1 Timothy
After Paul was released from prison in Rome, he discovered that leaders in the Ephesian church had distorted the genuine message they had first heard from Paul himself. They had misapplied certain Jewish practices and borrowed some others from the philosophies of the day. They restricted certain foods, forbade marriage and stressed controversial speculations as the path to spiritual progress. At the same time, they tolerated immoral behavior. So Paul sent his co-worker Timothy to Ephesus and wrote him a letter, which he was expected to share with the church. He hoped it would give Timothy the power and influence to set things in order until Paul could get to Ephesus himself.
Paul’s focus is on what true leadership in the church looks like. This would help the Ephesians reject those who weren’t qualified and replace them with those who were. Paul includes a special warning toward the end of his letter about the dangers of greed, which seemed to be at the root of their problems.
Throughout the letter Paul uses the phrase Christ Jesus—that is, Messiah Jesus—which emphasizes the kingly rule of Jesus. This helped remind the church that Jesus is their real leader and is the clearest model of authentic leadership.
People look up to Christian leaders, expecting that the loving grace of God will shine through them. The apostle Paul considered it vital for Christian witness that overseers (elders and pastors) and deacons have a good reputation with those who don’t yet believe. It matters to God what non-Christians think of our leaders! The main subject of 1 Timothy is to describe the character and lifestyle an officer in the church should have. As this book is read, it’s easy to think this lifestyle is only for the leaders, when in actuality this instruction is good for all Christians and each of us should aspire to these same characteristics.
Session 1 - Cling to your faith in Christ - 1 Timothy 1:1-20
🔎 READ - 1 Timothy 1:1-20 (NLT)
1 This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope.
2 I am writing to Timothy, my true son in the faith.
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.
Warnings against False Teachings
3 When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. 4 Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God.
5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 6 But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. 7 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.
8 We know that the law is good when used correctly. 9 For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. 10 The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching 11 that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God.
Paul’s Gratitude for God’s Mercy
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, 13 even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. 14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.
15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.
Timothy’s Responsibility
18 Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. 19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. 20 Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God.
🔎 RELATE
I once met a man who said that whenever he bought a new car, he would whack it with a hammer. That way, he said, he wouldn’t get upset about the other little dents and scratches that would surely happen.
The apostle Paul was passionate about attaining righteousness (Philippians 3:7-11), but he was honest about his own imperfections (Romans 7:14-20). In today’s verse, he openly accepts that he is like an old beat-up car. But he accepts his dents and dings, even as he drives on for God.
Maybe you would be happier too if you accepted the dents and dings of your own life.
A long time ago a woman came to our church. She wore fancy clothes, volunteered for everything, and worked extremely hard. Around church and in front of others she was upbeat, but she was troubled and anxious at home, when she was out of the public eye. Finally she broke down and wept, unveiling the sinful burden she carried on her heart. She had been trying to cover a dent. How nice it was to tell her she didn’t have to act perfect in order for God or the church to love her.
She’s happier now that she has accepted imperfection. She is also happier in all she strives to do for God.
I wonder—would you be too?
🔎 REGARDING
First Timothy begins a series of letters written by Paul to individuals. Paul begins by reminding Timothy that he left him in Ephesus so that Timothy might “instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines” (3). Paul reminds Timothy that the goal of such instruction “is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (5).
What exactly these false teachers were proclaiming is not completely clear (remember that because Timothy knew full well what they were teaching there was no need for Paul to spell it out in the letter). Whatever the false teachers were saying it included a misuse of the Law. Paul replies that “the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully” (8). After all, the Law was written to establish a society of justice.
Paul reminds Timothy, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life” (15-16).
🔎 REFLECT
Commanding false teachers to stop is important, so that they may not come under a greater judgment. How often do we consider proper instruction as an act of love?
Paul’s reminder of who he was before Christ and that he was still shown mercy should be a reminder that God is in the business of transforming lives. Make an effort to pray for those who have done you harm. After all, they are persons from whom Christ died. How might looking at people like this change the way we act toward them? Does it help to be reminded that we too were sinful, broken people?
🔎 RESEARCH
Acts 16:1-4 – Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. 2 The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3 Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.
Philippians 2:20-22 – I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.
Matthew 19:29 – And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.
1 Chronicles 16:8 – Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
Daniel 4:2 – It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me.
Psalm 107:2 – Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble
Luke 8:39 – “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.
