“Answers for a study in the book of 1 Timothy” is a weekly post in addition to the regular “apologetics” posts on the weekend where the original questions can be found at the bottom of the study, and then answers appear here mid-week. This gives you time to do your own research, and then check your answers. Keep in mind these will be basic answers with a little depth, but you can go much deeper for discussion if you’d like.
Note: The answers will focus on what the text of the Bible says, and commentaries and speculative answers will be noted as such. There are many scholarly commentaries out there but it will be important, as students of the Bible, to keep the text of the Bible as our first source. Commentaries can be used, keeping in mind that they are human thoughts about God’s Word. Scripture references here are taken from the NASB, unless otherwise noted.
The Goal for the notes, questions and answers: Share and reuse to lead your own Bible study!
Review and Bible Study
Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.
Class Bible study:
Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for “Discussion” or “Going Deeper” questions. Cite your sources to share with your group.
1. Review of Class Topic:
With your table group, discuss today’s apologetic presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting or asking any questions.
Answers will vary…
Read 1 Timothy 3:1-16 with your group then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions:
2. What are the characteristic requirements of an Overseer (Leader) in the Church, and why is this important?
“It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (NASB)
Characteristics of an overseerer:
- Above reproach
- The husband of one wife
- Temperate
- Prudent
- Respectable
- Hospitable
- Able to teach
- Not addicted to wine or pugnacious
- Gentle
- Peaceable
- Free from the love of money
- Manages his own household well, keeping his children under control
- Not a new convert
- Must have a good reputation with those outside the Church
- Note: This is not an exhaustive list, rather one that gives a foundational description
Why this is important:
- For example: If one does not know how to manage his own affairs (or household) then how can he be responsible for the affairs of a whole church?
- Possessing these types of characteristics will keep the overseerer from the snare of the devil, the desires of the world and condemnation of those outside the church because he represents the church and most importantly Jesus Christ.
Another important note: Titles such as overseerer are not necessarily prescriptive for all churches, but references the importance of those in leadership, other than the pastors. Titles we see today might include bishop, elder or “leader” of a specific ministry used in general.
3. What are the characteristic requirements of a Deacon in the Church, and why is this important?
“Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 3:8-13 (NASB)
Characteristics of a Deacon:
- Men of dignity
- Not double-tongued
- Not addicted to much wine
- Not fond of sordid gain
- Clear conscious
- Tested and beyond reproach
- Only one spouse
- Good managers of their own households and children
- Note: This is not an exhaustive list, rather one that gives a foundational description
Why this is important:
- Deacon seems to be a more entry level leadership position, again not necessarily prescriptive as a title, but descriptive in general so as to allow for regular church attenders to have a role in service.
- Having these types of characteristic requirements are important for all who wish to serve the church in any type of leadership capacity (see above reasons for overseerer).
- In today churches we may see the use of the name deacon, or other titles like serving elder or lay leader.
- Paul also gives a reward claim for those who serve well, that they would,“obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”
4. Can women be Deacons, if so, what are their specific requirements?
Verse 3:11 says, “Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.”
- This seems to indicate that women did and can play a role in leadership at this level.
- This verse also indicates that they must have the same qualifications as men, with the additional characteristics of dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate and faithful in all things.
- Note: In the culture of Paul and Timothy’s Day women (unfortunately) were not generally educated like the men were, and therefore often developed undisciplined and troublesome characteristics that come with idleness, unless they pursued knowledge and service as some would, and therefore could be used by God. This was a Christian novelty, as other religions and culture would not allow women to have roles in leadership.
5. What does Paul say about his reason for writing this letter?
“I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness:
He who was revealed in the flesh,
Was vindicated in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations,
Believed on in the world,
Taken up in glory.”
1 Timothy 3:14-16 (NASB)
- Paul is worried that he might be delayed in coming to Timothy (and the church), so he writes this letter to help Timothy organize the congregation so that they could keep unity in the body of Christ.
- Paul wants Timothy to remember to keep the truth of Jesus Christ, by confession, the main focus of the church and its teaching.
6. Discuss: What are the pros and cons of the Church having rules, regulations and organization? Give some examples of how it is being done right and/or wrong today.
Answer will vary but may include:
Pros
- Organization to help avoid chaos
- Effective and fair church discipline
- Hierarchy based on maturity and obedience to Christ and His teachings
Cons
- Legalism that overtakes purpose
- History shows legalism took over Judaism and Catholicism
- Greed and corruption based on power seeking: Pride, lust of the flesh and eye
Examples
These will vary as individual share personal experiences
7. Memory verses: Recite – 1 Timothy 1:15 (reason for salvation); 2 Timothy 2:5 (Jesus, the one and only mediator); Proverbs 1:7 (the importance of knowledge)
“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.”
1 Timothy 1:15 (NASB)
“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.”
1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NASB)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
Fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 1:7 (NASB)
Please continue to join us as we read and study the Bible as part of our Christian Apologetics’ class each week!
Note: Class presentation, videos, reflections and Bible study questions are posted on the weekend – Bible study answers (like these) are posted mid-week.
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Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
1 Peter 3:15
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