1 Timothy

Alan Daws

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Background for The Book

Paul founded the church in Ephesus, a coastal mega city (in modern day Turkey), and pastored it for three years.

Route 66

1 Timothy: Training and Transparency

He later wrote “Ephesians” to encourage his friends in Ephesus to imitate Jesus.

Part 54 – March 20, 2011

📷📷Paul founded the church in Ephesus, a coastal megacity (in modern day Turkey), and pastored it for three years. He later wrote “Ephesians” to encourage his friends in Ephesus to imitate Jesus.

Ephesus was a vibrant city, enjoying its prime in Paul’s day.

📷📷Ephesus was a vibrant city, enjoying its prime in Paul’s day. A large population (400,000 - 500,000) and prosperity gave it a status 2nd only to Rome. It was smaller than Seattle (2009 population: 616,627), but

A large population (400,000 - 500,000) and prosperity gave it a status 2nd only to Rome.

bigger than Miami (2009 population: 433,136).

Now, about eight years after leaving Ephesus (three years after writing), Paul is released from house arrest in Rome and travels with Timothy to revisit several churches that Paul has planted.

Now, about eight years after leaving Ephesus (three years after writing), Paul is released from house arrest in Rome and travels with Timothy to revisit several churches that Paul has planted. And when they get to Ephesus, Paul finds false teachers, swindlers, inappropriate overseers, and a serious lack of superintending. So Paul, being on a tight schedule, persuades the timid and reluctant Timothy to stay behind and take charge. He later writes:

And when they get to Ephesus, Paul finds false teachers, swindlers, inappropriate overseers, and a serious lack of superintending.

So Paul, being on a tight schedule, persuades the timid and reluctant Timothy to stay behind and take charge.

He later writes: As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus … –

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus … – NIV

Recalling your tears, I long to see you … –

Recalling your tears, I long to see you … – NIV

Who is Timothy to Paul?

Apparently converted under the preaching of Paul on his first mission to Galatia, Timothy enters the pages of the New Testament in . As Paul made a return journey into the same territory, he found Timothy, likely in Lystra. Timothy is called by the apostle “my own son in the faith” () and “my dearly beloved son” (). Having been reared by his mother, a Jewess (although his father was a Greek, , ), Timothy knew the Old Testament Scriptures from his childhood (, ) and now, being converted to Christianity, was “well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium” ().

Apparently Timothy was converted under the preaching of Paul on his first mission to Galatia.

As Paul made a return journey into the same territory, he found Timothy, likely in Lystra.

Timothy is called by the apostle “my own son in the faith” () and “my dearly beloved son” ().

Having been reared by his Jewish mother (although his father was a Greek, , ), Timothy knew the Old Testament Scriptures from his childhood (, ) and now, being converted to Christianity, was “well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium” ().

Timothy accompanied Paul from this time onward, being left later in Ephesus to straighten out the affairs of the church, particularly some doctrinal difficulties, and to oversee its organization and deportment (cf. .; 3:1–14; 4:6–16). When Paul wrote to him from Rome, he asked Timothy to come soon to visit him, bringing John Mark with him and also some personal belongings (, , ). We do not know whether or not Timothy arrived before Paul’s death.

Timothy accompanied Paul from this time onward, being left later in Ephesus to straighten out the affairs of the church, particularly some doctrinal difficulties, and to oversee its organization.

Paul wrote to him from Rome, he asked Timothy to come soon to visit him, bringing John Mark with him and also some personal belongings (, , ).

We do not know whether or not Timothy arrived before Paul’s death.

From the contents of these letters, as well as scattered references in other epistles, Timothy may be pictured as a faithful, diligent worker, dear to Paul’s heart (cf. , ). The fact that the great apostle entrusted Timothy with the responsibility of a leading church, bears testimony to Paul’s confidence in his companion. It may also be concluded that Timothy needed occasional prodding and encouragement by Paul, possibly due to a natural timidity

From the contents of these letters, as well as scattered references in other epistles, Timothy may be pictured as a faithful, diligent worker, dear to Paul’s heart.

The fact that the great apostle entrusted Timothy with the responsibility of a leading church, bears testimony to Paul’s confidence in his companion.

It may also be concluded that Timothy needed occasional prodding and encouragement by Paul, possibly due to a natural timidity.

Encouragement for Timothy

Paul sends two letters of encouragement and practical advice to Timothy regarding his overwhelming task in that ancient mega city.

Paul sends two letters of encouragement and practical advice to Timothy regarding his overwhelming task in that ancient megacity.

