Randall Caselman
Bella Vista Church of Christ
4/20/97 pm
The Book Of First Timothy
Reading — 1 Timothy 3.14-16 & 6.10-12
Tonight we continue our study of the Bible Books, one book at a time each Sunday evening. We come to First Timothy. Access a Bible and let’s study this part of Scripture together.
First let’s talk about Timothy.
Timothy, sometimes called Timotheus, was probably in his mid teens when Paul met him on his First Missionary Journey through the city of Lystra in the central part of Asia Minor. We think he may have been this young because he was not arrested and jailed in the city of Philippi.
Timothy was from a mixed marriage. His father’s family was Greek, while his mother’s family was Jewish. His mother is mentioned as a Jew who believed in Acts 16, probably speaking of her conversion to Christianity. His mother Eunice and grandmother Lois are both mentioned by name in 2 Timothy 1.5. These two ladies had evidently instructed Timothy in the Old Testament Scriptures.
I believe that we can assume that Timothy was converted to Christ on this First Journey. On Paul’s Second Journey, as recorded in Acts 16, he again visited the city of Lystra. By this time Timothy had grown in the faith and Luke records that he had a good report among the brethren. So Paul makes arrangements for Timothy to accompany he and Silas.
As a young man Timothy was probably chosen to take the place of young John Mark who had forsaken Paul and Barnabas on the First Missionary Journey. Timothy’s personality was of a timid nature, hence, the admonition of Paul to encourage him in 1 Corinthians 16.1-11 and 11 Timothy 4.17.
Paul also had Timothy circumcised because of his Jewish heritage and the fact that they would be visiting Jewish synagogues throughout their mission efforts. Timothy was ordained by the Eldership at Lystra through a ceremony that included the laying on of hands as recorded in 1 Timothy 4.14, Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Paul was also involved in the ceremony, Second Timothy 1.6 says, Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. From these verses, I believe that we can conclude that:
- Timothy was blessed with both the ordination by an Eldership
- And the miraculous endowment of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the Apostle’s hands.
Timothy is mentioned by name in 11 of Paul’s 13 letters (14 if he wrote Hebrews) as well as in the book of Acts. Paul always seemed to take a fatherly interest in Timothy and on several occasions assigned him to visit and serve different congregations of the Lord’s people. Timothy is mentioned as being released from prison in the closing verses of Hebrews. No further information about him is given in Scripture after Hebrews 13.23. Foxes Book of Martyrs states that Timothy was martyred during the reign of Domitian in the city of Ephesus.
Let’s note some facts about the book of First Timothy.
The books of First, Second Timothy, and Titus are often called the Pastoral Epistles.
The reason for this title is that Paul gives instructions to his young associates as to how they should maintain their care among the churches. Timothy and Titus are not Pastors per se; rather, they are apostolic representatives sent to Ephesus and Crete to supervise the proper organization and function of these respective churches.
Questions about Paul’s authorship.
Of all the 13 Pauline Epistles, the authorship of these three has been questioned most by modern critics. They contend that a pseudonymous writer composed all three books, perhaps as late as the second or third centuries... Maybe a disciple of Paul or an opponent of Gnosticism. The three main objections to Paul’s authorship are:
THE DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN THE HISTORICAL DATA IN THE PASTORAL EPISTLES AND THAT OF THE BOOK OF ACTS.
These charges are based upon the false assumption that Paul experienced only one Roman imprisonment.... The one recorded in Acts. Acts ends abruptly with Paul under house arrest in Rome for a period of 2 years. Luke simply does not say what happened afterward. However, when we consult the other writings of Paul we must come to the conclusion that he was released and continued to work as a missionary. A close reading of Philippians and Philemon tells us that Paul did expect to be released from his first imprisonment.
Philippians 1.22-25, If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,
In Philemon 1.22, Paul writes, And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.
The Pastoral Epistles do give us some insight to the historical movement of Paul after the book of Acts was completed. For instance from Paul’s other writings we find that he visited these other cities: Ephesus, Crete, Nicopolis, Corinth, Miletus and Troas, before he was finally taken to Rome for his second imprisonment.
Paul was probably re-imprisoned after the burning of Rome in July of 64 A.D. The historian Tacitus records that about two thirds of the city of Rome was burned over a 9 day period. The populace of the city blamed Nero for the tragedy. To escape blame, Nero accused the Christians of starting the fires. Since Christians were known, but not well known, they made ideal scapegoats. What followed was an intense persecution. With Paul being a forefront spokesman for Christianity, he was most likely arrested and brought to trial accounting for his second imprisonment. It is thought that during this imprisonment that he wrote his second and final letter to Timothy. So, I believe that we can conclude First Timothy was written sometime between Paul’s first and second imprisonment... Sometime between 61 and 64 A.D.
