ELNORA’S BIBLE STUDY WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS,1Timothy 3, Saturday, June 6, 2026
In 1 Timothy 3, Paul completes his instructions on church organization and conduct. After outlining foundational principles for the church in chapters 1–3, he focuses on the qualifications and character requirements for church leaders, specifically elders (overseers) and deacons. These standards are intended to help Timothy establish healthy leadership within the congregation. Beginning in the upcoming chapters, Paul shifts his attention to warning Timothy about false teachings and other threats that could endanger the church.
Source: https://www.bibleref.com/1-Timothy/3/1-Timothy-chapter-3.html
Church Leadership, Part 1, Verses 1-7, GROUP DISCUSSION
1This is
a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader,[a] he desires an
honorable position.” 2 So a church leader must be a man whose life is
above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife.[b] He must exercise
self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having
guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3 He must not be
a heavy drinker[c] or be violent. He
must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4 He must manage
his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5 For
if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
6 A church leader must not be a new believer, because he
might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.[d] 7 Also, people
outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and
fall into the devil’s trap.
SECTION QUESTIONS: To Be Added
Church Leadership, Part 2, Verses 8-16, GROUP DISCUSSION
8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have
integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9 They
must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a
clear conscience. 10 Before they are appointed as
deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them
serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, their wives[e] must be respected
and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in
everything they do. 12 A deacon must be faithful to his
wife, and he must manage his children and household well. 13 Those
who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have
increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus. 14 I
am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, 15 so
that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the
household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and
foundation of the truth. 16 Without question, this is
the great mystery of our faith[f]: Christ[g] was revealed in a
human body and indicated by the Spirit.[h]He was seen by angels and
announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to
heaven in glory.
SECTION QUESTIONS: To Be Added
Prayers for 1 Timothy, Chapter 3
2 So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife.[b] He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. (1 Timothy 3:2)
Heavenly Father, we pray for the pastors and ministers in our churches and communities. May the characteristics and qualities that Paul lists in his letter to Timothy be taken to heart by all who have positions of responsibility in our own church and others. Father, we thank you that You have established godly leaders in pastoral positions who are above reproach, and we pray that each one is ready and willing to examine their heart, to see if there are areas in their life that need to be addressed. I pray that in my own life, I may strive to attain the many qualities that You expect from all Your children. Thank You that in Christ I have all I need for life and godliness. I am willing to share the good news of the gospel of Christ with others, and I am ready to give a biblical answer to everyone for the hope I have in Christ. This I declare and decree in Jesus' name, AMEN.
15 so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:15)
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and the wonderful truths that are contained within its pages. Thank You that I have everything I need to live a pure and holy life and have been taught how to conduct myself in this fallen world system. I praise You that by faith in Christ, I am a member of the household of God and part of the Body of Christ, which is identified as "the Church of the living God." Help me to stand firm in these evil days, and be a strong and established pillar of truth that points lost sinners to Christ, Who is the source, the seal, and the consummation of our faith, and in whose name I pray, AMEN.
16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith[f]: Christ[g] was revealed in a human body and indicated by the Spirit.[h]He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory. (1 Timothy 3:16)
Heavenly Father, thank You that I am in Christ and that through His death and Resurrection, I have been made a new creation and have received His life within. Thank You that the Word of God became incarnate and was manifest in the flesh in the person of Christ. Thank You for revealing the truth of the glorious gospel in the written Word of God, and thank You for bestowing on all Your children, the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: "Which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." I pray that I may show forth the love of Christ in all I say and do, to His praise and glory, AMEN.
Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/1-Timothy/3
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