1 Timothy Bible Study: 1.1-5

1 Timothy 1.1-5

1.1-2 - Paul is writing a letter to Timothy on how to lead the Christian Church in Ephesus. Paul, as he does in all his letters, makes it known that he is a servant of Christ, commanded as an apostle to teach the truth from God.

Starting in verse three, Paul gives Timothy specific instructions. As we will read, Paul’s focus is on those who spread false teachings. He then shares what Christ has done for him and what He does for all mankind.

Paul tells Timothy to “instruct certain people.” Who are these people? It is not clear who they are, but what is clear is that these people are teaching falsely the message of Christ. They are also devoting themselves to “myths and endless genealogies.”

In his letter to the church in Galatia, Paul said, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”

We are not to assert our own opinions on Scripture, change what it says, or give our own doctrine. Anything contrary to Scripture is false teaching. Be very careful with what church you go to today, there are more false teachers today, than perhaps ever before. No one is putting them in check as Paul once did and instructed. They are free to open churches, say and teach whatever they want. The disheartening part is that people follow them, sometimes in the millions. It is easy to pick out the false religions, but what about so-called pastors who wave the flag of Christianity to draw people in? Then fill their heads with nonsense and personal opinions.

I urge you to pray before attending any church. Do not just go there because it is popular or has great worship. Go there because it teaches truth, straight from God’s Word. If the current church you are going to rarely uses Scripture in their sermons or none at all (which is becoming increasingly popular) or is more concerned about their own ideologies. Leave quickly!

I am reminded of something Sean McDowell said in a Facebook post, he said something to the effect that we needed more people speaking truth against atheists today. I would add we need more God fearing, Christ believing, strong biblical men and women to stand up and speak out against these false teachers. They lead many sheep astray.

These false teachers also devote themselves to “myths and endless genealogies.” Paul makes it evident what this does when he says they, “promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.” False teachers base their beliefs on speculation, not on truth.

In their commentary on 1 Timothy, Paul Ellingworth and Howard Hatton noted this was Paul’s way of telling these people “Not to spend any time with this activity.” Tell them not to waste their time on useless information. What we ought to be spending our energy on is “Stewardship from God that is by faith.”

How we go about God’s business in our daily lives is stewardship, part of God’s plan of redemption (as the NET renders it) for all people. Are you being a good steward of what God has placed in front of you or do you waste your time on useless things?

Continuing in verse five, Paul delivers a great point and one that demands memorizing. The NASB has a great translation of this, “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

Not sure much more needs to be explained here. Paul is clear. If you want to influence others, it will be through your love for them and not a worldly type of love without Christ. Love that is from “a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” This can only be truly done by having a relationship with Christ. This is what needs to be taught.

I would encourage you to read and re-read this passage and memorize verse 5. Also, do you know what your churches statement of faith is? Have you read their beliefs. If they are not posted online, ask for them. If they tell you they don’t have them or won’t show them to you, flee quickly.

If your pastor and leaders are teaching from God’s Word and helping you understand the goal of Christ’s instruction and helping you grow in your walk. Praise the Lord. Encourage those around you to attend with you, because if they are not, they may be led by the false teachers of the world.

May the King of kings and Lord of lords bless you always.