Life Lessons from 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus: Ageless Wisdom for Young Leaders
144
Life Lessons from 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus: Ageless Wisdom for Young Leaders
144Paperback
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Overview
The apostle Paul knew the importance of this kind of discipleship. He mentored Timothy, a young pastor who was facing all sorts of challenges. He also pointed the way for Titus, a pastor who was shaping an early church. Paul's letters to these young leaders are packed with instruction, guidelines, principles, and encouragement. His practical words of wisdom are valuable keys to discipleship in any generation.
As you read, study, journal, and discuss the books of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, watch for these key themes that Max will unpack throughout the book:
- Jesus Christ is the center of the gospel.
- The faith held by the church should be manifested in the behavior of the church.
- Church leaders are expected to live above reproach.
- There is accountability among the church body.
The Life Lessons with Max Lucado series brings the Bible to life in twelve lessons filled with intriguing questions, inspirational stories, and poignant reflections to take you deeper into God's Word. Each lesson includes:
- An opening reflection on the Bible book you're studying.
- Background information to deepen your understanding of the cultural and historical setting.
- An excerpt of the text (from the NIV and the NKJV).
- Exploration questions with plenty of room to write your own thoughts and notes.
- Inspirational thoughts from Max as well as a closing takeaway for further reflection.
The Life Lessons series is ideal for use in both a small-group setting or for individual study.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780310086567 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | HarperChristian Resources |
| Publication date: | 11/27/2018 |
| Series: | Life Lessons |
| Pages: | 144 |
| Sales rank: | 1,136,917 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.99(w) x 8.97(h) x 0.41(d) |
About the Author
Visit his website at Max Lucado.com
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Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
CHRIST'S POWER TO SAVE
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
1 Timothy 1:15 NKJV
REFLECTION
Think of someone whose life has dramatically changed since he or she became a believer in Jesus. What has been different since he or she encountered Christ? What's the same? What evidence of Christ's power do you see in that person's life?
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SITUATION
Paul had founded the church in Ephesus and spent years teaching the congregation. Later, while under imprisonment and restrictions in Rome, he had learned that Ephesus was undergoing upheaval because of false teachers. In response, Paul had sent Timothy to serve as a living reminder to the truth of the gospel that he had shared with the community. In this first portion of Paul's letter to Timothy, the apostle holds up his own example as a testimony to the power of that gospel. He recalls how he had once been a blasphemer, persecutor of the church, and violent man, but because of God's grace was now a faithful (and grateful) servant of Christ.
OBSERVATION
Read 1 Timothy 1:12–20 from the New International Version or the New King James Version.
New International Version
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
New King James Version
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, 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. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
EXPLORATION
1. How does Paul describe his situation before encountering Jesus?
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2. What had changed in Paul's life as a result of God's mercy?
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3. What reason does Paul give as to whyGod had chosen to show this mercy to him?
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4. In what ways does God's plan of salvation demonstrate his grace?
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5. How does Paul encourage Timothy to "fight the battle well" (verse 18)?
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6. What is the result when people (like Hymenaeus and Alexander) refuse to continue in faith?
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INSPIRATION
The apostle Paul entered the pages of Scripture as Saul, the self-professed Pharisee of all Pharisees and the most religious man in town. But all his scruples and law keeping hadn't made him a better person. He was bloodthirsty and angry, determined to extinguish anything and everyone Christian.
His attitude began to change on the road to Damascus. That's when Jesus appeared to him in the desert, knocked him off his high horse, and left him sightless for three days. Paul could see only one direction: inward. And what he saw he did not like. He saw a narrow-minded tyrant. During the time of blindness, God gave him a vision that a man named Ananias would restore his sight. So when Ananias did, Paul "got up and was baptized" (Acts 9:18).
Within a few days he was preaching about Christ. Within a few years he was off on his first missionary journey. Within a couple of decades he was writing the letters we still read today, each one of which makes the case for Christ and the cross.
We aren't told when Paul realized the meaning of grace. Was it immediately on the Damascus road? Or gradually during the three-day darkness? Or after Ananias restored his sight? We aren't told. But we know that Paul got grace. Or grace got Paul. Either way, he embraced the improbable offer that God would make us right with him through Jesus Christ. Paul's logic followed a simple outline:
Our debt is enough to sink us.
