I Timothy 4 - November 30: I Timothy 4-6 1. What is Timothy supposed to focus on in the gathering of the church, according to 4:13?

2. What should be our attitude toward wealth, according to 6:6-10 and 6:17-19?

December 1: II Timothy 1-4 1. What resource does Paul point Timothy to in 3:14-17 as Timothy prepares for persecution?

2. How does Paul view his life in 4:6-8? Does he approach death with confidence or fear? Why? How can we live now so we can die well?

December 2: Titus 1-Philemon 1

Titus is another of Paul’s “pastoral epistles,” written under similar circumstances as I Timothy. I provides instruction to a young pastor, Titus, as he ordains elders onto island of Crete. As Titus ministers to a very difficult group of people (1:12), he must remember that God’s grace is what transforms people (2:11-14). The letter provides instructions about church leaders (ch. 1) and gives practical instructions for all church members (ch. 2) as we live the gospel out together.

Philemon is Paul’s shortest letter. At first glance, it seems odd that God would include a personal letter like this in the canon of Scripture. Philemon is a faithful church member in Colosse who Paul had led to the Lord. Paul is now imprisoned in Rome, and while there, he encounters Philemon’s runaway slave Onesimus and leads him to the Lord. For Onesimus, repentance must include being reconciled to his master. As Paul sends Onesimus home, he sends this letter with him to his friend Philemon, calling him to forgive Onesimus.

1. In Titus 2, Paul gives commands to various groups within the church. Which group do you best fit into? What are God’s instructions to you? How could you take a step this week in obeying these commands?

2. What should be our attitude toward the lost in Titus 3:1-2? What motivates this attitude, 3:3-7?

3. As Paul asks for Philemon to forgive and restore Philemon, what offer does he make in v. 18-19? How does this remind you of the gospel?

December 3: -3

Hebrews: Although Hebrews is an anonymous book, it has the fingerprints of Paul all over it. It is called the book of “Hebrews” because it is clearly written to Christians from a Jewish background. It is an incredible commentary on the Old Testament, a declaration that is “better than” all the pictures and shadows of the temple and priesthood. Paul’s audience was facing intense pressure to give up on and return to Judaism. In order call them to persevere in the faith, the author argues for the superiority of Jesus in chapters 1-10, while in chapters 11-13, he calls for a persevering faith. Throughout the book, the author argues that Jesus is better than , better than , better than the priesthood, better than the temple. It’s worth it to press on!

1. What does Hebrews 1:4 assert about Jesus?

2. What danger does Hebrews 3:12 warn us against? What makes this a particularly insidious danger, 3:13? How do we guard against it?

December 4: -6 1. According to 4:14, Jesus is our “great High Priest.” What does this mean for us? What does it motivate us to do? What privilege does it grant, 4:16?

2. Upon what does God base His promises, 6:13? What does this mean for our security in Christ?

December 5: -10 1. Jesus, according to ch. 7, is a priest after the order of Melchisedec, making His priesthood eternal (7:24). What does this mean for us, 7:25?

2. According to 9:12, 26-28, how many times did Christ have to die to secure atonement for His people? How is His death different than the OT sacrifices? Also look at 10:4, 11-12.

3. In 10:19-25, we’re given a great summary of the actions we must take in response to the message of Jesus’ superiority. What are these actions? How does the reality of Jesus’ superiority motivate these actions?

December 6: -13 1. Hebrews 11 is the great faith chapter. Why is faith so important, 11:6? What’s the relationship between faith and works (as illustrated by the numerous actions of OT saints recorded in this chapter)?

2. What is “chastening” in :5? What does it show us about our relationship with God, 12:6-8? What does it accomplish, 12:11?

3. How is God described in 13:20? How does this description connect with the benediction in 13:21?