1 Timothy 2
Summary: Paul previously left Timothy in Ephesus to confront false teachers inside the church there. He is now sending further instruction for Timothy concerning the result of the false teaching (division and controversy in the church). Paul’s overall theme of this book is that the Gospel leads to practical and visible life change when taught correctly. Paul knows that when the Church is healthy and the true Gospel is being preached genuine life change will be the result.
Major Points:
(V. 1-7) Now Paul moves on to address some more specific issues in the church. Paul urges that the church come together and have corporate prayer, specifically for “all people”. He specifically talks about those in positions of power. If we are to submit ourselves to authority, how much easier would life be if those authorities were submitting to God? How many more people could be reached with the Gospel? The main idea here is corporate prayer being the tool to fight this battle. Paul then helps shape our prayers by reminding us that there is only one way to the Father and all men need him. Change happens when the church is praying together.
(V. 8-15) Here Paul addresses men and women in the church. The men were creating division over secondary issues and some were even avoiding any form of leadership in the church. Paul reminds us that men in the Church should first submit to God. Men need to be praying before all else. Men should also be in unity with other men, not holding grudges over minute things that won’t matter in eternity. The women in this context were using the church gathering as an opportunity to highlight themselves instead of God (like a fashion show). Women were dressing and acting in a manner opposite of modest and their desire for outward appearance was beginning to corrupt their inward beauty. Paul wants women to have a humble and meek spirit, which will be attractive to the world.
Question Bank:
How has your week been spiritually?
What is God teaching you?
What sins are you struggling with that you need to confess?
(V. 1-7) What does your daily prayer life look like?
(V. 1-7) What is the usual focus of your prayers? (You centered or God centered?)
(V. 1-7) What is something you feel like isn’t happening because you’re not praying?
(V. 8-15) Men: What does it mean to you to be a man?
(V. 8-15) Men: Why do men typically struggle to submit themselves?
(V. 8-15) Women: Why does how you dress and carry yourself matter?
(V. 8-15) Women: What are the differences in how God sees you vs how the world does?
(V. 8-15) Women: What does submission in the church and home actually look like?