1 Timothy Bible Class

Introduction:

We now begin our study of 1 Timothy.

This book deals with proper decorum in the church, proper church organization, proper Christian living.

I’ll read a quote from Know Your Bible by Frank Dunn, page 549 - “The Order of the Church — The true function of the church, and in particular of the evangelists, elders and deacons. That function is to proclaim the truth, to live godly lives consistent with the truth, and to carry on the affairs of the church after the scriptural order.”

First and second Timothy (as well as Titus that we will see after) are great books for preachers to study, so I am looking forward to preaching to myself as we study through these books!

When it comes to the leadership of the church, it is absolutely crucial.

God has standards, and He wants His leaders to not only enforce His standards, but to live by His standards Himself.

“Preachers are to be ‘good ministers of Jesus Christ’” (1 Tim. 4:6), exhorting the brethren with a good example (1 Tim. 4:11-13)

“Elders must exhort the church in the true doctrine, duty, and diligence, and protect the church from false teaching, vain worship and sinful practices” (1 Tim. 3:2, 5; Titus 1:9)

Deacons, while not overseers like elders, still must be proven faithful before they can be appointed (1 Tim. 4:10), so they have a tremendous responsibility to set an example in the church as well.

Theme of the Book:

First Timothy, as well as Titus and Second Timothy are sometimes called “the Minister’s Manual” because of their instructions for preachers.

We might also call them the ministerial epistles as well — Many call them the “pastoral epistles,” but I think they confuse the terms “pastor” and “preacher,” so I prefer not to call them that myself.

We called them simply “the ‘T’ Epistles” in preaching school.

Again, the subject matter deals with proper preaching of the truth, lifestyles lived in accordance with preaching the truth, and ordaining elders to shepherd the flock of God.

It is believed that these books were written approximately AD 66 and 67, with 1 Timothy written first, followed by Titus, then 2 Timothy.

Paul was imprisoned awaiting his execution around this time, thus, the reason he says “the time of my departure is at hand” by the time he writes 2 Timothy.

Seven Main Points:

1) Qualifications for elders,

2) Qualifications for deacons,

3) Instructions to various groups in the church (such as men & women, widows, the young and the old, servants, backsliders, etc.)

4) Preach the Word,

5) Live as an example,

6) Keep the church pure, and

7) Rebuke and refuse false teachers.

A brief introduction to Timothy the man:

(Also from Know Your Bible by Frank Dunn, pgs. 550-551)

“Timothy and Luke were Paul’s two most constant companions. Timothy was the apostle’s son in the gospel and his dearest friend. He was a native of Lycaonia, most likely of the city of Lystra, where Paul was stoned and left for dead. His father was a Greek, but his mother and grandmother were Jews, who taught him the scriptures at an early age (2 Tim. 3:15). He was probably converted during Paul’s first visit to Lystra (Acts 14:8-20), and after Paul’s second visit, he spent most of his time with Paul ([Read] Acts 16:1-4). He did much valuable service for Paul and for the churches ([Read] Acts 17:14 [<- Timothy & Silas remained in Thessalonica after Paul had to flee]; [Read] Acts 18:5; [Just mention that Timothy is mentioned] Acts 20:4; [Just mention] Rom. 16:21; [Read] 1 Cor. 4:17; [Read] 1 Cor. 16:10). His name is associated with Paul in epistles to the Thessalonians, Corinthians, Colossians, and Philippians. [So we very well might call him “Paul’s right hand man.”] Paul expressed his high esteem for Timothy in Philippians 2:19-22 - ‘For I have no man likeminded … that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.’ Timothy probably was not more than fifteen years of age when he obeyed the gospel, because it was about fifteen years later when Paul referred to Timothy’s youth (1 Tim. 4:12).” [Not sure how they arrive at that calculation — Perhaps in those ancient days one transitioned from adulthood to being considered entering old age at 30 — life expectancies were shorter back then]

According to Titus 1:5, Paul left Titus on the Island of Crete to set the church in order, and according to 1 Tim. 1:3-4 and 1 Tim. 4:6-7, Paul similarly left Timothy in the city of Ephesus to take care of things that were needed.

