Opening
What stood out to you from Sunday’s message?
Summary
Read 1 Timothy 4:11-16
Wrapping up his criticism of the false teaching, Paul now encourages Timothy to be faithful to his charge. He is to be an example and to devote himself to the Word. Paul’s instructions here set the agenda for every church. A faithful church prioritizes the reading and teaching of the Word and puts it on display in everyday life.
Discussion Questions
- How is Timothy to respond to unfair treatment? Is this a model for us?
- Besides the Word, what are some other things that churches tend to focus on? What activities should be of first priority for the church and what should be secondary?
- What are the benefits of a church devoting itself to reading and teaching the Bible? What are the risks if it attempts a different form of ministry?
- How does a person’s character and doctrine relate? How is the one useless without the other?
- The content of Timothy’s teaching is the gospel of Jesus. What are some ways that churches can get distracted from the gospel and teach and pursue other things? How do we remain Jesus-centred?