THE SECOND CRITICISM IS THAT THE LOCAL CHURCH ORGANIZATION, INCLUDING WOMEN, AS DESCRIBED IN TIMOTHY, TITUS IS TOO ADVANCED FOR THE ACTUAL TIME OF PAUL’S LIFE AND MINISTRY.
However, Paul appointed Elders on his First Missionary Journey. On his Third Journey, he called for the Elders at Ephesus to meet him at Miletus. Deacons were appointed as early as Acts 6. The book of Philippians is addressed to Saints... Bishops.... And Deacons.
The role of women in the church is a major subject mentioned in Timothy, but women had always played an important role in the early New Testament church; Dorcas in Acts 9, Lydia in Acts 16 and Phoebe in Romans 16.
THE THIRD ARGUMENT CENTERS AROUND THE FACT THAT THE STYLE, VOCABULARY AND DOCTRINAL OUTLOOK IN THE PASTORALS ARE RADICALLY DIFFERENT FROM THAT IN THE OTHER PAULINE MATERIAL.
It is a fact that there are 175 words in the Pastorals that are not found elsewhere in the New Testament. This can be defended by the fact that:
One, Paul is writing to an individual in the Pastoral Epistles and to churches in others.
Two, Paul is not an older man, both in age and experience.
Three, a pseudonymous author trying to pass their work off as Pauline originals would hardly have dared to call the beloved apostle the chief of sinners.
Indeed it is amazing that, the critics of the Bible as the inspired Word of God, seem to think they know more than the biblical writer themselves.
Notice with me now the theme and purpose of the letter.
This is a personal letter, but it is rich in principles that are relevant to every Christian worker and church. Because it was written to Timothy, this epistle assumes, rather than develops doctrine. The primary concern of this book is with the practical working of the Christian faith on an individual and corporate church level. Even though written over 1900 years ago, it still contains much for us as Christians today. As we read this letter, we must keep in mind that the Holy Spirit was behind what Paul wrote, and that He knew their and our needs. You see, human nature never changes . In principle the Bible is as up-to-date as this morning news paper on informing us on how to live in this world and how to get to heaven when this life is over. With this thought in mind let’s survey this book of First Timothy.
The book divides easily into three sections:
- Paul’s charge to Timothy.
- Conduct of the local church.
- Personal conduct in the church.
First, Paul’s charge to Timothy — Chapter one
Paul’s first charge to Timothy concerned false teachers.
Note verse 3 and 4 of chapter one, As I urged you when I went into Macedonia--remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
Turn to chapter 6 and let’s read, beginning with verse 3, If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
Now let your eyes fall to verse 11 of chapter 6, But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
You remember that when Paul called the Ephesian Elders to Miletus he warned them about false teachers infiltrating the church, Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.
Sure enough this happened. Timothy is now having to deal with false teachers that are attempting to bind parts of the Law of Moses on the church.
The point of application that I want to make here is this that a warning against false teachers is not just for young preachers, but for old and young. Paul warned the Ephesian Elders, older men. Now he is warning a young preacher about the same problem. This is an ever present danger in the church of God, and is not just reserved for the young. Some of the greatest preachers and Elders of my childhood have been lead astray by false doctrine. It can happen to anybody... It can happen to us!!
• Here is Timothy who has been taught the scripture from his youth.
• He has been ordained by the Eldership.
• He has been a companion of the greatest Apostle of all time.
• And probably has the miraculous gift of the Spirit.
Yet he is being warned about the possibility of being led astray by false teachers. We must watch one another closely. No, I am not saying that we be paranoid and listen to each and every teacher and preacher just to see if we can detect false teaching. I think I know some in our brotherhood that do just this. But we do need to be aware that Satan can enter any heart in this manner. My charge to you is to be mindful that this can happen to anyone... Preachers, Elders, Teachers and Members.
The second admonition that Paul makes concerns God’s grace toward him.
He makes the point that if God were patient and would forgive him, the worst of sinners, then he can and will forgive us all. He says, God saved me as an example of just how far He is willing to go to save the lost. Read verses 15 and 16 with me, Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Church, there is no sin so bad, so ugly, that God is not willing to forgive, if we will but submit to His will through the Word. Peter address this same thought when he wrote, The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Chapter two and three have to do with the conduct within the local church.
