1st Timothy -- Chapter One

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1Timothy Chapter One

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   WITHOUT trying, we model our values. Parents in particular demonstrate to their children what they consider important and valuable. "Like father, like son" is not just a well-worn cliché; it's a truth repeated in our homes. And experience proves that children often follow the life-styles of their parents, repeating their successes and mistakes.
   Timothy is a prime example of one who was influenced by godly relatives. His mother Eunice and grandmother Lois were Jewish believers who helped shape his life and promise his spiritual growth (2Timothy 1:5; 3:15). The first "second generation" Christians mentioned in the New Testament, Timothy became Paul's protégé and pastor of the church at Ephesus. As a young minister, Timothy faced all sorts of pressures, conflicts, and challenges from the church and his surrounding culture. To counsel and encourage Timothy, Paul sent this very personal letter.
   Paul wrote 1 Timothy in about A.D. 64, probably just prior to his final Roman imprisonment. Because he had appealed to Caesar, Paul was sent as a prisoner to Rome (see Acts 25-28). Most scholars believed that Paul was released in about A.D. 62 (possibly because the "statute of limitations" had expired), and that during the next few years he was able to travel. During this time, he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus. Soon, however, Emperor Nero began his campaign to eliminate Christianity. It is believed that during this time Paul was imprisoned again and eventually executed. During this second Roman imprisonment, Paul wrote 2 Timothy. Titus and the two letters to Timothy comprise what are called the "Pastoral Letter."
   Paul's first letter to Timothy affirms their relationship (1:2). Paul begins his fatherly advice, warning Timothy about false teachers (1:3-11) and urging him to hold on to his faith in Christ (1:12-20). Next, Paul considers public worship, emphasizing the importance of prayer (2:1-7) and order in church meetings (2:8-15). This leads to a discussion of the qualifications of church leaders-overseers and deacons. Here Paul lists specific criteria for each office (3:1-16).
   Paul speaks again about false teaches, telling Timothy how to recognize them and respond to them (4:1-16). Next, he gives practical advice on pastoral care to the young and old (5:1, 2), widows (5:3-16), elders (5:17-25), and slaves (6:1, 2). Paul concludes by exhorting Timothy to guard his motives (6:3-10), stand firm in his faith (6:11, 12), to live above reproach (6:13-16), and to minister faithfully (6:17-21).
   First Timothy holds many lessons. If you are a church leader, take note of Paul's relationship with this young disciple-his careful counsel and guidance. Measure yourself against the qualifications that Paul gives for overseers and deacons. If you are young in faith, follow the example of godly Christian leaders like Timothy, who imitated Paul's life. If you are a parent, remind yourself of the profound effect a Christian home can have on family members-a faithful mother and grandmother led Timothy to Christ, and Timothy's ministry helped change the world.

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Vital Statistics

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Purpose:
To give encouragement and instruct Timothy, a young leader

Author:
Paul

To Whom Written:
Timothy, young church leaders, and all believers everywhere

Date Written:
About A.D. 64, from Rome or Macedonia (possibly Philippi), probably just prior to Paul's final imprisonment in Rome

Setting:
Timothy was one of Paul's closest companions. Paul had sent Timothy to the church at Ephesus to counter the false teaching that had arisen there (1Timothy 1:3, 4). Timothy probably served for a time as a leader in the church at Ephesus. Paul hoped to visit Timothy (3:14, 15; 4:13), but in the meantime, he wrote this letter to give Timothy practical advice about the ministry.

Key Verse:
"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" (4:12).

Key People:
Paul, Timothy

Key Place:
Ephesus

Special Features:
First Timothy is a personal letter and a handbook of church administration and discipline.

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The Blue Print

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1) Instructions on right belief
(1:1-20)

2) Instructions for the church
(2:1-3:16)

3) Instructions for leaders
(4:1-6:21)

Paul advised Timothy on such practical topics as qualifications for church leaders, public worship, confronting false teaching, and how to treat various groups of people within the church. Right belief and right behavior are critical for anyone who desires to lead or serve effectively in the church. We should all believe rightly, participate in church activity, and minister to one another lovingly.

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Megathemes

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Theme:
Sound doctrine

Explanation:
Paul instructed Timothy to preserve the Christian faith by teaching sound doctrine and modeling right living. Timothy had to oppose false teachers who were leading church members away from belief in salvation by faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Importance:
We must know the truth in order to defend it. We must cling to the belief that Christ came to save us. We should stay away from those who twist the words of the Bible for their own purposes.

