1Timothy 1

 

The Lord is our hope

 

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, who is our hope;  2 to Timothy, my true child in the faith: grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 I urged you when I left for Macedonia to stay on at Ephesus to instruct certain ones to teach no other doctrine, 4 nor pay attention to fables and endless genealogies, that produce doubts, rather than godly building up in faith: do this.

 

  • Pastors are to focus themselves and their people on God’s word.
  • There are many distractions from this.
  • Pastors often think more highly of their own thoughts about God’s word than what God’s word says.
  • And they focus on what is pertinent to their own life while the flock is in many different places.
  • A hazard of diligence is too much attention to the details of a passage rather than the greater message of the whole.

 

5 Now the goal of the commandment is love out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of unpretended faith: 6 from which some, by not aiming at it, have turned aside to empty talk: 7 desiring to be teachers of the law; not understanding what they say, or what they strongly affirm.

 

  • Christ fulfilled the law for us.
  • His perfect life is credited to our account when we believe in Him.
  • We are now in Him, completely forgiven with the command to love God and others.
  • Romans 4:5 But to him that does not work, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
  • Romans 10:4 Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes.

 

8 But we know that the law is good, if a man uses it lawfully; 9 knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for murderers of men, 10 for male prostitutes, and homosexuals, and kidnappers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

 

  • The glorious gospel of the blessed God is the truth that Christ died for the sins of every person and angel and being that ever lived.
  • All who believe are given eternal life with Jesus’ perfect life credited to their account, and rewards for all the works that God does through them waiting in heaven—and better than this is the infinite, eternal blessings of being with God forever.
  • Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things to himself; by him, whether they are things in earth, or things in heaven.
  • Revelation 3:21 To him that overcomes I will grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and have sat down with my Father in his throne.
  • Revelation 21:7 He that overcomes will inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he will be my son.

 

The eternal King is immortal, invisible, and the only One who is wise

 

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, for he considered me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and violent aggressor: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant with faith and love that is in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Because of this I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth his perfect patience as an example to those who would believe on him to life everlasting. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

  • The universe is the progressive and never completed revelation of God in time and space.
  • No other being deserves honor and glory forever.
  • No other being made all things, sustains all things, died for all.
  • No other good deeds even come close to these.

 

18 I commit this charge to you, child Timothy, according to the prophecies that went before about you, that you by them might war a good warfare; 19 holding faith and a good conscience; which some, having thrust away concerning faith, have shipwrecked:  20 of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

 

  • Notice Paul’s power to turn people over to Satan for their correction.
  • God’s truth is our weapon against evil.
  • If we won’t listen, then we are following God’s enemy and are therefore against God.
  • Ephesians 6:12 we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Therefore take to you the whole armor of God so that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

 

                                               1Timothy 2

 

God wants all people to be saved and know Him

 

1 First of all I exhort that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 Who desires all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

 

  • John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father except  by me. (Jesus)
  • John 10:1 Truly, truly I say to you, He that does not enter by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, that one is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 7 Then Jesus said to them again, Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enters in, he will be saved, and will go in and out, and find pasture.
  • 1Corinthians 10:20 the things that the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I do not want you to have fellowship with devils.

 

Jesus gave Himself as the ransom for all

 

6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, the testimony given at its time. 7 For this, I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and do not lie;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 Therefore I want men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 In the same way also, I want women to adorn themselves in orderly clothing, with modesty/eyes cast down and sound thinking; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or expensive clothing; 10 But with good works (which becomes women professing godliness).

 

  • 1Samuel 16:7 the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.
  • Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 I do not allow a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15 But she will be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and love and purity with self-restraint.

 

                                              1Timothy 3

 

His word is faithful

 

1 Faithful is the word, If a man desires the office of overseer, he desires a good work. 2 An overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, apt to teach; 3 not a drinker, not a striker, not greedy of money; but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one that rules his own house well, having children who obey and honor him; 5 (For if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not newly converted, so that he will not become lifted up with pride and fall into the condemnation of the devil.

 

  • The devil became proud and lifted himself up against his Maker.
  • No created being has much to boast about.
  • We did not create ourselves; we do not sustain ourselves. All of our life comes from God.
  • Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
  • Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
  • Proverbs 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD…

 

7 And he must have a good reputation with those that are outside so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 In the same way the deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy of ill gotten gain; 9 holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them use the office of deacon, if they are beyond reproach. 11 And their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those that have served well as deacons purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

 

  • 2Peter 1:5 giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness love. 11 For so an entrance will be ministered to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

God’s mystery is great

 

14 I write these things to you, hoping to come to you shortly: 15 But if I delay, you must know how to behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And confessedly, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

 

  • The most astounding event of history was when God, our Maker, became man.
  • God did this to bring man back to Himself by dying for all sin (crimes against God’s infinite holiness).
  • God in man, Jesus Christ, is the only one to live a just life on this earth.
  • Angels watched God do this.
  • The news of this goes out to every generation.
  • People from every generation have believed in Him.
  • When Jesus finished buying man back to God from evil, then He was raised from death, ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of the majesty of God on high.
  • Jeremiah 10:10 But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth will tremble, and the nations will not be able to abide his indignation.
  • Hebrews 8:1 Now of the things that we have spoken this is the sum: We have such a high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.
  • Ephesians1:20 …he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

 

                                              1Timothy 4

 

1 Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, adhering to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

 

  • Most churches claim to be of God.
  • Do they speak of Christ’s shed blood for the sin of mankind? If they do not put this truth first, they are promoting doctrines of devils.
  • Those who refuse this central truth will all be in hell forever.

