1 Timothy 1:11, 19-20; 6:20-21;

2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2:2

“Besides relationships, what is your most cherished earthly possession?”

What U.S. adults say is their idea of the American Dream:

•Free to accomplish anything: 74 percent •Free to say/do what they want: 68 percent •Children financially better-off: 64 percent •Being financially secure: 61 percent

Anne R. Carey and Sam Ward, "What Adults Say Is Their Idea of the American Dream" USA Today (4-2-09)

DISCUSSION GUIDE

1. List some of the background information for the writing of 1 Timothy.

a. Author Paulb. Time Frame AD 64-65c. Situation Paul’s first imprisonment in

Romed. Written to Timothy, Paul’s apprenticee. Theme Guard the Treasure (the

glorious gospel)

DISCUSSION GUIDE

2. How did Paul trust Timothy to guard the treasure? (1 Timothy 1:18)

He had mentored Timothy and knew thathe would “fight the good fight” to protect

the treasure.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

3.What is the “Treasure”? (2 Timothy 1:8,10; 2:8)

The glorious gospel

DISCUSSION GUIDE

4. What does it mean to be entrusted with the gospel today?

DISCUSSION GUIDE

5.How is salvation more than just escaping hell?

Salvation includes increasing conformityto Christ’s character and a coming

transformation of our physical bodies.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

6. Is sound doctrine all that is needed for a successful Christian walk? (1Timothy 1:5; 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:22)

No, righteous living is also a requirement.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

7.What did Paul mean in (1 Timothy1:20) when he said he delivered the two men over to Satan?

The two were excommunicated outsidethe body of believers because they were

not speaking the truth about God’sgospel.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

8.What did Paul warn Timothy to avoid in (1 Timothy 6:20)?

a. Worldly and empty chatterb. Arguments with false teachers

DISCUSSION GUIDE

9.How can you be prepared to deal with false teachers?

a. Know the Bibleb. Be aware of new false teachingc. Do not get into a debate with false

teachers

DISCUSSION GUIDE

10. What are some examples of false teachings that have crept into some churches?

Prosperity gospel, universal spiritual giftof tongues, acceptance of practicing

homosexuals into membership, infant

baptism, etc.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

11. Do you know enough about the “treasure” to guard the treasure? If not, what can you do?

DISCUSSION GUIDE

12. According to (2 Timothy 1:14) who is our helpmate in guarding the

treasure?

The Holy Spirit

DISCUSSION GUIDE

13. How can the Holy Spirit help you guard the gospel?

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is boththe mark of the true believer and the

power to live out the Christian life. Livingout the Christian life is what impacts

others.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

14. What practice is mentioned in (2 Timothy 2:2) that helps guard the treasure for future generations?

Teaching the gospel message from aqualified steward to another and on and

on it goes.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

15. How can passing the treasure on be done in my:

a. Familyb. Churchc. Neighborhood