2 Timothy 1:8 – Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.
1 Corinthians 5:5 – You are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
1 John 5:19 – We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.
Matthew 18:15-17 – If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
1 Corinthians 5:11 – But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.
Session 2 – Understand the Truth - 1 Timothy 2:1-15
🔎 READ - 1 Timothy 2:1-15 (NLT)
1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For,
There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.
This is the message God gave to the world at just the right Time. 7 And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating—just telling the truth.
8 In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.
9 And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. 10 For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.
11 Women should learn quietly and submissively. 12 I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly. 13 For God made Adam first, and afterward he made Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing, assuming they continue to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty.
🔎 RELATE
Along with the Lord’s Prayer, many other Bible texts give us helpful insights for prayer in our everyday lives.
In his first letter to Timothy, for example, the apostle Paul urges prayer for “all people,” accenting the need to pray for “those in authority” over us. Behind this direction lies Paul’s conviction that God has placed our leaders in authority over us (Romans 13:1). Remarkably, Paul wrote these words during the reign of the Roman emperor Nero, one of the most anti-Christian rulers of all time.
But the advice to pray for rulers, both good and bad, wasn’t new. More than 600 years earlier, the prophet Jeremiah urged the exiles of Jerusalem and Judah to pray for the “peace and prosperity” of Babylon, where they were taken as captives (Jeremiah 29:7).
When we pray for people in authority, we recognize God’s sovereign hand in our lives and our societies. We implore God to aid our rulers in governing with justice and equity so that everyone may live in the peace our Creator intended. By these prayers, we ask God to use us as his agents. Prayers for our rulers and leaders spring from our commitment to sharing Jesus’ love and mercy with our neighbors.
🔎 REGARDING
Paul provides Timothy with instructions on worship. He begins with “first of all” (1). Labeling it as “first” is not necessarily intended to indicate a list of things to follow as much as it indicates the significance of the present item! That this is followed with “I urge” (which could be translated as “exhort”) affirms the importance of the command.
Paul encourages Timothy to pray for everyone, especially those in power (1-2).
He says offering such prayers for all persons is good because God desires all people to be saved (4).
This passage is greatly disputed (12). Some suggest that Paul’s prohibition against women continues into the present. Others suggest that they were relative to the situation in the early church and the culture of the time.
Paul bases his prohibition on the creation narrative of Genesis 1-3. He appeals both to the fact that Adam was made first and that Eve was deceived first (13-14). For some, these two points confirm that Paul has provided an abiding provision. After all, it will always be true that Adam was made first and that Eve was the one who was deceived.
Others, however, note that being “first” isn’t an absolute throughout Scripture. The fact that many of the leaders of Israel (e.g., Isaac, Jacob, Judah, David) were not the firstborn suggests that this is not an abiding principle. In addition, it is argued that we must consider why it was that Eve or anyone else for that matter was subject to deception. William Webb has argued that the only outstanding reason why a woman would be more subject to deception is because she is not educated. In other words, Webb notes that there is nothing inherent about being a woman that makes her more prone to deception. Thus, some conclude, Paul’s prohibition here is culturally dependent.
With regard to Paul’s assertion that “women will be preserved through the bearing of children” (15), we should note that Paul is simply referring to Eve and the curse of Gen 3:16. It has nothing to do with her eternal “salvation.”
🔎 REFLECT
The notion that we should pray for our leaders follows from his words in chapter 1. Namely, that God is in the business of rescuing sinners and that He gave the Law to serve as a means of justice. Paul’s words in 2:3 affirm that one of the motivations behind the encouragement to pray for them is “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (3). Make an effort this week to pray for those in authority—whether you voted for them or not! Pray that they may bring justice for the oppressed.
🔎 RESEARCH
Romans 8:26 – Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Matthew 6:7 – And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.
Ephesians 6:18 – Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
Colossians 4:2 – Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Proverbs 29:11 – A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
Psalm 37:7 – Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
Proverbs 11:30 – The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.
2 Peter 3:9 – He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
Romans 8:34 – Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
Hebrews 8:6 – But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.
Psalm 63:4 – So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
Lamentations 3:41 – Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven.
Romans 6:13 – Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.
Joshua 3:5 – Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”
Psalm 66:18 – If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
Proverbs 28:9 – If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
1 Peter 3:3-4 – Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
Proverbs 31:30 – Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Ecclesiastes 3:11- He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
Song of Solomon 4:7 – You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.
