BIBLE STUDY 2 APRIL 2019
Focus: Spiritual leadership
Text: 1 Timothy 5:23 – 35

PERSONAL COUNSEL GIVEN BY PAUL TO TIMOTHY

1. To take care of health issues (1Timothy 5:23)

a. Timothy had frequent infirmities perhaps due to the following:

i. Stress and strain of ministry

ii. Challenging conditions of ministry

b. Paul’s advice to Timothy to take practical actions to take care of his health

i. No longer only drink water

ii. Water quality was not the best in those days

iii. Paul’s advice to use a little wine for his stomach sake

iv. Otherwise being sick half the time would hinder his ministry

2. To become a discerning servant of God

a. “Some men’s sin” (1 Timothy 5:24)

i. Some men’s sins are clearly evident

ii. They are obviously heading towards judgment from God

iii. There are those whose sins will follow later

b. “Good works of some are clearly evident” (1 Timothy 5:25a)

i. Good works are encouraged

ii. Where good works are obvious

iii. They will stand out by themselves

iv. These are positive signs that God is working in their lives
(Cf. Ephesians 2:10)

c. “Those that are otherwise cannot be hidden” (1 Timothy 5:25b)

i. Where there are no good works evident

ii. They profess faith but lack works

iii. Their true state of faith will not be hidden for too long

iv. The reality of faith will be known by their fruits

APPLICATION

1. We need to become more discerning servants of God too!

2. Wisdom is necessary to succeed as a servant of God!

3. The discipline to pursue wisdom is vital

a. Desire for wisdom

b. Diligence needed

c. Discipline has to be cultivated to seek and search for wisdom!