S – ⁷ As an overseer of God’s household, he must be blameless, not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not an excessive drinker, not a bully, not greedy for money, ⁸ but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled,

Titus 1:7–8 CSB

O – Commentary:

The need for blamelessness is repeated from verse 6. The reason this quality is so important is that an overseer serves as a steward of God. Damage to a church leader’s reputation is damage to God’s reputation. Then Paul resumed his list with five vices which must not characterize an overseer: (4) not overbearing, not arrogant and self-willed; (5) not quick-tempered (cf. James 1:19–20); (6) not given to much wine; (7) not violent (cf. 1 Tim. 3:3 for this and the previous vice); (8) not pursuing dishonest gain (cf. comments on 1 Tim. 6:5).

1:8. Whereas verse 7 lists negative characteristics to avoid, verse 8 lists positive qualities to be sought. The elder must be (9) hospitable (cf. 1 Tim. 3:2); (10) one who loves what is good (cf. Ps. 15); (11) self-controlled, or temperate and sensible (sōphrona; cf. Gal. 5:23; 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 2:2, 4); (12) upright (dikaion, “just”); (13) holy (these last two are, with blamelessness, two of the characteristics Paul himself had modeled [cf. 1 Thes. 2:10], but neither is mentioned in 1 Tim. 3); and (14) disciplined (in contrast to the vices of Titus 1:7; cf. 1 Tim. 4:7–8).

“Titus,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scripture

A – The church requires leadership that will bring oversight, vision and action steps.  These leaders must be gifted to lead.  Just as important, is their ability to model the character of God in their leadership and oversight.  It reflects on them personally, the church and God.  This is a good “checklist” for one to use in determining a person’s qualifications to lead in the church.

R – Heavenly Father, you are worthy of our praise and honor.  We desire to model your heart and character in our words, thoughts and actions.  We are not perfect and we will sin and make mistakes.  Yet, we can choose your ways consistently and embody your character for others to see and follow.  Thank you for your grace and mercy as we lead others.

S – I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing

2 Timothy 4:7–8 CSB

O – Paul is coming to the end of his life.  He recognizes the accomplishment of finishing with full faith.  The reward is the recognition of living righteously.  Accomplishing and rewarding are available to all believers when they stand before the Lord.

A – This is what I want in my life.  I want to fulfill the purpose and plan God has for my life.  I want to finish strong.  It is challenging.  Like all relationships, my interactions with God continue to develop through trust, faith and love.

R – Heavenly Father, you are God and there is none like you.  Give me the strength and courage to run the race today.  I invite your Holy Spirit to lead and guide me in all that I am going to encounter and to love others throughout the day.  I choose you above all.

S – All Scripture is inspired by God^, and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 

2 Timothy 3:16–17 CSB

O – Commentary:

Paul had just noted that the Scriptures are able to make one wise with regard to salvation, a lesson Timothy had learned long before. But now Paul wanted to reemphasize to Timothy the crucial role of God’s inscripturated revelation in his present ministry. Thus Paul reminded Timothy that all Scripture is God-breathed (theopneustos, “inspired”), that is, God’s words were given through men superintended by the Holy Spirit so that their writings are without error. This fact was virtually taken for granted by the Jews. Then Paul asserted the “usefulness” of the Word. For each aspect of Timothy’s ministry, whatever it might be—teaching (instructing believers in God’s truths), rebuking those in sin (cf. 1 Tim. 5:20; 2 Tim. 4:2), correcting those in error (cf. 2 Tim. 2:25; 4:2), and training (paideian, lit., “child-training”) in righteousness (guiding new believers in God’s ways)—for all of these and more the written Word of God is profitable. With it the man of God (one who must provide spiritual leadership to others) is artios—“complete, capable, proficient in the sense of being able to meet all demands.” To drive home his point still more emphatically Paul added equipped (exērtismenos, “furnished”) for every good work (cf. 2:21). Paul placed heavy burdens of ministry on his young disciple in this letter, but he did not do so irresponsibly. He was confident of Timothy’s commitment to and dependence on the Scriptures, and he was even more confident of God’s ability to supply all Timothy’s needs through the Word.