1 Samuel 16:7 – But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Proverbs 6:25 – Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes
Proverbs 27:4 – One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.
Proverbs 11:22 – Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.
1 Corinthians 14:34-35 – Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
Titus 2:3-4 – Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children.
Ephesians 5:22-23 – Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
Galatians 3:28 – There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Genesis 2:18 – Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.
1 Corinthians 11:3 – But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.
1 Timothy 3:2 – Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.
Session 3 – Above Reproach 1 Timothy 3:1-7
🔎 READ - 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (NLT)
1 This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” 2 So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
6 A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. 7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.
🔎 RELATE
People look up to Christian leaders, expecting that the loving grace of God will shine through them. The apostle Paul considered it vital for Christian witness that overseers (elders and pastors) and deacons have a good reputation with those who don’t yet believe. It matters to God what non-Christians think of our leaders!
In 1 Timothy 3 Paul describes the ideal leader. God has called deacons, pastors, and elders to lead his church by example. They’re to depend on God’s grace not only for the forgiveness of sins but also for the filling of the Holy Spirit. If they yield to one or more temptations regularly, a cold wind blows through them. It prevents the loving warmth of God from ministering to and through them.
Opening just one window in winter time can make a house miserably cold. It doesn’t matter if every other window is closed. It doesn’t matter how well the walls are insulated. The house’s capacity for being warm is compromised.
Christians and non-Christians alike can pick up on the coldness or warmth of our hearts. We all contribute to a great witness for God by caring about and praying for our leaders’ spiritual vitality. May we all be filled with the Holy Spirit!
🔎 REGARDING
Paul continues his discussion on worship by addressing the requirements for being a pastor. One of the first things that we must recognize in this list is that it applies to all Christians. Paul is not saying, “only pastors should be . . . .” What Paul is saying here is that those who want to be in pastoral ministry should be exemplars when it comes to Christian character and conduct. Also, we could err by taking this list and making them absolutes (we do not live under the law, but under grace). After all, no one is absolutely “above reproach.”
Paul’s list includes (3-7):
“above reproach”: the idea is that it is impossible to bring a charge against such a person. Some see this as the primary requirement and all the rest are subordinate to it.
“husband of but one wife”: there are various interpretations here. Perhaps the general indication is that they should be faithful in the marital and sexual realm. This appears to be the natural meaning of the phrase. If so, it is similar to “do not commit adultery.”
‘temperate: in classical Greek, this word meant “not mixed with wine.” Paul may mean nothing more than “sober” or “having a clear mind.”
“self-controlled” or ‘prudent”—the prudent thoughtful aspect of self-control, moderation in all things; one who exercises good judgment in all circumstances; control over all bodily functions (physically; spiritually; emotionally; etc.)
“Respectable”: implies modesty and honorable.
Hospitable”
“Able to teach”
List of negatives that they must not be:
“Not given to drunkenness”
“Not violent but gentle”
“Not quarrelsome”
“Not a lover of money”
“Manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect” (4)
“Not be a recent convert”: Paul adds that a new convert is “may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation incurred by the devil”
“Must have a good reputation with outsiders” (7)
🔎 REFLECT
Perhaps we should begin by exhorting you to pray regularly for those in ministry. The pressure upon ministers is tremendous. Many congregants expect pastors to be present for them whenever they have a need. Others expect ministers to be perfect (taking the “above reproach” as an absolute). Those who preach are expected to have dynamic messages every week. They must also lead their staff well. And they must navigate their congregations in the midst of a divided society (during the pandemic it was questions such as masks or no masks?; meet or don’t meet?). Of course, they are also expected to attend to their marriages and families.
🔎 RESEARCH
1 Peter 5:1-5 – So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Acts 14:23 – And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Acts 20:28 – Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
1 Timothy 5:17-19 – Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
Titus 1:5-9 – This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Session 4 – The Great Mystery of our Faith - 1 Timothy 3:8-16
🔎 READ - 1 Timothy 3:8-16 (NLT)
8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. 10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. 13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
14 I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, 15 so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:
Christ was
revealed in a human body
and vindicated
by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
and
announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the
world
and taken to heaven in glory.
🔎 RELATE
Some times the Christian faith is seen as a stale checklist of teachings. The church proclaims that Jesus died and rose again. And then he ascended into heaven. But what difference does that make for our lives?
The ascension of Jesus may seem like a teaching that makes no difference. Compared to his victory over death at the resurrection, Jesus’ ascension can seem almost an afterthought.
