The Pastoral Epistles & Philemon
Victory Fellowship Bible Study
273 23rd St. S.W., Barberton, OH 44203
Wednesdays at 10am and 7pm
Rev. Roderick D. Grabski (330) 858-0223
Email: PastorRod@victoryfellowshipministries.com FACEBOOK: Roderick Grabski
Webpage: victoryfellowshipministries.com
Lesson Four: Christian Godliness and Discipline
1) GATHERING and OPENING PRAYER
2) READ / LISTEN to 1st Timothy 4:1-16
A) What are your initial impressions? Questions?
i) Are there notable differences in various translations?
3) CONFRONTING THE COMING APOSTASY (4:1-5)
A) (vv. 1-5) Transitional paragraph (see 1st Timothy 3:14-16 and 4:6)
B) (vs. 1) Compare: usteroV kairoV (husteros kairos = later times) and 2nd Timothy 3:1 -escatwV hmera (eschatos hemera = last days)
i) Once saved, always saved?
C) planoV pneuma (planos pneuma) “deceiving vagabonds of the spirit world” in the RRV; Rod’s Revised Version)
i) Test of a false teacher: see 1st Timothy 3:16 and 1st John 4:1-3
D) (vv. 2-3) Two part deception:
i) Characteristics of Libertarianism (v. 2)
ii) Characteristics of Legalism (v. 3)
E) (vv. 4-5) Biblical Principles for eating Food
i) Food is an indifferent, personal decision (Romans 14:6-8)
ii) Abstention cannot be demanded, but may be practiced for the good of the community. (Acts 10:9-15; Romans 14:13-23)
iii) The one who abstains must not condemn those who don’t and vice- versa (Romans 14:3,10,22-23; 1st Corinthians 8:1-13, 10:25-31; Colossians 2:16-17)
4) PERSONAL NOTES TO TIMOTHY AND EVERY “GOOD MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST” (4:6-16)
A) (vs. 6) How will Timothy benefit from teaching Paul’s instructions?
B) (vs. 7) What is Timothy to avoid?
C) (vs. 8) What is the most important task for any Christian?
D) (vs 9-10) pistoV o logoV = trustworthy is the saying
i) (see 1st Timothy 1:15; 3:1; 4:9-10; 2nd Timothy 2:11-13; Titus 3:5-8)
ii) Do you think it goes with verse 8 or verse 10?
E) (vs. 10) Is Paul preaching universalism to Timothy?
F) (vv. 11-12) Rather than focus on his young age, what five things should Timothy lead by example?
G) (vs. 13) In Paul’s absence, what three things should Timothy focus on?
H) (vv. 14-16) What personal instruction does Paul give to Timothy?
I) Summary: A seven-part paradigm for effective ministry:
i) Rely on daily Scripture reading and its teaching
ii) Avoid debating the heresy’s empty words and controversial arguments
iii) Stand firm, take authority in the church
iv) It’s not about age, it’s about the gifts of the Spirit (see Job 32:6-10)
v) Ministry must be biblically based (reading, preaching, and teaching)
vi) Reflect upon God’s past faithfulness and your church-affirmed spiritual giftedness
vii) Be absorbed in the things of God and guard your teaching
5) APPLICATION
A) Know that we are to live as if Christ will come today. (Matthew 24:44)
B) Avoid legalistic and liberal arguments that distort grace and call attention to the person and not God. (Romans 16:17-18)
C) Nurture young people in the church and know that God has gifted them to influence His kingdom. (1st John 2:14)
D) Stay in shape to be good stewards of our bodies, but put a higher priority on our spiritual health (i.e.: don’t skip bible study to go to the gym or church attendance because of covid-19).
6) WRAP UP and CLOSE IN PRAYER
NEXT LESSON:
Church Relationships and Responsibilities - Read 1st Timothy 5:1-25 to prepare
