1 Timothy 3: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Timothy 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul begins by stating that if someone desires the office of an overseer, he desires a good work (1:1). The overseer must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, and good at teaching (vv. 1-2).

Key verse

“This is a faithful saying: if a man seeks the office of an overseer, he desires a good work.”
1 Timothy 3:1 (WEB)

Outline

1 Timothy 3:1–2 Qualifications for Overseers
1 Timothy 3:3–7 Character Traits of Leaders
1 Timothy 3:8–13 Deacon Qualifications
1 Timothy 3:14–15 Purpose of the Instructions
1 Timothy 3:16 Mystery of Godliness

Discussion questions

In v2, what qualities must an overseer have to be considered 'without reproach'?
What does v11 say about the character of the wives of deacons?
The phrase 'the pillar and ground of the truth' in v15: what does this imply about the church's role?
In v6, why is it important that an overseer is not 'a new convert'?
When have you felt the pressure of being a good example in your community, as mentioned in v7?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Timothy 3: John 1, Titus 2, Titus 1.

Before next time: read 1 Timothy 4.