But the ascension has always been a part of the Christian story. The apostle Paul, summarizing that story here, reminds us that the Lord who “appeared in the flesh” was also “taken up in glory.” It is from this whole story—not just part of it—that “true godliness springs” and our lives are changed.
Paul’s summary here offers much more than a checklist of beliefs. It describes the wonder and mystery of the Savior whose story does not end in death, or even in rising from the dead, but continues in glory with the Father in heaven. And Jesus’ going there makes it possible for us to go there too. With him, we can live in God’s presence. And when he returns at the end of time, we will live with our Lord in the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21-22)!
Jesus, who is “preached among the nations” as the Savior from sin, has ascended to reign in glory. May this give new vibrancy to our faith today!
🔎 REGARDING
Paul continues his teaching on the requirements for ministry by addressing the role of deacon. The word “deacon” literally meant one who waits on tables or serves. It is used in the New Testament, of Jesus (Matt 20:28; Mark 10:45), the apostles (Matt 20:26; Mark 10:43), Timothy (4:6), and as a common designation of a New Testament leader (1 Cor 3:5; 2 Cor 3:6; 6:4; Eph 3:7; 6:21; Col 1:7, 23, 25; 4:7). In the present passage, Paul appears to be using the term for a specific office.
That Paul begins with “In the same way” (8) indicates that what he has set forth with regard to pastors (3:1-7) applies to deacons also: note the repetition of “above reproach.” It does appear, however, as though Paul omits teaching responsibilities from this list as deacons were not required to be teachers.
Paul notes that they should first be tested (10; cp 5:22, 24-25). Though he doesn’t specify what the testing consists of, it may well be that Paul is referring to something along the lines of what he stated with regard to pastors: namely, that they should not be new converts (6).
Paul concludes this section by noting that he writes these things “so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth” (15). Paul seems to understand the Church as the household of God. And, he adds, that it is the “pillar and support of the truth” (15).
🔎 REFLECT
Deacons are servants. But this does not mean that non-deacons have no responsibility to serve. How might you better serve the Church?
Though it is easy for many to be disillusioned with the Church these days, we must remember that the Church is the body of Christ. In addition, it is also through the Church that Christ builds His kingdom! So, perhaps it is our responsibility to step back and ask: what am I doing to build up the church?
🔎 RESEARCH
Acts 6:1-6 – Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch
Philippians 1:1 – Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.
1 Peter 4:10 – As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
Acts 20:35 – In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Matthew 20:28 – Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Matthew 23:11 – The greatest among you shall be your servant.
Session 5 – Staying true to our Spiritual Gift - 1 Timothy 4:1-16
🔎 READ - 1 Timothy 4:1-16 (NLT)
Warnings against False Teachers
1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.
3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. 4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5 For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus
6 If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. 7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 9 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. 10 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.
11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
🔎 RELATE
As Paul mentors young Pastor Timothy, he shares advice about the orderly running of a congregation. Timothy receives helpful instruction about worship behavior and establishing leadership within the church. Paul offers some personal advice as well: Do not neglect the gift you received from the Holy Spirit.
Paul knew Timothy was gifted, and he urged Timothy to cultivate his gift. We are not told specifically what it was. It could have been preaching, prophecy, healing, or any number of things. Timothy received this gift when the elders laid their hands on him and commissioned him for ministry.
We have all been equipped by God with gifts for service in ministry. Every one of us is on a mission field and prepared by God to face that calling. Sometimes our gifts fall into disuse because we are busy or distracted. Maybe some gifts are set aside for a season in favor of others. Timothy was very busy establishing his congregation, so Paul reminded Timothy that the gift God had given him was not to be neglected.
Paul’s advice still rings true: “Do not neglect your gift.” Whatever gifting God has equipped you with is for a purpose. Step into new ways you can use your gifts to serve God’s kingdom. What gifts has God given you that can be used to bless others?
🔎 REGARDING
We would do well to recall that Paul is addressing Timothy. This is quite evident in the present passage, but he is also addressing each of us.
Paul now turns to Timothy and reminds him that the nature of the times is that many will fall away (1). Note that Paul attributes the false teaching to demonic spirits. This should be understood in terms of the contrast between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of the world. The kingdom of God is predicated on truth and love and it is ruled by Christ. The kingdoms of the world are predicated on deception and self-centeredness and it is ruled by the devil.
