1 Timothy

Part One: Introduction to 1 Timothy

The Pastoral Epistles

First Timothy, Second Timothy and Titus are known as the "Pastoral Epistles," because they were written to two of Paul's younger co-workers who were serving as his representatives in local churches, and because they deal with the leadership, doctrine and life of the church. They contain the New Testament's fullest instruction on church officers, sound doctrine and pastoral responsibility. They are the last letters Paul wrote.

The Author

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope" (1:1). The early church received the Pastoral Epistles as Paul's, and they were known to writers such as Polycarp and Irenaeus. Some modern critics have doubted Paul's authorship because of differences in vocabulary and the developed church organisation they describe. But the letters claim to be from Paul, contain many personal details no forger would invent, and their different vocabulary is explained by their different subject matter, Paul's later stage of life, and possibly the use of a secretary such as Luke (2 Timothy 4:11).

Timothy

"Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith" (1:2). Timothy came from Lystra in Galatia. His mother Eunice was a believing Jewess and his grandmother Lois also had genuine faith; his father was a Greek (Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5). He had known the Scriptures from childhood (2 Timothy 3:15) and was probably converted through Paul on his first missionary journey. Paul took him along on his second journey (Acts 16:1-3), and he became one of Paul's most trusted co-workers, sent on missions to Thessalonica, Corinth and Philippi, and named as co-sender of six of Paul's letters. He was set apart for ministry by the laying on of hands (4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6). He was relatively young (4:12), perhaps timid by nature (1 Corinthians 16:10; 2 Timothy 1:7), and suffered from frequent illness (5:23). Paul loved him as a son: "I have no man likeminded" (Philippians 2:20).

Date and Setting

Acts ends with Paul under house arrest in Rome (AD 60-62). The Pastoral Epistles describe travels that do not fit into Acts, showing that Paul was released, as he expected (Philippians 1:25; 2:24). He then visited Ephesus, Macedonia, Crete and other places. He left Timothy at Ephesus to deal with false teachers and wrote 1 Timothy from Macedonia (1:3), probably around AD 62-64. Later Paul was arrested again and wrote 2 Timothy from a Roman dungeon shortly before his execution under Nero, around AD 67-68.

Purpose and Theme

Paul states his purpose plainly:

These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

1 Timothy 3:14-15

1 Timothy is a manual for church life and leadership. It instructs Timothy to oppose false teaching, to order the church's worship and leadership, to care rightly for widows, elders and others, and to guard his own life and doctrine. Two key words run through the letter: "sound" (healthy) doctrine (1:10; 6:3), and "godliness" (true reverence for God expressed in life), which appears eight times.

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

1 Timothy 1:15

The Faithful Sayings

The Pastoral Epistles contain five "faithful sayings," short statements of core truth, probably well known in the churches:

Outline of 1 Timothy

Part Two: Chapter-by-Chapter Analysis

Section I: Sound Doctrine and False Teachers (Chapter 1)

Chapter 1:1-11 — Teach No Other Doctrine

Paul greets Timothy with "Grace, mercy, and peace" (1:2), adding "mercy" to his usual greeting in his letters to individuals. Paul had urged Timothy to stay in Ephesus "that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith" (1:3-4). The false teachers were absorbed in speculative myths and endless genealogies, probably built on Jewish traditions, that produced arguments rather than spiritual growth.

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned

1 Timothy 1:5

The goal of true Christian teaching is love, flowing from a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith. Some had wandered from this into "vain jangling," wanting to be teachers of the law without understanding it (1:6-7).

"But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully" (1:8). The law's proper purpose is not to give the righteous a system of salvation, but to expose and restrain sin. It is made "for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners" (1:9). Paul's list of sinners follows the order of the Ten Commandments: those who sin against God, against parents ("murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers"), murderers, sexual sins including "them that defile themselves with mankind" (homosexual practice), "menstealers" (kidnappers and slave-traders), liars and perjurers, "and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine" (1:9-10). "Sound" means healthy: true doctrine produces spiritual health. This is "according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God" (1:11).

