1 Timothy 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Timothy 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul warns Timothy that the Spirit says some will fall away from the faith, attending to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons (vv. 1-2). He cites prohibitions against marriage and certain foods, affirming that God created these to be received with thanksgiving (vv.

Key verse

“But refuse profane and old wives’ fables. Exercise yourself toward godliness.”
1 Timothy 4:7 (WEB)

Outline

1 Timothy 4:1–2 Warning Against False Teachings
1 Timothy 4:3–5 God’s Good Creation
1 Timothy 4:6–8 The Role of a Good Servant
1 Timothy 4:9–10 The Value of Godliness
1 Timothy 4:11–15 Exemplary Leadership
1 Timothy 4:16 Focus on Self and Teaching

Discussion questions

In v1, what does 'the Spirit says expressly' suggest about the urgency of the warning?
What does Paul mean by 'doctrines of demons' in v1?
In v9, why does Paul describe the saying as 'faithful and worthy of all acceptance'?
In v14, why is Timothy instructed not to 'neglect the gift' given to him?
When have you faced a challenge in being an example in 'word' or 'faith' as mentioned in v12?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Timothy 4: 2 Timothy 2, Titus 2, 2 Timothy 3.

Before next time: read 1 Timothy 5.