There is great difficulty in understanding some of Paul’s exhortations to Timothy here. The problem is that we are not certain who the false teachers were that Paul was addressing and what the problem was that they were promoting. Nonetheless, Paul’s instructions to Timothy are still of great value to us.
Timothy is to instruct the others in accord with the truth and to train himself in godliness (7-8). He is to teach the truth (11) and not worry about his youthfulness (12). It is likely that some were responding to Timothy’s teaching by putting him down on account of his age.
Paul closes this section with a powerful exhortation (which too many do not know what to do with because of the potential theological implications): “Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” (16).
🔎 REFLECT
We should note that the kingdoms of the world are not always deceiving and self-centered. Therefore, even though all humanity is sinful, it doesn’t mean that all humans do is sinful. Many people are kind, loving, and truth-seeking individuals.
Paul’s advice to Timothy to “show yourself an example of those who believe” (12) is advice that more than one professing Christian using social media these days needs to heed! We should note that this encouragement comes to Timothy immediately after Paul reminds Timothy to not worry about what others say about him (i.e., that you are too young; 12). In other words, when slandered respond with “love, faith and purity” (12)
Whatever Paul’s point in 2:16 is it entails the fact that the Gospel is a lived gospel. And the more we live it the more it is effective.
🔎 RESEARCH
2 Timothy 3:1-7 – The peril of the last days.
2 Peter 3:3-4 – Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”
1 John 2:18 – Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.
1 Corinthians 10:23-33 – All foods are good and to be enjoyed.
Genesis 2:18 – The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Romans 14:6 – Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.
Romans 10:17 – Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-12 – So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
1 Peter 2:2-3 – Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
2 Peter 1:16 – For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
2 Timothy 4:4 – And will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Romans 8:24-25 – For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
1 John 3:2-3 – Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
2 Timothy 4:2-3 – Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
Acts 2:42 – They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
1 Corinthians 12:28-31 – And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.
Ephesians 4:11-13 – So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Romans 12:6-8 – We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
2 Timothy 2:15 – Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Session 6 – Serving others Correctly - 1 Timothy 5:1-16
🔎 READ - 1 Timothy 5:1-16 (NLT)
Advice about Widows, Elders, and Slaves
5 Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. 2 Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.
3 Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her. 4 But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God.
5 Now a true widow, a woman who is truly alone in this world, has placed her hope in God. She prays night and day, asking God for his help. 6 But the widow who lives only for pleasure is spiritually dead even while she lives. 7 Give these instructions to the church so that no one will be open to criticism.
8 But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.
9 A widow who is put on the list for support must be a woman who is at least sixty years old and was faithful to her husband. 10 She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done. Has she brought up her children well? Has she been kind to strangers and served other believers humbly? Has she helped those who are in trouble? Has she always been ready to do good?
11 The younger widows should not be on the list, because their physical desires will overpower their devotion to Christ and they will want to remarry. 12 Then they would be guilty of breaking their previous pledge. 13 And if they are on the list, they will learn to be lazy and will spend their time gossiping from house to house, meddling in other people’s business and talking about things they shouldn’t. 14 So I advise these younger widows to marry again, have children, and take care of their own homes. Then the enemy will not be able to say anything against them. 15 For I am afraid that some of them have already gone astray and now follow Satan.
16 If a woman who is a believer has relatives who are widows, she must take care of them and not put the responsibility on the church. Then the church can care for the widows who are truly alone.
🔎 RELATE
It has been said there is no excuse for inaction when it comes to assisting the needy. But where shall we begin? The needs are so overwhelming and the injustices so appalling. You may have heard horror stories about food rotting in warehouses in certain countries while people not far away were starving to death.
The task of providing bread to the hungry is daunting. The authority of sovereign states must be recognized, the obstacles to delivery and distribution must be dealt with, and the barriers that stem from sheer human wickedness must be overcome. No wonder the apostle Paul tells us that thrones, powers, rulers, and authorities all need to be reconciled to God (see Colossians 1:16, 20).
So how shall we begin? We must think globally but act locally. Paul suggests we begin at home. The personal must precede the impersonal; the immediate must precede the remote. We cannot tackle global issues and the failings of corporate systems unless we come to grips with those near us who need our generosity. This calls for extreme humility.
But we cannot stop there. While fighting hunger on a global scale is a huge mission, God will hold us accountable not for the victory but for how faithfully we have fought. To do less is to deny our faith in the Lord, who is indeed reconciling all things to himself.
