Timothy
Timothy, Epistles to
The two Epistles to Timothy, in the New Testament of the Bible, are classified
with the Epistle to Titus as the Pastoral Epistles (Pastoral not Church). They
are addressed by Saint Paul to his companion, Timothy, leader of the church at
Ephesus (I Tim. 1:3), who is known from Acts and other epistles. The letters
are pastoral in that they urge Timothy to combat false teaching and guide his
people in preserving the truth; they also give detailed instructions concerning
the duties of bishops, deacons, widows, and other Christians. Some scholars
think that these letters were written about AD 100 in Paul's name, rather than
by Paul himself, because the language differs from that of the other epistles.
They carry a heavy emphasis on tradition being handed on, and church structures
seem more developed than in Paul's day. The objections rise from:
1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus
came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. The phrase "Here
is a trustworthy saying" is found nowhere else in the NT but used five times in
the Pastorals (3:1, 4:9; 2tim 2:1, tit 3:8)
2:2. for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet
lives in all godliness and holiness. The word "godliness and godly" occurs eight
times in 1 Tim here; 3:16; 4:7-8;6:3,5-6,11) once in 2 Tim(3:5) and once in
Titus(1:1) but in none of the other writings of Paul.
Key Verses:
I Tim 6:12: "Fight the good fight"
II Tim 4:9 "I have fought the good fight"
Theme: ministry is combat or battle. Like a pilot, Paul trains Timothy the Co-pilot
I cor 4:17 (Lystra) Pastoral Training
Outline:
1Tim. (Training For Combat)
I. Salutation(1:1-2)
II. Warging against False Teachers(1:3-11) Enemy Fire
a. The Nature of the Heresy(1:3-7) False Teachings, Endless debates, Divisions
b. The Purpose of the Law(1:8-11) Not for the righteous man, but for the
lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners
III. The Lord's Grace to Paul(1:12-17) He put Paul into the ministry. 13-15 :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. 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.
IV. The Purpose of Paul's Instructions to Timothy(1:18-20) Keep your eyes on the
instruments. (This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the
prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good
warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away
concerning faith have made shipwreck:
V. Instructions concerning the Administration of the Church(chs.2-3)
a. Public Worship(ch.2)
1. Prayer in public worship(2:1-8) Keep focused on the purpose of every combat.
a. Pray: 2:1I 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. ((Even if we have differing political views))
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;
(Prayer: I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without
wrath and doubting.
2. Women in public worship(2:9-15) Who do we wish to lift up?
b. Qualifications for Church Officers(3:1-13) Be selective on who you fly with.
1. Overseers(3:1-7) A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife,
vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not
given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler,
not covetous; 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?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with
pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a
good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the
snare of the devil.
2. Deacons(3:8-13) Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued,
not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of
the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let
them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their
wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons
be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
Purpose of These Instructions(3:14-16) 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.
VI. Methods of Dealing with False Teaching(ch.4)
a. False Teaching Described(4:1-5) Identify the enemy (Legalasim and Control).
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.
b. Methods of Dealing with It Explained(4:6-16) Tell it straight. If thou put
the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of
Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto
thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise
thyself rather unto godliness....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. 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. Meditate upon these things;
give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 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.
VII. Methods of Dealing with Different Groups in the Church(5:1-6:2)
a. The Older and Younger(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.
b. Widows(5:3-16) Honour widows that are widows indeed. ...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.
c. Elders(5:17-25) 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.
(5:20-- Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
d. Slaves(6:1-2) As Unto the Lord
VIII. Miscellaneous Matters(6:3-19)
a. False Teachers(6:3-5) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and
destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw
thyself.
b. Love of Money(6:6-10) 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. 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.
c. Charge to Timothy(6:11-16) 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.
d. The Rich(6:17-19) 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.
IX. Concluding Appeal(6:20-21) 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.
2Tim. Experiences of a Veteran Soldier
I. Introduction(1:1-4) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my
dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and
Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with
pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers
night and day;
II. Paul's Concern for Timothy(1:5-14) stir up the gift of God...For God hath
not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
III. Paul's Situation(1:15-18) In chains
IV. Special Instructions to timothy(ch.2) Marks of a good soldier of the cross
a. Call for Endurance(2:1-13)
1. Be strong yourself( Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that
is in Christ Jesus.
2. Gather others , Be involved in the building of the church And the things
that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to
faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
3. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4. Sanctify yourself: No man that wars and entangles himself with the
affairs of this life; pleases him who has chosen him to be a soldier.
5. Count the Cost of Discipleship: Therefore I endure all things for the
elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ
Jesus with eternal glory.
b. Warning about Foolish Controversies (2:14-26) Of these things put them
in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about
words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew
thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they
will increase unto more ungodliness. And their word will eat as doth a canker:
6. Purity: Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith,
charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
V. Warning about the Last Days(ch.3) Photo Recon: Spotting the Enemy
a. Terrible Times(3:1-9) This know also, that in the last days perilous times
shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters,
proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural
affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of
those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more
than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:
from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and
lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever
learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
b. Means of Combating Them (3:10-17) But thou hast fully known my doctrine,
manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions,
afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what
persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea,
and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But
evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured
of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;And that from a child thou hast
known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration
of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly
furnished unto all good works.
VI. Paul's Departing Remarks(4:1-8) Battle Plan
a. Charge to Preach the Word(4:1-5) I charge thee therefore before God,
and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his
appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of
season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but
after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having
itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth,
and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure
afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
b. Paul's Victorious Prospect(4:6-8) For I am now ready to be offered,
and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have
finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for
me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give
me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
VII. Final Requests and Greetings(4:9-22)
Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
(everyone has left me)
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable
to me for the ministry.
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The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee ,
and the books, but especially the parchments.
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And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto
his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
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