1 & 2 Timothy, Titus (Life Lessons) - Softcover

Lucado, Max

Softcover

ISBN 10: 141850954X ISBN 13: 9781418509545

Publisher: Thomas Nelson, 2007

Synopsis

Do you have a mentor in your spiritual walk? Someone to guide you through the ups and downs of life? Someone to guide you in decision making? A person you turn to with questions and doubts? The apostle Paul knew the importance of discipleship. He mentored Timothy, a young pastor facing all sorts of challenges. He pointed the way for Titus, a pastor shaping an early church. Paul's letters to these young leaders are packed with instruction and guidelines, principles and encouragement. These practical words of wisdom are valuable keys to discipleship in any generation. The Lucado Life Lessons series brings the New Testament to life in twelve lessons filled with intriguing questions, inspirational storytelling, profound reflections, and space for journaling. Revised and updated, Lucado Life Lessons continues to be one of the best-selling study guide series available for small groups and individuals. Features Include: New "Keys to the Text" feature. For small group or individual use. New introduction material and cover design. Bring the Bible to life!

About this title

About the Author

Since entering the ministry in 1978, Max Lucado has served churches in Miami, Florida; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and San Antonio, Texas. He currently serves as Teaching Minister of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. He is America's bestselling inspirational author with more than 140 million products in print. Visit his website at MaxLucado.com Facebook.com/MaxLucado Instagram.com/MaxLucado Twitter.com/MaxLucado

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

BOOKS OF 1 & 2 TIMOTHY AND TITUS

AGELESS WISDOM FOR YOUNG LEADERSBy MAX LUCADO

Nelson Impact

Copyright © 2006 Nelson Impact
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4185-0954-5

Contents

How to Study the Bible....................................ivIntroduction to the Book of 1 Timothy.....................viiLesson 1 Christ's Power to Save...........................1Lesson 2 Prayer and Worship...............................11Lesson 3 Servant Leadership...............................21Lesson 4 Believing the Truth..............................31Lesson 5 Relationships....................................41Lesson 6 Contentment......................................51Introduction to the Book of 2 Timothy.....................60Lesson 7 Strength in Suffering............................61Lesson 8 Perseverance.....................................71Lesson 9 Workers Pleasing to God..........................81Lesson 10 Following the Truth.............................91Introduction to the Book of Titus.........................100Lesson 11 Role Models.....................................101Lesson 12 Life in the Spirit..............................111

Chapter One

LESSON ONE

CHRIST'S POWER TO SAVE

REFLECTION

Our lives should be different because of our relationship with Christ. Think of someone whose life has dramatically changed since he or she became a believer. What's 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?

SITUATION

Timothy was Paul's representative for a while in Ephesus. Paul had founded the church and had spent years teaching that congregation. Later, while under imprisonment and restrictions in Rome, Paul heard that Ephesus was undergoing upheaval because of false teachers. He sent Timothy as a living reminder of the apostle's message in a church that was struggling with false teaching. This was a daunting task for a young pastor, and Paul wrote this letter to instruct and encourage Timothy.

OBSERVATION

Read 1 Timothy 1:12-20 from the NCV or the NKJV.

NCV

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who gave me strength, because he trusted me and gave me this work of serving him. 13 In the past I spoke against Christ and persecuted him and did all kinds of things to hurt him. But God showed me mercy, because I did not know what I was doing. I did not believe. 14 But the grace of our Lord was fully given to me, and with that grace came the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

15 What I say is true, and you should fully accept it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. 16 But I was given mercy so that in me, the worst of all sinners, Christ Jesus could show that he has patience without limit. His patience with me made me an example for those who would believe in him and have life forever. 17 To the King that rules forever, who will never die, who cannot be seen, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

18 Timothy, my child, I am giving you a command that agrees with the prophecies that were given about you in the past. I tell you this so you can follow them and fight the good fight. 19 Continue to have faith and do what you know is right. Some people have rejected this, and their faith has been shipwrecked. 20 Hymenaeus and Alexander have done that, and I have given them to Satan so they will learn not to speak against God.

NKJV

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's life serve as an example to us? How does Timothy's?