🔎 REGARDING
Paul now turns to Timothy’s responsibilities toward various groups. His advice is at times proverbial—sound wisdom.
Paul’s advice on widows (3-16) suggests that the church had some sort of formal arrangement for caring for widows. Caring for widows is a central concern in the Old Testament (Exod 22:22-23; Deut 10:18; 14:29; 24:17-21; 26:12-13; 27:19). We know that providing for widows had become a feature of the early Christian movement as early as Acts 6:1-3. The book of James describes “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (Jas 1:27).
It appears that some may have been taking advantage of the Church’s generosity. As a result, Paul advocates for some sort of controls. Care for widows appears to have included an agreement in which the widow would reciprocate by serving the local church. This is why Paul cautions Timothy about younger widows (11-14). The concern would be that a widow who chooses to remarry would have to forgo their commitment to the church.
🔎 REFLECT
Caring for the poor has unfortunately been a measure of debate among Christians. There is no question that some will take advantage of charity. At the same time, we should ask if it is better to err on the side of being too charitable or too stingy. There are surely dangers with either. What do you think?
Too often the elderly are neglected in churches. The desire for church growth and the need for young families have made older people feel expedient. What does your church do for older persons? How might you help?
🔎 RESEARCH
Psalm 68:5 – Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.
Psalm 146:9 – The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
Exodus 22:22-24 – You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.
Isaiah 1:17 – Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.
Session 7 – Support your local Minister - 1 Timothy 5:17-24
🔎 READ - 1 Timothy 5:17-24 (NLT)
17 Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!”
19 Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others.
21 I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides or showing favoritism to anyone.
22 Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23 Don’t drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often.
24 Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later.
🔎 RELATE
One important part of a missionary’s work is to encourage pastors who will lead the churches after the missionary has moved on. The Japanese pastors with whom I have worked have been admirable, spiritual leaders. I have observed, however, that one of the biggest enemies to church growth in Japan is not from outside the church but from within: a lack of respect for its pastors. One can labor for years in evangelism and see the church grow steadily, only to have the work endangered very quickly by a whispering campaign. Malicious gossip can be very destructive.
The apostle Paul knew what that was like. In 2 Corinthians 10-11 we learn that Paul was criticized by divisive “super apostles” who said he was not a good speaker and his preaching was weak. But those were false teachers who put themselves ahead of Christ as they strutted in front of the people and even slapped some in the face.
As in all areas of life and society, leaders in the church must have integrity and serve with honor. If they violate the law of God, they may need to be deposed. In our reading for today, Paul tells Timothy how to handle cases of accusation against a church leader. Accusations are not to be taken lightly or without grounds. And if there is wrongdoing, it must be handled in a way that deals honestly with the facts and sustains the church.
🔎 REGARDING
Paul continues his advice to Timothy by instructing him on the church’s responsibility toward elders. That Paul refers to such elders as those who “rule well’ (17) and “preach and teach” (17) surely indicates that he has the office of pastor in mind.
Paul begins by asserting that they should be paid (17, 18). Paul defends his conviction that they should be paid by citing Deut 25:4 and Luke 10:7. What is intriguing here is that both are called ‘Scripture’ (18). This led some to conclude that the Gospel of Luke was already written.
Paul then exhorts Timothy to be careful in handling an accusation against an elder (19-21). This is followed by instructions on laying hands on people for ministry. His instruction is “be careful not to be too rash in ordaining people (22).
Paul then inserts a parenthetical concern for Timothy’s health: “use a little wine for the sake of your stomach” (23).
🔎 REFLECT
Most pastors (but certainly not all) are overworked and underpaid. Pastors are often the first ones people call when a crisis hit the family. They spent hours visiting hospitals and nursing homes. They provide counseling for struggling marriages, parenting, and all sorts of things. They study and prepare so that others may know the Word. There are many dangers in underpaying paying pastors; including the fact that it could cause resentment. We should understand that when we underpay pastors we are asking their entire family to sacrifice. Of course, many churches simply lack the resources to pay pastors well.
Some church attendees decide to withhold their tithe dollars because they have trouble with “x” or “y” in their local church. This may seem like a wise practice but at times this may amount to nothing more than an attempt to hold the church hostage unless their personal demands are not meant.
🔎 RESEARCH
Acts 14:23 – And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Deuteronomy 19:18-19 – The judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him as he had meant to do to his brother. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 – We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
Hebrews 13:7 – Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
Matthew 20:26 – It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.
