"OVERVIEW OF 1 TIMOTHY"

“1 Timothy”

Background info –

Author – Paul

Date – 62-63 AD

Written From – Macedonia

Audience – Timothy (Pastor in Ephesus)

Theme – “Directions for a Young Pastor”

1 and 2 Timothy and Titus are called the Pastoral Epistles b/c each one of these men are serving in the church as a pastor. In all three of these books Paul urges them to do two specific things –

1. Maintain purity in doctrine

2. Maintain purity in lifestyle

Character of Timothy –

Most likely he was passive, timid, and easily intimidated in character. 2 Tim. 1:7 Paul constantly challenges him to press on – (1 Tim. 1:3, 4:11, 5:7, 2 Tim. 3:14, 4:2,5) His father was Jewish and there is no indication if he was or was not a believer. His mother Eunice was a believer 2 Tim. 1:5 He served with Paul on his second and third missionary journeys. (1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10; Acts 19:22; 2 Cor. 1:1, 19). Paul speaks very highly of him – Phil 1:29-22

Churches Message – 1

Remember that Paul is speaking directly to Timothy as a Pastor. He starts off my giving Timothy a warning about the message that he is to share.

Warning – 1:3-4, and 6-7

Read 1 Tim. 1:3-4, and 6-7

Paul says that people are going to come into the church and are going to teach a different gospel then what you are teaching. Paul is essentially telling

Timothy to do two specific things –

Be aware that deception is out there Be alert

Christ came to save sinners – 1:15

Here is the message that you are you are to teach faithfully.

Read 1 Tim. 1:15

You are to teach that Christ came into this world for one reason that is to save sinners like us!!

Paul has warned Timothy to watch out because people are going to deny the fact that Christ came into the world. He says Timothy even though that is going to happen you remain faithful to teach that Christ came into the world to save sinners.

This book is addressed to a young pastor does that mean that is does not apply to you?

Command to Share the Gospel –

Mark 16:15, 1 Peter 2:9, and Matthew 28:19

Deception –

2 Tim. 4:3

Churches Ministry – 2, 5-6

Prayer – 2:1-2

Churches as a whole ought to be characterized by prayer. But let’s make more personal are you and I am people of prayer? When was the last time that you prayed specifically for someone else? How those in leadership?

In church Men pray – 2:8

Within the church men are those who pray publically. Does this mean that women do not pray? Absolutely not the point is that women do not pray for example in the worship service.

Women learn with submissiveness – 2:11-12

Mostly Timothy was facing women who wanted to teach and have authority over men. So Paul addresses that and says that women are to learn with submissiveness.

Encourage – 5:1-3

You help people learn through encouragement.

Contentment – 6:6-8

We are to be satisfied with what we have.

Warning – 6:9-10

If you desire to become rich you are setting yourself up temptation. The bottom line is that you are not satisfied with what God has given you. Paul tells us that the root of all evil is money. When we desire to become rich the issue is that we are not content with what God has given us.

Goal is Christ likeness – 6:11-12

As Paul is bringing this book to a conclusion he says Timothy as the Pastor of the church you need to continue to pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. He says fight the good fight. In other words Paul is telling Timothy to continue to become like Christ in every area of your life. (Excel still more)

Understand that this is not an exhaustive list of what takes place with the church. It is simply some of the things that Paul addresses. Most likely he does this because these are some of the issues that Timothy is facing in the church.

The question that we need to ask ourselves are these things evident in our church?

More specifically are they evident in your life?

Churches Leadership – 3-4

Elder Qualifications – 3:1-7

Deacon Qualifications – 3:8-10

Warning of False Doctrine – 4:7

He is telling the leaders (specifically the pastor) to watch out for false doctrine.

Stay to the Word – 4:8-11, 4:12

Then he tells the leaders stand firm on the Word of God. Do not waiver whatsoever.

Vs. 12 he tells Timothy do not let me look down you because of your age rather set them an example as you strife to live your life in Christ likeness.

Examine your personal life – 4:15-16

The leaders are told to do two things –

Immerse yourself with these things Examine your life’s regular (be sure that you are growing in Christ likeness)

How does all this apply to us?

Believers –

Are you sharing the message of Christ?

Are you ministering within the church?

Prayer Encouraging others Content with what God has provide Growing in Christ-likeness

These things do not only happen within the church they must be happening outside of the church as well in our personal lives.

Leaders are command to immerse themselves in the Word of God, they are command to examine their lives. You need to understand that believers as a whole are command to that as well.