It was a tall task for both Timothy and Titus! And it is a tall task for anyone who preaches the Gospel!

Situation at the Church at Ephesus:

(This is on page 553 of Know Your Bible).

Ephesus (which Paul had warned in Acts 20 that they were about to go astray, and in Rev. 2 Jesus says that they had left their first love) had Gnostic and Judaizing false teachers who were teachers of the Law, who didn’t even understand the law they taught (Read 1 Tim. 1:7).

They were given over to Jewish fables (Titus 1:14).

They were disputing over the Law of Moses (Titus 3:9).

They were taking up foolish disputes [arguing over things that didn’t matter] (2 Tim. 2:23).

They were debating endless genealogies as well (1 Tim. 1:4).

They were forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meats (1 Tim. 4:3).

They opposed sound doctrines, denied the resurrection and overthrew the faith of some (2 Tim. 2:18; Titus 1:9).

In short, the church needed to get back on track — and it was the responsibility of faithful elders and preachers to help see that through.

Preachers — in communicating these needs, and ...

Elders — in also communicating these needs, and overseeing that the job got done, shepherding the flock of God!

Paul had the following charge for Timothy in this first epistle:

1) To war a good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience (1 Tim. 1:18-19),

2) “To put the brethren in remembrance of these things” (4:6),

3) To be an example to the believers (4:12),

4) To “take heed unto (himself) and unto the doctrine” (4:16),

5) “To flee youthful lusts … follow after righteousness … and fight the good fight of faith” (6:11-12; 2 Tim. 2:22),

6) “Continue in the faithful things (he had) learned” (2 Tim. 3:14).

7) And “Preach the word; be instant in season out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2).

Main points from each chapter:

1:15 - Christ came to save sinners (of whom Paul called himself chief),

2:4 - God wants all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth,

3:15 - The church is the bulwark of the truth (the pillar and ground of the truth),

4:16 - Be concerned with saving himself and as well as others,

5:22 - Keep himself pure, and …

6:12 - Fight the good fight of faith.

There’s a lot of PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY in the letter to Timothy, not only for preachers, but for all of us!

So this makes it an excellent book for us to study for everyday Christian living.

Chapter 1:

V. 1 - Paul is the author, and an apostle according to the commandment of God — So could Paul turn it down? Could he have rejected being an apostle?

No, I don’t believe so.

1 Cor. 9:16

1 Corinthians 9:16 NKJV

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!

V. 2 - Introducing himself to Timothy, who he considered his “true son in the faith.” (viewed him like a son)

VS. 3-4 - This was Timothy’s task, and Paul goes directly to the point of this task after the brief pleasantries of introducing the letter:

At Ephesus, Timothy’s task was to charge (or command) the some-odd group of people who weren’t teaching right, that they teach ONLY the doctrine of Christ!

2 John 9-11 is pertinent here.

2 John 9–11 NKJV

Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

I don’t know if these were other preachers who worked alongside Timothy, or perhaps something akin to Bible class teachers, or maybe just people teaching error behind Timothy’s back, but whatever the case was, it had to stop!

Fables — Made-up stories that have no corroboration in Scripture whatsoever — Every now and then, somebody might say something that is totally off the wall, made up! Ask them, “Where in the world did you come up with that? Because it’s not in my Bible!” (And if they can’t show it to you in the Scriptures, then reject it!)

Endless genealogies — This probably had to do with the Judaizers claiming clout because of their Jewish lineage — “Well, I’m descended from ‘so and so.’” (And?! After the O.T. was nailed to the cross, those genealogies meant nothing!) (And the records were actually destroyed in AD 70)

What would fables and endless genealogies lead to?

Disputes - pointless arguments!

Which cause nothing but strife and were a waste of time! Distractions from what they REALLY should have been doing!

Which was “godly edification which is in faith” (which would have led to stronger Christians, and MORE Christians through evangelism)!

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Chapter 2:

Chapter 3:

Chapter 4:

Chapter 5:

Chapter 6: