1 Timothy
Chapters 1-6
1 Timothy is the first
of the “Pastoral Letters” written by Paul to instruct young Timothy
in the guidance of a church and in important doctrinal matters. The letter also
directs Tim on how to deal with the false teachers so prevalent and destructive in the young church. 2 Timothy and Titus are the other letters called “Pastoral” as Paul writes to guide his young
pastors in their service to Christ.
Chapter 1 – Warnings Against False
Teachings
Paul opens his letter to
Timothy by re-establishing his authority as an apostle of the Lord Jesus, appointed by God to missionary work. Paul did not choose this work, rather, it was a definite call from God to preach, teach, and suffer. God the Father chose Him through the Lord Jesus Christ, whom Paul calls “our
hope.”
1.
In what sense is Jesus our hope (v.1)? (A) He is our only
hope of getting to heaven (Col. 1:27)- dealing with the problem of final
deliverance in the future; He is our peace (Eph.2:14)- dealing with the problem of our sins in the past;
our life (Col.3:4) – dealing with the problem of power in the present (He is our power!)
2.
The problem – Paul orders Timothy to stop those in Ephesus from
teaching false doctrine. These were probably several Jewish elders in the church
who had adopted some of the early Gnostic teaching and sought to bring this into the church as doctrine. Specifically, Paul warns against the teaching of “myths and spiritual pedigrees (genealogies). An example of this type of teaching is the Mormon church who fictionalize their roots
and place great emphasis on genealogies as a way to “baptize’ the dead unto salvation. The Ephesian false teachers were probably Jewish legalists
who led people away from the doctrinal truth of the Word as established through Christ Jesus.
3.
Opposite these false teachings, which lead only to confusion and conflict, is the teaching of Jesus whose
commandment was to love God and one another. All other things fall into
place. The false teachers sought to keep the Jewish ceremonial
laws and circumcision as necessary for salvation.
4.
What purpose does the Mosaic Law serve? (A) Paul says that
the Law is good or useful because it reflects God’s holy will and His righteous standards and accomplishes its
purpose by showing sinners their sin and their need for a Savior. It forces people to recognize they are guilty of disobeying God’s commands, and because of their
disobedience, sentences the sinner to hell. In vv.9,10, Paul
lists various types of sinners, all who are contrary to “the right teaching that comes from the
Good News…”
5.
How can Paul say that the Lord considered him trustworthy when he was an early persecutor of the believers? (A) God chose Paul, as He does
all believers, from the beginning of time as His own – this is His sovereign purpose for all believers. When Paul repented and believed he was declared holy and blameless before
the Lord God. Not only did he escape the punishment he deserved
mercy but he also received abundant kindness, which he did not deserve grace (v.14).
6.
In v.15, Paul gives the first of five “true sayings”
in his Pastoral letters. It is truth because it is the Word of God, who
cannot lie. It applies to all, telling what God has done for all, and
offers the gift of salvation to all - “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
7.
Have you ever wondered why God chose you for salvation? (A)
Paul realized that he was saved so that God could show to all His gracious and merciful patience with the most wretched
sinner. God can save any sinner, no matter how great a one he might be. God receives all the glory and honor for this work.
8.
What are Paul’s exhortations to Timothy (v.v. 18,19). (A)
To fight well in the Lord’s battles” (fight the good fight!) which applies to all believers as well. He exhorts Tim to hold on tightly to the faith he is blessed
with and always to keep a clear conscience.
Chapter 2 –Instructions About Worship
Paul reveals
his heart to Timothy as he exhorts him to practice a meaningful prayer life - praying for all people. Christians can get caught up in prayer for members of our “Christian” family, forgetting the
needs of the lost for salvation.
1. He instructs Tim to “plead for God’s mercy on them (v.1).”
What do we call this type of prayer? (A) This is intercessory prayer
and its meaning is taken from Christ’s and the Spirit’s intercession for believers (Rom. 8:26). Paul is urging the Ephesian Christians to have compassion for the lost and to come intimately to
God pleading for their salvation.
