This is part of the 66 in 52 Bible Journaling Challenge. Over the course of the 52 weeks in 2018, I will focus in on one verse from each book of the Bible with many others who have signed up to join me. Each week I will be posting a summary page with some thought about that week’s book(s) of the Bible along with some links that may help our reflection. Click here to sign up if you want to join us at any point along the journey!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Big Picture of 1 and 2 Timothy:
Where the last two books were written by Paul and Timothy (and Silas) together, these next two we’ll explore are written from Paul directly to Timothy. Many of the books in the New Testament were letters from church leaders to the churches but we get a bit more personal in this one as Paul talks about Timothy as his son. These letters are the encouragement and advice Paul longs to pass along to Timothy as he leads in his ministry.
1 Timothy outlines various instructions Paul has that he prays would help Timothy “fight well in the Lord’s battle”. These begin in chapter 2 and continue through the rest of the book. The first letter is guessed to be sent around AD 62-66. The second letter to Timothy was sent around AD 67-68 from Rome as he awaited execution. In this letter, he called Timothy to be bold and courageous in his work, to not be afraid of what could happen, but continue faithfully in the ministry no matter what. He also asks a few times for Timothy to come visit him before he is executed.
Instructions from 1 and 2 Timothy:
Most of these two letters are instructions from Paul to Timothy. Here are some of the those words of advice and encouragement:
- Pray! (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
- Worship freely (1 Timothy 2:8)
- Pick leaders wisely (1 Timothy 3)
- Listen to the Holy Spirit above all (1 Timothy 4:1-5, 2 Timothy 1:14)
- Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter (1 Timothy 4:6-10, 2 Timothy 2:16)
- Teach truth (1 Timothy 4:10-13, 2 Timothy 1:13-14, 2:19, 3:1-10, 14-17, 4:2)
- Let your life match your teaching (1 Timothy 5)
- Don’t take sides (1 Timothy 5:19-22)
- Be content (1 Timothy 6:6-8)
- Run from evil and pursue righteousness (1 Timothy 6:11-12, 2 Timothy 2:22-24)
- Trust God to experience true life (1 Timothy 6:17-19, 2 Timothy 1:12)
- Don’t be afraid (2 Timothy 1:7)
- Be strong and endure suffering (1 Timothy 6:12-14, 2 Timothy 2:1-14, 4:5)
- Live confidently in your calling (1 Timothy 1:12, 4:12, 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 2:15)
A Few Key Verses and Possible Reflection Questions/Prayers:
Some of us are planning to read through the whole book or books each week, while others are just focusing in on one verse per book. This section of the weekly intro post might help you narrow down a verse to reflect on for the week, but you do not have to choose one of these verse, pick any section of the book you want! These are just some ideas.
1 Timothy
- “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’–an I am the worst of them all. But God has mercy on my so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience even with the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:15-16)
REFLECTION: Who in your life (including perhaps yourself!) could use a bit more of our patience when it comes to being sinners in need of a Savior?
- “In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.” (1 Timothy 2:8)
REFLECTION: What keeps you from worshiping freely?
- “Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12)
REFLECTION: What does it look like for you to hold tightly to our eternal life to which God has called us? How can you consciously do that this week?
2 Timothy
- “For God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
REFLECTION: In which current life situations is it easiest for you to forget this truth right now? How might you be able to remind yourself of the power, love, and self-discipline that are inside you by God’s grace and spirit?
- “Preach the word. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
REFLECTION: How could you prepare yourself this week to be able to correct, rebuke, or encourage your people with good teaching?
Some Other Resources:
- The Bible Project summary video for 1 Timothy
- The Bible Project summary video for 2 Timothy
- A Pinterest board with resources and pictures for 1 and 2 Timothy
- The 66 in 52 Schedule and Tracking Sheet
The Challenge:
So now it’s your turn! Pick a verse and settle in this week, or read through the whole book. If you post any picture or blogs on social media, tag them with #66in52challenge so we can all share in this journey together!
joyfullyblessedblog.com 