Chronological Bible Study – Dec 19

Key Themes (1 Timothy)

The book of 1 Timothy, written by the Apostle Paul, is a pastoral letter addressed to Timothy, a young leader and Paul’s close companion, who was overseeing the church in Ephesus. Paul provides Timothy with guidance on church leadership, sound doctrine, and practical Christian living. The letter emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of the church and the purity of its teachings. The key themes include:

1. Sound Doctrine and False Teaching: A central theme in 1 Timothy is the importance of maintaining sound doctrine and guarding against false teachings. Paul urges Timothy to confront false teachers who are spreading speculative doctrines and myths. This theme emphasizes the need for vigilance in preserving the truth of the Gospel and ensuring that the church’s teaching aligns with apostolic doctrine.
2. Church Leadership and Qualifications: Paul provides detailed instructions on the qualifications for church leaders, including overseers (bishops) and deacons. He emphasizes qualities such as integrity, self-control, faithfulness, and a good reputation. This theme highlights the importance of godly leadership in the church and the need for leaders to be exemplary in their character and conduct.
3. The Role of Women in the Church: 1 Timothy addresses the role of women in the church, particularly in terms of teaching and authority. Paul instructs women to learn quietly and submit to male leadership in the context of public worship. This theme has been the subject of much interpretation and debate, but it emphasizes Paul’s concern for order and propriety in church gatherings.
4. Godliness and Christian Conduct: Paul encourages Timothy to train himself in godliness and to be an example to others in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. This theme emphasizes the importance of personal holiness and the need for believers, especially leaders, to live lives that reflect the character of Christ.
5. The Proper Use of Wealth: 1 Timothy addresses the attitude believers should have toward wealth, warning against the love of money and the dangers it poses to one’s faith. Paul instructs the wealthy to be generous, to trust in God rather than in riches, and to use their resources for good works. This theme underscores the importance of contentment, generosity, and the proper stewardship of material blessings.
6. The Church as the Household of God: Paul describes the church as the "household of God," emphasizing its communal nature and the need for order and proper conduct within it. This theme highlights the church as a family of believers who are called to live together in love, respect, and mutual support, under the leadership of qualified and godly leaders.
7. Prayer and Worship: Paul instructs Timothy on the importance of prayer in the life of the church, urging that prayers be made for all people, including those in authority. He also provides guidance on how men and women should conduct themselves in worship. This theme underscores the centrality of prayer and the need for a respectful and orderly approach to worship.
8. The Mystery of Godliness: Paul speaks of the "mystery of godliness," which is centered on the revelation of Jesus Christ in the flesh, His vindication by the Spirit, and His proclamation to the nations. This theme emphasizes the core truths of the Christian faith and the significance of Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection in the believer’s life.
9. Endurance in Ministry: Paul encourages Timothy to persevere in his ministry, despite the challenges and opposition he might face. He exhorts Timothy to preach the word, to be patient, and to correct, rebuke, and encourage with careful instruction. This theme emphasizes the need for endurance, faithfulness, and diligence in Christian ministry.
10. Care for Widows and Vulnerable Members: Paul provides specific instructions on how the church should care for widows, particularly those who are truly in need. He distinguishes between those who have family to support them and those who do not, encouraging the church to take responsibility for the vulnerable members of the community. This theme underscores the importance of compassion and practical support within the church.

1 Timothy is a practical and pastoral letter that addresses key aspects of church life, leadership, and personal conduct. Through its themes of sound doctrine, godly leadership, prayer, and the proper use of wealth, Paul provides valuable guidance for maintaining the integrity and vitality of the church. The letter calls believers, especially leaders, to live lives that reflect the Gospel and to ensure that the church remains faithful to its mission and message.

What I Noticed Today (1 Timothy)

1 Timothy 1

In verses 1-2, Paul opens the letter in his usual fashion: identifying himself (as an apostle by the command of God and Christ), his audience (Timothy), and a greeting (grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ).

In verses 3-11, Paul issues Timothy instructions regarding false teachers:

• Paul urges Timothy to stay in Ephesus to teach against different doctrines and to convince people not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies.
• These people promote speculation rather than God’s plan of salvation by faith.
• The goal of our instruction is 1) love that comes from a pure heart, 2) a good conscience, and 3) a sincere faith.
• Some deviate from this to teach the Law, but they didn’t even know what they were talking about.
• We know the Law is good if it is used correctly. We know the Law is not for the righteous person but for the lawless and rebellious, ungodly and sinful, unholy, and irreverent. The law is for those who kill their mothers and fathers, murders, sexually immoral, homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and for whatever else is against the sound teaching of the Gospel of God.