God loves us too much to leave us.
So God has found a way to save us. ...
What a gift God has given you. You've won the greatest lottery in the history of humanity, and you didn't even pay for the ticket! Your soul is secure, your salvation guaranteed. Your name is written in the only book that matters. You're only a few sand grains in the hourglass from a tearless, graveless, painless existence.
This is the message of God, the promise of grace. The declaration Paul preached with unwearied enthusiasm: "What we cannot do, God has done. He justifies us by his grace." Grace is entirely God's. God loving. God stooping. God offering. God caring and God carrying. (From Unshakable Hope by Max Lucado.)
REACTION
7. What was the "improbable offer" that Paul chose to embrace?
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8. Why do people often think God could never love them or accept them?
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9. What does Paul's example show about the extent of God's mercy?
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10. Why is it important to recognize our own sinfulness before God?
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11. What are some ways that Christ demonstrates his power through people?
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12. Who is one person in your life whom you can tell about Christ's power to save?
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LIFE LESSONS
The power of Christ was evident in Paul's conversion and his life. Although Paul was confident in his role as a mentor and model for Timothy (and others), that confidence never flowed from his past or his performance. He always pointed to what Christ had done and what Christ was doing in his life as reasons to "imitate" him. He was honest about his past shortcomings and failures. The way Paul talked about his past gives us a powerful example of the importance of honestly presenting ourselves — flaws and all — when we talk to others about Christ.
DEVOTION
Lord, you are merciful and forgiving. You sacrificed your life to free us from the bondage of sin. Only you have the power to change our sinful hearts and draw us close to you. Remind us of our need for your transforming power and give us grateful hearts for what you have done for us.
JOURNALING
How has knowing Christ transformed your life? What can you do today to thank him?
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FOR FURTHER READING
To complete the books of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus during this twelve-part study, read 1 Timothy 1:1–20. For more Bible passages on Christ's saving power, read Luke 19:10; John 3:17; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:8–9; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:18–19; 1 John 4:14; and Revelation 1:5.
CHAPTER 2PRAYER AND WORSHIP
I urge ... that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives.
1 Timothy 2:1–2
REFLECTION
Consider what you like most about the worship service at your church. Think about the parts of the service that draw you into God's presence. What parts of your worship service would you immediately notice if they were left out? Why?
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SITUATION
By the time Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, he had already experienced the full breadth of the Roman Empire's legal and prison system. The apostle was aware of the power of Rome, and he countered that power with respect and honor. He knew God was in control of and works through the systems he places in the world — like governments. Paul's call through Timothy for believers to pray for kings is serious business. So are relationships throughout the church.
OBSERVATION
Read 1 Timothy 2:1–15 from the New International Version or the New King James Version.
New International Version
1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle — I am telling the truth, I am not lying — and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing — if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
New King James Version
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for 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.
8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
EXPLORATION
1. According to this passage, what kind of behavior pleases God?
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2. What elements should characterize the prayers of God's people?
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3. What are some ways people can show their respect and love for God?
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4. What inappropriate behavior does Paul say believers should avoid?
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5. What basic standards is Paul using to address interpersonal and leadership issues?
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6. What is wrong with focusing on outward appearances in worship?
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(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Life Lessons from 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Max Lucado.
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
How to Study the Bible v
Introduction to the Books of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus ix
Lesson 1 Christ's Power to Save (1 Timothy 1:12-20) 1
Lesson 2 Prayer and Worship (1 Timothy 2:1-15) 11
Lesson 3 Leading Others (1 Timothy 3:1-16) 21
Lesson 4 Believing the Truth (1 Timothy 4:1-16) 31
Lesson 5 Managing Relationships (1 Timothy 5:1-21) 41
Lesson 6 Finding Contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-19) 53
Lesson 7 Strength in Suffering (2 Timothy 1:1-18) 63
Lesson 8 Persevering in Christ (2 Timothy 2:1-13) 73
Lesson 9 Workers Pleasing to God (2 Timothy 2:14-26) 83
Lesson 10 Following the Truth (2 Timothy 3:1-17) 91
Lesson 11 Role Models (Titus 2:1-15) 101
Lesson 12 Life in the Spirit (Titus 3:1-15) 111
Leader's Guide for Small Groups 121
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