📷Paul sends two letters of encouragement and practical advice to Timothy regarding his overwhelming task in that ancient megacity.

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 1

Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the good fight

Imagine how unprepared he must’ve felt, as he faced hundreds of Ephesian house congregations and their pastors [i.e. elders or overseers (5:17, 3:2)] and assisting leaders [i.e. deacons (3:8)].

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publisher

In 2nd Thessalonians we talked about the con men, whose corrupt chatter was spreading like gangrene among the believers in Ephesus.

📷Imagine how unprepared he must’ve felt, as he faced hundreds of Ephesian house congregations and their pastors [i.e. elders or overseers (5:17, 3:2)] and assisting leaders [i.e. deacons (3:8)]. In 2nd Thessalonians we talked about the conmen, whose corrupt chatter was spreading like gangrene among the believers in Ephesus.

“Among them are Hymenaeus [HIGH-meh-NEE-uhs] and Alexander, whom I have delivered over to Satan, so they may be taught not to blaspheme.” –

Among them are Hymenaeus [HIGH-meh-NEE-uhs] and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme. – NIV

“instruct certain people not to teach false doctrine”

Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love,,bc in faith, and in purity.

“Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

Timothy, who was likely in his early 30’s, had traveled with and assisted Paul for over 15 years; and Paul knew Tim’s potential.

… command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer … – NIV

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.… command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer …” – NIV

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. – NIV

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. – NIV

“Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.”

Paul has far more faith in Timothy than Timothy has in Timothy!

Timothy, who was likely in his early 30’s, had traveled with and assisted Paul for over 15 years; and Paul knew Tim’s potential.

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. – NIV

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. – NIV

Paul has far more faith in Timothy than Timothy has in Timothy!

It encourages me when God does what God does best; like bringing His power and authority to a mega city, second only to Rome, through someone who’s timid, sickly, and insecure.

It encourages me when God does what God does best; like bringing His power and authority to a megacity, second only to Rome, through someone who’s timid, sickly, and insecure. I wonder how many times God met Timothy right here to reassure him?

I wonder how many times God met Timothy right here to reassure him?

Training

📷It was already over 200 years old when Timothy was left on his own in this megacity. The other is a 50 seat public toilet (a very modern, 1st century A.D. convenience). Timothy had an ongoing battle with … tummy trouble.

Do you know how to turn potential into power? Training.

Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. – NIV

Training

How many of you could not run a full marathon this afternoon?

📷Do you know how to turn potential into power? Training. How many of you could not run a full marathon this afternoon? But, what if you tried really, really hard? No? The incredible thing is, everyone in this room with few exceptions, and lots of training, could eventually, successfully run a marathon. But we read, see, or hear something that inspires our faith and we think, “I’m going to try really, really hard to be like that.”

But, what if you tried really, really hard? No?

The incredible thing is, everyone in this room with few exceptions, and lots of training, could eventually, successfully run a marathon.

But we read, see, or hear something that inspires our faith and we think, “I’m going to try really, really hard to be like that.”

📷We vastly overrate trying and underrate training. How many of you could not go out this afternoon and be “like Jesus” if someone cut you off and drove slower than you were? Significant spiritual transformation requires more than trying.

We vastly overrate trying and underrate training.

How many of you could not go out this afternoon and be “like Jesus” if someone cut you off and drove slower than you were?

Significant spiritual transformation requires more than trying.

… train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things … – NIV

“Rather, train yourself in godliness. For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

Godliness training was Timothy’s and our only hope!

Rather, train yourself in godliness. 8 For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come

That is why it’s vital to include simple spiritual disciplines in our daily lives; so that we can eventually, successfully be like Jesus in ways we can’t be right now through direct effort.

Things like meeting with God, reading His Word, memorizing His promises, openly sharing our failings with others

simple spiritual disciplines in our daily lives; so that we can eventually, successfully be like Jesus in ways we can’t be right now through direct effort. Things like meeting with God, reading His Word, memorizing His promises, openly sharing our failings with others

Paul goes on, in his advice to Timothy, to say … “ Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all.”

… wait, what?! Paul goes on, in his advice to Timidly, I mean Timothy, to say …

But like a bodybuilder who oils up, pumps up, tans up, and Speedos up in order to display his muscles in peak performance, our pride often tempts us to “flex” our spiritual strengths in order to present a polished product - rather than reveal the embarrassing weaknesses that preceded it.

📷📷Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 15 NIV

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. – NIV

What makes us spiritually timid is when we look at our track record of failings and conclude that God won’t use damaged goods like us; when really, it’s exactly the opposite.

