Pastor John MacArthur will take you through the two short letters to Timothy, passage by passage, so that you can better understand Paul's instructions to church leaders and the cultural context that makes these letters so relevant today.
Timothy was a close associate of Paul who was facing problems within the church that he was leading in Ephesus. In these personal letters, Paul gives practical pastoral instruction to his protégé, highlighting godliness and holy living to help Timothy fulfill his calling and effectively carry out his important tasks in the church.
Paul's gentle encouragement in these letters challenges Timothy to persevere in his faith—a faith that might have been weakening under the pressure of the church and the persecution of the world. Paul's godly counsel was helpful not only to Timothy, a first-century Christian leader, but is also helpful to each of us as believers today.
—ABOUT THE SERIES—
The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates:
- Extensive, but straight-forward commentary on the text.
- Detailed observations on overriding themes, timelines, history, and context.
- Word and phrase studies to help you unlock the broader meaning and apply it to your life.
- Probing, interactive questions with plenty of space to write down your response and thoughts.
Pastor John MacArthur will take you through the two short letters to Timothy, passage by passage, so that you can better understand Paul's instructions to church leaders and the cultural context that makes these letters so relevant today.
Timothy was a close associate of Paul who was facing problems within the church that he was leading in Ephesus. In these personal letters, Paul gives practical pastoral instruction to his protégé, highlighting godliness and holy living to help Timothy fulfill his calling and effectively carry out his important tasks in the church.
Paul's gentle encouragement in these letters challenges Timothy to persevere in his faith—a faith that might have been weakening under the pressure of the church and the persecution of the world. Paul's godly counsel was helpful not only to Timothy, a first-century Christian leader, but is also helpful to each of us as believers today.
—ABOUT THE SERIES—
The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates:
- Extensive, but straight-forward commentary on the text.
- Detailed observations on overriding themes, timelines, history, and context.
- Word and phrase studies to help you unlock the broader meaning and apply it to your life.
- Probing, interactive questions with plenty of space to write down your response and thoughts.
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Overview
Pastor John MacArthur will take you through the two short letters to Timothy, passage by passage, so that you can better understand Paul's instructions to church leaders and the cultural context that makes these letters so relevant today.
Timothy was a close associate of Paul who was facing problems within the church that he was leading in Ephesus. In these personal letters, Paul gives practical pastoral instruction to his protégé, highlighting godliness and holy living to help Timothy fulfill his calling and effectively carry out his important tasks in the church.
Paul's gentle encouragement in these letters challenges Timothy to persevere in his faith—a faith that might have been weakening under the pressure of the church and the persecution of the world. Paul's godly counsel was helpful not only to Timothy, a first-century Christian leader, but is also helpful to each of us as believers today.
—ABOUT THE SERIES—
The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates:
- Extensive, but straight-forward commentary on the text.
- Detailed observations on overriding themes, timelines, history, and context.
- Word and phrase studies to help you unlock the broader meaning and apply it to your life.
- Probing, interactive questions with plenty of space to write down your response and thoughts.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780718035334 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | HarperChristian Resources |
| Publication date: | 05/31/2016 |
| Series: | MacArthur Bible Studies |
| Sold by: | HarperCollins Publishing |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 128 |
| File size: | 877 KB |
About the Author
Widely known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God's Word, John MacArthur is a popular author and conference speaker. He has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, since 1969. John and his wife, Patricia, have four married children and fifteen grandchildren. John's pulpit ministry has been extended around the globe through his media ministry, Grace to You, and its satellite offices in seven countries. In addition to producing daily radio programs for nearly two thousand English and Spanish radio outlets worldwide, Grace to You distributes books, software, and digital recordings by John MacArthur. John is chancellor of The Master's University and Seminary and has written hundreds of books and study guides, each one biblical and practical. Bestselling titles include The Gospel According to Jesus, Twelve Ordinary Men, Twelve Extraordinary Women, Slave, and The MacArthur Study Bible, a 1998 ECPA Gold Medallion recipient.
Read an Excerpt
1 & 2 Timothy
Encouragement for Church Leaders
By John MacArthur
Thomas Nelson
Copyright © 2007 John F. MacArthur, Jr.All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-7180-3533-4
CHAPTER 1
Beware of False Doctrine!
1 Timothy 1:1–20
Drawing Near
Paul had a miraculous encounter with Christ that turned his life around. He calls himself an "insolent man" who had received God's mercy and grace. What person do you know (or have heard about) who has an amazing "before-and-after" testimony of how God transformed his or her life? What about that person's story encourages you?
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Why is it important to know what you believe, and why you believe it?
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As you begin this study, ask God to show you more about His mercy and grace.
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The Context
In two brief verses that introduce the letter, the apostle Paul demonstrates his great concern for the church at Ephesus. His passion was the result of three years of ministry there. In order to help his young protégé battle the false teaching that was infiltrating the church, Paul threw all of his apostolic authority behind the young pastor. Not only that, Paul also prayed that God would give his beloved child in the faith the grace, mercy, and peace needed to navigate a difficult situation.