Theme:
Public worship

Explanation:
Prayer in public worship must be done with a proper attitude toward God and fellow believers.

Importance:
Christian character must be evident in every aspect of worship. We must rid ourselves of any anger, resentment, or offensive behavior that might disrupt worship or damage church unity.

Theme:
Church leadership

Explanation:
Paul gives specific instructions concerning the qualifications for church leaders so that the church might honor God and operate smoothly.

Importance:
Church leaders must be wholly committed to Christ. If you are a new or young Christian, don't be anxious to become a leader in the church. Seek to develop your Christian character first. Be sure to seek God, not your own ambition.

Theme:
Personal discipline

Explanation:
It takes discipline to be a leader in the church. Timothy, like all pastors, had to guard his motives, minister faithfully, and live above reproach. Any pastor must keep morally and spiritually fit.

Importance:
To stay in good spiritual shape, you must discipline yourself to study God's Word and obey it. Put your spiritual abilities to work!

Theme:
Caring church

Explanation:
The church has a responsibility to care for the needs of all its members, especially the sick, the poor, and the widowed. Caring must go beyond good intentions.

Importance:
Caring for the family of believers demonstrates our Christlike attitude and exhibits genuine love to nonbelievers.

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Paul's Profile

   No person, apart from Jesus himself, shaped the history of Christianity like the apostle Paul. Even before he was a believer, his actions were significant. His frenzied persecution of Christians following Stephen's death got the church started in obeying Christ's final command to take the gospel worldwide. Paul's personal encounter with Jesus changed his life. He never lost his fierce intensity, but from then on it was channeled for the gospel.
   Paul was very religious. His training under Gamaliel was the finest available. His intentions and efforts were sincere. He was a good Pharisee, who knew the Bible and sincerely believed that this Christian movement was dangerous to Judaism. Thus Paul hasted the Christian faith and persecuted Christians without mercy.
   Paul got permission to travel to Damascus to capture Christians and bring them back to Jerusalem. But God stopped him in his hurried tracks on the Damascus road. Paul personally met Jesus Christ, and his life was never again the same.
   Until Paul's conversion, little had been done about carrying the gospel to non-Jews. Philip had preached in Samaria and to an Ethiopian man; Cornelius, a Gentile, was converted under Peter, and in Antioch in Syria, some Greeks had joined the believers. When Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem to check on this situation, he went to Tarsus to find Paul and bring him to Antioch, and together they worked among the believers there. They were then sent on a missionary journey, the first of three Paul would take, that would carry the gospel across the Roman empire.
   The thorny issue of whether Gentile believers had to obey Jewish laws before they could become Christians caused many problems in the early church. Paul worked hard to convince the Jews that Gentiles were acceptable to God, but he spent even more time convincing the Gentiles that they were acceptable to God. The lives Paul touched were changed and challenged by meeting Christ through him.
   God did not waste any part of Paul-his background, his training, his citizenship, his mind, or even his weaknesses. Are you willing to let God do the same for you? You will never know all he can do with you until you allow him to have all that you are!

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Paul's Strengths and Accomplishments

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1) Transformed by God from a persecutor of Christians to a preacher for Christ
2) Preached for Christ throughout the Roman empire on three missionary journeys
3) Wrote letters to various churches, which became part of the New Testament
4) Was never afraid to face an issue head-on and deal with it
5) Was sensitive to God's leading and, despite his strong personality, always did as God directed
6) Is often called the apostle to the Gentiles

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Paul's Weaknesses and Mistakes

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1) Witnessed and approved of Stephen's stoning
2) Set out to destroy Christianity by persecuting Christians

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Lessons from Paul's Life

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1) The Good News is that forgiveness and eternal life are a gift of God's grace received through faith in Christ and available to all people
2) Obedience results from a relationship with God, but obedience will never create or earn that relationship
3) Real freedom doesn't come until we no longer have to prove our freedom
4) God does not waste our time-he will use our past and present so we may serve him with our future

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Paul's Vital Statistics

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1) Where: Born in Tarsus, but became a world traveler for Christ
2) Occupation: Trained as a Pharisee, learned the tent making trade, served as a missionary
3) Contemporaries: Gamaliel, Stephen, the apostles, Luke, Barnabas, Timothy

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Key Verses

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"For to me, to live is Christ and to die gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body" (Philippians 1:21-24).

