44: “Be Thou an Example of the Believers” (1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon)
Paul wrote many of his letters to whole groups of people. But today, we are zeroing in on a few of his more personal epistles, letters he wrote to his friends Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. You’ll see that these letters have a slightly different feel and tone to them. And Paul—as always—gives us pearls of wisdom to remember, offering each as a heartful gift from a friend.
Segment 1
Scriptures:
1 Timothy 1:15-16 (Mercy is for all)
2 Timothy 4:13 (Paul’s personal touch)
Translations:
Sin = khata or hamartia - miss the mark (Hebrew and Greek)
Segment 2
Scriptures:
Acts 16:1-3 (Introduction to Timothy)
2 Timothy 1:5 (Timothy’s maternal genealogy)
2 Timothy 3:15 (Learning as a child)
1 Timothy 4:10-16 (Be an example of the believers)
Translations:
Timothy = honored of God
Lois = More pleasant or more desirable
Eunice = Good or Happy victory
Words from our General Authorities:
Attacks against the Church, its doctrine, and our way of life are going to increase. Because of this, we need women who have a bedrock understanding of the doctrine of Christ and who will use that understanding to teach and help raise a sin-resistant generation. We need women who can detect deception in all of its forms. We need women who know how to access the power that God makes available to covenant keepers and who express their beliefs with confidence and charity. We need women who have the courage and vision of our Mother Eve. (Russell M. Nelson, “A Plea to My Sisters”, October 2015 General Conference)
Segment 3
Scriptures:
2 Timothy 1:7 (God has not given the spirit of fear)
Exodus 14:13-14 (Fear not, stand still)
2 Timothy 1:8 (Be not ashamed)
2 Timothy 4:5-7 (Paul fought the good fight)
CR: 1 Timothy 6:12
Study Helps:
Pastoral Epistles was “the name given to the epistles to Timothy and Titus, because they deal with the pastoral office and the duties of the shepherds or ministers of the Church” (Bible Dictionary,“Pastoral Epistles,” 742). A pastor is a bishop, and Timothy was ordained the first bishop of the Church in Ephesus. Therefore, pastoral refers to the office and duties of a bishop. (New Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 1 Timothy)
Segment 4
Scriptures:
2 Timothy 3:1-7 (Perilous times)
Words from our General Authorities:
I have said lately that women are like lionesses at the gate of the home. Whatever happens in that home and family happens because she cares about it and it matters to her. She guards that gate, and things matter to that family if they matter to her. (Julie B. Beck, “Choose Ye This Day to Serve the Lord”, 2010 BYU Women’s Conference)
Segment 5
Scriptures:
2 Timothy 3:14-17 (Study scripture and trust your testimony)
2 Timothy 2:15-16 (Recognize scripture)
Titus 2:1-8 (Be sober minded)
Words from our General Authorities:
The reminder is that we cannot sign on for a moment of such eternal significance and everlasting consequence without knowing it will be a fight—a good fight and a winning fight, but a fight nevertheless. Paul said to those who thought a new testimony, a personal conversion, or a spiritual baptismal experience would put them beyond trouble, “Call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions” (Hebrews 10:32; emphasis added) (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence”, BYU Devotional March 2, 1999)
Segment 6
Scriptures:
Philemon 1:16 (We are all brothers and sisters in Christ)
Philemon 1:14-19 (Christ pays our debts)
Quotes:
Even as Christ did for us with God the Father, thus also St. Paul does for Onesimus with Philemon...We are all His Onesimuses. (Martin Luther)
View transcript here.