A Word of Warning 1 Timothy 1:1-11

A missionary couple once brought some African pastors to the Unites States for a big meeting. During their free time, these pastors wanted to go shopping. Even though they were in a small town, the missionary knew there was a chance one of them might have some difficulty finding their way around or get lost. So the missionary gave each pastor his phone number in case of an emergency. In less than an hour the missionary’s phone rang and one of the pastors said, “I am lost.”

The missionary replied, “Lay the phone down, go to the street corner, find out the names of the two streets, and come back and tell me.” In a few minutes the African pastor returned and reported, “I am at the corner of ‘Walk’ and ‘Don’t Walk.’”

The trials of life sometimes make us feel lost and unstable—we feel directionless and don’t know which way to turn. Sometimes it even seems that there are no good options. But God often allows trials in our lives so we will lean on Him and experience stability through His strength.

-False teaching is a serious danger to the church. Paul warns us…

I. With the Wisdom of a Father vv. 1-2

Over the next few months, we will be looking at Paul’s letters to Timothy

They are written by Paul to a young man that he had personally invested in as disciple-maker and Christian leader

Paul has sent Timothy to lead the church at Ephesus as a pastor and Paul is writing with important instruction and encouragement

First, we see that Paul is writing from a position of authority

Paul is an apostle, a witness to the Resurrection of Jesus who has authority to write Scripture and to oversee the work of churches

He was appointed to this specific task by the Lord and operates under His authority

Second, we see that Paul identifies Timothy as his true son in the faith

Paul would have the write to command Timothy out of his authority

However, it is their relationship that drives his instructions

We see this in Paul’s greeting to Timothy

Grace, mercy, and peace are all gifts from God

Paul’s greeting here demonstrates His good will towards and care for Timothy!

Proverbs 2:1–5

[1] My son, if you receive my words

and treasure up my commandments with you,

[2] making your ear attentive to wisdom

and inclining your heart to understanding;

[3] yes, if you call out for insight

and raise your voice for understanding,

[4] if you seek it like silver

and search for it as for hidden treasures,

[5] then you will understand the fear of the LORD

and find the knowledge of God. (ESV)

II. Against Fruitless Teaching vv. 3-7

After this greeting, Paul gets to his purpose in writing:

He urges Timothy to confront certain teachers in the church

I think this is important to note: One of the critical roles of the pastor of a local church is to safeguard the teaching of that local assembly

What is the problem in Ephesus?

There are some who promote a “different” doctrine: They have stepped outside of the orthodox teaching set down by Paul and the other apostles

However, there is a second issue that may seem less obvious:

They are focused on extrabiblical myths and have become obsessed with genealogies; later, we will see that it all becomes very legalistic and seeks justification by obedience to the Law

How do we do this in our current era?

An unhealthy focus on prophecy

Matters of political conviction

Commitments to matters of health, diet, and finance

But, isn’t that innocent? What’s the big deal?

The problem is that they have chosen speculation and mysteries instead of stewardship of the truth!

This leads to a kind of self-justification instead of grace-filled living

This kind of teaching is a problem:

Paul is aiming for transformation and this speculative brand of teaching cannot bring it

Paul’s goal is love from:

A pure heart- legalism leads to a harsh and judgmental spirit

A good conscience- legalism keeps you from enjoying the liberty found in Christ; you will constantly be looking over your shoulder!

A sincere faith- legalism places faith in your ability to obey rather than faith in Christ!

You cannot produce Christlikeness out of speculative teaching

We have to be careful because wondering can rapidly lead to wandering!

There is a serious danger that is present, where a good desire to teach can become nothing more but idle speculation over things we don’t really understand

Eventually, you land in a place where you are confidently asserting truth where there is nothing more than guesswork

Finally, you attempt to justify yourself and others by their commitment to your teachings!

Mark 11:12–14

[12] On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. [13] And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. [14] And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it. (ESV)

III. To Pursue the Gospel vv. 8-11

Now, we need to note, that the problem is not the Law itself; it is excellent when used for the right purpose:

We must remember that the Law is not for those who are in Christ, but for the lost

It cannot give you a righteous standing before God, so what good is it?

It teaches us what sin is and shows us God’s righteous expectation

It keeps us from continuing down a path of sin and gives us guidance for righteous living

It shows us our need for a Savior and points us towards the Gospel

We have the answer to the problem that the Law exposes, but cannot resolve, sin

In the Gospel, we see the glory of God on display

In the Gospel, we hear the message that God has sent

In the Gospel, we find our mission for living

Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962), the world-famous violinist, earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions, but he generously gave most of it away. So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he wasn't able to buy it. Later, having raised enough money to meet the asking price, he returned to the seller, hoping to purchase the beautiful instrument. But to his great dismay it had been sold to a collector. Kreisler made his way to the new owner's home and offered to buy the violin. The collector said it had become his prized possession and he would not sell it. Keenly disappointed, Kreisler was about to leave when he had an idea. "Could I play the instrument once more before it is consigned to silence?" he asked. Permission was granted, and the great virtuoso filled the room with such heart-moving music that the collector's emotions were deeply stirred. "I have no right to keep that to myself," he exclaimed. "It's yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it."

Are you ready to believe the Gospel?

Are you ready to live in the Gospel?

Are you ready to share the Gospel?