of aids supplied to help you better grasp God’s words and his incredible love, power, knowledge, plans, and so much more. We want you to get the most out of your Bible study, especially using it to draw you closer to the One who loves you most.

Finally, at the end of each lesson you’ll find a section called “Talking It Out.” This contains questions and exercises for application that you can share, answer, and apply with your spouse, a friend, a coworker, a Bible study group, or any other individuals or groups who would like to walk with you through this material. As Christians, we gather together to serve, study, worship, sing, evangelize, and a host of other activities. We grow together, not just on our own. This section will give you ample opportunities to engage others with some of the content of each lesson so you can work it out in community.

We offer all of this to support you in becoming an even more faithful and loving disciple of Jesus Christ. A disciple in the ancient world was a student of her teacher, a follower of his master. Students study, and followers follow. Jesus’ disciples are to sit at his feet and listen and learn and then do what he tells them and shows them to do. We have created The Passionate Life Bible Study Series to help you do what a disciple of Jesus is called to do.

So go.

Read God’s words.

Hear what he has to say in them and through them.

Meditate on them.

Hide them in your heart.

Display their truths in your life.

Share their truths with others.

Let them ignite Jesus’ passion and light in all you say and do.

Use them to help you fulfill what Jesus called his disciples to do: “Now wherever you go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And teach them to faithfully follow all that I have commanded you. And never forget that I am with you every day, even to the completion of this age” (Matthew 28:19–20).

And through all of this, let Jesus’ love nourish your heart and allow that love to overflow into your relationships with others (John 15:9–13). For it was for love that Jesus came, served, died, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven. This love he gives us. And this love he wants us to pass along to others.

Why I Love Paul’s Letters to Timothy

When it comes to the New Testament, the letters of 1 and 2 Timothy hold a special place in my heart. These epistles, written by the apostle Paul to his young protégé Timothy, are rich with wisdom, practical advice, and profound insights into church leadership and personal faith. Here’s why I love these letters so much.

Paul gives us a blueprint for leadership. One of the most compelling aspects of 1 and 2 Timothy is the guidance they offer on church leadership. Paul addresses Timothy with a sense of urgency, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine and integrity in ministry. As someone who values leadership, I appreciate how Paul encourages Timothy to be strong and courageous, reminding him that effective leaders must lead by example. The emphasis on character over charisma resonates deeply, illustrating that true leadership is rooted in faithfulness and authenticity.

Paul also gives us great encouragement for life’s journey. Life can be challenging, especially when navigating faith in a complex world. In both letters, he offers Timothy encouragement and support, which can serve as a lifeline for anyone feeling overwhelmed. Phrases like “For God will never give you a spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7) remind us that we are not alone in our struggles. This message of reassurance is timeless and speaks to anyone facing difficulties in their personal or professional lives.

I also love these books because they show us the importance of sound doctrine and Spirit-filled teaching. In a world filled with conflicting ideas about faith and morality, Paul’s call to uphold sound doctrine is incredibly relevant. He urges Timothy to guard the truth and to teach others the importance of adhering to the gospel. This emphasis on doctrinal purity encourages me to dive deeper into my own understanding of faith. It’s a reminder that the core tenets of Christianity should be cherished and defended, ensuring that we pass on a robust faith to future generations.

These two letters to Timothy are filled with practical life lessons. Paul unwraps wise and practical advice that goes beyond church leadership. From instructions on prayer and worship to guidance on relationships and personal conduct, Paul’s insights are applicable to everyday life. For instance, his advice on how to treat others—whether they be older men, younger women, or widows—offers a framework for building healthy, respectful relationships. These lessons serve as a moral compass, guiding us in our interactions with others.

Finally, there’s a personal aspect to these letters that resonates with me. Paul’s deep affection for Timothy is evident throughout, showcasing a mentor-mentee relationship that’s both powerful and relatable. It reminds me of the mentors in my own life who have shaped my faith and understanding. The personal nature of these letters encourages me to seek out meaningful relationships with others—to invest in their lives as Paul invested in Timothy’s.

