1 Timothy

Growing in Christ

"He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." (Luke 24:45)

Overview of Old Testament or New Testament

Links to observations drawn from other books of the Bible

In the Pastoral Epistles, Paul shares with Timothy and Titus principles of caring for the newly emerging churches and choosing leadership for them.

Practical and Pastoral Observations on 1 Timothy (please read each chapter slowly and meditatively before reading observations below):

Introduction: Paul had worked with Timothy since his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3). Paul had left Timothy to oversee the growing work in Ephesus. He probably wrote 1 Timothy from Macedonia (1 Tim. 1:3) and hoped to visit soon (3:14, 4:13) to equip Timothy further. In the meantime, Paul provided support in several practical areas as able until that personal visit. The letter was probably written after Paul's release, following the Book of Acts, between AD 63-66.

1 Timothy 1

Primary relationships: Paul's authority as apostle comes from God's appointment, our Savior, through Jesus Christ who is our hope (v.1). Timothy, Paul's disciple, receives direction (v.3-4) and support (v.2) from Paul. Teamwork helps us stay focused on the goal, trust Christ, overcome opposition and reach higher for His glory and our good in Him.

Goal of this relationship: is primarily spiritual, expressed in our character and sanctification as love, purity of heart, clear conscience, sincere faith (v.5). 

Role of the Law: The law is not for righteous people but to restrain evil (v.9-10) until the transformation that is in Christ (v11.) is accomplished; a transformation of which the law is incapable.

Transformation Through Christ: Paul himself was transformed by Christ (v.14) as a testimony to Christ's power to take the "foremost of sinners" (v.13-16) as an example, trophy and testimony of grace and power to salvation for encouragement to all who would believe unto eternal life (v.16). This grace and transformation elicits the explosion of praise in v.17: "To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen!"

Victory or Shipwreck: Sadly some miss the goal (v.5) and are shipwrecked (v.19). These men Paul directs to this last-resort remedial discipline to protect those in Timothy's care while hoping for a change of course (v.20). Timothy is urged to the contrary to fight the good fight, continue his course, and not be diverted from the goal (v.18).

Personal Response: I will memorize v.5 and stay focused on the goal.

My Prayer: Father, keep me on course towards purity of heart, leading to a clear conscience through which flows faith and most importantly love.