I TIMOTHY

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION:

I have stated before.....every book has a reason to be written. There is nothing superfluous in the Bible. Though we might not understand God's plan and purpose as He, through the Holy Spirit, breathes on holy men of old and they write....God does have a purpose.

FOR INSTANCE:

The purpose of the Revelation is to UNVEIL CHRIST. The purpose of John's gospel is so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God, and that believing we might have life through His name. The purpose of the Epistle of John is that we might "know that we have passed from death to life.," SO......each book has a particular purpose.

That is true in I Timothy......

I Tim. 3:15 But if I tarry long, 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.

This is Paul's purpose....directed by the Holy Spirit. NOTE: Timothy is the pastor at Ephesus. He is young, timid and has not been a leader. Paul is in prison, writing to Timothy. His desire is that he might come back and be with Timothy. However, if that does not happen, he wants Timothy to know how to direct the church. We will come back to this. I Timothy, II Timothy, and Titus are called the PASTORAL EPISTLES. Paul is writing to preachers....pastors. He is giving them needed instruction and advice.

We need to study these epistles because:

1. They shed much needed light on the important problem of CHURCH ADMINISTRATION. Do these epistles contain any directions regarding Public Worship which we would do well to heed? What qualities should a man possess in order to be a good pastor? What about deacons? What place should women have in the church? Who should provide for the needy? How should we deal with the aged men and women? How should we deal with young men and women? All of these questions should be answered for us in these epistles.

2. Because the pastoral epistles stress SOUND DOCTRINE. It does make a difference what we believe. Sincerity is not enough. Is the Bible the Word of God as it lies there, or does it merely BECOME the Word of God when it "touches" you? How should we deal with heretics? Is it possible to pay too much attention to their errors?

3. Because the epistles demand CONSECRATED LIVING. Is it possible for a person to be "sound in doctrine" and "corrupt in practice"? Should evil men be disciplined? If so, how soon, and for what purpose?

4. Because the pastoral epistles answer the question "are creeds of any value?"

5. Because they tell us about the CLOSING ACTIVITIES IN THE LIFE OF THE GREAT APOSTLE PAUL. We learn much about Paul from these epistles.

6. Because they are a VALUABLE SOURCE TO HELP US UNDERSTAND THE CHURCH OF THE 1st century...especially the latter part of it.

7. Because these epistles are designed so that GOD SPEAKS TO US.

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 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. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 18 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; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

MEMORY VERSE:

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.

VERSE 1

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;

No doubt in our mind as to the human author. He gives his name. He gives his authority. He gives his calling. He states the source of that calling. It was customary to mention the writer's name at the beginning, then the person addressed.

Paul mentions his office as an apostle.....perhaps not for Timothy's sake but for the sake of the church at Ephesus. Paul wanted this letter to carry weight and authority. Paul was NOT ASHAMED of his Lord.... Paul was NOT ASHAMED of his office.... rather he magnified it. When Paul needed to use the authority of his office, he did so.

"Apostle" means sent one. Paul was an apostle called out of due season. "by the commandment of God" He was not elected, nor selected by men. He was not appointed by a board of regents, nor a college of cardinals. He was APPOINTED BY THE COMMANDMENT OF GOD. He was separated to this office...from all eternity....

EPH 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Not only so...Paul was separated to this work by the Holy Spirit. See Acts 13:2

2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

Paul uses the expressions...."God our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ"... to show that his work was to manifest God as Savior... To show that Christ is our hope of eternal life... Not our earthly possessions. Not our works or submission to ceremonies. Not our professions.... Our only hope is in Christ's shed blood for the remission of sin.

Col. 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

VERSE 2

2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. To Timothy: Timothy, no doubt, had been led to Christ by Paul. Timothy had surrendered to preach under Paul's ministry. Timothy was Paul's spiritual son, in two respects. Paul regarded Timothy with the affection of a father. It is doubtful if any father and son could have been closer that Paul and Timothy.