Chapter 1:12-17 — Paul's Testimony of Grace

Paul thanked Christ for counting him faithful and putting him into the ministry, "Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" (1:13-14).

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

1 Timothy 1:15-16

This verse is the gospel in one sentence: Christ Jesus (His person) came into the world (His incarnation) to save sinners (His mission). Paul considered himself the chief of sinners, not out of false modesty but from a real sense of his guilt as a persecutor of Christ's church. If Christ could save Paul, He can save anyone; Paul is the "pattern," the showcase of Christ's patience toward the worst of sinners. Overwhelmed, Paul burst into praise:

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Timothy 1:17

Chapter 1:18-20 — War a Good Warfare

Paul charged Timothy, in line with the prophecies made about him at his commissioning, to "war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck" (1:18-19). Faith (true doctrine) and a good conscience (holy living) belong together; abandoning a good conscience leads to the shipwreck of faith. Hymenaeus and Alexander were examples; Paul had "delivered [them] unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme" (1:20), expelling them from the church's fellowship, with the goal of their correction (compare 1 Corinthians 5:5). Hymenaeus later taught that the resurrection was already past (2 Timothy 2:17-18).

Section II: Order in Public Worship (Chapter 2)

Chapter 2:1-7 — Prayer for All Men

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

Prayer is the first priority in the church's worship. Believers must pray for everyone, including rulers, even pagan emperors like Nero (compare Jeremiah 29:7). One goal is a peaceful society in which believers can live godly lives and the gospel can spread. Another is the salvation of all:

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

1 Timothy 2:3-6

God desires the salvation of all people (Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9). There is one God, so there is one way to Him: "one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." A mediator stands between two parties to reconcile them. Christ, being both God and man, is the only One who can. No priest, saint, angel or Mary can serve as an additional mediator (Hebrews 8:6; 9:15). Christ "gave himself a ransom for all": His death was a payment made in the place of others (Mark 10:45), sufficient for all people. Paul was appointed a preacher and apostle "a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity" (2:7).

Chapter 2:8-15 — Men and Women in Worship

Men (2:8). "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." Men should lead in public prayer, with lives that are pure and relationships free of anger and quarrelling.

Women (2:9-15). Women should adorn themselves "in modest apparel, with shamefacedness [modesty] and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works" (2:9-10). Paul's concern is not that women must be unattractive, but that they should not draw attention to themselves through extravagant or seductive display; their true beauty is godly character and good works (1 Peter 3:3-4).

Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

1 Timothy 2:11-14

In a culture where women often had little opportunity for education, Paul commanded that women "learn," a significant affirmation. But in the church's gathered worship, women are not to teach men with authority or exercise authority over men. Paul grounds this not in local culture but in the order of creation (Adam was formed first, Genesis 2:7, 21-22) and in the events of the fall (Eve was deceived, Genesis 3:6, 13). Baptists therefore hold that the office of pastor and the teaching of men in the church are reserved for qualified men. This concerns roles, not worth: men and women are equally created in God's image and equally heirs of grace (Galatians 3:28; 1 Peter 3:7). Women have vital ministries, including teaching other women and children (Titus 2:3-5; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15).

"Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety" (2:15). This difficult verse does not teach salvation by bearing children. Interpretations include: women are saved through "the childbearing," the birth of Christ promised to the woman (Genesis 3:15); women will be preserved through the dangers of childbirth; or women find their God-given fulfilment in their role as wives and mothers, provided they continue in faith, love and holiness.