Paul's story is told in Acts 7:58-28:31 and through his New Testament letters.

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(1) Instructions on right belief

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1) How was Paul made an apostle of Christ Jesus, who did Paul write this letter to, and what did Paul call Timothy?

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   Paul calls himself an apostle, meaning one who is sent. Paul was sent by Jesus Christ to bring the message of salvation to the Gentiles (Acts 9:1-20).
   How was Paul an apostle "by the command of God?" In Acts 13:1, 2, the Holy Spirit through the prophets, said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul [Paul] for the work to which I have called them." From Romans 16:25, 26 and Titus 1:3 it is obvious that Paul regarded his commission as directly from God.

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Cross-reference: Acts 13:2; (1) In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. (2) While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

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   This was the beginning of Paul's first missionary journey. The church was involved in sending Paul and Barnabas, but it was God's plan. Why did Paul and Barnabas go where they did? (1) The Holy Spirit led them. (2) They followed the communication routes of the Roman empire-this made travel easier. (3) They visited key population and culture centers to reach as many people as possible. (4) They went to cities with synagogues, speaking first to the Jews in hopes that they would see Jesus as the Messiah and help spread the Good News to everyone.  
   The church set apart Barnabas and Saul to the work God had for them. To set apart means to dedicate for a special purpose. We should dedicate our pastors, missionaries, and Christian workers for their tasks. We can also dedicate ourselves to use our time, money, and talents for God's work. Ask God what he wants you to be set apart for him.

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   This letter was written to Timothy in A.D. 64 or 65, after Paul's first imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28:16-31). Apparently Paul had been out of prison for several years, and during that time he had visited many churches in Asia and Macedonia. When he and Timothy returned to Ephesus, they found widespread false teaching in the church. Paul had warned the Ephesian elders to be on guard against the false teachers who inevitably would come after he had left (Acts 20:17-31). Paul sent Timothy to lead the Ephesian church while he moved on to Macedonia. From there Paul wrote this letter of encouragement and instruction to help Timothy deal with the difficult situation in the Ephesian church. Later, Paul was arrested again and brought back to a Roman prison.

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Warning Against False Teachers of the Law

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2) Why did Paul urge Timothy to stay in Ephesus, what do these false doctrines promote, and how is God's work done?

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   The church at Ephesus may have been plagued by the same heresy that was threatening the church at Colosse-the teaching that to be acceptable to God, a person had to discover certain hidden knowledge and had to worship angels (Colossians 2:8, 18).

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Cross-reference: Colossian 2:8; See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

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   Paul writes against any philosophy of life based only on human ideas and experiences. Paul himself was a gifted philosopher, so he is not condemning philosophy. He is condemning teaching that credits humanity, not Christ, with being the answer to life's problems. That approach becomes a false religion. There are many man-made approaches to life's problems that totally disregard God. To resist heresy you must use your mind, keep your eyes on Christ, and study God's Word.

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Cross-reference: Colossians 2:18; Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions.

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   The false teachers were proud of their humility! This false humility brought attention and praise to themselves rather than to God. True humility means seeing ourselves as we really are from God's perspective, and acting according. People today practice false humility when they talk negatively about themselves so that others will think they are spiritual. False humility is self-centered; true humility is God-centered.

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   Thinking that it would aid in their salvation, some Ephesians constructed mythical stories based on Old Testament history or genealogies. The false teachers were motivated by their own interests rather than Christ's. They embroiled the church in endless and irrelevant questions and controversies, taking precious time away from the study of the truth. Today we could also enter into worthless and irrelevant discussions, but such dispute quickly crowd out the life-changing message of Christ. Stay away from religious speculation and pointless theological arguments. Such exercise may seem harmless at first, but they have a way of sidetracking us from the central message of the gospel-the person and work of Jesus Christ. And they expend time we should use to share the gospel with others. You should avoid anything that keeps you from doing God's work.
   There are many leaders and authorities today who demand allegiance, some of whom would even have us turn from Christ to follow them. When they seem to know the Bible, their influence can be dangerously subtle. How can you recognize false teaching? (1) It promotes controversies instead of helping people come to Jesus (1:4). (2) It is often initiated by those whose motivation is to make a name for themselves (1:7). (3) It will be contrary to the true teaching of the Scriptures (1:6, 7; 4:1-3). To protect yourself from the deception of false teachers, you should learn what the Bible teaches and remain steadfast in your faith in Christ alone.