NOTE: Every preacher has "sons in the faith". Those who grow up and surrender under our ministry. Those who have been instructed and taught by us. Those that have been sent out from us to the gospel ministry. Those that have been instructed, taught, trained, counseled, exhorted, and encouraged in the service of Christ.

"Timothy" means "honoring or worshipping God." Timothy possessed the characteristic of FAITHFULNESS. Unswerving readiness for the sake of the gospel. Willing to make any sacrifice for Christ. He was dependable...Paul knew he could depend on him. Timothy had some liabilities also: He was TIMID....... He had a natural reserve. He was not forward at all. He was YOUNG. This youth bothered him as he pastored the church. It was evidently an issue with him. Paul admonished..."Let no man despise thy youth..."

He was BESET WITH PHYSICAL AILMENTS. He was sickly. He evidently had some type of stomach trouble. This might have been caused by his timidity.

BUT...having said all this he was willing to leave his home to accompany Paul on a dangerous mission, to be sent to difficult places and dangerous errands, and to remain to the very end a worthy servant of Jesus Christ.

Timothy "grew well" as a Christian. He is under no illusions as to what is involved in discipleship. Perhaps he was aware of the stonings of Paul and the beatings. Persecution, hardship, suffering, death perhaps...but Timothy, young, delicate, sensitive, timid, though he be....is ready to face any or all of it. Anything ...anywhere...at any cost.... Oh.....that we had that type of discipleship today!!!!!

HIS WORK FOR GOD... In the course of his missionary service we find him accompanying Paul at Corinth, Ephesus, Athens, Antioch, Phillipi, and Rome... In these varied experiences, he would gain experience that would help him later on. He will need all the experience he can get when he takes the pastorate at Ephesus.

PAUL'S PRAYER FOR TIMOTHY...

"Grace"... that aid from God that Paul had found sufficient at all times.

2CO 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Grace adequate for each and every occasion of life, and death. God's grace will always be supplied to us. "Mercy"...that God would mercifully secure him that he never be overawed by the power of the enemy... That he never be overdriven by the pressure of circumstances. That he never be overstrained by the problems of the task. That he never be overweighted by the perils of the way. After all... "God is faithful and will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able..." His merciful protection is always available.

"Peace"...that "below the surface" calm and peace. Outward circumstances might be stormy...but there is a peace that passeth all understanding on the inside. This is what Jesus meant when He said to the disciples..."My peace"..... Paul desires these 3 blessings for Timothy. Paul knows that there are difficulties ahead and that he will need these.

VERSES 3,4

3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

It is clear that Paul and Timothy labored together at Ephesus. Paul seems to have been compelled to leave. Timothy was left to carry on the work, while Paul went into Macedonia. This was probably in connection with Acts 20:1.

1 "that thou mightest charge some" Timothy seemed to be left in complete charge of the pulpit. Paul is instructing him what to do with those in the church that were teaching heresy. "that they teach no other doctrine." No other than what Paul had taught. No other than what Paul and Timothy had preached.

NOTE: Paul told the church at Galatia..."If I or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel...let him be accursed..." There were some that Paul was not in accord with. There were some that taught things not in accord with the Word of God. Paul wants Timothy to deal with these before he leaves.

LEARN: God does not want his people listening to false doctrine. God does not want his people exposed to false doctrine.

God does not want his people to become familiar with the gods of this world. Preachers are to so instruct their people so that their people will not give ear to false doctrine: Don't listen to the Jehovah Witnesses. Don't listen to the Mormons. Don't listen to the modernists. Don't listen to the liberals. Don't listen to the teachers that seek to twist the Word of God.

