1 Timothy Chapter 1A

Greetings and Warnings

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Local churches are like hospitals where the patents take care of each other. “Sick and wounded people help other sick and wounded people, led by an administrator – himself a patient- who leads everyone to call upon the Great Physician for healing”. Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus (Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary) pg.28

Read 1st Timothy 1:1-2

  • Paul was an apostle, taught by Jesus Himself. Only Apostles can claim this, though the Greek for Apostle simply means “sent one”. He was commanded by God.
    • Notice Paul says God our Savior. He says God, not Jesus. Why? Jesus is God, but as Jesus says many times I was sent by my Father. God is the savior and Jesus was the means.
      • When Jesus had spoken these words, “He lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you since you have given Him authority over all flesh to give eternal life to all whom you have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now Father glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. John 17: 1-5
  • True child in the faith. Paul saw Timothy as his son and as a son he was to reflect his father. Especially, in dealing with the church.
  • God authorized Paul’s ministry, now Timothy stood among the Ephesians with the same authority to teach and lead. Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus (Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary) pg.33

Read 1st Timothy 1:3-4

  • The opening greeting is relatively short because he wants to get to the point of the letter as quickly as possible. There are 4 directives for Timothy to accomplish with this church.
    • 1 – remain in Ephesus
    • 2 – communicate the truth. Charge certain people and call them out because they are not teaching the correct doctrine.
      • What doctrine was that? The Gospel. The message from Jesus to Paul on who you are saved from sin. Not through law, not through your will or choices, but through faith in Him alone
      • Charge these same people with devoting themselves to myths or lies and endless genealogies. What were these?
        • Myths – Paul speaks of “Jewish Myths” in Titus 1:14. This could be referring to OT figures that are found in many ancient Jewish writings outside the Bible. Endless genealogies are lies and speculations derived from these ancient texts that were outside of the Torah and Tanakh. These things developed in Gnosticism concerning the origins of the world and the innumerable spiritual beings supposedly involved in creation. Reformation Study Bible ESV. There is really no difference between then and today, as Christians adopt a secular world view outside of the Bible, especially when it comes to creation.
      • Do not focus on speculation. Focus on stewardship. To be good stewards to the truth that has been given by God because of Christ death and administered through the Holy Spirit. This is how the Triune God works in the lives of Christians.

Read 1st Timothy 1:5

  • 3 – Focus on the goal. Paul says, “the aim of our charge is love, that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
    • To be a good minister these are what you must keep paramount in your life, and this is what Paul wants Timothy and Titus to know. It can only come from a heart that is honest. Honest with yourself and others. A love for the Lord to do His will and not your own. A heart that is humble and not looking for gratitude and fame but looks to give God glory. I like to say never believe the hype others say about you.
    • Good conscience and sincere faith go hand in hand. The first does not happen without the second. You will know the good ministers of the Gospel by their fruits. Look at their lives and how they live.
      • Remember the Ephesian church nor Timothy had the New Testament. None of the 4 Gospels were used by Timothy or Titus. Armed only with the letters from Paul and truth that was spoken to them. Good conscience and pure heart would have been noticeable in the pagan world of Ephesus. Most all people at this time knew nothing of humility, compassion, or self-sacrifice. Daily Life in Ephesus