Despite its rich spiritual history, the Ephesian church was targeted by false teachers just as Paul had warned (Acts 20:29–30). Paul wrote this epistle to prepare Timothy for the onslaught of these enemies of the gospel. The opening charge in 1:3–11 sets the stage for all that will follow. Paul discusses four things that are true of false teachers: their doctrinal deviations, their mission, their motives, and their legacy.
Some scholars argue that Paul's words in verses 12 through 17 are a parenthetical thought unrelated to the flow of thought in 1 Timothy. This is a weak argument, however, in light of Paul's overall purpose. Paul's intent was to warn his young associate of the dangers of the false teachers. Since they were teaching an erroneous view of the law, Paul purposed to show how a proper understanding of the law results in conviction of sin and an appreciation of grace. Here then is a contrast between the glory of the true gospel and the bankruptcy of false doctrine.
Keys to the Text
Ephesus: Timothy was in the city of Ephesus, the capital of the Roman province of Asia (Asia Minor, modern Turkey). Located at the mouth of the Cayster River, on the east side of the Aegean Sea, Ephesus was perhaps best known for its magnificent temple of Artemis, or Diana, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was also an important political, educational, and commercial center, ranking with Alexandria in Egypt and Antioch of Pisidia, in southern Asia Minor. The church here may have been started by Priscilla and Aquila, a gifted couple, who had been left in Ephesus by Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:18–19). Later, Paul firmly established this fledgling church on his third missionary journey (Acts 19), and he pastored it for some three years. After Paul left, Timothy pastored the congregation for perhaps a year and a half.
The Law: The Mosaic law is in view here, not just law in general. Paul said that the would-be teachers wanted to impose circumcision and the keeping of Mosaic ceremonies on the church as necessary for salvation. These "Judaizers" plagued the early church, attempting to add to the gospel the legalistic requirements of the Old Testament. The law is good or useful because it reflects God's holy will and righteous standard (Ps. 19:7; Rom. 7:12) and accomplishes its purpose in showing sinners their sin and their need for a Savior (Rom. 3:19; Gal. 3:24).
Unleashing the Text
Read 1:1–20, noting the key words and definitions next to the passage.
1 Timothy 1:1–20 (NKJV)
1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,
2To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
3As I urged you when I went into Macedonia — remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
4nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
5Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,
6from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk,
7desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.
8But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully,
9knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,
11according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.
12And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,
13although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
15This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
16However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
18This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,
19having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck,
20of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
1) What specific instructions does Paul give Timothy regarding false teachers?
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(Verses to consider: 2 Cor. 2:17; Titus 1:10–11)
2) In what way does Paul describe what the false teachers had done (vv. 4–7, 19)?
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3) What is the "glorious gospel" (v. 11)?
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4) How does Paul's personal testimony relate to his warning against false teachers?
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(Verses to consider: Acts 9:1–9; John 1:17; Rom. 1:5; 1 Cor. 15:9; Eph. 3:8)
5) What does Paul mean when he urges Timothy to "wage the good warfare" (v. 18)?
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Going Deeper
Paul wrote fervently to Timothy because he deeply loved the church at Ephesus and had been concerned about them for some time. For what Paul said to the leaders when he left Ephesus, read Acts 20:25–31.
25"And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.
26Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.
27For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
28Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
29For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
30Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.
31Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
Exploring the Meaning
6) Summarize Paul's main concern when he left the leaders at Ephesus. What was his final advice?
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7) Read John 8:44. Who or what is the ultimate source of false doctrine?
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(Verses to consider: 2 Cor. 11:13–14; 1 John 4:1)
8) Read Titus 1:15–16. What further insights does this related passage offer regarding false teachers?
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Truth for Today
All believers have a responsibility to be on the alert for false teachers. What do we watch for? First, look at their understanding of Scripture, and ask if their teaching is biblically sound. Do they place extra-biblical teachings on a par with the Bible? Do they handle accurately the Word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15)?
Second, examine their goals. Do they seek to love, honor, and glorify God? Or do they pursue self-love, material wealth, or personal happiness? Does their message speak of purity of heart, a good conscience, and non-hypocritical faith?
Third, examine their motives. Are they humble and selfless? Or do they seek the preeminence?
Finally, examine the effect of their teaching. Did their followers understand clearly the gospel of Jesus Christ? Do they define the gospel properly? Do they use the law properly, as part of the gospel message, or do they promote works righteousness?
Those who pass the above checks should be welcomed as brothers in Christ, even if we differ with them at some points of interpretation or doctrine. Those who do not are to be rejected, no matter what experiences they may have had, or what else they may teach. Constant vigilance is our defense against those who would enslave all of us to a false gospel.
Reflecting on the Text
9) Paul considered Timothy a "son" and discipled and mentored him in the faith. Who in your life could serve as a "Paul" to you? Who can you take under your wing as a "Timothy"?
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10) What specific changes do you need to make in your daily life to live with "a good conscience"?
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11) Think about your own salvation story. How can you use your experience to encourage others this week?
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Personal Response
Write out additional reflections, questions you may have, or a prayer.
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Additional Notes
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CHAPTER 2The Importance of Prayer
1 Timothy 2:1–8
Drawing Near
When has your prayer life been most vibrant? To what do you attribute this?
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Do you think prayer really changes things? Why?
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The Context
The Ephesian church may have become lax in praying for the lost since Paul urged Timothy to make it a priority again. The Judaistic false teachers in Ephesus, by a perverted gospel and the teaching that salvation was only for Jews and Gentile proselytes to Judaism, would have certainly restricted evangelistic praying — interceding for the salvation of others. Their religious exclusivism (salvation only for the elite) would preclude the need for prayer for the lost.
The fact that Paul begins his discourse on church affairs with this particular topic indicates the important role that prayer is to play in the life of the church. If God's primary objective for His church involved fellowship, knowledge of the Scriptures, or conformity to the image of Christ, His plan would be best accomplished by bringing us to heaven immediately. But these are not the central functions of the church on earth. God has left us here to reach the lost. And before the church carries out this mission in the world, it must first grasp the breadth of the gospel call. This requires coming to terms with evangelistic praying. This particular passage calls for Christians to intercede for the lost in general. Furthermore, it raises the question of whether God hears such prayers, as well as what part they play in God's eternal plan.
Keys to the Text
Supplications and Intercessions: Paul mentions two types of prayers. The Greek word for "supplication" comes from a root word that means "to lack," "to be deprived," or "to be without." Thus this kind of prayer occurs because of a need. The lost have a great need for salvation, and believers should ask God to meet that need. This word "intercession" comes from a root word meaning "to fall in with someone" or "to draw near so as to speak intimately." The verb from which this word derives is used of Christ's and the Spirit's intercession for believers (Rom. 8:26; Heb. 7:25). Paul desires the Ephesian Christians to have compassion for the lost, to understand the depths of their pain and misery, and to come intimately to God pleading for their salvation.
Ransom: This describes the result of Christ's substitutionary death for believers — which He did voluntarily (John 10:17–18) — and reminds us of Christ's own statement in Matthew 20:28 that He would be "a ransom for many." Not all will be ransomed (though His death would be sufficient), but only the many who believe by the work of the Holy Spirit and for whom the actual atonement was made. Christ did not pay a ransom only; He became the object of God's just wrath in the believer's place — He died his death and bore his sin (see 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:24).
Unleashing the Text
Read 2:1–8, noting the key words and definitions next to the passage.
1 Timothy 2:1–8 (NKJV)
1Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
2for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
4who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
5For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
6who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,
7for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle — I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying — a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
8I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
1) For whom did Paul command prayers to be made?
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2) What reasons are given for these commands to "pray for all men"?
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3) What is significant about the command to pray "lifting up holy hands" (v. 8)?
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(Verses to consider: 1 Kings 8:22; Neh. 8:6; Ps. 28:2; 63:4; 134:2)
Going Deeper
Paul encouraged Timothy to pray for all people. For insight into what Jesus said about prayer, read Matthew 6:5–15.
5"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
6But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
7And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
8"Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
9In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
10Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us this day our daily bread.
12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
14"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Exploring the Meaning
4) What is Jesus' main point in verses 5–8?
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5) What part does forgiveness play in our prayer life?
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6) How does this teaching on prayer compare with what you discovered in 1 Timothy 2:1–8?
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7) What does Paul's command to pray for all people imply? Will everyone be saved? (See Eph. 1:3–5).
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(Verses to consider: Rom. 1:18–32; 9:22–23)
Truth for Today
The greatest example of evangelistic praying is our Lord Himself. Isaiah 53:12 tells us He "interceded for the transgressors." On the cross He prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). God answered those prayers with three thousand converts on the Day of Pentecost, and countless thousands more through the centuries.
Do we pray for the lost like that? Do we have the passion that inspired John Knox to cry out, "Give me Scotland or I die"? Is our attitude that of George Whitefield, who prayed, "O Lord, give me souls or take my soul"? Can we, like Henry Martyn, say, "I cannot endure existence if Jesus is to be so dishonored"?
(Continues...)
Excerpted from 1 & 2 Timothy by John MacArthur. Copyright © 2007 John F. MacArthur, Jr.. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction to 1 Timothy, 1,1 Beware of False Doctrine! 1 Timothy 1:1–20, 5,
2 The Importance of Prayer 1 Timothy 2:1–8, 17,
3 The Role of Women 1 Timothy 2:9–15, 25,
4 Qualifications for Leadership 1 Timothy 3:1–16, 33,
5 False Teaching versus Truth 1 Timothy 4:1–16, 43,
6 Pastoral Responsibilities 1 Timothy 5:1–6:2, 53,
7 The Man of God 1 Timothy 6:3–21, 63,
Introduction to 2 Timothy, 73,
8 Not Ashamed 2 Timothy 1:1–18, 75,
9 Be Diligent 2 Timothy 2:1–26, 85,
10 Equipped for Good Works 2 Timothy 3:1–17, 95,
11 Preaching with Integrity 2 Timothy 4:1–5, 105,
12 Last Words 2 Timothy 4:6–22, 113,