NOTE: It is not a question of learning what all the religions are ...or allowing your children to do so...and then making a choice. This is not done in any other facet of life. It should not be done in this the most important one. "Neither give heed to fables" Old wives fables...see chapter 4:7

7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

Jewish fables...Titus 1:14

14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

The traditions of the elders...anything that was not true...anything that was trifling, or vain..or unprofitable. "endless genealogies"...refers to Jewish teaching. The Hebrews kept careful genealogical records... These records were complicated, numerous, and extended...hence called "endless". The Jew attached great purpose to them...in fact this was a method of receiving God's blessing of eternal life. "which minister questions" It created angry debates. it mattered not from which tribe a person descended. The thing that mattered was "faith in Jesus Christ". Their inquiries did not promote the building of the soul. Their false doctrine taught no truth. It was not concerned with the salvation of the soul. Even if they could settle their arguments..it would not result in the salvation of souls.

AND IS THAT NOT TRUE TODAY?..... Most of the arguments, debates etc..in our churches will not get anyone saved.

WE TEACH TO EDIFY THE BELIEVER.... We teach to build up the believer in the faith. We teach to instruct the believer. We teach so that the believer will grow in grace. This was what Timothy was to do.

VERSES 5-11

5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither w hat they say, nor whereof they affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy an d profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary t o sound doctrine; 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

Paul is telling Timothy to teach the commandments...ALL OF THEM...in their right relationship. These people had misunderstood the design of the law. It was not to produce angry distinctions and angry contentions...not to observances... IT WAS TO PRODUCE LOVE....

Jesus summarized the law thusly: "Thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart...." "Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbor as thyself. "and a good conscience" A conscience free from guilt. "faith unfeigned" Real faith...not a put-on faith... Not a pretended faith...but a real faith

BORN OUT OF HEARING THE WORD OF GOD.

ROM 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. "from which some having swerved...have turned into vain jangling." They missed the true intent of the law. They missed the intent of the commandments. These teachers had pretended to be great observers of the laws of God...but they missed the mark completely. Instead of promoting love....they promoted debates, arguments, feuds, and contentions. They had made shipwreck of their faith. "desiring to be teachers of the law" They wanted to have a reputation as a great teacher. They wanted their "doctorates". They wanted the reputation of being able to explain the difficult things about the law. Paul said they did not understand the nature of the law, nor the commandments. They were attempting to explain to others what they did not know themselves. "But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully." Paul admitted this...he was not the enemy of the law. Paul is not calling the law in question...as to whether it is good or bad. But the law must be used for the purpose for which it was designed. It was not to be perverted. It was to reveal the sinfulness of sin. It was to show how unable we are to obey it. It was to be a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ. It was to bring the whole world guilty before God. "knowing this ...the law is not made for the righteous". The law does not exempt the righteous man...but he does not feel enslaved by it. The main purpose of the law was not to fetter the minds of the righteous with numerous observances and minute regulations...but that it was to RESTRAIN THE WICKED FROM SIN... The law was made for the man who intends to do wrong. The law was given for the wicked, the ungodly. God had given to Paul the glorious gospel. This was what Paul wanted preached. it was not a light thing with him. He was in dead earnest. he was sincere. He was not just pretending. Paul was giving his life for this.

VERSES 12,13

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

Here Paul gives a brief account of his conversion. He is grateful to God for calling him and putting him into the ministry. The preacher should be grateful to God. His is a work of toil. His is a work of self denial. His is a work that demands sacrifices. BUT it is an honorable office...an excellent office...a noble office. A MAN SHOULD BE GRATEFUL TO BE A MINISTER. "Who hat enabled me..." God gave him the ability and the strength for this service.

NOTE: Paul's life before salvation was sinful, wrong, evil. His ignorance did not free him from blame... Those who do wrong, ignorantly, are more likely to obtain mercy than those who do wrong designedly, (willingly or on purpose).

VERSES 14-16

14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 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. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all.

There is enough gospel in these verses to save the world. Paul talks about the abundant grace of God. He talks about the faith and love he had in Christ. He was aware that salvation was "by grace thru faith" and that God gave him the faith with which to believe. God's grace in saving Paul was sufficient.

NOTE: Paul gives Christ's reason for coming in to the world. he came to save sinners. This is what Jesus said in Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Christ's mission was to save... He did not come to be a martyr. He did not come to be a teacher. He did not come to be a miracle worker. He CAME TO SAVE.

