-1 Timothy 1-

Jacob Aland

In 1st Timothy it starts off saying Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope. In many of the other epistles they start of differently, they say by the will of God, there is a big difference between the two. In 1st Timothy Paul was an apostle by commandment not by commission. In this book of timothy Paul is writing to his brother in the faith Timothy and he is warning him and giving him advice on many different issues. One of the warnings he gives Timothy is a warning against false teachers (verses 3-11). False teachers teach thing that sounds good and appealing and do not offend people. Paul gives a great definition to what a false teacher (1:7), which says, They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. They teach things that people like to hear and not make them feel guilty. Some of these false teaching include what some people have deemed the Prosperity Gospels. These teachings basically teach that if you do certain things and give this much of your time and or money that God will richly bless you and you will become successful. Even those these thing sometimes sound extremely appealing one needs to be careful because it says in Proverbs 16:24-25, Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. That is why one should be in the Bible daily so that they may understand Gods word so that they will be able to defend and recognize false teaching. In the verses 12-20 Paul is giving you a little background information about himself and how he was before he became saved. He is talking about how merciful and gracious God has been to him. Verse 14 says, The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in

Christ Jesus. At the end of this chapter Paul charges Timothy to be renewed and to hold on to the faith and good conscious (v. 19).

- 1 Timothy 2 -

Timothy chapter 2 Paul is giving us instructions on how to worship, which is prayer, and also about women serving in the church and how to dress. He starts off telling us that we should all be praying for each other and also thanking God for all that he has given to us. In verse 2 Paul specifically tells us to pray, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. We should be praying daily for those in authority that they make godly choices and that they ask for his guidance and direction in everything they do and that they will glorify Him in their decisions. If our government officials prayed about all their decisions and seek to glorify Him we would not be having all the problems we have today. When we pray for those in authority and everyone else it pleases God. Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing (v.8). In this chapter Paul also talks about women. He talks about what they should wear and what should not wear. One reason he tells women what they should not wear so they will not be confused as prostitutes. The last thing he talks about in this chapter is women serving in the church. He says that women should not be in authority over men (v. 12). One of the reasons he says this is because how different men and women lead. Women are more of emotional leaders and lead based off of their feelings. Men are more, black and white, right and wrong leaders.

- 1 Timothy 3 In the third chapter of 1st timothy he talks about qualifications for becoming overseers and deacons. If one wants to be an overseer, Paul gives a list of qualities and characteristics that a person should have or strive to have. With this list of good qualities there is also a list of not so good qualities that an overseer should not possess. Not only should an overseer have good characteristics he also needs to be a leader in the home as well. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect (v. 4). Paul asks a really good question, he basically asks how can a man lead a body of believers when he cannot manage his own family? If a man cannot manage his family he should not be leading people. As the same for overseers, if one desires to become a deacon he must pretty much possess the same qualities and characteristics as an overseer. The reason Paul has written this letter to timothy is because he is traveling but may be delayed and he wants them to be able to know how to act according to Gods law.

- 1 Timothy 4 -

Chapter four of is Paul instructing Timothy and encouraging him to basically keep up the good work. Paul starts off this chapter telling timothy that even though he may be doing everything right there are some people that will walk away from the faith and abandon it (v. 1-5). These people will be led away by those false teachers that Paul talked about over in chapter one. Paul also tells Timothy, If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed (v. 6). Which basically says that if you

warn them about the danger of false teachers they will less likely follow after them and their false doctrine. Paul goes on to tell them Timothy to have nothing to do with the godless myths and old wives tales (v. 7) but to train your self to be godly. One of my favorite verses in the bible comes from 1 Timothy chapter 4 which is, Dont let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity (v. 12). Timothy must have been a younger guy because why else would Paul tell him this? This verse is really encouraging to younger people that are on fire for God because it tells them that just because you are young that means absolutely nothing, God can use you non-the less. Just because you are young does not mean that you cannot be just as effective to bring someone to Christ than an older person. Since you are young, one is told to set an example for the believers in speech. One of the most important things for a Christian is their witness! A damaged witness is something that is very hard for a Christian to recover from without Christ and start being effective. Young believers will effect more people by just the way the act than going up to people and asking them if they know Jesus. Someones witness speaks way louder than words. The res of this chapter Paul tells Timothy to be diligent in these matters. Paul also tells them to not neglect their spiritual gifts that were given to them. He finishes off this chapter by saying, Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers (v.16). This was a perfect thing to say to them especially how he started off this chapter warning them about leaving the faith.

- 1 Timothy 5 -

In chapter 5 of 1st Timothy he gives advice about widows, elders, and slaves. It is kind of strange that he through in slaves with widows and elders but whatever. In this chapter when he is talking about widows Paul pretty much gives us a clear check list to follow in helping a widow. It depends on how old she is or whether or not if she has children or grandchildren to watch after her. But one thing Paul does say is to pay attention to the widow that has no one to look after because she is one that may need the churches help. When one thinks of a widow they usually think of someone that is pretty old and grey that cannot take care of them self. Those are the widows that we are told to watch out for and take care of. The widows that are younger and still have a life ahead of them are not the ones that necessarily need the churches help but they definitely need to be comforted. Paul also tells us that we should honor the elders especially those that have served the church, the elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching (v.17).

- 1 Timothy 6 -

In the beginning of chapter 6 but the end of chapter 5 Paul talks about slaves. He talks about that if a slave is under a master that is not a believer than that slave should treat that master with respect. He should also be a light to his master that his master might become a believer. Then Paul says that if the master is a believer then the slaves should still treat him with honor and respect even better than the master that was not a believer. One of the last things that Paul talks to Timothy about is the love of money. He warns us about the danger of wanting to be rich. When one wants to be rich it is very easy for them to fall

into temptation and fall away from God. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction (v. 9). Paul makes an excellent point by saying, For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it (v. 7). I feel like he is saying that it is good to follow your dreams but dont get lose sight of the One that gave you the dream. A verse that goes along with this is Matthew 16:26 which says, What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? Paul finishes of this section of money by saying that money is the root of all evil. No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (Luke 16:13). Paul finishes the book of 1st Timothy by encouraging Timothy one last time. He tells Timothy to flee from evil and purse rightness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Paul leaves Timothy with one of the better know verses from the bible which is, 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 (v. 12).