Section III: Leaders in the Church (Chapter 3)

Chapter 3:1-7 — Qualifications for Bishops

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

1 Timothy 3:1

"Bishop" (Greek episkopos, overseer) refers to the same office called "elder" (presbyteros) and "pastor" (shepherd) elsewhere (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5-7; 1 Peter 5:1-2). It is a noble work worth aspiring to. The New Testament describes two offices in the local church: pastors (bishops or elders) and deacons (Philippians 1:1). The qualifications emphasise character more than gifts:

• "Blameless": above reproach, with no justified accusation against him (3:2).
• "The husband of one wife": literally a "one-woman man," faithful in marriage. (Baptists understand this to exclude polygamists and the sexually unfaithful; many also apply it to divorce and remarriage.)
• "Vigilant, sober, of good behaviour": self-controlled, sensible, well-ordered.
• "Given to hospitality": opening his home to others.
• "Apt to teach": able to teach God's Word, the one qualification that is a skill rather than character.
• "Not given to wine, no striker": not addicted to wine, not violent (3:3).
• "Not greedy of filthy lucre... not covetous": not motivated by money.
• "Patient, not a brawler": gentle, not quarrelsome.
• "One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)" (3:4-5). The home is the proving ground for church leadership.
• "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil" (3:6). A new convert promoted too soon may fall into pride, the devil's sin.
• "A good report of them which are without" (3:7): a good reputation with unbelievers.

Chapter 3:8-13 — Qualifications for Deacons

"Deacon" (diakonos) means servant. The office likely originated with the seven men chosen to serve the practical needs of the Jerusalem church (Acts 6:1-6). Deacons must be "grave" (worthy of respect), "not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience" (3:8-9). They must first be "proved" (tested) (3:10). "Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things" (3:11). (The word "wives" can also mean "women"; most Baptists understand it as deacons' wives, though some see a reference to women who served.) Deacons must be husbands of one wife and rule their children and houses well (3:12). Faithful service brings "a good degree," a good standing, "and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus" (3:13).

Chapter 3:14-16 — The Church and the Mystery of Godliness

Paul wrote so that Timothy would "know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (3:15). The church is God's household, the assembly of the living God, and the pillar and foundation that supports and displays God's truth to the world. Then Paul quotes what appears to be an early Christian hymn about Christ:

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

1 Timothy 3:16

The hymn traces Christ's work from incarnation to ascension:

• "God was manifest in the flesh": the incarnation (John 1:14). (The Received Text behind the King James Version reads "God"; some other manuscripts read "He who." Either way, the subject is the pre-existent Christ.)
• "Justified in the Spirit": vindicated by the Spirit, especially in His resurrection (Romans 1:4).
• "Seen of angels": throughout His life, at His resurrection and ascension.
• "Preached unto the Gentiles": the gospel to all nations.
• "Believed on in the world": received by faith.
• "Received up into glory": His ascension (Acts 1:9).

Section IV: The Minister's Personal Life and Ministry (Chapter 4)

Chapter 4:1-5 — Doctrines of Devils

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

1 Timothy 4:1-3

The Holy Spirit clearly foretold apostasy. Behind false doctrine are deceiving spirits; its teachers are hypocrites whose consciences have been cauterised, numbed by repeated sin. This particular error was false asceticism: forbidding marriage and requiring abstinence from certain foods as a path to holiness. Such teachings appeared in the early church and have recurred throughout history, for example in religious systems requiring compulsory celibacy of clergy or binding dietary rules on believers. Paul answered: "For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer" (4:4-5; Genesis 1:31; 9:3).

Chapter 4:6-10 — Exercise unto Godliness

By teaching these things, Timothy would be "a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine" (4:6). A minister must first feed himself on God's Word.

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

1 Timothy 4:7-8

Like an athlete in training, the believer must discipline himself for godliness. Physical training has some value, but only for this life; godliness benefits every area, now and for eternity. "For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe" (4:10). God is the Saviour of all people in that He preserves and provides for all and has provided salvation sufficient for all; He is Saviour in the fullest sense "specially" of those who believe.

