GROUP GUIDE: 1 Timothy 1:3-11
A major issue of concern within the church of Ephesus was the false teachers that had gained an audience. Paul instructed Timothy to instruct them to stop teaching strange doctrine. Here is what we learn from these verses about these teachers and what they were teaching.
Their teaching focused on myths instead of truth (vs.4).
Their teaching made much of the Old Testament genealogies (vs. 4).
Their teaching resulted in mere speculations instead of faith in the gospel (vs. 4).
These teachers were not refuting the gospel, they were simply neglecting it.
Their teaching was full of and led to even more vain discussions (vs 6).
Although they were making bold and confident statements about the law of God, they didn’t know what they were talking about (vs.7).
Verses 8-11 reveal that the Law of God can be used in a proper way and an unproper way. It can be used lawfully and unlawfully. Here is what these verses teach us about the Old Testament Law of God.
The Law was not given for just people but for unjust people. for the ungodly and for sinners. The Law was given to serve as both that which would restrict sin and sinners from running rampant and it was given to reveal what sin was to the sinner. It served as a mirror to convict sinners that they were indeed sinners.
Verses 9-10 contain a partial list of sins that the law stated was indeed sin.
The Law was given by God so that the sinner would recognize his sin and his need for forgiveness and a savior.The Law was given to drive the sinner toward Jesus.
Verse 5 is a key verse in this passage. Paul states that the goal and objective of his teaching is love.
Love is the ultimate objective of all Christian teaching and doctrine. The gospel should produce a greater love for God and for other people.
Bible studies, Christian books, sermons and Sunday School lessons that do not produce a greater amount of love in the heart of people that engage in them are unproductive and fruitless.
God word aims at creating a pure heart of Love in the life of His people.
Discussion
Questions
What do you think the objectives were in the teachings of these teachers that Paul wanted silenced?
Do you think there is biblical teaching today that results in mere speculations and fruitless discussions? What would those teachings be?
Paul said his teaching had “love” as it’s objective. How can all biblical doctrines, when properly taught, result in a love for God and for others? Can you give some examples?
Pastor Jeff said that he thought that the Christian faith and even the church, has become more complicated that it was ever meant to be. What do you think he meant by that? Do you or do you not agree and why?
Finally, is there any evidence in your life that you are growing in your love for God and for other people? Explain.
7 Arrows
What does this passage say?
What did this passage mean to its original audience?
What does this passage tell us about God?
What does this passage tell us about man?
How does this passage change how I relate to people?
What does this passage demand of me?
How does this passage change the way I pray?