1 Timothy Introduction to 1 Timothy The Writer Paul wrote this (1:1) and it is the first of three of Paul's Pastoral Epistles. Paul wrote nine epistles to the Churches, but I & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon were personal letters. Paul wrote two letters to Timothy in Ephesus. Paul wrote this epistle about A.D. 62 following his first imprisonment in Rome. The Purpose of Writing The reason Paul wrote this letter was to instruct Timothy as a young evangelist ( II Tim. 4:5) and as an overseer over the pastors, bishops and deacons (1:2; 1:18; 6:20; Acts 16:1-3; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4). The Theme The theme is sound doctrine and proper order in the Church (I Tim. 1:10; 6:3). The Church is the central light the world sees and the instrument that is able to proclaim the truth about Jesus as Lord, His Word, and godliness confront the false teaching by sound, healthy teaching (6:3). The key verses are 3:15 and 4:16. The Outline of 1 Timothy 6 Chapters Sound Doctrine in the Church 1:1-20 True Worship in the Church 2:1-3:16 A Good Minister in the Church 4:1-16 Proper Discipline in the Church 5:1-6:21 From The Amplified Bible "First and second Timothy and Titus are commonly identified as the Pastoral Letters written by Paul. They were written after (perhaps sometime around A.D. 63-65) Paul's first Roman imprisonment noted in the last chapter of Acts (Acts 28). Since the New Testament books do not offer a continuing account of the extension of Christianity after this date, the references in these Pastoral Letters offer some basis for tracing the movements of Paul. He was probably released about A.D. 60 or 61 and revisited the Asian churches. En route to Macedonia, Paul left Timothy at Ephesus (I Tim. 1:3). Paul went on to Crete, where he ministered a while, and then left the believers under the leadership of Titus (Tit. 1:5) while he continued on to Dalmatia. The first letter to Timothy at Ephesus and the letter to Titus in Crete were written by Paul en route, possibly in Macedonia. Shortly after this he must have been arrested and taken back to Rome as a prisoner, where he wrote the second letter to Timothy. Timothy was born at Lystra and had a Greek father and a Jewish mother (who taught him the Scriptures from childhood). When Paul came to Lystra on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3), he enlisted Timothy, who was associated with Paul till the end of his ministry. Timothy himself was finally imprisoned but later released (Heb. 13:23). The first letter to Timothy is in conversational style and very personal. Paul instructs Timothy concerning the qualifications and duties of various church officers. He also offers guidance to Timothy in his pastoral responsibilities, making him conscious of his duties and obligations as a "man of God" (6:1)." Important Instructions for the Church 1. Sound Doctrine in the Church (Ch. 1) Introduction (1:1-2) Charge Some (1:3-11) Step by step Paul charges Timothy and in doing so he charges and instructs us. Paul commands Timothy to transmit a message. Teach no other doctrine (1:3) Godly edifying which is in faith (1:4) The end of the commandment (1:5)Mwisho wa sheria (1:5) Charity out of a pure heart - A good conscience - Faith unfeigned The law is good if a man uses it lawfully (1:8) The law is made for the lawless… contrary to sound doctrine. (1:9-10) Put in trust with the Glorious Gospel. (1:11) An ennablement (1:2, 12) Grace, mercy, and peace An attainment by faith (1:12-17) A charge (1:18) "War a good warfare" "Holding faith" "A good conscience" A Warning (1:19)Onyo (1:19) "Made shipwreck" "That they may learn not to blaspheme" (1:20) 2. True Worship in the Church (Ch. 2 and Ch. 3) Prayer (2:1-8) Conduct (2:9; 3:13) Women (2:9-15) Men (3:1-13) Second charge (3:15) "Behave thyself in the house of God" 3. A Good Minister in the Church (Ch. 4) Warning against apostasy (4:1-5) Instructions for the minister (4:6-16) Neglect not the gift (4:14) Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine. (4:16) 4. Proper Discipline in the Church (Ch. 5 and Ch. 6) Fourth charge (5:21) Observe these things without preferring one before another." Fifth charge (6:20) "Keep that which is committed to thy trust." 1 Timothy Study Questions What three things did Paul minister by the commandment of God? (1:1-2) In verse 1 we minister because He is our... What is the end of the commandment? Give a good description of swerving from good doctrine. Knowing the written law in the Bible is for those who live contrary to sound doctrine, where is the law and commandment written for the righteous? Paul, as Saul, was before a blasphemer (1:13), ordained a teacher (2:7). What was one of his lessons? (1:20) How did Paul describe in 1:16 his salvation experience? What was committed to Paul's trust? What is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior? (2:2) Describe the two-fold universal call. (2:4) Man has been given the responsibility to be in all _________________________ to that authority. We must all remember our resopnsibility and be faithful stewarddds in accordance to the Word of God and remember when it does not seem to rewarding here, the Lord is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Do you personally have any desire at all to work in the Church where God put you? How does a person perfect that desire and obtain that part in the ministry? (1:11-19; 2:1-2; 2:8-10; 3:1-13) What does God use to show the world the truth? (3:15) When the truth of godliness is a mystery to the professing believer the whole world is in trouble. How does the Spirit describe this condition? (3:15-16; 4:1-3) How should we treat… An elder? (5:1, 7-8, 17-21) elder women? (5:2-7, 16, 21) The young men? (5:1,7, 20-21) The young women? (5:2, 7, 20-21) Widows? (5:3-7, 9-16, 21) Any one of these that practice sin? (5:20) Those we work for? (6:1, 2) Money? (6:6-11, 17-19) Give an account of what has been given to your trust. (1:11; 6:20, 21) Compare 1:6, 6:10,21 with 1:19 concerning erring and putting away.