Chapter 4:11-16 — An Example of the Believers

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

Timothy was probably in his thirties, young in comparison with the elders. The answer to those who might despise his youth was an example that could not be faulted: in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

1 Timothy 4:13-14

Timothy's ministry centred on the public reading of Scripture, exhortation (applying it) and doctrine (teaching it). He must not neglect the gift God had given him, confirmed when the elders laid hands on him. "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all" (4:15).

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

1 Timothy 4:16

A minister must watch both his life and his teaching. Faithfulness in both would "save" (deliver and preserve) Timothy and his hearers from the false teaching around them and lead them on in salvation.

Section V: Care for Groups in the Church (5:1-6:2)

Chapter 5:1-16 — Relationships and Widows

Treating others as family (5:1-2). "Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity." The church is a family, and every relationship should reflect respect, affection and purity.

Widows (5:3-16). In a world without pensions or social security, widows were often destitute. "Honour widows that are widows indeed" (5:3), meaning those truly alone and in need. Paul gave careful guidelines:

• Families first (5:4, 8, 16): children and grandchildren should care for widowed relatives, "to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God" (5:4).

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

1 Timothy 5:8

Even unbelievers care for their families; a professing Christian who refuses to do so contradicts the faith he claims.

• The widow indeed (5:5-6): "trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day." In contrast, "she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth."
• The church's list (5:9-10): a widow supported by the church should be at least sixty, "the wife of one man," and known for good works: raising children, hospitality, washing the saints' feet, relieving the afflicted, following every good work.
• Younger widows (5:11-15): should not be put on the list, since they may wish to remarry, and without responsibilities they might become idle gossips. Paul counselled them "marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully" (5:14).
• Church resources protected (5:16): believers with widowed relatives should support them, "that it may relieve them that are widows indeed."

Chapter 5:17-25 — Elders

Honour and support (5:17-18).

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

1 Timothy 5:17-18

Elders who lead well, especially those who preach and teach, deserve respect and adequate financial support ("honour" included payment). Remarkably, Paul quotes both Deuteronomy 25:4 and the words of Jesus recorded in Luke 10:7 and calls both "scripture," showing that New Testament writings were already being recognised as Scripture alongside the Old.

Accusations and discipline (5:19-21). "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses" (5:19; Deuteronomy 19:15). Leaders are vulnerable to false accusations and must be protected. But "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear" (5:20). Discipline must be impartial, "without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality" (5:21).

Caution in appointing leaders (5:22-25). "Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure" (5:22). Leaders should not be appointed in haste. Paul added a personal note: "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities" (5:23), a medicinal use for Timothy's health problems, given perhaps because Timothy was abstaining entirely. Some people's sins are obvious; others' come to light later; likewise good works will eventually be evident (5:24-25). Time reveals character.

Chapter 6:1-2 — Servants and Masters

Christian slaves should honour their masters, "that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed" (6:1). Those with believing masters should not despise them because they are brothers, but serve them all the better (6:2). The gospel's reputation is at stake in how believers work.

Section VI: Final Charges (6:3-21)

Chapter 6:3-10 — Godliness, Contentment and the Love of Money

Anyone who rejects "wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness" is "proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words," producing envy, strife and evil suspicions (6:3-4). Such teachers suppose "that gain is godliness," using religion to get rich; "from such withdraw thyself" (6:5).

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

1 Timothy 6:6-8

Real gain is godliness combined with contentment (Philippians 4:11). We came with nothing and leave with nothing (Job 1:21; Ecclesiastes 5:15). If we have food and clothing, we have enough.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1 Timothy 6:9-10

Money itself is not evil; "the love of money" is "the root of all evil," the source from which every kind of evil can grow. Those determined to be rich fall into traps that drown them. Some have wandered from the faith in pursuit of wealth and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Chapter 6:11-16 — The Man of God

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

1 Timothy 6:11-12

The "man of God" (a title used of Moses, Elijah and the prophets) must flee greed and pursue six virtues. He must fight (the word is used for an athletic contest) the good fight of faith, taking hold of the eternal life to which he was called. Paul charged him before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, "who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession" (6:13), to keep this commandment without fault "until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" (6:14).

Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

1 Timothy 6:15-16

At the right time God will reveal Christ. He is the only true Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords (a title given to Christ in Revelation 17:14; 19:16), the only One with immortality in Himself, dwelling in unapproachable light (Exodus 33:20).

Chapter 6:17-19 — Charge to the Rich

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Wealthy believers are not told to give up all their wealth, but warned against pride and trusting in riches. God gives all things richly to enjoy. The rich should be rich in good works, generous and ready to share, so laying up treasure for the future (Matthew 6:19-21).

Chapter 6:20-21 — Guard the Deposit

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

1 Timothy 6:20-21

"That which is committed to thy trust" is the deposit of truth, the gospel entrusted to Timothy like valuables placed in safekeeping. He must guard it and avoid godless chatter and the contradictions of what is falsely called "science" (Greek gnosis, knowledge), the claims to superior knowledge that would later flower into Gnosticism. Some who professed such knowledge had wandered from the faith.

Part Three: Christ in 1 Timothy

Portraits of Christ

Qualifications for Church Officers

Part Four: Prophecies Fulfilled and Future

Part Five: Key Passages in Depth

1 Timothy 1:15-16 — The Chief of Sinners

The gospel in one sentence: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Paul, the persecutor, is the pattern proving that Christ's patience reaches the worst of sinners.

1 Timothy 2:1-6 — Prayer and the One Mediator

The church must pray for all people, especially rulers. God desires all to be saved; there is one God and one Mediator, Christ, who gave Himself a ransom for all.

1 Timothy 2:11-15 — Women in the Church

Women are to learn, but are not to teach or exercise authority over men in the church, a principle grounded in creation and the fall, not in culture. Men and women are equal in worth but different in role.

1 Timothy 3:1-13 — Qualifications for Leaders

Church leaders must be men of proven, godly character in their marriages, homes, habits and reputations, and pastors must be able to teach.

1 Timothy 3:15-16 — The Church and the Mystery of Godliness

The church is God's household, the pillar and ground of the truth. At its heart is the mystery of godliness: Christ, God manifest in the flesh, from incarnation to ascension.

1 Timothy 4:1-5 — Doctrines of Devils

False teaching originates with deceiving spirits and often takes the form of man-made rules about marriage and food. Everything God created is good when received with thanksgiving.

1 Timothy 4:7-16 — The Minister's Discipline

Train yourself for godliness; be an example in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith and purity; devote yourself to Scripture reading, exhortation and teaching; watch your life and doctrine.

1 Timothy 5:8 — Providing for One's Own

Caring for one's family is a basic Christian duty. Neglecting it denies the faith.

1 Timothy 5:17-18 — Honouring Faithful Elders

Pastors who lead well, especially in preaching and teaching, deserve respect and support; and Paul calls the words of Jesus in Luke "scripture."

1 Timothy 6:6-12 — Contentment and the Love of Money

Godliness with contentment is great gain. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. The man of God must flee greed, pursue godliness, and fight the good fight of faith.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 — The Rich

The wealthy must not be proud or trust in riches, but in God; they must be rich in good works, generous and ready to share.

Part Six: The Major Teachings of 1 Timothy

1. Sound Doctrine

Healthy teaching produces love and godliness; false teaching produces speculation and strife (1:3-10; 6:3-5).

2. The Proper Use of the Law

The law exposes and restrains sin; it cannot save (1:8-11).

3. Salvation by Grace

Christ came to save sinners, even the chief of sinners (1:15-16).

4. One God, One Mediator

Christ alone mediates between God and man, having given Himself a ransom for all (2:5-6).

5. Prayer

Prayer for all people, including rulers, is the church's first priority (2:1-2, 8).

6. Male Headship in the Church

Women are not to teach or exercise authority over men in the church, based on creation and the fall (2:11-14).