1 Peter 2:2 – Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.
Psalm 81:10 – “I, the LORD, am your God, Who brought you up from the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.
Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Session 8 – True Goodness - 1 Timothy 6:1-10
🔎 READ - 1 Timothy 6:1-10 (NLT)
1 All slaves should show full respect for their masters so they will not bring shame on the name of God and his teaching. 2 If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers who are well loved.
False Teaching and True Riches
Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. 3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.
6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
🔎 RELATE
Do you ever sigh with contentment after a good meal? It’s a great feeling. In some cultures people have a saying that goes like this: “Full stomach, happy heart.” But how long are we content? Soon after the meal we become hungry again. And even if our stomach is full, our hungry eyes may desire more.
In 1 Timothy, Paul is showing amazing virtue when he declares he is content to have food and clothing only. In other words, he is content with enough to live on from day to day, trusting that God will provide for each day. Paul’s contentment did not rely on gathering up possessions. He realized that stuff doesn’t last, and it can be taken from us at any moment. Paul’s relationship with God was the source of his contentment.
Some people seem to think godliness is a means to financial gain, and thus contentment. They think that if God loves you, he will always bless you physically. They say if you claim a financial blessing in the name of the Lord, it will be yours. That is wrong. God does not promise we will be full of anything but the Holy Spirit.
Being a Christian does not mean you deserve many fine things. It means Christ has called you out of darkness into the fullness of life. But fullness of life is not measured in goods; it is valued in immeasurable grace. Be content with that; it is life’s greatest treasure.
🔎 REGARDING
Paul next addresses slaves as another group. Slavery was a significant part of the Roman world. Paul addresses slaves in several of his letters (see 1 Cor 7:20-22; Phile 1:10-22; Eph 6:5-9; Col 3:22-4:1; Tit 2:9).
Paul’s instructions to Timothy with regard to slavery continue the theme of honor (1-2). Of course, we would do well to recognize that Paul has likely spoken to Timothy about slavery on prior occasions. It was not necessary, therefore, for him to repeat everything here.
Interestingly, when Paul gives instruction on other institutions (e.g., marriage and family) he appeals to creation ordinances. But he makes no such appeal with slavery. Of course, in 1 Cor 7:21, he encourages slaves to become free if possible.
Paul’s instructions towards slavery also continue his emphasis on the missional value of a Christian slave’s conduct. The problem may have been that some of the Christian slaves were not being respectful (though in 6:1 it may have been non-Christian masters who had an oppressive attitude). And although a bad attitude may be justified, Paul urges them to treat their masters as worthy of honor (see Rom 13:1-7; Tit 3:1-2; 1 Pet 2:13-17). For Paul, the ruler may not personally be worthy of respect but they are in a position to be so regarded.
In 6:3-10, Paul returns to the theme of false teachers (see 1:3-11; 4:1-5). In sum, they teach a different doctrine (3) and their life does not conform to the life of Christ (4-5). This is to be with godliness that is accompanied by contentment (6). For Paul, we should be content with food and covering (8). After all, the desire for wealth is “a temptation and a snare, and many foolish and harmful desires” come from it (9).
Paul adds that “the love of money is a/[the] root of all sorts of evil (10). We should note that there is some disagreement among the translations as to whether the love of money is the root of all “sorts” (NAS) or “kinds” (ESV, NIV, NLT, NKJ, NRS) of evil, or if it is just the root of all evils (NET). Regardless of which option we chose we should not minimize the force of what Paul is saying. As Knight says, “the term itself designates love of money as a radical source of evil.”
🔎 REFLECT
I cannot stress enough how significant these words of Paul are. When Paul says, “the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil” (10), he is reaching into the heart of humanity. His words are exponentially more true in a modern western, capitalist world. In our world, money is power. And power rules the world. It would take more than a book to address this issue.
My exhortation is to meditate on 1 Timothy 6:6-21 until you have memorized it. Then ask the Lord to show you how you may have fallen prey to the lure of wealth. Then repent. After you have done that, then begin to examine how our society is caught up in the quest for money and power. But do so only with a deep and rich prayer life.
🔎 RESEARCH
Colossians 4:1 – Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
Ephesians 6:5 – Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ.
Exodus 21:16 – Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to death.
Galatians 3:28 – There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:22-24 – Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
2 Peter 2:1- But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 – For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 – For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
Hebrews 13:5 – Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Matthew 6:24 – No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 – He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.