2. Why do we need God's mercy? Note how Paul explained the mercy he received (v. 13).

3. In what ways does God's plan of salvation demonstrate his grace?

4. What results when people refuse to continue in faith?

5. How was Timothy to "fight the good fight" of faith?

INSPIRATION

Before he encountered Christ, Paul had been somewhat of a hero among the Pharisees ...

Blue-blooded and wild-eyed, this young zealot was hell-bent on keeping the kingdom pure-and that meant keeping the Christians out. He marched through the countryside like a general demanding that backslidden Jews salute the flag of the motherland or kiss their family and hopes good-bye.

All this came to a halt, however, on the shoulder of a highway ... That's when someone slammed on the stadium lights, and he heard the voice. When he found out whose voice it was, his jaw hit the ground, and his body followed. He braced himself for the worst. He knew it was all over ... He prayed that death would be quick and painless.

But all he got was silence and the first of a lifetime of surprises.

He ended up bewildered and befuddled in a borrowed bedroom. God left him there a few days with scales on his eyes so thick that the only direction he could look was inside himself. And he didn't like what he saw.

He saw himself for who he really was-to use his own words, the worst of sinners ... Alone in the room with his sins on his conscience and blood on his hands, he asked to be cleansed. The legalist Saul was buried, and the liberator Paul was born. He was never the same afterwards. And neither was the world ...

The message is gripping: Show a man his failures without Jesus, and the result will be found in the roadside gutter. Give a man religion without reminding him of his filth, and the result will be arrogance in a three-piece suit. But get the two in the same heart-get sin to meet Savior and Savior to meet sin-and the result just might be another Pharisee-turned-preacher who sets the world on fire. (From The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado)

REACTION

6. Why do we sometimes think that God could never love or accept us?

7. Why is it important for us to recognize our own sinfulness?

8. What hope does this passage offer to us when we feel hopeless? (Some other examples you may want to look at are Psalms 103:8-18; 139:13-18; John 3:16-18; Romans 8:31-39; and Ephesians 3:16-19.)

9. What insight does this passage offer about the character of Christ?

10. List several ways Christ demonstrates his power through people.

11. Name one person you can tell about Christ's power to save. Think through your "spheres of influence." (For example, work, neighborhoods, clubs, family members, friends, and anywhere else you may regularly encounter people who don't know Christ.)

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.

For more Bible passages on Christ's saving power, see Luke 19:10; John 3:17; Acts 4:12; 5:31; Romans 5:8-9; 7:24-25; 1 Timothy 1:15; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 4:14; Revelation 1:5.

To complete the books of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus during this twelve-part study, read 1 Timothy 1:1-20.

JOURNALING

How has knowing Christ transformed my life? What can I do to thank him?

Chapter Two

LESSON TWO

PRAYER AND WORSHIP

REFLECTION

Identify what you like most about the worship service at your church. Think about the parts of a service that draw you into God's presence. What parts of your worship service would you immediately notice if they were left out?

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 that God was in control of and works through 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 NCV or the NKJV.

NCV

1 First, I tell you to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to him. 2 Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to know the truth. 5 There is one God and one way human beings can reach God. That way is through Christ Jesus, who is himself human. 6 He gave himself as a payment to free all people. He is proof that came at the right time. 7 That is why I was chosen to tell the Good News and to be an apostle. (I am telling the truth; I am not lying.) I was chosen to teach those who are not Jews to believe and to know the truth.

8 So, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up their hands in a holy manner, without anger and arguments.

9 Also, women should wear proper clothes that show respect and self-control, not using braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes. 10 Instead, they should do good deeds, which is right for women who say they worship God.

11 Let a woman learn by listening quietly and being ready to cooperate in everything. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to listen quietly, 13 because Adam was formed first and then Eve. 14 And Adam was not tricked, but the woman was tricked and became a sinner. 15 But she will be saved through having children if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

NKJV

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. What kind of behavior pleases God?

2. What elements should characterize the prayers of God's people?

3. List ways we can show our respect and love for God.

4. What inappropriate behavior should we avoid? What basic standards is Paul using to address interpersonal and leadership issues?

5. What is wrong with focusing on outward appearances in worship?

INSPIRATION

Success sabotages the memories of the successful. Kings of the mountain forget who carried them up the trail.

