1 Timothy

A Study Guide for Spiritual Leaders and Faithful Disciples

Paul writes to Timothy, his spiritual son, who’s leading the church in Ephesus.
Timothy is young, facing opposition, and responsible for guarding the truth.
The letter offers instruction on leadership, doctrine, worship, and how the church should function.

Reflection: God doesn’t just call the strong—He strengthens the called. Leadership starts with faithfulness, not age or personality.

Paul urges Timothy to silence false teachers and protect sound doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3–11).
Paul reminds Timothy of his own testimony—God’s grace saved him and entrusted him with truth (1:12–17).
Timothy is charged to “fight the good fight” (1:18–20).

Takeaway: The gospel is worth defending—even when it means confronting lies and standing alone.

Paul instructs the church to be people of prayer—especially for leaders and the lost (1 Timothy 2:1–7).
Men are called to pray with purity; women are called to honor God through modesty and humility.
Worship isn’t about performance—it’s about alignment with God’s design.

Lesson: A healthy church starts with a humble, prayerful people who seek God before anything else.

Elders (overseers) and deacons must be above reproach, faithful in family and conduct, and spiritually mature (1 Timothy 3:1–13).
Leadership is not about title—it’s about character, consistency, and service.

Encouragement: God doesn’t look for perfect leaders—but He does expect holy ones.

Paul calls the church “a pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).
False teaching will arise, and people will abandon the faith for myths (1 Timothy 4:1–5).
Timothy must train himself for godliness and set an example for others.

Truth: The church isn’t built on trend—it’s built on truth. And truth must be lived, not just preached.

Paul gives guidance on how to treat widows, elders, and church members (1 Timothy 5).
He warns against greed and urges contentment (1 Timothy 6:6–10).
The rich are to be generous and kingdom-minded.

Reminder: The way you live, lead, spend, and speak reflects what you believe.

Paul closes by charging Timothy to “flee” from sin and “pursue” righteousness (1 Timothy 6:11–16).
He reminds him to guard the deposit of truth entrusted to him.

Challenge: Faith is not passive. It’s a fight—and every believer is called to engage with courage and conviction.

1 Timothy 1:15 – “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”
1 Timothy 2:1 – “I urge that supplications, prayers… be made for all people.”
1 Timothy 3:15 – “… the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.”
1 Timothy 4:12 – “Let no one despise you for your youth… set the believers an example.”
1 Timothy 6:6 – “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
1 Timothy 6:12 – “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life…”

What stands out to you about the way Paul mentors Timothy?
Why is it important to guard both doctrine and character in leadership?
How does Paul’s teaching on worship challenge common church culture today?
What qualifications for leaders do you think are most overlooked or misunderstood?
In what ways can you “train yourself for godliness” right now?
Where in your life do you need to flee from sin—or fight for faith?