Frameworks:
1 Timothy 1: INTRODUCTION
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
[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.]
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
[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.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 and
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