Paul used his final letters to Timothy and Titus to teach true doctrine and warn against false teachings like Gnosticism that were spreading. He taught the importance of studying scripture daily to avoid being deceived. Teachers should focus on teaching doctrines and principles from the scriptures and prophets to influence behavior, rather than specific rules. Money itself is not evil, but the love of money can lead us away from God. Paul counseled enduring to the end by living righteously, avoiding youthful lusts, and not getting distracted by foolish questions.

1. “I Have Finished My
Course”
GD NT Lesson 41: 1&2 Timothy, Titus

2. Introduction
“Bring Him Home” song
Where is Jean Valjean in his
life?
What is his message? Love,
hope, testimony
Paul has ministered 30 years. He
uses his last epistles to teach and
bless Timothy & Titus
He message is one of love,
warning, testimony

3. Introduction
Spencer W. Kimball said:
“I have a great admiration and affection for our
brother Paul, our fellow apostle. He was so
dedicated, so humble, so straightforward. He
was so eager, so interested, so consecrated.
He must have been personable in spite of his
problems, for the people hung onto him with
great affection when he was about to leave
them. I love Paul, for he spoke the truth. He
leveled with people. He was interested in them.
I love Paul for his steadfastness, even unto
death and martyrdom. I am always fascinated
with his recounting of the perils through which
he passed to teach the gospel to member and
nonmember.” (Conference Report, April 1969,
Afternoon Meeting 29 - 30.)

5. Historical context
The books aren’t arranged in chronological order, they are arranged by length
Written following Paul’s imprisonment in Rome (63 AD), 2 Tim written just before
his execution in Rome (he talks of being cold, lonely, and about to die)
Pastoral letters (written by pastors for pastors)
Timothy was an area authority in Ephesus, Titus in Crete
Gnosticism was rampant
Gnosis (knowledge, secret knowledge)
Against everything physical (sexual relations, eating, pleasure)
Believed in sub-deities (worship of angels)
Salvation comes by secret knowledge

6. Learn and teach true
doctrine
Signs of Apostasy
1 Tim 4:1-3
2 Tim 3:1-7 (summarize)
How are these signs evident today?
How can we ensure our learning brings us to a knowledge of the truth?
What is the antidote?
2 Tim 14-17
How does regular scripture study guard us?
Mana in the wilderness had to be gathered daily. Why?

7. Responsibilities of those who
teach
Who do we teach? We are teachers always, what we are teaching is
entirely up to us.
ATOT: Hannah’s Instagram post about coffee. She thought she
could control which part of her example they would follow
1 Tim 4:6-7, 13-15, neglect not the gift
2 Tim 2:23-25, meekness = ultimate power under ultimate control
What do we gain from good teaching?
D&C 88:78
1 Tim 4:16

8. Boyd K. Packer
“True doctrine, understood, changes
attitudes and behavior. The study of
the doctrines of the gospel will
improve behavior quicker than a
study of behavior will improve
behavior. … That is why we stress
so forcefully the study of the
doctrines of the gospel” (in
Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 20;
or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17).
How can we be sure what we
teach is true doctrine? (next slide)

9. Dallin H. Oaks
"Teachers who are commanded to teach 'the
principles of [the] gospel' and 'the doctrine of the
kingdom' (D&C 88:77) should generally forgo
teaching specific rules or applications. For example,
they would not teach any rules for determining what
is a full tithing, and they would not provide a list of
dos and don'ts for keeping the Sabbath Day holy.
Once a teacher has taught the doctrine and the
associated principles from the scriptures and the
living prophets, such specific applications or rules
are generally the responsibility of individuals and
families.
Well-taught doctrines and principles have a more
powerful influence on behavior than rules. When we
teach gospel doctrine and principles, we can qualify
for the witness and guidance of the Spirit to reinforce
our teaching, and we enlist the faith of our students
in seeking the guidance of that same Spirit in
applying those teachings in their personal lives."

10. Joseph B. Wirthlin
“God has revealed everything
necessary for our salvation. We should
teach and dwell on the things that have
been revealed and avoid delving into
so-called mysteries. My counsel to
teachers in the Church, whether they
instruct in wards and stakes, Church
institutions of higher learning, institutes
of religion, seminaries, or even as
parents in their homes, is to base their
teachings on the scriptures and the
words of latter-day prophets” (in
Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 101; or
Ensign, Nov. 1994, 77).

11. Be…an example of the
believers
1 Tim 4:12
How have you been influenced by ‘an example of the believers?’
Word: Do we gossip? Are we uplifting in our speech?
Conversation (conduct or behavior): How do we act under stress?
Charity: Love must be our motivator
Spirit: Are our daily actions guided by the Spirit?
Faith: Are we easily discouraged or depressed? Do we trust in the
Lord?
Purity: What types of media/influence are we allowing in our homes?

12. “Follow after righteousness” and
deny ungodliness
1 Tim 6:9-10
How is THE LOVE OF money the ‘root’ of all evil?
What do roots do?
feed the plant, give it stability/permanence, they are hidden from
sight, they can stay alive beyond the foliage
Why do we crave money? It gives us false security
How do we protect ourselves?
1 Tim 6:6-8, be content (state of satisfaction, peaceful happiness)
Jacob 2:17-19, share

13. Dallin H. Oaks
“There is nothing inherently evil
about money. The Good
Samaritan used the same coinage
to serve his fellowman that Judas
used to betray the Master. It is
‘the love of money [which] is the
root of all evil.’ The critical
difference is the degree of
spirituality we exercise in viewing,
evaluating, and managing the
things of this world” (in
Conference Report, Oct. 1985,
78; or Ensign, Nov. 1985, 63).

14. God hath not given us the spirit of
fear
2 Tim 1:7
“spirit of” state of mind brought by the Holy Ghost
“power” = faith, “love” = charity, “sound mind” = self-discipline
Bible Dictionary, two types of fear
Godly fear: reverence, humility
Sinful fear: unworthy of a child of God, something that perfect love casteth out
“Sin destroys that feeling of confidence God’s child should feel in a loving Father
and produces instead a feeling of shame and guilt. Ever since the Fall God has
been teaching men not to fear, but with penitence to ask forgiveness in full
confidence of receiving it.” Bible Dictionary
When have you seen perfect love cast out fear?

15. Paul’s counsel to live
righteously
1 Tim 6:11-12, fight the good fight (he ministered for over 30 years)
Which fights are not ‘good’?
1 Tim 2:22, “youthful lusts”
Gordon B. Hinckley: drugs, profanity, deceit, word of wisdom
Titus 3:9, foolish questions
What are the risks of foolish questions?
They distract us from finding/practicing pure doctrine.
ATOT: Preparing my lessons…studying for complex answers to
gospel doctrine questions. I spend hours on the unimportant.

16. Conclusion
Joseph B. Wirthlin
“Enduring to the end means that we
have planted our lives firmly on gospel
soil, staying in the mainstream of the
Church, humbly serving our fellow men,
living Christlike lives, and keeping our
covenants. Those who endure are
balanced, consistent, humble,
constantly improving, and without guile.
Their testimony is not based on worldly
reasons—it is based on truth,
knowledge, experience, and the Spirit”
(“Press On,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov.
2004, 101).