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Lesson Summary:

Paul warns Timothy about apostasy and encourages him to persevere in using his gifts on behalf of the church.

Focus Passage: I Timothy 4

Outline and Lesson Goal

Principles and Applications

I. The Minister’s Opposition (4:1-5)

Principle: A Good Minister Leads his People with the Truth of God’s Word.
Application: What restrictions have you put on your life or the lives of others which have no biblical basis?
Scripture Reference

¹²For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
¹³And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
Hebrews 4:12-13 (NASB)

II. The Minister’s Message (4:6-10)

Principle: A Good Minister Equips Himself with God’s Word.
Application: What’s the focus of your discussions regarding Christian matters with others in your home or church? Is it triviality or is your focus on the important matter of the truth of God’s Word?
Scripture Reference

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB)

III. The Minister’s Conduct (4:11-16)

Principle: A Good Minister Validates His Message with a Godly Life.
Application: How is your conduct validating the message you share with the world?
Scripture Reference

¹⁴As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,
¹⁵but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;
¹⁶because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
I Peter 1:14-16 (NASB)