Luke 12:15 – And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Proverbs 22:1 – A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
Philippians 4:19 – And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Session 9 – Fight the Good Fight - 1 Timothy 6:11-21
🔎 READ - 1 Timothy 6:11-21 (NLT)
11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. 13 And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 15 For,
At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. 16 He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
20 Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. 21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness.
May God’s grace be with you all.
🔎 RELATE
Often we read a bit of Scripture that teaches us God’s will for daily living—like the Ten Commandments. This is a helpful exercise.
When we come to have faith in Jesus for salvation, we do not keep on living as if we are unbelievers. When we are born again by the work of God in us, we will change and want to live God’s way. But we can be stubborn and willful, because our old nature still clings to us. We often need to be reminded to do good, to love others, to share, and to be Christlike in all we do and say. So it’s important to meet together for worship and fellowship and to hear God’s commands again and again.
When the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy in the letter we have read from today, Timothy was leading a newly planted church in Ephesus. Among other things, Paul told Timothy to command rich believers “to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
In the church there were well-to-do people, and there were poor people—and this some times caused friction. The rich had to be reminded to share with others and not to look down on the poor, and the poor had to be reminded not to covet. Everyone, in fact, needed to remember not to pin their hopes on money or wealth but to put their hope in God, who provides all we truly need. In this way, Paul said (echoing Jesus), we lay up treasure for eternity, taking hold “of the life that is truly life.”
🔎 REGARDING
Paul closes this letter to Timothy by turning his attention back to Timothy. He does so with a series of strong imperatives: “flee,” “pursue” (11), “fight,” “take hold” (12), and “keep” (14).
The command to “flee all this” is counterbalanced by the command to pursue “righteousness, godliness faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness” (11).
Paul’s command to “fight the good fight” (12) must be understood in light of the whole of his message. As Paul says in 2nd Corinthians, “we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh” (2 Cor 10:3-4). For we fight with love. The only weapon of Jesus in the great description of His return in Rev 19:11-16 is a sword, but the sword is coming from His mouth! Sure, His words are a weapon that brings judgment on those who refuse to recognize that He is the true King, but that doesn’t make His words any less loving.
Paul’s charge to keep the commandment (13-14) is in noticeably in the singular. The one commandment must be “to love the Lord your God” (Mark 12:29-30; see Deut 6:4-5). There is no necessary reason for including the second commandment (to love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31; Lev 19:18). After all, it is consumed by the first!
Paul then closes with an affirmation of the return of Christ (14). Which, he adds, “God will bring about at the proper time” (15). Paul then identifies Christ/God as “the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (15). The difficulty is that the passage appears to be about Jesus, but the previous statement was about God. So, is Paul giving this title to Jesus or to God? At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter because it is fitting for both. In fact, this title occurs only two other times in the NT (see Rev 17:14; 19:16) and in both, it is clearly applied to Jesus.
In 6:20-21, Paul provides some closing remarks to Timothy. He iterates “guard what has been entrusted to you (20; see 2 Timothy 1:12, 14). Interestingly, the letter ends with “grace be with you” and the “you” is plural in Greek. Paul knew full well that he was writing for more than just Timothy.
🔎 REFLECT
As I noted in yesterday’s study, this passage is worth memorizing and then spending the next few years (or a life time) reflecting on. The more we do so the more I believe this passage will gain force.
It is interesting that of all of Paul’s virtue lists in his letters, no two are the same. Read 2 Cor 6:6-7; Gal 5:22-23; Col 3:12-14; 2 Timothy 2:22-25; 3:10 and note some of the differences. Why do you suspect they are different?
🔎 RESEARCH
Hebrews 13:5 – Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Ecclesiastes 5:10 – He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.
2 Timothy 2:22 – So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 – I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Ephesians 6:13 – Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Proverbs 11:28 – He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.
Jeremiah 48:7 – For because of your trust in your own achievements and treasures, Even you yourself will be captured; And Chemosh will go off into exile Together with his priests and his princes.
Psalm 52:7 – “Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge, But trusted in the abundance of his riches And was strong in his evil desire.”
Psalm 62:10 – Do not trust in oppression And do not vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.
Matthew 19:21 – Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Luke 12:19-21 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”‘ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself? “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
Proverbs 21:23 – Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
Ephesians 4:29 – Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Psalm 141:3 – Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!
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