1 Timothy - session 1
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As a young man, Timothy was a favorite of Paul. He is mentioned in II Corinthians, the Thessalonians, Philemon and Hebrews. Paul often sent him to different churches to help them. I like to think of him as a "roving ambassador" just as Paul was. Timothy grew in Christian stature, and Paul was grooming him to follow him in his ministry. These two letters are models of instruction for ministers.
Paul starts off with the salutation, "To Timothy, my true son in the faith" (1 Tim. 1:2). Paul warned him against false doctrine, which plagued so many of the churches.
Paul starts off with the salutation, "To Timothy, my true son in the faith" (1 Tim. 1:2). Paul warned him against false doctrine, which plagued so many of the churches.
Whereas the object and purpose of our instruction and charge is love, which springs from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith. (1 Tim. 1:5)
When Paul wrote this letter, Timothy was serving as a pastor to the church in Ephesus. This church was quite a challenge to this young man. Paul, who could have boasted about himself said this,
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners . . . of whom I am the worst. 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. (1 Tim. 1:15-16)
Often Christians wonder about those who fall away from the Faith. In chapter one verse 19, read about two who did. "Some have rejected these [faith and conscience] and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan in order that they may be disciplined . . . [and learn] not to blaspheme." Actually, the expression "handed over to Satan" was an expression meaning the withdrawal of God's protection for a reason--possible bodily harm, as the example of the story of Job in the Old Testament. The person's spirit was not in jeopardy. There would be no Eternal damnation.
In chapter four, Paul warned of hypocritical liars. "They forbid people to marry" (1 Tim. 4:3). Paul never forbid marriage (in spite of those who have misinterpreted his concern about Christian workers and pastors). Paul reminds Timothy, "Do not neglect the gift imparted to you by the Holy Spirit" (1 Tim. 4:14). Part of this responsibility was taken care of the elderly, especially the widows. This is still a hand-book for the church!
I'm sure you have heard these quotes before:
In chapter four, Paul warned of hypocritical liars. "They forbid people to marry" (1 Tim. 4:3). Paul never forbid marriage (in spite of those who have misinterpreted his concern about Christian workers and pastors). Paul reminds Timothy, "Do not neglect the gift imparted to you by the Holy Spirit" (1 Tim. 4:14). Part of this responsibility was taken care of the elderly, especially the widows. This is still a hand-book for the church!
I'm sure you have heard these quotes before:
We have brought nothing into this world and we can take nothing out of it. (1 Tim. 6:7)
For the love of money is the root of all evil. (1 Tim. 6:10)
Paul reminded Timothy to advise the people "to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up for themselves, treasure, as a firm foundation for the coming age, so they will take hold of the Life that is truly life" (1 Tim. 6:18-19). That reminds us of the wonderful instruction from Jesus Himself in Matt. 6:20. Remember, "where moth and rust do not destroy." This seems to fit again, the description of one who is COMPLETE IN CHRIST!
God bless!
God bless!