First is the admonition of prayer.
Look at verse 1 through 4 and then verse 8, I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
Church, whose prayers are promised to be answered? Who does James say their prayers are effective? Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of (WHOM?) A righteous man is powerful and effective.
No wonder Paul says, I want holy men everywhere to lift up their hands in prayer. This is our admonition tonight.
The second church admonition is directed toward the women of the church.
Beginning with verse 9, I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing--if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
Note that Paul does not say that; women do not have a place of work in the church. In verse 10 he says, let a woman do those things that are appropriate for her. Our KJ says, that becometh her. Titus 2.3-5 tells us what some of these appropriate deeds are:
- To teach what is good.
- To train the younger women to love their husbands and children,
- Be self-controlled and pure,
- To be busy at home,
- To be kind,
- And to be subject to their husbands.
- In verse 11 he says, her work must not be a work of authority, but submission.
Then Paul tells us why in verses 13 and 14, because man was created first, and because woman was first deceived.
Verse 15 has always raised questions about a woman being saved by child bearing. We don’t have time to explore this in depth, but I want you to note that Scripture does not say that a woman is saved in childbearing only. Paul is saying a woman is saved in filling her place in this world IF... IF she continues in: Faith, Love, Holiness, and Self-control.
Paul’s third admonition concerns church leadership.
Here he gives the qualifications for both Elders and deacons. An Elder must be one:
- Willing to serve.
- Above reproach.
- The husband of one wife.
- Temperate.
- Self-controlled.
- Respectable.
- Hospitable.
- Able to teach.
- Not given to much wine.
- Not violent, but gentle.
- Not quarrelsome.
- Not a lover of money.
- He must manage his own family well.
- His children must be obedient and respectful of authority.
- He is not to be a new convert.
- He must be well thought of in the social community.
Deacons are to be:
- Men worthy of respect.
- Sincere.
- Not indulging in much wine.
- Not pursuing dishonest gain.
- They must hold to the truth of the faith with a clear conscience.
- They are to be men who have proved themselves.
- A deacon must be the husband of one wife.
- He must manage his children and household well.
Their wives are to be women:
- Worthy of respect.
- Not malicious talkers.
- But temperate.
- And trustworthy.
Paul now turns to the conduct of Timothy as it relates to several areas.
First his relationship to those who would leave the faith and follow deceiving spirits. Paul admonishes Timothy and us tonight to be an example for all believers. Note verses 12 and 13, 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. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
Secondly he instructs Timothy and us in respect to others.
- Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but treat him as a father.
- Treat younger men as brothers and younger women as sisters.
- Treat older women as mothers.
Church, this would solve a lot of problems we have in our church today, if we would just follow Paul’s command to treat:
- Older men as fathers,
- Older women as our mothers,
- And young men and women as brothers and sisters.
Paul then give us instructions about the caring for widows.
- If they have children or grandchildren in the church, let them care for them.
- A widow must be faithful to the Lord.
- She cannot be one who lives for pleasure.
- She must be over 60.
- She must be one that has been faithful to her husband.
- She must have been a good mother.
- And one given to hospitality.
- Paul admonishes younger widows to consider remarriage.
Thirdly, Paul instructs Timothy concerning his behavior with the Eldership.
- See that Elders who direct the affairs of the church well be given double honor, especially those who are involved in preaching and teaching the word. I believe this to say that Elders can be paid for their work in the Lord’s church. You see, both Old and New Testaments teach us that SPIRITUAL work should be rewarded with MATERIAL pay.
- Elders are not to be accused of wrong without proper witnesses. But those who do sin are to be rebuked.
- Preachers are to teach without partiality, without favoritism toward all, including those in the Eldership.
Next Paul addresses slaves and masters.
Note chapter 6, verses 1-2, All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered. Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them.
This instruction is almost identical to that of Ephesians chapter 6 where Paul says, Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.
Paul then turns his attention to riches and those who would be rich.
Read with me, beginning with verse 6. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Let your eyes fall to verse 17.
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
First Timothy is about how to behave in the household of God, which is the church. The question tonight is, are we behaving properly?
- Both corporately as a church?
- And as individuals?
What do we need to do tonight to correct any misbehavior? If you are not a part of God’s family, you can become his child by:
- Faith,
- Repentance,
- And New Testament baptism, immersion in water for the forgiveness of all your sins.
Perhaps some of us need to confess our faults and correct our behavior.
