Command and Teach (1 Timothy 4:11-16)

Timothy was to “command and teach these things.” What are the “these things” he was to command and teach? What is the difference between commanding and teaching? Where would Timothy get the authority to command and teach?

How old do you imagine Timothy was when Paul wrote to him? Why might some be tempted to despise Timothy’s youth? Are there many today who might be tempted to despise someone’s youth? Why should Timothy not be intimidated on account of his age?

Timothy was to set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. If Timothy were younger than many of the other believers, how could he set an example for them? How could Timothy set the believers an example in speech?

• What does one’s speech say about him?
• How can you set an example for believers in speech?

How could Timothy set the believers an example in conduct?

• What does one’s conduct say about him?
• How can you set an example for believers in conduct?

How could Timothy set the believers an example in love?

• What does the things one loves say about him?
• How can you set an example for believers in love?

How could Timothy set the believers an example in faith?

• Where should one place his faith?
  • What does the proper placement of faith say about a person?
  • What does the improper placement of faith say about a person?
• How can you set the believers an example in faith?

How could Timothy set the believers an example in purity? What does purity say about someone? How can you set the believers an example in purity?

Why would Timothy need to give himself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching until Paul came? In what way(s) would Paul’s arrival relieve Timothy of his obligation? Why might the public reading of Scripture have been in important in the early church? What is exhortation? Why is it important? Why would Timothy have an obligation to teach?

What was the gift that was in Timothy? How was this gift given by prophecy? How might Timothy have received this gift by the laying on of hands by the council of elders?

• The miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit could only be given through the laying on of apostolic hands (Acts 8:14-18).
• How might the gift Timothy received be different from the miraculous gift of the Spirit?

How might Timothy have neglected this gift?

• What does Scripture teach about neglecting our gifts?
• How can we keep from neglecting our gifts?

How would everyone be able to see Timothy’s progress? Why is progress important?

Why would Timothy save himself and his hearers if he kept a close watch on himself and on the teaching?