1 Timothy

The name Timothy means "One Who Honors God." Along with Titus, 1st and 2nd Timothy are the three books known as the Pastoral Epistles because they were written by Paul to two of his closest friends who were responsible for the church at Ephesus (Timothy) and the churches on the island of Crete (Titus). The warmth and love of a parent is seen expressed through the chapters that follow, as well as the pride of knowing these instructions will be well heeded. As you read them, also receive from them the instructions for - how to conduct yourself in the house of God, public worship, the selection and qualification of church leaders, the pastor's personal life and public ministry, how to confront sin in the church, the role of women, the care of widows, how to handle money, and other practical topics. In this opening chapter, Paul goes straight to it, with an address of who needs the law, why, a reproof of false doctrine (3-11), and delivering the true doctrine (12-17). Prayerfully consider these words as you read them and ask God what He will reveal to you in them today.

In the two sections of this chapter, we are exhorted to a priority of how we should pray. The inclusion of "all men" in this direction carries the weight of our burden for the lost. It is God's intent for us to fervently seek Him on behalf of those whom He desires "to be saved and to come to the full knowledge of the truth" (v.4). The second section (9-15), often contentiously debated, should not be mistaken for needful of adaptation to modern thought. God's Word seeks no modification for the changes of the world through time. His Word is timeless. Instead, we should look to the time when these words were written to understand that the role of a woman in the church was directed to specify learning (v.11) - contrary to what would have been the standards of that day. Proper attire in the church should not distract from worship, which would have been immodest and lacked self-restraint (as a stumbling block). The prohibition of women exercising authority over a man does not impart that a woman is inferior to men. Authority in the church over a man would include assuming the role of a pastor or elder, or leading the teaching of the church. The role of male leadership is part of God's design, beginning with His creation of Adam. This was first undermined when Eve, who, unsuited suited by her nature to assume the position of ultimate responsibility, stepped out from under the protection and leadership of Adam.

"Men are to be leaders in the church and family. Women are kept from any accusation of inferiority through the godly influence they have on the lives of their precious children. For the church to depart from this divine order is to perpetuate the disaster of the Fall." - John MacArthur

Verses 2-7 are a checklist of qualifications for pastors and elders. Not duties, but qualifications. In an unsuccessful church, the issue is less often poor programs or uncommitted people, but rather substandard, unqualified leadership. Only the Holy Spirit can produce a true spiritual leader. When Saul failed to follow God as the King of Israel, the Lord Yahweh sought out David, "a man after His own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14). The call to lead the church is so important that the office must be qualified by the highest standards. Today, people may enter the ministry for a variety of reasons that do not honor God, including Power, Fame, and Profit. The office must be above reproach, with deed matching word. Otherwise, in the words of the 17th-century Puritan preacher Richard Baxter, you may "unsay with your lives, what you say with your tongues." The chapter closes with a Gospel summarizing poem from an early church hymn. God became man, died for our sins, triumphed over death, was honored by angels and feared by demons, and ascended into heaven. It is our mission to proclaim this message to the world.

In chapter four, Paul shifts to warnings of falling away from the faith and of false teaching. Note the corollary of falling away seen in the disciples' response to Jesus' hard teaching in John 6:66. Paul had just delivered instructions to those who would be qualified by Spirit and deed. He also qualified the office of the bishop (or pastor) as, of "good reputation with those outside of the church" (3:7), and "not a new convert" (3:6). Paul is more than willing to use sarcasm to contrast a good example with a bad one. He does so in 4:6-7 by describing the utility of sound doctrine for the good servant of Christ Jesus, with the godless myths "fit only for old women." This was a common epithet of his day used to represent disdain for a viewpoint lacking credibility, and therefore appealing only to uneducated, unsophisticated, and perhaps senile matrons. No intelligent person would hear it, and the Ephesians would have understood Paul's use of the phrase. Knowing the work of the Spirit is by no means limited, Paul next delivered instruction that served a two-fold purpose for Timothy specifically (as a young pastor), and to newer converts to the faith (as young believers). In 4:12, Paul says, "Let no one look down on your youthfulness..." This should be considered not only for those accepting a call to ministry from a young age but for ANY called to serve the LORD, regardless of "tenure" as a member of the body of believers. YOU, "a good servant of Christ Jesus, being nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine," are able to testify in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity.