Scripture Guide

1 Timothy 1:1-5

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THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE:

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” — 1 Timothy 1:1-5 (NIV)

Do you remember some of the people you looked up to growing up? Maybe it was a coach, a teacher, your parents, an astronaut, an athlete . . . you fill in the blank. We’ve all allowed certain people to influence us with their lives and words. The voices we listen to matter! Timothy looked up to Paul because they had a mentorship relationship. At this time, in Ephesus, a group of leaders was influencing the church with bad theology. Paul’s purpose in writing to Timothy was to remind him of how to identify and respond to this harmful teaching. 

Paul encourages Timothy to be on guard against false teachings and to refute them for the sake of unity and obedience to the true gospel. The voices we listen to from those around us should be rooted in Scripture and the Holy Spirit, and in the same way, we should use our voices to share the truth in love! Paul said it himself in verse 5: the goal of diffusing controversies and false teachings is love. We should adopt the same attitude in our lives, cultivating a pure heart and sincere faith that can guide us when we have conversations with people who might misunderstand or misapply Scripture.

Read this week’s Scripture in addition to these supporting Scriptures:

Titus 1:10-16; 3:3-11; Galatians 1:6-10; 1 Corinthians 13

Study Questions:

  • Paul writes multiple times to warn different groups of people about false teaching. From today’s Scriptures, what do those writings have in common?
  • What’s the result of entertaining false teaching by not checking it with Scripture?
  • How do these passages connect right teaching with right living?
  • How can these passages guide us in approaching false gospels in the world today with God’s love, a pure heart, and a good conscience?

Meditate on this week’s passage and ask yourself these questions.

  • What stuck out to me through this passage? 
  • What’s God showing me?
  • What truth can I take with me into today?

God’s Word invites transformation. Today’s about putting what you’ve learned into practice.

  • Based on what I just learned about God, what habits, attitudes, or changes do I need to make?
  • What can I take away from this passage and apply to my life?
  • What voices are influencing me? How are my mind, heart, and behavior different because of them?
  • Am I keeping Scripture as the foundation of my influences? What can I do to make it the foundation if not?

Application Challenge: 

Take inventory of the voices that influence you, both in person and digitally. Evaluate their messages with Scripture and wise counsel. Decide what needs to change to have your mind influenced by better voices—and make it happen.

Scripture to Pray: Psalm 119:33–40

Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,
that I may follow it to the end.
Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.
Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.
How I long for your precepts!
In your righteousness, preserve my life.

Guided Prayer:

“Lord Jesus, You are the Truth. Keep me from error, strengthen me to confess You boldly, and guard my mind from every false teaching. Let my heart rest secure in the faith handed down, and may I never shrink back from proclaiming the gospel.”—Athanasius of Alexandria

Looking back on this week’s Scripture, remember to guard your heart from voices that distract you from the true gospel by focusing on your faith in Jesus and loving others.

  • What is one way I can enjoy God’s presence through rest, relationship, or serving others? 
  • What blessings can I thank God for as I reflect on this week? 

This weekend, set aside intentional time to go to church, do something you love with Jesus, and connect with others.

Group Discussion Guide:

Pick your favorites to discuss with your group, family, or friends.

  • Who was someone you looked up to growing up? What kind of influence did they have on your life?
  • What marked the false teachers—what they focused on, what they taught, and what their teaching produced?”
  • How do you discern whether someone’s voice or teaching is worth listening to? 
  • Paul mentions “myths and endless genealogies.” What kinds of modern distractions or speculations do Christians tend to get caught up in today?
  • “The goal of this command is love.” What does it look like for correction or confrontation to actually be rooted in love rather than frustration, anger, or pride?
  • What does this passage reveal about God’s character—His truth, His love, or His desire for unity?
  • How does this passage challenge you personally in your relationships, influence, or leadership?