Bethany Bible Study

1 Timothy Chapter 5

Church Family | Widows| Elders

CHURCH FAMILY (1-2): What should be the nature of our relationship with our fellow believers? WIDOWS (3-16): Why is special attention given to widows? Who are the ‘real widows’ and ‘dead widows? What is the responsibility of church towards widows? What counsel can we give young widows?

ELDERS (17-22): How should elders be treated? What does ‘double honor’ mean? Who are elders accountable to? How should elders be disciplined?

WINE (23): What is the recommended daily dosage for wine?

JUSTICE (24-25): Are all sins punished? Are all good deeds rewarded?

1 Timothy Chapter 4

Devil’s Doctrine | MINISTER OF GOD

1. DEPARTING FROM FAITH (1-5): Why do believers depart from faith? What is the source of false teaching and what are some examples given? What does it mean to have a ‘seared’ conscience? What is the danger of seared conscience? Does Bible mandate any food restrictions?
2. MINISTER OF GOD (6-11): What does it mean to be a good minister? Why is spiritual exercise more profitable than physical exercise? What is the 3rd faithful saying? What does ‘godliness’ mean? What is the motivation to labor and suffer?
3. PERSONAL CONDUCT (12-16) What challenge did Timothy face? What are five areas wherein he must be an example? How is spiritual gift received? What spiritual gift did Timothy have? What must be the relationship between lifestyle and doctrine?

1 Timothy - Chapter 3

Qualifications of Leaders | Mystery of Godliness

1. QUALIFICATIONS OF ELDERS (1-7): Who is a bishop? Should there be one or multiple leaders? What are the 16 desired qualities of an elder? Can these qualities be applied to those who are not serving as leaders?
2. QUALIFICATIONS OF DEACONS (8-13): What is the difference between elders and deacons? What are the 9 desired qualities of a deacon? Is it essential to have the offices of elders and deacons in churches? Who are the elders and deacons accountable to?
3. HOUSE OF GOD (14-15): How is the house of God described?
4. MYSTERY (16): What is the mystery of godliness? Is it still a mystery?

1 Timothy Chapter 2

Prayers for Leaders | Conduct of Women

1. PRAYERS (1-4): Who should we pray for? Why should we pray? What will be the outcome of prayers? What is God’s desire?
2. MEDIATOR (5-7): Who is the only mediator to God? what are the titles given to Paul?
3. PRAYER (8): How must men pray?
4. WOMEN IN CHURCH (9-15): What is the secret of women’s true beauty? Can the principle be extended to men? Why must women be in subjection and in silence in church? What are the limits on this subjection? Can women teach? How is women saved?

1 Timothy

1:12-18 Paul’s Testimony| Timothy’s Mission

1. PAUL’sTESTIMONY (12-16): How was Paul saved? Who placed Paul in ministry? How was Paul enabled? How is grace different from mercy? How would you describe the gospel? Why was Paul chosen? How did Paul view himself?
2. PAUL’sWORSHIP (17): What lead to the worship of Paul? What should be the focus of our worship? What is the content of Paul’s worship?
3. TIMOTHY’s CHARGE REINFORCED (18-20): What was the charge given by Paul to Timothy? What is Timothy asked to defend? What are the consequences of departing from faith?

Malachi 1:1-11

Gospel under Attack| Role of Timothy

1. INTRODUCTION (1-2): When and Why was this letter written? What is the meaning and significance of Paul’s apostolic authority? What do we know about Timothy?
2. THE CHARGE (3-7): What was the charge given by Paul to Timothy? Was it an easy task to fulfill?
3. THE LAW (8-11): Why are the laws sacred but insufficient? What is the purpose of the law? Is the law relevant for us today? What is the difference between ‘principles’ and ‘practices’? How would you describe the ‘glorious gospel’?
4. Reflection and Discussion: In what ways is today’s church threatened by false doctrines and cultural challenges? How would you determine whether you are attending the right church?

Review & Reflection

1. Context and Role of Prophet Malachi
2. Five Burdens of God
3. Character of God as seen in Malachi

Malachi 3:13-18, 4:1-6

Two Groups | Book of Remembrance| Final Judgement

1. DISCONTENT FOLLOWERS (13-15) Why do people feel it is vain to serve God? Why does God condemn their complaints?
2. TRUE FOLLOWERS (16-17) What is the mark of true followers? How does God recognize them? What is the book of remembrance?
3. FINAL JUDGEMENT (18, 4:1-6) What question/complaint does the final judgement resolve? Who is Elijah and what is his role? What is the final counsel given to Israelites? On what note does the last book of the old Testament end?

Malachi 3:1-12

Two messengers | Two questions | Return to God

1. TWO MESSENGERS: Who are the two messengers? What is their role? (1)
2. TWO LINGERING QUESTIONS (2:17): How are the two questions resolved?: where is the God of justice? Why do evil people prosper? (2-5)
3. UNCHANGING GOD: How does “unchanging” character of God work in Israelites favor? (6)
4. RETURN TO GOD: What is the path to returning to God? What are the blessings associated with returning to God (7-12)
5. REFLECTION: Are you still questioning God’s ways and timing in your life? In what area(s) do you need to return to God?

Malachi 2:10-17

Marriage | Divorce | Remarriage

BASIS FOR UNITY: What is the basis for unity and what must it lead to? What does it mean to ‘deal treacherously’ ‘profaning’? (10)

MARRIAGE TO FOREIGN WIVES: How has Judah dealt treacherously? Why is God opposed to foreign wives? (11-12)

DIVORCE & REMARRIAGE: Why do tears on the altar go unanswered? Why does God hate divorce? Is separation from spouse ever permitted? (13-16)

How have we wearied the Lord with our words? (17)

REFLECTION: Are we faithful to our marriage covenant?