HEB 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

He will save any and all that will come to Him...

ROM 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Paul felt himself to be the "chief of sinners." All of us can take that same attitude. It matters not what sins we have committed. All sin is against God. And each of us should feel that we were chief of sinners. Paul said that God was using him as a display of His long- suffering. Because Paul was such a gross sinner...God's mercy was extended so that the world could see what God could do with such a sinner. If God could do this for Paul, He could do it for anyone. None need despair. All have opportunity to be saved. Paul was a pattern...an example... to encourage sinners. How did Paul get saved?...and how can anyone get saved? "believe on him to life everlasting..." It is just that simple. It is just that easy...though not easy believism. It is God's way of saving sinners. There could be no other way.

VERSES 17-20

17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 18 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; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

When Paul gave his testimony, he really got into a "shouting mood". He was so grateful to God for his salvation that he could not help but go into an inscription of praise. In view of what God had done for him, Paul is estatic with praise. This is an outbreak of emotion as he writes to Timothy. This is the heart overwhelming the mind, the tongue, the body. is the overflowing of a heart that is grateful to be saved.

NOTE: It would do us all good to get to this place once in a while. It wouldn't hurt us Baptists to shout once in a while. It wouldn't hurt for us to be overcome with gratitude to God. it wouldn't hurt for us to become overwhelmed with joy and praise. Paul imply could not refrain from praise as he meditated on his salvation. Salvation was not only real...it meant something to him. Does your salvation ever do that for you? Does your salvation ever get you on shouting ground? It should. After all, you too are a sinner saved by grace.

In verse 18 Paul regains his composure. 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; He renews his charge to Timothy. He takes up where he was before he "had the spell of shouting."

It seems that Timothy had been trained for some important position. Perhaps some had prophesied that Timothy would be a leader. Evidently his mother and grandmother had prepared him, scripturally, for this position. he knew the Word of God ...from a child.

NOTE: These prophecies might stimulate him to do better. By these he knew that others were counting on him. By these he knew that others were watching him. He knew that his life was not lived in a closet. He was out in the open, and people would know about him.

"mightest war a good warfare" Paul did not want Timothy to think that the Christian life was easy. It was a difficult life. it was a disciplined life. Timothy was to "war" "fight a good fight." He could not be passive.... He could not be timid...mealy mouthed. See Eph 6:10-17.

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: See I Cor. 9:7 and 2 Cor. 6:4

1CO 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

2CO 6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

A Christian is likened to a soldier. Soldiers must be trained. Soldiers must be fit for battle. Soldiers must be dedicated to the task. Soldiers do not belong to themselves. Timothy is engaged in a righteous cause: He is to be faithful to his Commander and Chief. He is to observe the motions of the enemy. He is to minister in fearless courage. He is to forsake his standard. He is to continue until the period of his enlistment is over...and in this case that is death.

"holding faith" Timothy was to wage this war unflinchingly... He was not to waver. He was not to lose faith...regardless of how it appeared. He was to keep the faith.

"and a good conscience" He knew right from wrong. he was to keep a good conscience...by doing right.

"which some having put away" Some loved sin more than Christ. Some loved evil doctrine more that good doctrine. They knew better...but they did not do better. They knew what was right and what was wrong. They made shipwreck out of their lives.

Illus: We could give scores of illustrations about this.

Verse 20 mentions the names of two men. 1TI 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

These men put away their good conscience. These men evidently were those who wanted to be teachers. They knew better. They made shipwreck of their lives. Both had become blasphemers. Paul delivered them over to Satan....for the destruction of the flesh. This is what Paul did in the case of immorality in I Cor. 5. These men were to be excommunicated., These men had so sinned...until it appears that there was no use to pray for them. They seemed to have gone beyond the limits of grace.

1JO 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

Paul is writing to Timothy telling him how to behave ....how to conduct himself in the House of God. This was important. Timothy is learning from Paul. We need to learn also.