UNLOCKING GOD’S WORDHOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE

The Verse-by-Verse Method

What is this method?

Selecting a very short passage of scripture and examining it in

detail from 5 different perspectives.

Paraphrase Questions, Answers, and Observations Cross-References Insights Personal Application

Why use this method?

Useful when you don’t have time to look a chapter as a whole

Allows you to work your way through a chapter or book over many sittings, moving at your own pace

You can use this method in combination with other methods

This can be done without reference tools (but, of course, you could use them too)

I TIMOTHY 1 :1 -3

Prayer

The Form

Verse Para-phrase

Q & A & O

CrossRef

Insights PersonalApply

1:1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus our hope

From Paul, one sent forth as Christ’s ambassador, as instructed by God, the One who saves us, and Christ Jesus our hope.

QWhat does the word “apostle” mean?

AThe Greek word apostolos means “send forth”.

OThe Father is call Savior rather than Christ.

Apostle - 2 Cor. 1:1

God as Savior - Luke 1:47 - Psalm 24:5

Christ our hope - Col. 1:27

Paul didn’t need to tell Timothy that he was an apostle, so perhaps he intended for others to read this as well.

I must begin to see myself in the role of Christ’s ambassador who has been authorized and sent out with a divine message.

The Form

Verse Para-phrase

Q & A & O

CrossRef

Insights PersonalApply

1:2To Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Dear Timothy, my true Child through our shared belief.

May love, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord be yours.

Does the name Timothy have any special meaning? (Q)

Timothy means “he who honors God.” (A)

What is Paul and Timothy’s relationship? (Q)

Paul met Timothy in Lystra (Acts 16), and discipled him. (A)

My Child - 2 Tim. 1:2

Paul and Timothy’s Background

Acts 16 – 19Acts 20:4Romans 16:21I Cor. 4:17II Cor. 1:1

Paul has a special fondness for Timothy. He is not just writing to an old friend, or even an old student, he is writing to somebody he considers his son.

Part of spiritual maturity is the discipiling of a young Christian. I must begin developing a long term relationship with someone to disciple him.

The Form

Verse Para-phrase

Q & A & O

CrossRef

Insights PersonalApply

1:3

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer.

When I left for Macedonia I insisted you to stay in Ephesus. I haven’t changed my mind, I need you there still so that you tell those who aren’t teaching the truth to stop.

What were the false doctrines being taught by these men? (Q)

What was Timothy’s ministry in Ephesus? (Q)

He was to be a protector of the Truth. (A)

He was a “quality control agent” (O)

False Teaching: - I Tim 1:4 - I Tim 6:3

Different gospel: - 2 Cor. 11:4 - Gal. 1:6

Paul criticized he Christians in Corinth for their weakness in not dealing with false doctrine. Since Timothy was with Paul in Corinth for “some time” (Acts 18:18), he received good training in how to handle this situation.

Timothy went to Ephesus with Paul (Acts 18:19), but this was not the time Timothy was urged to stay (Acts 19:22).

I will endeavor to be knowledgeable of Christian doctrine so that I can distinguish between true and false teaching. I will be bold in instructing others when I hear false doctrine, no matter what their level of authority.

The Form

Verse Para-phrase

Q & A & O

CrossRef

Insights PersonalApply

1:4nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work—which is by faith.

Make sure that they are not getting distracted by fantastical stories and endless discussions of family trees. These things only cause arguments and don’t help people live a life of faith in God.

The false doctrines being taught in v.3 were legends manufactured from elements of Judaism, which probably dealt with allegorical interpretations of OT genealogical lists. (A)

Seems people with “good” family were trying to use that to bolster their authority in the church. (O)

Myths - Titus 1:14 - I Tim. 6:3-5, 20

Paul seems most upset because of the effect the false teaching is having on the church, than on the content of the teaching. While he believe the false teachers are foolish and don’t understand the doctrine they are teaching (v. 7), it appears it is more important to live in unity and live a practical Christian life of love, acceptance, and forgiveness, than it is to be “right.”

When I hear teaching that I don’t agree with, I have to be cautious in dealing with the issue. If it is teaching that is causing strife, it must be dealt with it. But, it may also be a matter of conscience (Rom. 14:1).

UNLOCKING GOD’S WORDHOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE

The Verse-by-Verse Method