1 Timothy Part 2
Continuity
Last time, we began to study Paul’s advice and help given to one of his great followers, Timothy, who was Pastor of the Church at Ephesus and not finding it easy.
Input
Paul’s advice on Christian worship and administration in a Pagan world.
(Chapters 3 and 4).
*Christian public prayer is systematic and is God-centred.-Chapter 2 verses 1 to 8
Question – In our public worship, is prayer too centred in us?
* Dressing down for Church!-Chapter 2 verses 9 to 15
Paul’s Hebrew culture strongly conflicts with liberal Pagan ways.
Question – Does Paul’s approach scandalise you? Does it really matter what we wear or believe?
* The Qualifications of Church Leaders
(What he does not mention should teach us much).-Chapter 3 verses 1 to 7
“Bishops”, “Overseers”, “Shepherds”. The original word was “Episcopoi”.
Chapter 3 verses 8 to 13-Deacons, their wives and families.
Question – Are these the qualifications we would seek today?
Personal Counsel for a Young Pastor-Chapter 4 includes resisting cranks and extremists and what to focus on.
Chapter 5 is very personal and includes:
Respectful attitudes of a young Christian;
Discernment concerning the truly needy and those who would ‘milk the system’,
Patience in choosing help and in keeping healthy.
(To be continued ………..)
Question – Paul was not advocating mere caution but what do you think was his goal in giving such pastoral advice?
Pray about the issues you have raised in this session.
Optional Reading for Next Session read I Timothy, Chapter 6 verse 2 to II Timothy Chapter 4 verse 22.

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