Paul’s epistles to Timothy are more than just letters; they are a treasure trove of wisdom, encouragement, and practical guidance for living out one’s faith. They inspire me to pursue sound doctrine, cultivate strong leadership, and build meaningful relationships. As I continue to explore these epistles, I’m reminded that the lessons they contain are as relevant today as they were in the early church. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting your faith journey, these letters offer invaluable insights that can transform your understanding of what it means to live a faithful life.

I know you’re going to love these books and this study guide to make it even more real to you. Enjoy!

Brian Simmons

General Editor

LESSON 1

1 Timothy: Heaven’s Truth

(1 Timothy 1)

The two letters to Timothy are affectionately known as the “Pastoral Epistles” because of their rich instruction for “pastors and leaders to help them bring order and ordain elders (pastors) for the churches he [Paul] planted.”2 These letters were written as a means of guidance from a spiritual father (Paul) to his spiritual son (Timothy). But they are certainly much more than that. They are letters for churches and their leaders that we might more affectionately rename the “Apostolic Epistles.” After all, Timothy was a representative of the apostle Paul to many churches in the Mediterranean world. Timothy was an evangelist, “an itinerant apostle who planted and brought healing and truth to the churches in which he ministered.”3

•As you read each passage below, jot down what you learn about Timothy and his ministry and character. Also note his relationship to the apostle Paul and Paul’s reliance on him.

Acts 17:10–15

1 Thessalonians 3:1–8

1 Corinthians 4:14–17

1 Corinthians 16:10–11

2 Corinthians 1:19

Romans 16:21

Colossians 1:1

Philippians 1:1; 2:19–24

•What struck you most about what you learned about Timothy?

Paul’s first letter to Timothy provides counsel and instruction on a wide range of topics, including faithfulness, prayer, how to handle false teachers, qualifications for church leadership, and how to live as a servant of the living God. This first letter to Timothy, then, is paramount to the Christian lifestyle, whether an individual serves as a faithful local church member or a leader. Prepare to be challenged, as Timothy most certainly was, because Paul doesn’t hold back in laying out the numerous heavenly principles required for Christians as they mature in Christ and as they manage their churches and households.

Authorship, Audience, and Date

The apostle Paul was the human writer of the two letters to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 1:1). Unlike most of the other letters we have from Paul, which were written to church congregations, these two letters were written to one individual, Timothy. They are, therefore, more personal.

Their recipient, Timothy, was a native of Lystra in Lycaonia (the interior region of Asia Minor, north of the Taurus Mountains). His father was Greek, and his mother and grandmother were of Jewish descent and also Christians. Timothy is first mentioned in the book of Acts, and what is said of him is quite positive: “Timothy was well known and highly respected among all the believers of Lystra and Iconium. Paul recognized God’s favor on Timothy’s life and wanted him to accompany them [Paul and Silas] in ministry” (Acts 16:2–3).

This meeting happened during Paul’s second missionary journey and his third time in Lystra. The first two times he was there, Barnabas was with him. During this first missionary journey and his initial ministry times in Lystra, Timothy and his mother may have become Christians. As Bible scholar F. F. Bruce explains:

His [Timothy’s] Jewish mother (Eunice by name) brought him up in her faith, with the added encouragement of her own mother Lois (2 Tim. 1:5); in particular, he was well versed from childhood in the OT scriptures, presumably in their Greek form (2 Tim. 3:15). He first appears in Luke’s narrative when Paul (accompanied by Silas) pays his second visit to Lystra, returning to his Gentile mission-field after the Council of Jerusalem. By this time Timothy could be called a ‘disciple…’(Acts 16:1); it appears, then, that mother and son had come to faith in Christ during Paul’s previous visit to Lystra…, two or three years previously (Acts 14:6–20). That Timothy was a convert of Paul’s is further implied by his description as Paul’s ‘true-born child in the faith’ (1 Tim. 1:2).4