 

4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it is received with thanksgiving: 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.  6 If you put the brothers in remembrance of these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good teaching that you have followed.  7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself rather in reverent adoration of the Lord. 8 For bodily exercise profits little: but reverent adoration is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

 

  • Physical exercise promotes health in this life only.
  • Godliness’ is good reverence, strong adoration, or deep awe of God.
  • This is what is to be exercised instead of being occupied with profane and old wives fables.
  • The more we look at God in the scriptures, the more we will adore Him.
  • John 17:17 Sanctify them through your truth: Your word is truth.

 

Christ saved all men—not all accept His salvation

 

9 It is a trustworthy statement worthy of all acceptance. 10 For which we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those that believe. 11 Prescribe and teach these things. 12 Let no man despise your youth; but be an example of the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, attend to reading, to comforting encouragement, to doctrine.

 

  • God’s people need to be firmly set in truth as their way of thinking. God’s word is greatly comforting.
  • Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands by the elders. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your profiting may appear to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself, and to the doctrines; continue in them: for in doing this you will protect yourself and those that hear you.

 

                                            1Timothy 5

 

All life is in God’s sight

He instructs in compassionate and orderly behavior that pleases Him

 

1 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; and the younger ones as brothers; 2 the older women as mothers; the younger ones as sisters, with all purity. 3 Honor widows that are really widows. 4 The children or grandchildren of a widow must first learn to respect their own family by repaying their parents: that is good and acceptable before God. 5 Now she that is truly a widow and alone, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. 7 Command these things as well so that they may be without reproach. 8 But if any does not provide for his own, and especially for his own relatives, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

 

  • This scripture guides pastors for the church to support only true widows with food and clothing.
  • God gives family members this responsibility first.
  • Ephesians 1:4 he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love
  • Romans 14:12 So then every one of us will give account of himself to God.

 

9 Do not let a widow be put onto the list under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 well reported of for good works if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. 11 But refuse the younger widows: for when they grow lustful against Christ, they will marry; 12 having a judgment, because they have set aside their first loyalty. 13 And with that they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but gossips and busybodies, speaking things that are not proper.

 

  • James 3:6 the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: this is the tongue among our members, it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.

 

14 Therefore I want the younger women marry, bear children, guide the home, and give the adversary no opportunity to speak reproachfully. 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any man or woman that believes has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened so that it may relieve those who are truly widows. 17 The elders who rule well are worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture says, Do not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward.

 

  • This means double portions of food or whatever is the pay to pastors and church workers: Particularly those who teach and preach.
  • Sometimes the musicians are paid more than the teachers.
  • Many teachers get no pay at all. A good way to determine the right salary for pastors and teachers is to anonymously poll the congregation to determine the average salary of the congregation and then double it.

 

19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder, except before two or three witnesses. 20 Rebuke those that sin before all so that others may fear. 21 I charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that you observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

 

  • Acts 10:34 …I perceive that God is no respecter of persons
  • 2Timothy 4:1 I charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom…

 

22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, nor be partaker of other men’s sins: keep yourself pure. 23 No longer drink water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. 24 Some men’s sins are obvious to all, leading to judgment; and others, they follow after. 25 In the same way, the good works of some are evident to all; and those that are otherwise cannot be hid.

 

  • Mark 4:22 For there is nothing hidden, that will not be revealed; and nothing is covered which will not come to light.

 

                                             1Timothy 6

 

Jesus’ words are wholesome

 

1 Those that are under the yoke as slaves, count their own masters worthy of all honor so that the name/person of God and his doctrine are not blasphemed.  2 And those that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brothers; but rather serve them because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. Teach and exhort these things. 3 If any man teaches otherwise, and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine that is according to godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but having a diseased/rotting appetite over questions and disputing about trifles, from which comes envy, quarrels, blasphemies, evil suspicions, 5 perverse disputing of men of corrupt minds, robbing the truth of its value, supposing that gain is godliness: withdraw yourself from such ones.

 

  • Only the words from God will last forever. God’s Holy Spirit wrote the Bible through men.
  • 2Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
  • 2Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
  • Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

 

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing let us be content with that. 9 But those wanting to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts that sink men in destruction and ruin. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some longing for it, have been seduced from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

 

  • Godliness is standing in awe of God.
  • Matthew 6:19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupts, and where thieves do not break through or steal

 

11 But you, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the beautiful fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, unto which you are called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.

 

  • Ephesians 6:12 we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 

Our blessed and only Potentate, the King of Kings is Coming

He gives life to all things

 

13 I charge you in the sight of God, who gives life all things, and before Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate; 14 that you keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15 Who in his own time will reveal the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who alone possesses immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach; whom no man has seen, or can see: to whom is honor and power everlasting. Amen. 17 Charge those that are rich in this world, not to be high-minded, or trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy; 18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 20 O Timothy, guard what is committed to your trust, avoiding profane and empty chatter, and oppositions of science falsely called knowledge: 21 which some, by professing, have missed the mark concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

 

  • God makes everything live.
  • He is the king that is above all the kings that rule.
  • He puts them on their thrones and removes them.
  • Daniel 2:21 And he changes the times and the seasons: he removes kings, and sets up kings: he gives wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding
  • Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
  • Matthew 25:31 When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory:  32 And before him will be gathered all nations:

 

*************************

 

SUMMARY: 1 Timothy 1-6

 

  • The Lord is our hope
  • The eternal King is immortal, invisible, and the only One who is wise
  • God wants all people to be saved and know Him
  • Jesus gave Himself as the ransom for all
  • His word is faithful
  • God’s mystery is great
  • Christ saved all men—not all accept His salvation
  • All life is in God’s sight
  • He instructs in compassion and order
  • Jesus’ words are wholesome
  • Our blessed and only Potentate, the King of Kings is coming
  • He gives life to all things