Edgewood Bible Church

Text: 1 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Theological Theme: The mystery of the gospel
Anthropological Theme: Purpose

Text:  1 Timothy 3:1-13
Big Idea: In God's household trusted leaders are qualified by character 
1. Overseeing is a noble task, but overseers must be above reproach (v.1-7)
2. Serving brings a good standing, but servants must prove faithful (v.8-13)
 
Discussion Questions: 1. Why do churches so easily value charisma, giftedness, or visible success over proven character? What dangers come from confusing giftedness with godliness?
2. Which qualification in 1 Timothy 3:1–13 most challenges you personally, and what would growth in that area look like in your home, church, or relationships?
3. How can our church better recognize and encourage qualified elders and deacons while neither lowering Scripture’s standards nor adding our own personal preferences to them?

Text: 1 Timothy 2:8-15
Theological theme: A God of Order
Anthropological theme: Worship

Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-7
Big Idea: We boldly pray for everyone because Christ’s ransom is for anyone.
1. Pray for everyone, anyone can be saved (v.1-4)
2. Pray with confidence, Christ has paid the ransom (v. 5-7)
Discussion Questions:
1. Who naturally comes to mind when you pray and who rarely does? Is there someone difficult to love that God may be inviting you to begin praying for?
2. Why do you think Paul connects prayer with “a peaceful and quiet life” (v. 2)? What’s the difference between a peaceful life and an easy life?
3. How does Christ being our “one mediator” (vv. 5–6) change the way you approach prayer?
4. Who is one person God is placing on your heart to pray for this week?

Text: 1 Timothy 1:12-20
Big Idea: God's eternal patience and mercy call us to fight the good fight.
1. Paul: An example of mercy (v.12-17)
2. Timothy: A call to follow (v.18-20)

Text: 1 Timothy 1:3-11
 
Big Idea: Guard the gospel by stopping False Teachers and faithfully handle God’s word.
1. The Charge: Stop False Teaching and Speculation (v.3-4)
2. The Goal: Love and an Honest Faith (v.5)
3. The Danger: A Wayward Heart Means Empty Teaching (v.6-7)
4. The Measurement: Handling the Law in the Light of the Gospel. (v.8-11)
 
Discussion Questions:
1. Where have you been tempted to listen and look for speculation rather than stewardship in your life.
2. How do you evaluate the teachers and voices you follow, by their charisma and confidence, or by their character and fruit?
3. Can you identify any areas in your own beliefs or habits where you may have drifted slightly? What helps you recalibrate?
4. Where in your life do you need the law to honestly expose something, and where do you need the gospel to bring you back to Christ?

Big Idea: Remember Whose Household you are in as you learn to live in it.
1. The Head of the Household (1a)
2. The Hope of the Household (1b)
3. The Heritage of the Household (2a)
4. The Help of the Household (2b)
 
Discussion Questions:
1. What changes when we see the church not as an event we attend, but as God’s household to which we belong?
2. Where are you most tempted to act like an “owner” in the church—placing your preferences above God’s authority—or like a “visitor” who attends without taking responsibility?
3. Paul calls Christ Jesus “our hope.” Where have disappointment, fear, or cynicism caused your prayers to shrink? What would it look like to pray with renewed hope?
4. Who has served as a “Paul” in your faith, and who might God be calling you to disciple as your “Timothy”? What practical step could you take toward that relationship?
5. Which gift do you most need right now: grace, mercy, or peace? How should receiving that gift from God shape the way you respond to other members of his household?

Main Idea: The answers to life's greatest questions are found in the character of God.
Question 1: "What does God actually want from us?"Question 2: "What will God do with sin?"Question 3: "Who is a God like you?"
Discussion Questions:1. "Remembrance is the fuel of our devotion." How have you seen remembering God's faithfulness strengthen your faith during difficult seasons?2. God tells Israel they will eat but not be satisfied. Have you ever experienced the emptiness of seeking satisfaction apart from God? What did you learn from that experience?3. What stands out most to you about God's character in these verses?4. How does knowing that God has cast your sins into the depths of the sea affect the way you view your past failures?

Main idea:  Men will fail in their leadership, but our Great Shepherd will lead us faithfully home.
The Leadership that God's Judges - Micah 3The Future We Long For - Micah 4The Shepherd We Need - Micah 5
Discussion Questions:1. Micah 3:2 describes leaders who "hate the good and love the evil." Where do you see this kind of backward thinking most prevalent in our culture today?2. The road to redemption often runs through a valley of pain or exile. How does this perspective change how you view a trial you are facing right now?3. For an oppressed person, God's final vengeance (Micah 5:15) is a massive relief. How does knowing that "evil will not have the final word" bring peace to your current anxieties?

Main idea: We cannot fool the living God; we can only stand in awe of His holiness and run to His mercy.
1. God Who Refuses to Respect Our Religious Fences (Micah 1)2. God Who Exposes Our Hidden Sins (Micah 2:1–11)3. God Who Breaks Open The Gates (Micah 2:12–13)
Discussion Questions:1. According to Micah 1:5, what was the root cause of God's judgment against Samaria and Jerusalem?2. What are some modern "high places" or idols that Christians are tempted to worship alongside God?3. Why do people often prefer teachers who tell them what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear?4. Do you have people in your life who will lovingly confront you when you are drifting into sin? If not, how can you cultivate those relationships?