The flea did. An old fable tells of an elephant lumbering across a wooden bridge suspended over a ravine. As the big animal crossed over the worn-out structure, it creaked and groaned under the elephant's weight. When he reached the other side, a flea that had nestled itself in the elephant's ear proclaimed, "Boy, did we shake that bridge!"

What a flea-brained declaration! But don't we do the same? The man who begged for help in medical school ten years ago is too busy to worship today. Back when the family struggled to make ends meet, they leaned on God for daily bread. Now that there is an extra car in the garage and jingle in the pocket, they haven't spoken to him in a while. In the early days of the church, the founding members spent hours in prayer. Today the church is large, well attended, well funded. Who needs to pray?

Success begets amnesia. Doesn't have to, however. God offers spiritual ginseng to help your memory. His prescription is simply "Know the purpose of success." Why did God help you succeed? So you can make him known. (From It's Not About Me by Max Lucado)

REACTION

6. What do we gain from spending time in prayer and worship? (This question can be answered with personal experience, but you can also consult other passages such as Psalm 32:6-7; Psalm 100:2-5; Philippians 4:6-7; James 5:13-16.)

7. By what process does God reveal his plans to his people? How do people reveal God to the world?

8. In what ways can practicing spiritual disciplines combat selfishness? (Spiritual disciplines include reading, memorizing, and meditating on the Bible; prayer; solitude and silence; fasting; giving; service to others; and singing songs of praise.)

9. Think about a time when you found it difficult to pray or worship. Why?

10. What steps can you take to eliminate the things that interfere with your worship?

11. How can we fight the temptation to focus more on appearances than on God in worship?

LIFE LESSONS

Believers gather together for the wonderful and serious business of being in God's presence. When they become distracted by power struggles or personal agendas, Christ's agenda for the world fades into the background. We are to pray for the world and witness to people. The way we treat them and the way we treat one another will have a huge impact on our effectiveness in sharing the gospel with them. What God has given us is never just for our self-enjoyment. Every gift can be used to represent the One who gave it. The world is watching.

DEVOTION

Holy Father, you deserve much more than we ever can give, but we ask that you would accept our worship and hear our prayers. Align our plans with your purposes, Father, through faithful prayer and sincere worship. Expose our selfishness, so that we may repent, receive your forgiveness, and grow in our knowledge of you. Draw us to you and increase our faith.

For more Bible passages on prayer and worship, see 1 Chronicles 16:28-29; Psalms 6:9; 95:6; Matthew 21:22; John 4:24; Acts 2:41-47; Philippians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:8.

To complete the books of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus during this twelve-part study, read 1 Timothy 2:1-15.

JOURNALING

In light of this passage, what changes do I need to make in my prayer and worship habits?

Chapter Three

LESSON THREE

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

REFLECTION

Think of a leader in your church whom you admire. Identify, if you can, some of the formative experiences, training, or background that person has had. What positive character traits does this leader display?

SITUATION

Since part of Timothy's task was to identify and appoint leaders among the believers in Ephesus, Paul provided some guidelines. These guidelines for elders (bishops) have stood the test of time. They are not culturally bound but have been the standards by which the church has chosen and tested leaders through the centuries since Paul's writing.

OBSERVATION

Read 1 Timothy 3:1-16 from the NCV or the NKJV.

NCV

1 What I say is true: Anyone wanting to become an elder desires a good work. 2 An elder must not give people a reason to criticize him, and he must have only one wife. He must be self-controlled, wise, respected by others, ready to welcome guests, and able to teach. 3 He must not drink too much wine or like to fight, but rather be gentle and peaceable, not loving money. 4 He must be a good family leader, having children who cooperate with full respect. 5(If someone does not know how to lead the family, how can that person take care of God's church?) 6 But an elder must not be a new believer, or he might be too proud of himself and be judged guilty just as the devil was. 7 An elder must also have the respect of people who are not in the church so he will not be criticized by others and caught in the devil's trap.

(Continues...)

Excerpted from BOOKS OF 1 & 2 TIMOTHY AND TITUSby MAX LUCADO Copyright © 2006 by Nelson Impact. Excerpted by permission.
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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 141850954X
• ISBN 13: 9781418509545
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128