Free group study handout
1 Timothy 1: Group Study Handout
How to use: read 1 Timothy 1 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Paul opens by asserting his apostolic authority and greeting Timothy with grace, mercy, and peace (vv. 1-2). He instructs Timothy to stay in Ephesus to command certain men not to teach a different doctrine (vv.
Key verse
“The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
1 Timothy 1:15 (WEB)
Outline
- 1 Timothy 1:1–2 Greeting and Apostolic Authority
- 1 Timothy 1:3–5 Charge Against False Doctrine
- 1 Timothy 1:6–7 Warnings About Misguided Teachers
- 1 Timothy 1:8–11 Law’s Purpose and Good News
- 1 Timothy 1:12–14 Paul’s Testimony of Mercy
- 1 Timothy 1:15–17 Christ’s Mission to Save Sinners
- 1 Timothy 1:18–20 Instructions for Timothy’s Ministry
Discussion questions
- In v3, why does Paul urge Timothy to 'command certain men not to teach a different doctrine'?
- What does Paul mean by 'myths and endless genealogies' in v4?
- Paul's statement in v15 that he is 'chief' of sinners: what does this say about his understanding of grace?
- In v19, why does Paul compare faith to a shipwreck when discussing certain individuals?
- How does your experience of 'a good conscience' in v19 influence your decisions in difficult situations?
Go deeper
Passages that echo 1 Timothy 1: John 3, 1 Timothy 6, 2 Timothy 2.
Before next time: read 1 Timothy 2.