1 Timothy 1

Famous Mentors Illustration

Background

Written to Timothy as an encouragement to address false teachers

A pastoral Epistle

written as instruction from a mentor to a mentee carrying pastoral wisdom and insight for how the church should function and be run

This particular book contains some of the most direct application for what a church should and should not look like

Timothy is a young pastor who is zealous to spread the gospel, but he faces backlash for his age and lack of experience

V 1-11

Paul Greets Timothy

Paul refers to himself as an apostle and charges Timothy as someone he sees as the “true child of faith”

Paul urges Timothy to stay in the middle of the fight with false teachers

He faces significant backlash, feels like he’s fighting a losing battle, but at the very same time is called to remain and be faithful by Paul

The issue at present was likely a misinterpretation of the purpose of the Law

It is believed that the false teachers were emphasizing obedience without transformation as means of salvation

“They’ve wandered into vain discussion”

Discussions meant for reasons that were outside of spiritual development

V 8 transitions to the purpose of the law itself

These laws speak to those who have disdain for their sin. it doesn’t matter to them

The just will follow what it says. The unjust (those in the list Paul gives) will not

The gospel to which I have been entrusted

Paul’s heart is to guard the purity of the gospel. Our works are not where we turn to for salvation. Yet we follow the Law out of a desire for its creator

Why do Students Care: Encouraging others in obedience is not legalistic. But making that the basis for our salvation is.

V 12-20

Paul’s now reflecting on his personal experience of the richness of the gospel

We can’t just know the gospel academically or in our head. We must be reminded that the glory and power of the gospel applies to each of our individual lives

Paul not only reflects on his need for the redemption of Christ, but has a rich grasp on his sin

Calls himself the chief of all sinners

Yet Paul also acknowledges the work of Christ being displayed at his transformation

Paul then passes this belief onto Timothy. This same gospel he has found is one that Timothy should fight and be encouraged by. Nothing else should satisfy

Alexander and Hymaneus have not held to this and blasphemed the Lord, therefore they were cast away from the church

Why do Students Care: We should not and cannot forget how the Gospel transformed us. When we live out our days, we must be reminded that it is from that foundation we reach for Christ.