1 Timothy is the first of 3 pastoral letters, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, so not this time addressed to churches or groups of churches but to the leaders, in this case Timothy. If you read 1v2 Timothy is called “my loyal child in the faith” and it is evident from other mentions that he was highly thought of by Paul.
If you go back to the Acts of the Apostles it is probable that Timothy first came across Paul on his first missionary journey when he visited Lystra; a crippled man was healed (Acts 14v8 onwards) and the people tried to worship Paul and Barnabas as Roman gods. He may have seen Paul stoned and dragged out of the city, supposing he was dead (v19).
By the time Paul made his second missionary journey Timothy (Acts 16v2) was well spoken of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium. Paul recognised his value and wanted Timothy to accompany him for the rest of his journey. We noticed in 1 Thessalonians (ch 3) that it was Timothy Paul sent to encourage them. In this letter we see that it was to Timothy that he entrusted, arguably, the most significant of the pioneer churches, Ephesus; this was the place where Paul had spent three years and most of his third missionary journey. It was a church with enormous potential but about which Paul prophesied in Acts 20v29 that people like savage wolves would come in among them and try to lead them away from the truth. In 2 Timothy we read that Paul is coming to the end of his life and surely it is not unrealistic to say that it was young Timothy who would then be trusted to take his ministry forward.
It is not surprising then that these two letters to Timothy are full of guidance, useful for church leaders but remember, in those days, a city church was probably a number of different house fellowships.
GOOD TEACHING
Firstly, leaders need to ensure the church keeps to good teaching. People are easily distracted by speculative religious discussions rather than “divine training that is known by faith” (v4). We have learnt, elsewhere, that two main characteristics of a good church are faith and love. Paul clarifies (v5) that the aim of good teaching is love that comes from a “pure heart”, a “good conscience” and “sincere faith.” A good conscience allows God to speak to you about the things that are right and wrong. Instead of these things that matter some get involved in meaningless talk, they may even desire to be teachers of the law (v7) but they don’t really understand what they are talking about.
Teachers need to be careful in how they teach about the law. The law is there to expose sinners (v8-11) and everything contrary to the glorious gospel that Paul had been entrusted with (v11). This gospel is one of mercy (v13) and even though Paul was a “blasphemer, a persecutor and a man of violence” the grace of our Lord had overflowed for him” (v14) because he had acted in ignorance. One of the great Bible verses is found here- “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am chief” (v15). The gospel is not about trying to be good enough but coming as sinners to our Saviour for eternal life (v16).
Living as a Christian is sometimes like being in a fight, a fight for good. Fight the good fight, says Paul to Timothy (v18), having faith and a good conscience. If we had ever doubted the importance of a good conscience, here we read about two people, Hymenaeus and Alexander, who had rejected their consciences and suffered shipwreck in the faith (v19).
PRAY
Secondly, prayer is such an important part of church life. Verse one of chapter 2 mentions various elements of our prayer life: supplications (requests), prayers, intercessions (for people in the Spirit-Romans 8:26, 27) and thanksgivings. Notice “made for everyone” (v1), not exclusive, not just for ourselves, not just for fellow Christians but for everyone. Prayer is an important part of spiritual warfare and through prayer for those in authority (v2) we can change the spiritual atmosphere of our nation. What a wonderful thing that God our Saviour desires (v4) “everyone to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth”. If other religions confuse us, Paul states (v5) strongly that there is only one God and only one mediator between God and man, Christ Jesus who gave himself a ransom for “all”.
Men and women should pray (v8, 9). Notice in every place-not just our homes, not just out churches but everywhere we go. It was customary for men to lift up holy hands but notice that prayers should be made with the right state of heart. Men should not pray in anger or argument (v8). For the women, they should not be ostentatious with showy, expensive clothes but clothed with good works, the best ornament, and continue with a spiritual healthy life mix of faith, love and holiness (v15). In church, the relationship between men and women is important and the women should not be seen to teach or have authority over a man (v12). This principle goes back to Genesis 3v16 where the wife was to be subject to the rule of the husband. Some Bible commentators note that this may not prohibit a woman’s involvement in church services, as long as she is not seen to be challenging the authority of the men. Others prefer women to teach at ladies meetings and fulfill their most essential role of teaching their children well.