“2 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – The Word of God is from God.  It is without error and a mighty tool for us in our daily walk.  Each of these four applications aids us in our pursuit of more of God’s character and righteousness.  We are equipped…will we do the work to take a step towards God?

R – Heavenly Father, we honor you as the King of Kings.  Thank you for the Word of God.  As we spend time in your word, give us fresh insight and revelation of who you are and your character.  Help us to learn, receive discipline and apply your truths to our lives. We desire to know you better through what you reveal in your Word.

S – Don’t answer a fool according to his foolishness or you’ll be like him yourself. 

⁵ Answer a fool according to his foolishness or he’ll become wise in his own eyes

Proverbs 26:4–5 CSB

O – Commentary:

These two sayings belong together; they complement each other. Their point is that one should not be drawn down to a fool’s level (v. 4) but at times he must use the fool’s language to refute the fool so he does not become conceited (v. 5; cf. vv. 12, 16). Wisdom is needed to determine when to apply verse 4 and when to apply verse 5

The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Wisdom is one of our greatest tools.  We will interact with various people and wisdom allows us to discern and move in the right direction.  It also gives us the ability to address their words and actions appropriately.

R – Heavenly Father, we exalt your name.  Please give us wisdom as we face situations and engage others.  Give us the courage to act appropriately.  Help us to show your love while upholding your character with others.

S – Therefore, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power,^, love, and sound judgment. 

2 Timothy 1:6–8 CSB

O – Commentary:

Spirit of fear – of cowardice…

Of power  – …Not used by our writer in the sense of working miracles, which it sometimes has in Paul. Here, the power to overcome all obstacles and to face all dangers. It is closely linked with the sense of boldness.

Of love – See on Gal. 5:22.

Of a sound mind – Not self-control, but the faculty of generating it in others or in one’s self, making them σώφρονες of sound mind.

Word Studies in the New Testament

A – Fear challenges all of us.  In our sharing our faith, it wants to keep us quiet.  But God gives us boldness, unconditional love and discipline in our mind.  Walking in these qualities allows us to pursue God’s purpose and plans without fear.  It also gives us confidence and peace to take the next step.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the creator of all things.  We invite your Holy Spirit to lead and empower us.  Help us to walk in boldness, unconditional love and a disciplined mind.  We put our confidence and faith in you.

S – But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.

1 Timothy 6:6–7 CSB

O – Commentary:

contentment The Greek word used here, autarkeia, refers to satisfaction with one’s circumstances. Stoic philosophers valued contentment because it indicated self-sufficiency. The Apostle Paul, however, values contentment because it indicates Christ’s sufficiency (see Phil 4:11, 13).

6:7 neither can we bring anything Paul cautions the believers in Ephesus against prioritizing material wealth over godliness (see 1 Tim 6:17; compare Job 1:21).

 Faithlife Study Bible 

A—Contentment in Christ is challenging. We usually feel we can do more to add to God’s provision. Sometimes, we can, and that is when we allow our will and desires to override God’s will and plan. There is a line we need to continue to resolve between accepting what God has for us and a healthy desire to grow more.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  Please give us the discernment to know what your will and provision are.  We don’t want to cross the line in our efforts for gain.  We want to be content with your provision.

S – Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, ² older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters with all purity. 

1 Timothy 5:1–2 CSB

O – Commentary:

Older man translates presbyteros, the plural of which is rendered “elders” in 4:14. Here, however, Paul was not referring to those who hold the office of overseer. The word denotes “elderly” men, in contrast with younger men (cf. Titus 2:2–3 where the same word is used to contrast “older men” and “older women”). Timothy was to appeal to the older men as he would his own father—not with rough rebukes but with gentle exhortations. Young men may be treated somewhat more directly, yet with fraternity as if they were Timothy’s own brothers. Older women were to receive all the respect Timothy would accord his own mother Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5). Younger women were likewise to be treated respectfully, with the absolute purity (hagneia; cf. 1 Tim. 4:12) Timothy would grant his own sister. This would safeguard the young minister from reproach.