In verses 12-17, Paul provides his own testimony.

• Paul gives thanks to God for strengthening him and entrusting him with this ministry, a former blasphemer, persecutor, and arrogant man.
• But the Lord’s grace, faith, and love overflowed into his life.
• Christ came into the world to save sinners, and I (Paul) am the worst of them. But I received mercy so that Christ might demonstrate his patience as an example to others who might believe in eternal life.
• Paul concludes with a doxology: To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God be honor and glory forever.

In verses 18-20, returning to his discussion (from verse 11), Paul continued with instruction to Timothy.

• This instruction (command) about false teachers is in alignment with the prophecies previously made about you.

• You will engage in spiritual warfare, having faith and a good conscience.
• Some have rejected these (faith and good conscience) and shipwrecked their faith.
• Hymenaeus and Alexander are among them, and I have delivered them over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

1 Timothy 2

Having dealt with the issue of false teachers, Paul turns his attention to giving Timothy instructions regarding church life.

In verses 1-7, Paul instructs Timothy to have all kinds of prayer (petitions, prayer, intercessions, and thanksgiving) for everyone, including kings and leaders.

• So that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life.
• It pleases God because He wants everyone to come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved.
• There is one God and one mediator between God and man. Jesus gave Himself as a ransom for all.

In verses 8-15, Paul gives Timothy instructions for men and women:

• Men should pray with holy hands lifted up, without anger or argument.

• Women should dress modestly, not wearing external adornment, but be adorned by their good works.

• A woman should learn in silence in full submission and not teach or have authority over men.

1 Timothy 3

In verses 1-7, Paul now turns his attention to qualifications for the office of overseer in church leadership:

• It is honorable to aspire to church leadership because it is a noble task.
• An overseer (also translated “bishop”) must be:
  •  Above reproach,
  • A husband of one wife (a prohibition against polygyny),
  • Self-controlled,
  • Sensible,
  • Respectable,
  • Hospitable,
  • An Able teacher,
  • Not addicted to wine,
  • Not a bully, but gentle,
  • Not Quarrelsome,
  • Not greedy,
  • One who manages his family well,
  • Not a recent convert,
  • Have a good reputation with outsiders.

In verses 8-13, Paul describes the qualifications for someone seeking the office of deacon in church leadership:

• Worthy of respect,
• Not hypocritical,
• Not heavy drinkers of wine,
• Not greedy,
• Hold fast to the Gospel in faith,
• Tested first to ensure they are blameless (not sinless but having no accusations against them),
• Wives must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, and faithful,
• Husbands of one wife,
• Manage their children and households properly.

Those who serve in the position of a deacon will acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith.

1 Timothy 3:14-4:16

Paul issues instructions for guarding the truth in the church.

In verses 14-16, Paul says if he is delayed in coming to Timothy, Timothy was to pass these instructions (what he had written previously and what was to follow) along to the pastor of the church in Ephesus:

• God’s household is the church.
• The church of the living God is where God’s presence is felt.
• The pillar and foundation of truth mean the church has been given the responsibility to protect and promote the Gospel.
• When Paul refers to the mystery, he is referring to the Gospel.

1 Timothy 4

In verses 1-5, Paul issues instructions regarding demonic influence in the church.

• In the later times, some will depart from the faith listening to deceitful spirits and the teaching of demons.
• They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from certain foods.
• But those who know God can know they do not have to reject certain things if received with thanksgiving. It was all made holy (sanctified) by the Word of God.

In verses 6-10, Paul exhorts Timothy to tell these things to other leaders but have nothing to do with irreverent myths. Instead, train yourself for Godliness. We labor and strive for this (Godliness) because we have put our hope in God, who is the savior of everyone who believes.

In verses 11-16, Paul exhorted Timothy again, this time with a command to teach these things.

• Let no one despise your youth.
• Be an example to believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
• Give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching.
• Do not neglect your gift given through prophecy and ordained by the laying on of hands by the elders.
• Be diligent in these things, so your progress is evident to others.
• Pay close attention to your life and teaching, and in so doing, you will save yourself and others.

