InSight Women's Bible Study: 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus

The letters from Paul to Timothy and Titus are called the Pastoral letters. Paul’s other letters were addressed to entire congregations—these three letters aimed at supporting two young men planting churches in Crete and Ephesus. Since these epistles were addressed to specific people with specific roles, not to congregations at large, do they have anything to say to us? Absolutely! We learn that doctrine matters. In 2 Timothy 4. 2 Paul writes: “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage.” This encouragement applies to all believers, not just to leaders. We learn that behavior matters. The behavioral qualifications Paul gives the leadership apply to every person in the church, not just to the leaders. At the end of the day, Paul wants his hearers to know that relationship with Messiah Jesus should be a life-changing truth that has tangible results in the human person. He writes to Titus (2. 11,12): “…the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all human beings. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives...’ The result is not restriction, but freedom to become who God designed us to be and we find joy!