“1 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – What would it look like if this was practiced today?  Older men would be honored and respected. Older women would be honored and loved.  Younger men would act like brothers and look at young women in purity and protect them.  It would be an amazing foundation for relationships and achievement.  As Paul encouraged Timothy, we are encouraged to do the same.

R – Heavenly Father, you are worthy of our praise and honor.  Thank you for the relationships you put in our lives.  All the men and women help mold our character and integrity.  We can impact them with your love and in our faith.  We invite the Holy Spirit to help us make a difference in those relationships today.

S – Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love,^, in faith, and in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12 CSB

O – Commentary:

Timothy must not be intimidated by his relative youthfulness or what others might think of it. Instead he was to demonstrate his maturity by living such a godly life that he would become a pattern for other Christians in every area of his life: speech … life (i.e., “behavior or conduct,” anastrophē; cf. “conduct” in 3:15), love … faith, and … purity. The word for “purity” (hagneia, “moral cleanness”) is used only here and in 5:2.

“1 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Timothy’s challenge was his youth.  Each of has “challenges” in our lives that others (or ourselves) use to exclude us from being used by God.  We need to move through those challenges.  The foundation to do that is found in a mature, godly life evidenced in our speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.

R – Heavenly Father, we exalt you above all.  You are God alone.  We invite the Holy Spirit to empower us to live our love for you in a way that models growth in our speech, actions, love, faith and purity.  Whatever challenges we face, we invite you to help us grow through them.

S – And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great: He was manifested in the flesh, 

vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, 

taken up in glory. 

1 Timothy 3:16 CSB

O – Commentary:

The six elements of the excerpt are as follows: (1) Appeared in a body refers to the Incarnation of Christ. (2) Was vindicated by the Spirit refers to God’s demonstration through the Resurrection (cf. Acts 2:24–36), by the Holy Spirit (cf. Rom. 8:11), that the crucified Jesus is Lord and Messiah. (3) Was seen by angels refers to His exaltation before the heavenly realm (cf. Phil. 2:9–11; Col. 2:15; Heb. 1:6). (4) Was preached among the nations (cf. Col. 1:23) and (5) was believed on in the world refer to the progressive fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through His preordained means (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18–2:5). (6) Was taken up in glory refers to the Ascension (Eph. 4:10).

“1 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Paul unpacks the “mystery” of God’s plan for Jesus as the Savior of the world.  What is known world wide today was being revealed to the early church.  Even thousands of years later and with much evidence, people still struggle with some or all of these concepts.  We must activate faith to believe that this is true.

R—Heavenly Father, we are grateful for your Son. Jesus is central to the gospel of faith, which allows us to have a relationship with you. Help us continue to grow in our trust and reliance on you.  

S – For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time. 

1 Timothy 2:5–6 CSB

O – Commentary:

There is one God and therefore one mission encompassing all people (Rom 3:29–30; Gal 3:26–29). Using the phrase one God suggests a fundamental declaration of Christian faith, analogous to the basics of Jewish faith (Deut 6:4). • There is one Mediator of God’s covenant, the man Christ Jesus. He is fully human and fully God, and thus able to reconcile God and humanity (see 1 Cor 8:6; Eph 4:5–6)

 New Living Translation Study Bible 

A – This is a simple breakdown of the gospel – One God, One Mediator (Jesus) who was fully God and fully man.  That is how one finds salvation and a relationship with God.  There is no other way to God except through Jesus.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the one and only God.  Thank you for loving us so much that you sent Jesus.  He was fully God and fully man.  He chose the path of the cross so that all mankind could be reconciled to you.  We surrender and worship you alone as God.