1 Timothy
GOD’S DESIGN FOR THE CHURCH
Overview
The church isn’t a loose collection of individuals, and it’s more than a weekly gathering. It is the people of God, formed by the Spirit, gathered around the Word of God, carrying out the mission of God.
In 1 Timothy, Paul writes to help a young church recover clarity about who they are, what they believe, and how they are meant to live together.
-
1 Tim. 1:1-11 and 1 Tim. 1:3-11
This guide is designed to help groups get oriented to the book of 1 Timothy and explore God’s design for the church—what it is, what it protects, and what it’s meant to produce in us.
It offers a simple flow for gathering around Scripture, discussion, and prayer together. It is designed for use alongside the teachings Our Only Hope (1 Tim. 1:1-2) and Protecting What We Love (1 Tim. 1:3-11).
-
1 Tim. 1:12-20 and 2:1-7
A discussion guide for exploring mercy, spiritual warfare, and prayer—centered on the good news that Christ Jesus came to save sinners.
Designed to accompany the Mercy and Our Greatest Weapon teachings.
-
1 Tim. 2:8-15
A discussion guide exploring how men and women are formed together as the family of God. Through conversation and prayer, we consider what it means to live faithfully under God’s Word.
Designed to accompany the Men & Women teaching.
-
1 Tim. 3:14 - 4:16 and 5:1-16
This guide is designed to help groups reflect on Paul’s vision of the church as the household of God and what it means to be formed together as people who live in the truth of Jesus.
It offers a simple flow for gathering around Scripture, conversation, and prayer together. It is designed to accompany the teaching Household of God (1 Tim. 3:14–4:16) and Life in the Family of God (1 Tim. 5:1-16).
-
1 Tim. 3:1-13
Paul writes to Timothy what healthy leaders look like in the church. This guide invites group discussion and reflection on how leadership and money are powerful forces in our individual lives and the life of the church.
Made to accompany Qualified Leadership (1 Tim. 3:-13) and The Gospel and Money (1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17-19).
The Gospel and Money
1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19
Money isn’t just practical—it’s deeply spiritual. Paul speak to how the love of money can quietly shape our desires and distort our sense of security. But in Christ, we’re invited into a different way of life marked by contentment, trust, and generosity.
03.29.26 • Andy Metzger
1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19
Money isn’t just practical—it’s deeply spiritual. Paul speak to how the love of money can quietly shape our desires and distort our sense of security. But in Christ, we’re invited into a different way of life marked by contentment, trust, and generosity.
Qualified Leadership
1 Timothy 3:1-13
Paul writes to Timothy to show that healthy churches require qualified leadership—because leadership shapes our ability to know and enjoy God. What matters most is character, not competency: a life with nothing to hide, formed by Jesus. And ultimately, our hope is in Jesus, the true Shepherd who never fails.
03.22.26 • Andy Metzger
1 Timothy 3:1-13
Paul writes to Timothy to show that healthy churches require qualified leadership—because leadership shapes our ability to know and enjoy God. What matters most is character, not competency: a life with nothing to hide, formed by Jesus. And ultimately, our hope is in Jesus, the true Shepherd who never fails.
Life in the Family of God
1 Timothy 5:1-16
The gospel saves us into a new family called the church, where we learn how to intentionally relate to one another and wisely care for one another, in order to strengthen the church and advance the gospel.
03.15.26 • Andy Metzger
1 Timothy 5:1-16
The gospel saves us into a new family called the church, where we learn how to intentionally relate to one another and wisely care for one another, in order to strengthen the church and advance the gospel.
The Household of God
1 Timothy 3:14 — 4:16
The church isn’t just a gathering—it’s the household of the living God, called to hold up the truth of the gospel. Paul invites the church to reject false teaching, train for godliness, and live with a public mission. Rooted in the finished work of Jesus, we pursue lives shaped by truth, disciplined devotion, and love for the world.
03.08.26 • Bennett Rutherford (Elder)
1 Timothy 3:14 — 4:16
The church isn’t just a gathering—it’s the household of the living God, called to hold up the truth of the gospel. Paul invites the church to reject false teaching, train for godliness, and live with a public mission. Rooted in the finished work of Jesus, we pursue lives shaped by truth, disciplined devotion, and love for the world.
Men & Women
1 Timothy 2:8-15
Paul offers a vision of how men and women are meant to flourish together in the family of God. In a complex and often controversial passage, we’re invited not to pick sides, but to pursue unity, humility, and obedience to Jesus above all else.
03.01.26 • Andy Metzger
1 Timothy 2:8-15
Paul offers a vision of how men and women are meant to flourish together in the family of God. In a complex and often controversial passage, we’re invited not to pick sides, but to pursue unity, humility, and obedience to Jesus above all else.
Our Greatest Weapon
1 Timothy 2:1-7
What if prayer isn’t passive, but our greatest weapon? Paul calls us to wage the good warfare, resist drifting toward shipwreck, and pray for all people—even those we’re tempted to criticize. We do so anchored in the good news that Jesus is our mediator and ransom.
02.22.26 • Andy Metzger
1 Timothy 2:1-7
What if prayer isn’t passive, but our greatest weapon? Paul calls us to wage the good warfare, resist drifting toward shipwreck, and pray for all people—even those we’re tempted to criticize. We do so anchored in the good news that Jesus is our mediator and ransom.
Mercy
1 Timothy 1:12-20
The mercy of Jesus doesn’t just forgive our past. In Paul we see it overflow with grace, faith, and love—turning even the worst of who we were into a living testimony of God’s patience and power.
02.15.26 • Andy Metzger
1 Timothy 1:12-20
The mercy of Jesus doesn’t just forgive our past. In Paul we see it overflows with grace, faith, and love—turning even the worst of who we were into a living testimony of God’s patience and power.
Protecting What We Love
1 Timothy 1:3-11
Paul urges Timothy to guard the gospel—not out of fear or control, but out of love. In a culture drawn to speculation and secondary issues, Paul clarifies that sound doctrine exists to form a people shaped by grace, truth, and a love committed to others’ highest good over the long haul.
02.08.26 • Andy Metzger
1 Timothy 1:3-11
Paul urges Timothy to guard the gospel—not out of fear or control, but out of love. In a culture drawn to speculation and secondary issues, Paul clarifies that sound doctrine exists to form a people shaped by grace, truth, and a love committed to others’ highest good over the long haul.
Our Only Hope
1 Timothy 1:1-2
Paul anchors the life of the church in one unshakable reality: Christ Jesus, our hope. From Him flow grace, mercy, and peace for a people learning to live as God’s family.
02.01.26 • Andy Metzger
1 Timothy 1:1-2
Paul anchors the life of the church in one unshakable reality: Christ Jesus, our hope. From Him flow grace, mercy, and peace for a people learning to live as God’s family.
