FIRST TIMOTHY
This is another one of Paul’s epistles. The time when it was written seems
rather obscure. With the growth of the Lord’s work it was necessary to impose
some form of discipline that the churches might be guided in such matters. This
epistle contains helpful instruction along this line. The key phrase is, “that
thou mightest know how thou ought to behave thyself in the house of God.”
The divisions of the epistle are four:
1. Chapter 1. Unsound teaching rebuked.
2. Chapter 2. Prayer and humility.
3. Chapter 3. The qualifications of elders and deacons.
4. Chapters 4 to 6. The walk and work of a good minister.
UNSOUND TEACHING REBUKED.
Timothy was especially loved of Paul. He found him as a young man and by taking
him out into his own active service, did much to mold his life in the ministry.
In this epistle the apostle by the written word, makes possible that Timothy by
frequent reference to same may obtain helpful instruction in the days to come.
False doctrine has always been the assailant of the church of Christ. Legalism
is admired by some, but the apostle Paul saw in it a subtle effort to establish
ones self-righteousness, when all that God will accept is the righteousness of
His Son. The law was not made for the righteous man, but to condemn the sinner,
Ch. 1:9-11.
Paul rejoiced because of the grace of God which made possible his own
conversion, and he knew how powerless legalistic practices were, vs.12-15. Two
men named Hymanaeus and Alexander, who were guilty of false teaching, were
judged by the apostle, who delivered them over to Satan.
PRAYER AND HUMILITY.
Systematic prayer was something Paul strongly believed in. Kings and those in
authority should be remembered that peace may prevail in the land. Men are
exhorted to pray with raised hands, showing victory over man and devil, so that
their prayers be not hindered, Ch.2:1-2,8. Women are urged to dress in such a
manner that a humble spirit be manifested thereby, and a special promise is
granted to such, in the lifting of the curse which came on woman through the
fall, vs.9-10,15.
THE QUALIFICATIONS OF ELDERS AND DEACONS.
For the care of the church it was necessary to appoint elders and deacons. They
must be men above reproach, not guilty of bad habits, able to rule their own
households, and an elder must not be too young in years in the faith, Ch.3:1-9.
Deacon’s wives, or deaconesses, must be grave not guilty of slander, and
faithful in all things, v.11. The apostle describes godliness in v.16. When
examined, it is found to be the experience enjoyed by Christ and shared by all
who become children of God through Him. Those who study this verse will find in
it a wealth of meaning.
THE WALK AND WORK OF A GOOD MINISTER.
The latter times of this age are foretold by the Spirit through the apostle
Paul. Some shall depart from the faith and embrace such teachings as” forbidding
to marry”, and “abstaining from meats”, Ch.4:1-3. God does not favor such
doctrines of devils. Every creature may be eaten when sanctified by the Word and
prayer, v.4. Timothy is told to refuse such old wives fables. He is also
exhorted to minister boldly in spite of his youth, and to depend on the divine
gift which was imparted to him through the laying on of the hands of the
presbytery. Those to whom we minister see as well as hear, and we do well to
heed another injunction given to Timothy, see v.16.
As a minister the young man was told to cultivate respect for the older people
in the church, and to treat the younger women as sisters, will all purity,
Ch.5:1-2. Proper care and attention was to be given to the widows that they be
wisely provided for, vs.3-14. Anyone who sinned was to be rebuked openly that
others may fear, v.20. Servants and masters must be properly adjusted to one
another in the faith, Ch.6 1-2, and everyone was to be taught that godliness
with contentment is great gain.
The faith walk is a fight which must be bravely carried on, v.12. Satan would
like to defeat all God’s children, but we must not yield our God-given
inheritance to him. Rich people were exhorted to not trust in their riches, but
to do good works and obtain the reward at a later date, vs.17-19. Finally,
Timothy is exhorted to avoid profane and vain babbling, and opposition of
science falsely so called, and not become ensnared as was the sad experience of
some.