3) What did Paul say the goal of this command is, what have some who have wondered away from these commands, turned to, what do they want to be, and what did Paul say they did not know?

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   The false teachers were motivated by a spirit of curiosity and a desire to gain power and prestige. By contrast, genuine Christian teachers are motivated by sincere faith and a desire to do what is right. It may be exciting to impress people with our great knowledge, but high status based on falsehood is ultimately empty.
   Arguing about details of the Bible can send us off on interesting but irrelevant tangents and cause us to miss the intent of God' message. The false teachers at Ephesus constructed vast speculative systems and then argued about the minor details of their wholly imaginary ideas. We should allow nothing to distract us from the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ, the main point of Scripture. We should know what the Bible says, apply it to our lives daily, and teach it to others. When we do this, we will be able to evaluate all teachings in light of the central truth about Jesus. Don't focus on the minute details of the Bible to the exclusion of the main point God is teaching you.
   Paul was writing against those who were engaging in philosophical speculation based on the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament, written by Moses).
   The false teachers wanted to become famous as teachers of God's law, but they didn't even understand the law's purpose. The law was not meant to give believers a list of commands for every occasion, but to show unbelievers their sin and bring them to God.

4) In which way did Paul say the law is good, and who is the law made for?

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   "Perverts" may refer to homosexuals. There are those who attempt to legitimize homosexuality as an accepted alternative life-style. Even some Christians say people have a right to choose their sexual preference. But the Bible specifically calls homosexual behavior sin (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:18-32; 1Corinthians 6:9-11).

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Cross-reference: Leviticus 18:22; " 'Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable." '

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   Several abominations of wicked actions, are listed here: (1) having sexual relations with close relatives, (2) committing adultery, (3) offering children as sacrifices, (4) having homosexual relations, and (5) having sexual relations with animals. These practices were common in pagan religions and cultures, and it is easy to see why God dealt harshly with those who began to follow them. Such practices lead to disease, deformity, and death. They disrupt family life and society and reveal a low regard for the value of oneself and of others. Society today takes some of these practices lightly, even trying to make them acceptable. But they are still sins in God's eyes. If you consider them acceptable, you are not judging by God's standards.

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Cross-reference: Romans 1:18-32; (18) The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, (19) since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. (20) For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
   (21) For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (22) Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools (23) and exchanged the glory of the immoral God for images made to look like moral man and birds and animals and reptiles.
   (24) Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. (25) They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-who is forever praised. Amen.
   (26) Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lust. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. (27) In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. (28) Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. (29) They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, (30) slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; (31) they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. (32) Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

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   Paul clearly portrays the inevitable downward spiral into sin. First, people reject God; next, they make up their own ideas of what a god should be and do; then they fall into sin-sexual sin, greed, hatred, envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossip. Finally, they know to hate God and encourage others to do so. God does not cause this steady progression toward evil. Rather, when people reject him, he allows them to live as they choose. God gives them over or permits them to experience the natural consequences of their sin. Once caught in the downward spiral, no one can pull himself or herself out. Sinners must trust Christ alone to put them on the path of escape.
   These people chose to reject God, and God allowed them to do it. God does not usually stop us from making choices that are against his will. He lets us declare our supposed independence from him, even though he knows that in time we will become slaves to our own rebellious choices-we will lose our freedom not to sin. Does life without God look like freedom to you? Look more closely. There is no worse slavery than slavery to sin.
   People tend to believe lies that reinforce their own selfish, personal beliefs. Today, more than ever, we need to be careful about the impute we allow to form our beliefs. With TV, music, movies, and the rest of the media often presenting sinful life-styles and unwholesome values, we find ourselves constantly bombarded by attitudes and beliefs that are totally opposed to the Bible. Be sure about what you allow to form your opinions. The Bible is the only standard of truth. Evaluate all other opinions in light of its teachings.
   God's plan for natural sexual relationships is his ideal for his creation. Unfortunately, sin distorts the natural use of God's gifts. Sin often means not only denying God, but also denying the way we are made. When people say that any sex act is acceptable as long as nobody gets hurt, they are fooling themselves. In the long run (and often in the short run), sin hurts people-individuals, families, whole societies. How sad it is that people who worship the things God made instead of the Creator so often distort and destroy the very things they claim to value.

