Week 1: Overview

Written By Johan Walters

Introduction

First and Second Timothy and the book of Titus are among Paul’s most personal and practical letters. Paul writes to his spiritual children Timothy and Titus in order to instruct and encourage them in gospel ministry. These books are often called the Pastoral Epistles because they focus significantly on the character and responsibilities of those who teach and lead God’s church.

Paul’s Pastoral Epistles are written to individuals (rather than to churches). These letters are like a training manual for leaders in the church, filled with wisdom, correction, encouragement, and reminders of the central message of the gospel.

Above all, Paul stresses that the gospel of Jesus Christ saves and transforms sinners, and this gospel is the “good deposit” that should be protected and passed on to others through intentional discipleship (1 Tim. 6:20; 2 Tim. 1:14; 2:1–2).

In Short

  • First Timothy stresses the need to confront false teaching in Ephesus and to promote a positive vision for doctrine, order, and conduct in God’s household, the church. Timothy must guard the gospel and also set an example to the believers in his speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (1 Tim. 4:12; 6:20).

  • Second Timothy is Paul’s farewell discourse to his “beloved child” (2 Tim. 1:2). Although Paul is in chains for Christ, he rejoices that God’s Word is “not bound,” and he eagerly anticipates final salvation and glory (2 Tim. 2:8–10). Paul charges Timothy to preach the Word, endure suffering, and entrust the apostolic gospel to faithful men who will teach others (2 Tim. 2:2–3; 4:2).

  • Titus stresses that the gospel and good works are inseparable. Paul directs his coworker to appoint qualified elders in Crete (Titus 1:5–9), rebuke false teachers (Titus 1:10–16), and model sound doctrine and good works (Titus 2:1; 3:14).

Placing the letters in the Bible

God created his world, and it was very good. Then sin brought disorder, devastation, and death for God’s world and humanity. The Old Testament portrays God’s patience with his rebellious covenant people and his promises to rescue sinners and restore his broken world. The New Testament announces that God has fulfilled his ancient promises and demonstrated his goodness and loving kindness by sending Jesus Christ, our Savior. The Gospels narrate the life, death, and resurrection of the Savior and King Jesus Christ. Acts records how Jesus’ followers continued his mission by proclaiming the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit among all nations. The Epistles provide apostolic instruction for believers living between Jesus’ first and second comings.

Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus beautifully summarize the gospel message: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15); he “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). This glorious good news is the standard for sound doctrine and the motivation for godliness. 

These three letters promote sound teaching and godly leadership in the church while warning against false teaching and ungodly leadership.

Key Verses

“I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:14–15).

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:1–2).

“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people” (Titus 3:8).

Date and Historical Background

Paul wrote 1 Timothy and Titus to encourage and instruct his coworkers in difficult ministry situations in Ephesus and Crete. Timothy and Titus were to confront false teaching and promote order and godly conduct in the church. Some interpreters argue that Paul wrote these two letters in the mid-50s, identifying Paul’s journey to Macedonia in 1 Timothy 1:3 with Acts 20:1, where Paul travels to Macedonia after the riot in Ephesus. Others date these letters to the mid-60s, following Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28:16).

Paul wrote 2 Timothy near the end of his life, during his second imprisonment in Rome, in the mid- to late-60s. Paul had “fought the good fight” and “kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7), and he charged Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel but to follow his example of faithful ministry in suffering (2 Tim. 1:8, 13). Paul also asked Timothy to visit him soon in prison (2 Tim. 4:9).

🚀 Launching Questions

Here are some warm-up / launching questions to kick off this week’s study:

  1. “Who has been a spiritual mentor or role model in your life? What made their influence so meaningful?”

  2. “When you think of a healthy church, what comes to mind?”

  3. “What do you think makes someone a trustworthy leader—especially in a church setting?”

  4. “Have you ever been encouraged or challenged by someone younger or older in the faith? What happened?”

  5. “Why do you think it’s important for the church to stay rooted in sound teaching today?”



📖  Read, Discuss & Apply

  • No answer, group discussion.

    • the difference between true and false teaching (1 Tim. 1:3–11);

    • the power of the gospel to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:12–16);

    • the goodness of God’s creation (1 Tim. 4:4);

    • the dangers of pride and the love of money (1 Tim. 6:4–10);

    • the divine quality and effectiveness of the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:15–17); and,

    • the vital importance of good works in the Christian life (Titus 2:14; 3:14).ere

  • No answer, group discussion.

  • According to Paul, we tell the difference by looking at:

    1. The Message: Is it centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ?

    • Paul repeatedly emphasizes the importance of “sound doctrine in accordance with the gospel” (1 Tim 1:10–11).

    • False teachers often deviate from Christ or mix truth with speculation (1 Tim 1:3–7; 2 Tim 2:16–18).

    2. The Fruit: What kind of life does it produce?

    • Sound teaching leads to godliness, love, humility, and spiritual maturity (1 Tim 1:5; Titus 1:1).

    • False teaching often leads to pride, quarrels, division, and ungodliness (1 Tim 6:3–5; 2 Tim 2:23; Titus 3:9–11).

    3. The Teacher: What kind of character do they have?

    • Paul insists that leaders be above reproach, humble, self-controlled, and faithful (1 Tim 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9).

    • False teachers often are driven by pride, greed, or desire for recognition (1 Tim 6:4–5; 2 Tim 3:2–7).

    4. The Source: Is it rooted in Scripture?

    • Paul urges Timothy to hold firmly to the Scriptures, which are “God-breathed” and equip us for every good work (2 Tim 3:16–17).

    • False teaching often comes from myths, speculation, or distortions of truth (1 Tim 1:4, Titus 1:14).

    Sound teaching aligns with the gospel, grows godliness, is taught by godly people, and is rooted in Scripture.

    False teaching distorts the gospel, causes division or ungodliness, and often reflects pride or personal agenda.

  • No answer, group discussion.

🙏🏼 Close in Prayer

Take a few minutes to ask God to bless you with increased understanding and a transformed heart and life as you begin this study of Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus.

1–2 Timothy and Titus: A 12-Week Study © 2017 by Brian Tabb. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. For more information please visit The Gospel Coalition
Johan Walters
Previous

Week 2: Doctrine Makes a Difference