7. Church Officers

Pastors (bishops or elders) and deacons must meet high standards of character (3:1-13).

8. The Church

God's household and the pillar and ground of the truth (3:15).

9. The Incarnation and Exaltation of Christ

God manifest in the flesh, received up into glory (3:16).

10. Apostasy

Some will depart from the faith, following doctrines of devils (4:1-3).

11. Godliness

Profitable for this life and the next (4:7-8; 6:6).

12. The Minister's Example and Diligence

In life and doctrine (4:12-16).

13. Care for Widows and Families

Families provide for their own; the church cares for those truly alone (5:3-16).

14. Honour and Discipline of Elders

Faithful elders are honoured and supported; accusations require witnesses; sin is rebuked impartially (5:17-22).

15. Money

The love of money is the root of all evil; the rich must be generous (6:6-10, 17-19).

16. Guarding the Truth

The deposit of the gospel must be kept (6:20).

Part Seven: Connections — How 1 Timothy Links to the Rest of the Bible

1 Timothy and the Old Testament

1 Timothy and the New Testament

Themes That Run from 1 Timothy Through Scripture

Part Eight: Practical Lessons

• Reject teaching that produces arguments rather than godliness (1:4).
• Aim at love from a pure heart, good conscience and sincere faith (1:5).
• Use the law to expose sin, not to earn salvation (1:8-9).
• Never think yourself beyond grace, or others beyond it (1:15-16).
• Praise the King eternal, immortal, invisible (1:17).
• Keep faith and a good conscience together (1:19).
• Make prayer for all people your first priority (2:1).
• Pray for rulers and those in authority (2:2).
• Come to God only through the one Mediator (2:5).
• Pray with holy hands, free of anger (2:8).
• Dress modestly, and adorn yourself with good works (2:9-10).
• Respect God's order in the church (2:11-12).
• Honour the office of pastor as a good work (3:1).
• Choose leaders by character, not merely ability (3:2-12).
• Remember the church is the pillar and ground of the truth (3:15).
• Beware of doctrines that forbid what God has given (4:1-3).
• Receive God's gifts with thanksgiving (4:4-5).
• Train yourself for godliness (4:7-8).
• Be an example, whatever your age (4:12).
• Give attention to Scripture reading, exhortation and doctrine (4:13).
• Don't neglect your gift (4:14).
• Watch your life and doctrine (4:16).
• Treat fellow believers as family (5:1-2).
• Provide for your own family (5:8).
• Honour and support faithful pastors (5:17-18).
• Don't accept accusations against elders without witnesses (5:19).
• Don't appoint leaders hastily (5:22).
• Work well, so God's name is not blasphemed (6:1).
• Be content with food and clothing (6:6-8).
• Beware the love of money (6:9-10).
• Flee evil; follow righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness (6:11).
• Fight the good fight of faith (6:12).
• If you are rich, trust God and be rich in good works (6:17-18).
• Guard the truth entrusted to you (6:20).

Part Nine: Key Verses to Memorize

Conclusion

1 Timothy is Paul's instruction to his beloved son in the faith, left at Ephesus to set the church in order and confront false teachers. Paul charged him to stop those who taught speculations instead of sound doctrine, and reminded him of the gospel that had saved Paul himself: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom he was chief. He told the church to pray for all men, including rulers, because God desires all to be saved and there is one Mediator, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all. He set out God's order in worship and the qualifications for bishops and deacons, men of proven character in their homes and lives. He described the church as the household of God, the pillar and ground of the truth, centred on the great mystery of godliness: God manifest in the flesh. He warned of departures from the faith and doctrines of devils, urged Timothy to train himself in godliness, to be an example despite his youth, and to watch his life and doctrine. He gave wise counsel about widows, elders and servants, warned that the love of money is the root of all evil, and charged the man of God to flee greed, fight the good fight of faith, and guard the truth entrusted to him until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

1 Timothy 1:15