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   We must be careful, however, to condemn only the practice, and not the people. Those who commit homosexual acts are not to be feared, ridiculed, or hated. They can be forgiven and their lives can be transformed. The church should be a haven of forgiveness and healing for repentant homosexuals without compromising its stance against homosexual behavior.

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The Lord's Grace to Paul

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5) For what reason did Paul thank Christ Jesus, what did Paul use to be, why was Paul shown mercy, and what was poured out on Paul abundantly?

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   People can feel so guilt-ridden by their past that they think God could never forgive and accept them. But consider Paul's past. He had scoffed at the teachings of Jesus ("a blasphemer") and hunted down and murder God's people ("a persecutor and a violent man") before coming to faith in Christ (Acts 9:1-9). God forgave Paul and used Paul mightily for his kingdom. No matter how shameful your past, God also can forgive and use you.
   We may feel that our faith in God and our love for Christ and for others is inadequate. But we can be confident that Christ will help our faith and love grow as our relationship with him deepens.

6) What did Paul say is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance, what did Paul say he is, for that very reason (Paul being the worst sinner), why was Paul shown mercy?

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   "Here is a trustworthy saying" is literally "faithful the word;" this formula is found only in the Pastoral Letters (see 3:1; 4:9; 2Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:8). Here and in 4:9 we find the added words: "that deserves full acceptance." This repeated formula is always attached to a maxim relating to either doctrine or practice, on which full reliance can be laced. The saying here is "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." This is the good news, the heart of the Gospel.
   Paul claims that of all sinners he was "the worst"-lit., "first" or "chief." He felt this way because he had persecuted Christ's followers so vigorously. As far as morality was concerned, young Saul had been a strict Pharisee, living a life that was blameless before the law (Philippians 3:5-6). Yet in his case as chief sinner, Christ's "unlimited patience" had been displayed as an example to all who would believe in Jesus and thus receive eternal life. Paul's life was a powerful demonstration of what divine grace can do. (Taken from The NIV Bible Commentary, Zondervan Publishers).

7) Who did Paul give honor and glory to, for what reason did Paul give Timothy these instructions, what has some who have rejected these instructions done, and who did Paul hand over to Satan?

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   This verse is a typical doxology given by Paul as a natural, emotional response to these reflections about the mercy of God. Paul was so moved by God's love that he was able to praise God spontaneously.
   Paul highly valued the gift of prophecy (1Corinthians 14:1). Through prophecy important messages of warning and encouragement came to the church. Just as pastors are ordained and set apart for ministry in church today. Timothy had been set apart for ministry when elders laid their hands on him (see 4:14). Apparently at this ceremony, several believers had prophesied about Timothy's gift and strengths. These words from the Lord must have encouraged Timothy throughout his ministry.
   How can you hold on to a good conscience? Treasure your faith in Christ more than anything else and do what you know is right. Each time you deliberately ignore your conscience, you are hardening your heart. Over a period of time your capacity to tell right from wrong will diminish. As you walk with God, he will speak to you through your conscience, letting you know the difference between right and wrong. Be sure to act on those inner tugs so that you do what is right-then your conscience will remain clear.
   We don't know who Alexander was-he may have been an associate of Hymenaeus. Hymenaeus's error is explained in 2Timothy 2:17, 18. He weakened people's faith by teaching that the resurrection had already occurred. Paul says that he handed Hymenaeus over to Satan, meaning that Paul had removed him from the fellowship of the church. Paul did this so that Hymenaeus would see his error and repent. The ultimate purpose of this punishment was correction. The church today is too often lax in disciplining Christians who deliberately sin. Deliberate disobedience should be responded to quickly and sternly to prevent the entire congregation from being affected. But discipline must be done in a way that tries to bring the offender back to Christ and into the loving embrace of the church. The definition of discipline includes these words: strengthening, purifying, training, correcting, perfecting. Condemnation, suspicion, withholding of forgiveness, or permanent exile should not be a part of church discipline.

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Answers  Timothy Chapter One

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1) by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope...Timothy...my true son in the faith
2) so that he may command certain men not to teach false doctrine any longer, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies...controversies rather than God's work...by faith
3) love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith...meaningless talk...teachers of the law...what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm
4) if one uses it properly...lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers-and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God
5) that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service...a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man...because I acted in ignorance and unbelief...the grace of our Lord, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus
6) Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...the worst...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
7) the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God...so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience...shipwrecked their faith...Hymenaeus and Alexander

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Taken from The NIV Life Application Study Bible, Zondervan Publishers