December 3, 2014 1 Timothy

December 3, 2014

1 Timothy

Sometimes, we think of Paul’s letters to Timothy with the warm and fuzzy vision of a mentor (Paul) writing to his dear son in the Lord (Timothy), and this would be accurate, especially in 2 Timothy. 

But 1 Timothy is primarily an instructional letter designed to give clear and specific guidance to the pastor of the church in Ephesus, who just happens to be Paul’s protégé whom Paul had placed (See 1:3). So, we can read nearly everything Paul says in light of his desire that Timothy find success in this ministry. 

Paul prepares Timothy to combat false teachers (1:3-11), quotes many axioms of the early the church (such as those quoted in 1:15; 4:9; 5:17-18; 6:6, etc.), provides guidelines for public worship (2), gives instructions for the offices of elder and deacon (3), lends advice for certain special groups within the church (5), and a special word about handling money (6). This is the stuff pastors need to know.

Filtered through the letter, however, we find some memorable personal encouragements to Timothy, as well. Here are a few of them:

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (4:12)

“Be diligent in these matters...; watch your life and doctrine closely.” (4:15)

“Fight the good fight of the faith.” (5:12)

Tomorrow we read Paul’s second letter to Timothy, which was, perhaps, the last letter he ever wrote!


Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,

Pastor Gary