The Blue Church

1. Are these the last days? The last days began with the coming of Jesus, according to Hebrews 1:2. Why does Paul link his “vice list” (vv. 2-5) with the last days? How is this both a warning and an encouragement? See also 1 John 2:18; 4:3.

2. Where does outward evil begin? Notice that Paul begins and ends this list with what people love or don’t love. Why is this important? List the qualities these people lack. How do these deficiencies contribute to the breakdown of a culture? Can you list some parallels with Israel’s downfall in 2 Chronicles 36:11-16?

3. How do false teachers work? Why do you think Paul points out that a key target of the false teachers are “weak women burdened with sins”? (No, he is not defaming women.) Why does he say these teachers are “creeping into houses”? What is it about our sins that make us easy prey for heretics and false teachers? Why does he say that, like the magicians, they will not get far?

4. How does Truth reveal itself? Paul reminds Timothy not only of Scripture that he knew but the lives that he had seen living that truth. Why and how can conduct of the faithful become an encouragement to Timothy (and us)? What does Paul mean when he says that Scripture is “God breathed”? What descriptive words and phrases does he use to indicate that Scripture is a sufficient resource for Timothy? How sufficient is it?

1. Family or Foe? Paul’s instruction to Timothy about treating church members in age and gender-appropriate ways clearly is sage advice. What pitfalls can Timothy avoid by not rebuking an elder, but entreating him as a father (or grandfather)? Why should Timothy treat older women as he would his mother? Why treat younger women as sisters? This does not mean there are never conflicts, but that they are resolved in loving and helpful ways. Who is your family? Mark 3:20, 21, 31-35; Romans 2:28, 29

2. Family or Church? The care of widows is primarily the responsibility of their own families (5:4, 8, 16), and only then, the church’s. What are the reasons Paul gives for this principle? In our culture of social programs and “senior living” centers, how should these principles be applied? If a family is not taking care of an elderly parent or grandparent, should the church intervene? If so, how should that be done? James 2:14-17; 1 John 3:16-18

3. Faith and Works Paul’s words to Timothy are serious ones. What does he say is at stake (vv. 4, 8) if a family does not care for their widows? Why does he say this? And what is at stake if a widow (one who had been “enrolled” as a servant to the church in those days) abandons her promises? What does it mean to turn aside after Satan? Are there any parallels today of the “enrolled” widows of the first century church?

Growth Group Questions for the week of 3/24/19

1)     In 1 Timothy 6:3-4, Paul tells Timothy ³ If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, ⁴ they are conceited and understand nothing.

The leaders of a church have the primary responsibility for ensuring that “sound instruction” is being given. Do non-leaders have any role in this? What can those who are not in leadership do to help ensure that the teaching that is being offered is in line with the truth of God’s word? What would be the appropriate thing to do if you believed that our church was no longer teaching the truth?

2)     In 1 Timothy 6: 6-10, Paul shares, “⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹ Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

You have likely heard the phrase, “Have an attitude of gratitude”. What does having gratitude have to do with contentment? What steps do you take to help you to be thankful and content with your life? How should we view God in the midst of these considerations?

How can a believer guard against falling in love with money? Is it wrong for Christians to have a lot of money? Why or why not? How can a person who is rich glorify God with their money?

3)     Paul charged Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:13-16 ¹³ In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you ¹⁴ to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶ who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

Why is it important for a church to remember that all they do is “in the sight of God”? What problems could develop if they don’t? Read Revelation Chapter 3:14-18. The church in Laodicea had a view of themselves that was much different than how Jesus saw them. What were the differences? Generally speaking, is there any way that a church can guard against having such a distorted view of itself?