Untitled Sermon

Ethan’s Notes from 1 Timothy for Discipleship with Brady

Introduction:

1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus: These letters stand apart from the other Pauline letters because they were the only ones written to Paul’s gospel coworkers. The Pastoral Epistles deal with church structure issues and, unlike Paul’s other letters, were addressed to men serving in pastoral roles rather than to churches.They were not written primarily to describe church structure or pastoral ministry (contrary to popular opinion) but to teach Christian living in response to the gospel.

Message and Purpose:

In 1 Timothy Paul directed Timothy to actively oppose false teaching. He also gave instruction on the type of behavior that should characterize those in the church.

Chapter 1

1 Timothy 1:1 : “appointed” Paul was an apostle of Christ Jesus. This was not because of a letter of recommendation or Paul’s job history. He was an apostle only by the command of God and Christ.Paul knew God appointed him to be an apostle. Knowing you have been appointed and recognizing it, believing it, and walking in it is important in ministry.1 Timothy 1:5 : The purpose of Paul’s instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from:

A pure heartA clear conscienceGenuine faith

1 Timothy 1:5-7 : The goal of the false teachers was speculation. However, the goal of all Christian teaching should always be love, even when confronting false teachers.1 Timothy 1:5: The goal of true biblical instruction is love:love for God (to love God is to passionately pursue his glory and submit to his will)We must passionately, compassionately, righteously, and responsibly pursue the glory of God and submit to his will.love for neighbor (to love people is the decision to compassionately, righteously, and responsibly seek the well-being of others). We must make the decision to seek compassionately, righteously, and responsibly the well-being of others.1 Timothy 1:6: Some people—whether teachers or also their followers—had turned aside from sound teaching to lies (or even false doctrine without realizing it). This resulted in fruitless talk and behavior that was not beneficial. This is a reminder that false doctrine never ends in ideas alone. What enters the mind comes out in the actions. Ideas have consequences. Beliefs—whether true or false—determine behavior.1 Timothy 1:7: These heretics wanted to be respected teachers of the law and were perhaps motivated by pride. They were saying and insisting on things that they didn’t understand. When you act like an expert on spiritual and biblical subjects that you know little about, you’re going to confuse and harm those who trust your expertise. Remember: “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” (Prov 10:19).1 Timothy 1:12: Having just mentioned being entrusted with the gospel (v. 11), Paul gave thanks because Christ was willing to appoint him to service in spite of his past sins. Paul marveled that God considered him worthy of his trust, even though he had previously been unbelieving and untrusting (v. 13).Grace—God’s unmerited favor—was not merely sprinkled on Paul. It overflowed into his life (1:14). God’s grace is more than sufficient; it is greater than all your sin. And sufficient for all of life’s needs (see 2 Cor 9:8).No one is beyond the reach of Christ. If Saul the persecutor could become Paul the evangelist, anyone else can be similarly transformed. Don’t ever neglect to share the gospel. Like Paul, you should never forget the love and grace of God shown to you. No matter where you came from or what you did, if you trust in Jesus as your substitutionary sacrifice, you have a testimony of grace to proclaim.1 Timothy 1:18: Paul reminds his son in the faith (Timothy) about the prophecies made concerning him so that he will be motivated to fight the good fight.1 Timothy 1:14: Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you..Gospel ministry should produce growth in the gospel minister, not only in those to whom he ministers. He does not serve others well, in fact, if he doesn’t pay close attention to his own life and teaching. By persevering in spiritual development, both personally and professionally, he will save—in the sense of “deliver”—both himself and those under his care (4:16).