Frameworks:
1 Timothy 1
(The
objective of these ‘Frameworks' is to provide an easy-to-read
layout of the text in order then to use these individual verses
for verse-by-verse study or meditation. To focus each
verse we have also added in italic a simple comment of what is
happening)
[Note:
Because it is sometimes difficult to follow the flow
of a letter like this, we have added a synopsis of each chapter
& passage to help clarify where Paul is going with his writing.]
Why
Read 1 Timothy:
1 Timothy is unique in the biblical canon in that it is one senior
leader instructing a junior leader in respect of important points
of leading a local church. A number of things perhaps stand out
to us:.
•
First that Timothy has his ministry
because God called him to it through prophecy. Such a beginning
adds security to each of us.
•
Second, teaching sound doctrine
and therefore ensuring that the church sticks to the truths of
the gospel, is vital.
•
Third, understanding people
is also vital, recognising that wolves come in sheep's clothing
and therefore a) we need to see below the surface and b) we need
to watch carefully what others are purporting to bring in Jesus'
name. This includes being wise and careful about accepting into
spiritual leadership and service only those who conform to God's
criteria.
•
Finally, we are what we are
and we continue to serve God, entirely by His grace. When we have
this, we can aim for godliness and contentment in the confidence
that those are God's goals for us.
Because
it is not a particularly big letter, perhaps a reading goal might
be three chapters at a time.
FRAMEWORKS:
1 Timothy 1
[Chapter
1 Synopsis: All about ministry: Timothy to remain in
Ephesus to deal with false teachers, those who abandoned the faith
and now teach error. Remember Paul is a great example of how mercy
and grace save sinners, so hold firm to your ministry which was
prophesied over you.]
v.1,2
Opening Greetings
v.3-11
Timothy charged to oppose false teachers
v.12-17
The Lord's grace to Paul
v.18-20
The charge to Timothy renewed
v.1,2
Opening Greetings
v.1
(from Paul the
apostle) Paul, an apostle of
Christ Jesus by the command of God our Saviour and of Christ Jesus
our hope,
v.2
(to Timothy
his young protégé) To
Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from
God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
v.3-11
Timothy charged to oppose false teachers
[Passage
Synopsis: stay where you are to sort out wrong teaching]
v.3,4
(stay in Ephesus
to stop the false teaching that is happening) As
I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus
so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines
any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies.
Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing
God's work – which is by faith.
v.5
(focus it with
love and faith) The goal of
this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good
conscience and a sincere faith.
v.6
(some have gone
astray) Some have departed from
these and have turned to meaningless talk.
v.7
(they unwisely
want to be teachers) They want
to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are
talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
v.8
(you need to
know how to handle the law) We
know that the law is good if one uses it properly.
v.9-11
(for the law
is for the unrighteous wrong-doers, not for believers living under
the gospel) We also know that
the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and
rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for
those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the
sexually immoral, for those practising homosexuality, for slave
traders and liars and perjurers – and for whatever else is
contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel concerning
the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
v.12-17
The Lord's grace to Paul
[Passage
Synopsis: I'm a living example of how grace saves]
v.12
(I'm thankful
God called me into his service) I
thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he
considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.
v.13
(although I
was right off the rails, in mercy he called me) Even
though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent
man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
v.14
(he imparted
his grace, faith and love in Christ) The
grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with
the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
v.15
(a key saying)
Here is a trustworthy saying that
deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to
save sinners – of whom I am the worst.
v.16
(yet I am an
example of mercy received) But
for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst
of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as
an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal
life.
v.17
(so to Him be
glory sand honour) Now to the
King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and
glory for ever and ever. Amen.
v.18-20
The charge to Timothy renewed
[Passage
Synopsis: Timothy, fulfil the ministry given you through
prophecy]
v.18,19
(minister in
accord with the prophecies you received) Timothy,
my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies
once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the
battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which
some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard
to the faith.
v.20
(two at least
have abandoned their faith and will be disciplined) Among
them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan
to be taught not to blaspheme.
(CONTINUE
to CHAPTER 2)