Something that makes us spiritually timid is when we look at our track record of failings and conclude that God won’t use damaged goods like us; when really, it’s exactly the opposite. Paul encourages Timothy by “going first” …

Paul encourages Timothy by “going first” … “even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them.”

Transparency in the Christian Life

Transparent

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — ofwhomIamtheworst. – NIV

Transparent

Paul is boldly transparent and brutally honest about his past.

What has more value when sharing with others: telling how much they need Jesus or showing how much we did (and still do)?

Think about the irony of God choosing Paul, a Christian-killer, to take the lead in offering new life through Christ!

The power in your story comes from sharing why you needed God’s “mercy” and “grace” and how you received it through “faith” and “love” in “Christ Jesus”.

And Paul goes on to say … “But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:16

When we’re broken, humble, and bold about our failings, God will use them to inspire, support, correct, and draw those around us.

Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. – NIV

Pastoral Advice to Timothy

When we’re broken, humble, and bold about our failings, God will use them to inspire, support, correct, and draw those around us.

In this letter, Paul offers pastoral advice on confronting false doctrine, interceding for those in authority, selecting leaders, interacting with fellow believers, and assisting those in need.

“I write these things to you, hoping to come to you soon. But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth”

His Advice

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 3

I write these things to you, hoping to come to you soon. 15 But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth

In this letter, Paul offers pastoral advice on confronting false doctrine, interceding for those in authority, selecting leaders, interacting with fellow believers, and assisting those in need.

The epistle crescendos with Paul’s righteous fury against those …

“…who are deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain.”

God isn’t going to make us wealthy, so we’ll be content.

Christian Standar...d Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

“… who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. – NIV

… I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. – NIV

He desires to make us content, so we’ll be truly wealthy.

… who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. – NIV

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.”

God isn’t going to make us wealthy, so we’ll be content. He desires to make us content, so we’ll be truly wealthy.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. – NIV

📷So, is it bad to want good stuff? No. It’s bad to want good stuff to be our source and sense of security, identity, power, joy, or peace. At best, stuff is a fast-fading, dim reflection of the genuine fulfillment found only in intimacy with God (and of course, new-car-smell!). Treat stuff as the source and it’s idolatry … and quite foolish!

So, is it bad to want good stuff? No.

It’s bad to want good stuff to be our source and sense of security, identity, power, joy, or peace.

At best, stuff is a fast-fading, dim reflection of the genuine fulfillment found only in intimacy with God (and of course, new-car-smell!).

Treat stuff as the source and it’s idolatry … and quite foolish!

There’s a big, but wickedly-subtle, difference between: buying stuff and being content; and, buying stuff in order to be content. Everyone pretty much knows that stuff isn’t fulfilling. But, for those outside of Christ, this “trap” is the closest they can get.

There’s a big, but wickedly-subtle, difference between: buying stuff and being content; and, buying stuff in order to be content.

Everyone pretty much knows that stuff isn’t fulfilling.

But, for those outside of Christ, this “trap” is the closest they can get.

That’s why demonstrating contentment, while not owning everything we desire, is such a powerful testimony to those around us!

People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. – NIV

“But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Well, that’s just un-American! This is the land of consumerism. According to Wikipedia: “Consumerism is a social and economic order that is based on the systematic creation and fostering of a desire to purchase goods and services in ever greater amounts.” And according to BusinessDictionary.com, it’s the: “Doctrine that ever- increasing consumption of goods and services forms the basis of a sound economy.”

📷Well, that’s just un-American! This is the land of consumerism. According to Wikipedia: “Consumerism is a social and economic order that is based on the systematic creation and fostering of a desire to purchase goods and services in ever greater amounts.” And according to BusinessDictionary.com, it’s the: “Doctrine that ever- increasing consumption of goods and services forms the basis of a sound economy.”

We live in a land of consumerism.

According to Wikipedia: “Consumerism is a social and economic order that is based on the systematic creation and fostering of a desire to purchase goods and services in ever greater amounts.”

And according to BusinessDictionary.com, it’s the: “Doctrine that ever- increasing consumption of goods and services forms the basis of a sound economy.”

Do you see the depth of the deception that we’re up against? Our economy functions and thrives on discontentment! “Enough” is actually engineered to never be enough.

Do you see the depth of the deception that we’re up against?

Our economy functions and thrives on discontentment!

“Enough” is actually engineered to never be enough.

We’re almost programmed to discontented when the latest model of whatever is unveiled.

So, it’s up to timid little you to fight the good fight and show this mega-world, by training and transparency, the only true source of security and identity and power and joy and peace.

Salvation

Prayer

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