1 Timothy was written by Paul in 62-66 A.D. they were written to encourage Timothy in his responsibilities for overseeing the work of the Ephesian church, also other churches in the province of Asia. The letter provides instructions for the ordaining of elders including also ordaining other people in the various offices of the church. It is in simple terms a leadership manual for church organization and administration. One amazing fact is that some of these instructions are part of the churches structure today. We find some verses in this book that encourage and instruct also some that are in this day problematic due to cultural changes over the years.
1 Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 3:1-3, “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.”
1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 2:12, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.”
There are many things to consider about Timothy that perhaps for that day and time stand out. First of all Timothy had been a great help to Paul in his ministry. Timothy was a Greek and his father was Greek and his mother was a Jew. Paul was more than just a mentor and leader to Timothy, he was like a father to him… 1 Timothy 1:2 I am writing to Timothy, my true son in the faith. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace. Paul urges Timothy to be on guard for false teachers and false doctrine. He then writes a great deal about expected pastoral conduct. Paul warns Timothy about false teachers, and the church’s responsibility toward single members, widows, elders, and slaves. Paul shares his concerns about the manner of worship in chapter 2. Paul completes this part of the letter with attention to developing mature leaders for the church (chapter 3). Paul always encourages Timothy to stand firm, to persevere, and to remain true to his calling. I would say to you reading this…Stand Firm In The Faith! There are things written in this book that defiantly form a pattern of Old Testament writings. Paul continues on to point out that Jesus is a Savior to all that call upon his name, He is the mediator between God and man. For Jesus Christ is Lord of the church and it is Timothy’s task to serve His church. While I am most likely repeating myself but it is plain that Paul’s aim here is to instruct his “son in the faith”, as to the work and ministry of a pastor, the qualifications for an elder.These same qualifications of a deacon are just as important and pertinent today as they were in Timothy’s day. The letter is a template for those who would lead and serve. We must be one body with many responsibility always contending for the faith and avoid false teaching. Every follower must stand firm and persevere.
Book two of Timothy was written while Paul was once again in prison in Rome shortly before he was put to death in A.D. 67. Imprisoned in Rome again, Paul felt lonely and abandoned. How many times when talking to older folks have they expressed the thought that their time was near. Paul recognized that his earthly life was likely coming to an end soon. At this time in his life his greatest concern was to express concern for the churches and specifically for Timothy. Paul used what time he had left to encourage Timothy and others to do two things. To stand strong in the faith and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 3:14
But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
Paul continues writing to Timothy stressing the importance of remaining passionate for Christ and to remain firm in sound doctrine. He reminds Timothy that he must avoid ungodly beliefs and practices and to flee from anything immoral. Timothy and his followers must be mindful that in the end times there will be both intense persecution and a falling away from the Christian faith. It is important to keep their eyes on the goal…Live a Godly life in Christ and your reward will be in heaven. We must strive to avoid both false doctrine and ungodly practices.
And now the prize awaits me — the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Life is Good
jk
From The Pew 