2.
It is easy to neglect to pray for our leaders (kings and authorities)
as we too often see them fall in disgrace. Paul urges that we pray for these
leaders to repent of their sins and embrace the gospel so that believers can live in peace and quietness. Our prayer life should reflect the aim of the church with love and goodness for all,
praying passionately for the lost including rulers. This seems to say
that our role as believers should exclude Christian political activism, disrupting
the national life. Our prayers should reflect that we depend on God to
accomplish what is right and just, and this through prayer. V. 5 is the key –“For
there is only One God and One Mediator who can reconcile God and people.
He is the man Christ Jesus.”
3.
V.6 – “He gave His life to purchase (as a ransom) for everyone?” Does this mean, as some believe, that all will eventually be saved? (A) While some do believe in things like Purgatory, purchasing one’s way into heaven (indulgences),
or baptism for the dead, Scripture clearly teaches that there is only one way into heaven and that through faith in Christ
Jesus alone. A heavy price was paid, but man and his works can never pay
the price for the ransom. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was sufficient
to forgive all sin from all mankind, but is effectual only for those who appropriate the ransom paid by an act
of faith prompted and enabled by the work of the HS, according to God’s eternal and sovereign
purpose.
4.
What is the “proper time” for the message of Christ’s atoning work for salvation
to go out to the world (v.6)? (A) Now
is the time appointed to the church (us) to go out and preach the message to the world.
5.
Does Paul mean that we must lift up our hands as we pray (v.8)?
The Gr. word for “holy” is “unpolluted” or unstained by evil.” “Hands” symbolize the activities of life; so “lifting up holy hands” represents
a holy life. The basis for effectual prayer is a righteous life (James 5:16).
6.
V.v. 11-16 do not sit well with many women in the church today.
Is this a cultural issue that Paul is addressing here? (A) Just the opposite. In those days, women had low esteem
in Judaism and in Greek culture. Women were not taught in Jewish synagogues. Here Paul insists that women are to be taught, but must not teach (specifically
to men). Paul is forbidding women from filling the official office and role of
the pastor or teacher. Nowhere in Scripture is this role modified. Under other appropriate conditions and circumstances, teaching is allowed.
Some main line denominations today appoint women as pastors, teachers, and bishops, clearly in
violation of this principle.
7.
Is Paul indicating that women are eternally saved from sin by childbearing (v.15)? (A) This has nothing to do with spiritual salvation. It refers
to the stigma that women bear because of Eve’s sin and that they can remove that stigma by raising godly children. He is not advocating that all women must bear children, but that
all should live lives of faith, love, holiness, and modesty (v.15).
Chapter
3- Leaders In the Church
- “It is a true saying…” – the second of the five
“true sayings” of Paul. Paul is wanting them to take notice that
this was an important doctrine to obey. What was it? Paul wanted to counter the false teaching of certain “elders” in the church. He sets forth a common standard that must be met –“if someone wants to be an elder, he desires
an honorable responsibility (v.1).” The Greek uses two
words to describe this, one word meaning “to reach out after”- describing an external action, not
internal motive. The second means “a strong passion,” and
refers to inward desire Taken together, these two words describe the type
of man that belongs in the ministry – one who outwardly pursues because he is driven by a strong internal
desire.
- Lets look at some of the ministry requirements Paul sets forth for an elder:
q He must lead a blameless life:
q He must be the husband of one wife (this is about the elders moral and sexual
purity)
q He must exhibit self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation
q He must be hospitable and enjoy guests in his home
q He must be able to teach
q He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent
q He must be gentle peace loving, and not one who loves money
q He must manage his own family well, with children who respect and obey him (divorce relates
to this). A divorced man shows no evidence of a well managed home, but rather
that divorce shows weakness in his spiritual leadership
q He must not be a new Christian because this might lead to the sin of pride
q He must have an unimpeachable reputation in the unbelieving community.