1 Timothy 5:1-6:10

Paul’s focus now turns to instructions for Timothy regarding various groups in the church.

1 Timothy 5

In verses 1-2, Paul tells Timothy not to rebuke an older man but exhort him as a father. Treat younger men as brothers. Treat women as mothers. Treat younger women as sisters. Everyone should be treated with the respect they are due.

In verses 3-16, Paul tackles the issue of support for women. Specifically, widows in the congregation:

• Support widows who are truly widows.
• But if they have children or grandchildren, the children should repay their parents. For this pleases God.
• The real widow puts her hope in God, praying day and night.
• Other widows who are self-indulgent are dead even while they live.
• Anyone who does not provide for his own household has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever (since many unbelievers even know they should care for their households).
• A widow who is placed on the support list should be at least 60 years old, the wife of one husband, and well known for her good works (raising children, showing hospitality, caring for the saints, helping the afflicted).
• A young widow should not be enrolled on the support list because their desire to remarry may cause them to fall away from their faith. They may also learn to be idle, become gossips, and busybodies.
• Therefore, Paul says, younger women should marry, have children, and manage their households, and give the enemy no opportunity to slander the faith.

• If any believing woman has widows in their family, they should help them, so they will not become a burden on the church, and the church will be able to help those truly in need.

In verses 17-25, Paul issues instruction regarding honoring elders.

• Elders who are good leaders should receive an ample honorarium, especially those good at teaching and preaching (Deuteronomy 25:4) because the worker is worthy of his wages.
• Don’t accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses.
• Publicly rebuke those who sin so others will be afraid to sin.

Paul issues a very strong command; charging Timothy before God and Jesus and the angels to do these things without prejudice or favoritism.

Paul continues with his exhortations regarding elders:

• Don’t be too quick to appoint someone as an elder.
• Keep yourself pure, don’t share in the sins of others.
• Use a little wine for your stomach ailments and frequent illnesses.

• Some people’s sins are obvious; other’s sins surface later. Good works are obvious, and those that are not obvious cannot be hidden.

1 Timothy 6

In verses 1-2, Paul issues instructions directed to slaves:

• Slaves must respect their masters so that God’s name and His teaching will not be blasphemed.
• Those slaves who have believing masters should not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers but be even better in their service to them.

Paul exhorts Timothy once again to teach the congregation these things.

In verses 3-10, Paul issues instructions regarding false doctrine and greed:

• If anyone does not agree with our sound teaching or teaches another doctrine, he is conceited, understands nothing, and is only interested in disputes and arguments over words.
• The result of their false teaching is envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions, and constant disagreement among people who are deprived of the truth, and who think godliness is a way to material gain.
• Godliness is great gain by itself.
• Those who want to be rich fall into the temptation for foolish and harmful desires that cause ruin and destruction.
• For the love of money is the root of all evil, and craving it has caused some to fall away from the faith.

In verses 11-16, Paul issues his final instructions to Timothy:

• Run from these things (sin, ungodliness) and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.
• Fight for the faith and take hold of the eternal life that you were called to.
• Paul’s strongest charge to Timothy is in verse 13; I charge you to keep the command without fault or failure until the Lord returns.

God will bring this about (the return of Christ) in His own time.

In verses 17-19, Paul provides instructions to Timothy directed to the rich:

• Tell the rich to put their trust in God, not in their riches.
• Instruct them to do what is good; to do good works, and to be generous and thus store up for themselves treasures in heaven.

In verses 20-21, Paul offers his final exhortation to Timothy to:

• Guard what has been entrusted to you.
• Avoid irreverent, empty speech, and false teachings that cause some to wander away from the faith.

Some final thoughts for consideration:

• So many of the issues Paul addresses with Timothy regarding the church in Ephesus are still with us today!
  • False teachers, who teach a different Gospel and cause believers to fall away.
  • The importance of caring for those who truly need our help but at the same time insist that those who can care for themselves do so.
• It is important for the body of Christ to pray for our leaders.
• It is important for the health of our churches and the believers to select and appoint leaders (elders, deacons) who are truly worthy of the responsibility.
• It is important to treat every member of the body with respect due to them.

What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.

Tomorrow: Titus