Small Group Questions
February 22 - 28
Sermon Series: Church Life
Week 1: 1 Timothy 1
Ice Breaker, if Needed:
If you could be a Winter Olympic athlete, which sport would you choose, and why?
Discussion Questions for Small Groups or Individual Study
1. What is the purpose of this letter to Timothy? Why should the modern church study and heed letters that were written to leaders of the early church and the churches themselves?
2. Read 1 Timothy 1-11. Paul warned Timothy to address several concerns.
a. False Doctrine (Vs. 3):
• What is “doctrine”? Why is correcting false doctrine foremost in Paul’s directive to Timothy?
• How is false doctrine detected? What if the doctrine in question includes some truth? Share examples of a “doctrine” that sounds righteous, but isn’t.
• When you encounter doctrine you aren’t sure about, how can assessing it against what Scripture says help? Why is context critical? List other ways to judge doctrine.
• Why is the question “is “it” proven or supported?” essential to ask? What is the attraction of finding hidden messages and meanings?
• Weigh what you know about God’s character and how He reveals truth and knowledge to believers. Does He reserve super special top-secret knowledge for the select few? Why or why not?
• Why would genealogy talk have been on the forefront of the early church’s mind? How are we similar today when it comes to our leaders?
• What is meaningless talk? What is useful talk? How do you know the difference between the two, especially when it feels important (what is happening politics/wars/crimes)?
3. Read 1 Timothy 1:9-11. This is a broad list of everything and everyone who resists or undermines sound doctrine. How do we identify and resist creeping worldviews that lead to sin? In what ways do we diminish the goodness, glory, and holiness of God? What is the connection between meaningless talk and unholiness?
4. Read 1 Timothy 1:5. What is Paul’s goal? What does this verse say about the heart and character of God? What is freeing about pure doctrine? Pray for increased awareness of the heart and character of God. Actively apply what He is showing you this week, running everything through this filter of truth.