LEADERS
The leadership of a church is important and we are introduced here to the bishop or overseer. We know certain things from Acts about these overseers. In Acts 20v28 we see that an overseer is appointed by the Holy Spirit and should watch out for himself as well as the flock (church) who he should feed and protect. In Acts 14v23 we read of elders, a different word, and it is thought that both bishops/overseers and deacons are elders but possibly the deacons were elders who did not preach.
In chapter 3v1 we are told it is a noble thing to want to be an overseer but it is interesting to see who qualifies. Gifts of the Spirit are not qualifications but experience and godly character is; you can read in verses 2-7 what is required, including home life. It is interesting that the qualifications for a deacon are very similar, except we are told the overseer should be apt to teach whereas the deacon should have strong faith but not necessarily a teaching gift.
Why are these leaders important? Why have a church at all? Paul explains this here that it is the church of the living God and custodian of the truth (v15).
TROUBLE MAKERS IN THE CHURCH
The leader is to watch for people who are influenced (4v1) by “deceitful spirits” and “teachings of demons.” They are people with seared consciences, not good consciences. Watch for teachings that forbid you from doing something; in this case not to marry and not to eat certain foods when God wants us to thankfully receive them (v3). Verses 4 and 5 are probably the origin of our grace before meals.
Timothy, as a leader, was to be a good servant of Jesus Christ (v6), nourished by words of faith and sound teaching. He was to teach his brothers and sisters and lead by example, living a life of godliness (v7,8) and setting an example in conduct, love, faith and purity (v12). He should read scripture, encourage and teach (v13), making sure to use his special spiritual gift. Notice the sense of urgency in Paul’s words “you must insist on and teach”, “give attention to”, “do not neglect”, “devote yourself, “pay close attention to.” The reason is to save people (v16) but notice in v10 it talks about the living God being the Saviour of all people, all the human race now has opportunity.
RELATING TO PEOPLE
It is important to relate to people in the right way (5v1,2) so do not speak harshly to older people but speak to them as you would a father or mother and treat younger people as brothers and sisters. Notice special advice to treat younger women with “absolute purity.”
It is important for churches to honour the weak and there is quite a lot of advice on how to honour widows. Notice first, that if they have families then it is pleasing to God if their families provide for them (v4). It is very serious not to do so; look at verse 8 which says “relatives” and not just family members. Also how should a widow live? (v6) for if she lives for her own pleasure she might as well be dead; instead she should set her hope on God and pray night and day. It is the real widow that the church should help (v16), one who is old and has lived a good life (v10) and, interestingly, married only one man. There are reasons why young widows should not be put on the list, as their time and energy could be misdirected (v13). There were the dangers of idleness and gossip, that Paul mentioned in 2 Thessalonians, and for them, marriage would be a better option.
Regarding good elders they deserve double honour or payment (v17), especially the teachers and preachers. There is also a way to deal with elders who persist in sin (v20) and only deal with accusations if there are two or three witnesses. It is critical to be impartial in these matters (v21) which are dealt with in the presence of God and you should not lay hands on (anoint) an elder hastily (v22). Sins, like good works, eventually come into the open for all to see (v24, 25).
Interestingly, Paul (6v1) repeats his advice that slaves should respect their masters. Not to do so would insult God and discredit church teaching.
GREAT GAIN IN GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT
The final chapter is very helpful with regard to money. It seems that, mixed up with the false teaching, was a belief that godliness is a means of gain (v5). Paul explains how we can be godly and content with, only, food and clothing (v8). The desire to get rich (v9) can lead us into the wrong path of temptation and harmful desires which bring ruin and destruction. This is where is says that money is the root of all kinds of evil (v10) although some believe the translation here is “many kinds of evil.” Paul knew of some who, eager to get rich, had actually wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains (v10).
GO FOR GOD’S BEST
Timothy was encouraged to shun all these wrong attitudes (v11) and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, endurance, gentleness. He should fight the good fight of faith (v12).
IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE RICH
Don’t be haughty or set your hopes on your riches, but on God. Notice it is He who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment and not the riches, themselves (v17). As people, be rich in good works, generous and ready to share.
FALSE KNOWLEDGE
Interesting that the letter should end with a warning about those who claim special knowledge but miss the mark as regards the faith (v20,21). It is possible to think ourselves enlightened but actually go the wrong way. We should, always, remain humble and teachable.