TIMOTHY The Young Man of God First and Second Timothy and TITUS The Messenger of God by Philip F. Sykes Robert H. Sykes Everyday Publications Inc. 310 Killaly Street W. Port Colborne, ON, Canada L3K 6A6 Copyright 1986 Everyday Publications Inc.
Copyright 1986 Everyday Publications Inc. ISBN 0-88873-096-9 Printed in Canada Copyright 1986 Everyday Publications Inc.
Contents page First Timothy Introduction 5 Chapter 1 8 Chapter 2 14 Chapter 3 19 Chapter 4 25 Chapter 5 30 Chapter 6 35 Second Timothy Introduction 41 Chapter 1 41 Chapter 2 46 Chapter 3 54 Chapter 4 60 Titus Introduction 68 Chapter 1 70 Chapter 2 75 Chapter 3 80 Appendix 1 71 Appendix 2 72 Appendix 3 74 Appendix 4 75 Appendix 5 76 Appendix 6 77 Appendix 7 78 Appendix 8 79 Copyright 1986 Everyday Publications Inc.
Copyright 1986 Everyday Publications Inc.
FIRST TIMOTHY Introduction Is God interested in young people? He certainly is! Just think of Joseph, Samuel, David, Jonathan or Daniel. Paul was a young man when God began working in his life. And Paul had a special interest in another young man named Timothy. He wrote two letters to him. He calls him a Man of God, 1 Timothy 4.12; 6.11. This is why we call him a young man of God. The key to these letters is in I Timothy 3.14-15, how one should behave in God s household, the church. What Paul wrote to Timothy and Titus is very important for us today. Let s go through these three letters together, verse by verse. As you read this booklet be sure to have your Bible at hand. We suggest you read through the portion in the Bible first, then read the comments. Also we urge you to look up the references to other scriptures. They will be helpful in understanding the portion you are studying. Background and History The name Timothy means, honoring or worshipping God. It was a very common Greek name which the devout Jews and Christians adopted. Timothy s Character 1. Sincerity. Paul wrote that he had no one else who shared his feelings and really cared about the believers. They knew he had proved his worth like a son serving with his father. So they had served together in the Gospel (Philippians 2.19-22). 5 Copyright 1986 Everyday Publications Inc.
6 1 TIMOTHY 2. Faithfulness and dependability. Timothy is mentioned more often than anyone else as being with Paul. Paul was facing winter in a cold, damp prison shortly before he was executed when he requested Timothy to do his best to come to him as soon as possible, 2 Timothy 4.9,21. 3. Natural reserve and timidity. Paul wrote that God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, 2 Timothy 1.7. Also in 1 Corinthians 16.10 Paul urged the Corinthian believers to make Timothy feel at ease when he visited them. Apparently he was sick quite often (1 Timothy 5.23), and he was also fairly young, I Timothy 4.12; 2 Timothy 2.22. Brief History Timothy is first mentioned in Acts 16.1. He was a disciple living in Lystra and had a believing, Jewish mother and a Greek father. According to 2 Timothy 1.5 his mother, Eunice, was a believer and so was Lois, his grandmother. He was well instructed in the Old Testament since the days of his childhood, 2 Timothy 3.15. Since Paul refers to Timothy as his son (in the faith), he was probably the means of Timothy s conversion, see 1 Corinthians 4.17; 1 Timothy 1.2; 2 Timothy 1.2. This was on Paul s first missionary journey, about 47 A.D. In Acts 16.1-3 we find Paul taking Timothy along with him. This was on his 2nd missionary journey, about 51 A.D. Paul had Timothy circumcised so that he would be more effective in dealing with the Jews, compare 1 Corinthians 9.19-23. It was probably also at this time that the elders of the local church made their prophecies concerning him, 1 Timothy 1.18; 4.14; 2 Timothy 1.6. Timothy proved useful to Paul on his second missionary trip. When Paul had to leave Berea, Silas and Timothy stayed behind to help the new Christians, Acts 17.10-15. Later Timothy caught up with Paul in Athens. Paul then sent him back to Thessalonica to encourage and strengthen the Christians there, 1 Thessalonians 3.1-3. In the meantime Paul left Athens and went to Corinth, Acts 18.1. Silas and Timothy rejoined him there, v.5. They brought with
INTRODUCTION 7 them the encouraging news about the believers at Thessalonica, 1 Thessalonians 3.6. On Paul s third missionary trip Timothy again accompanied him. While they were in Ephesus Paul sent Timothy to Corinth by way of Macedonia, Acts 19.21,22; 1 Corinthians 4.17; 16.10. Paul then went to Macedonia where Timothy rejoined him, 2 Corinthians 1.1. When Paul was in Corinth Timothy was with him, Romans 16.21. They were also together on Paul s return to Macedonia, Acts 20.3,4, and he was waiting for Paul at Troas, Acts 20.5. Then we lose track of him until Paul s first imprisonment in Rome. There they were in close contact, Philippians 1.1; Colossians 1.1; Philemon 1.1. As Paul s release drew near he told the Philippians that he hoped to send Timothy to them soon, Philippians 2.19. Again we don t hear any more about Timothy until he and Paul are at Ephesus. When Paul was leaving he asked Timothy to stay there for a time longer. While he was there he received the letter from Paul which we call First Timothy. The next reference to Timothy comes when he received his second letter from Paul, which we call Second Timothy. This letter was written from Rome as Paul waited in a Roman prison to be executed. In his loneliness Paul urged Timothy to come to him, 2 Timothy 4.9,21. Whether Timothy made it before winter we don t know, but we may be sure he did his best to do so. Paul thought very highly of Timothy. This is shown by the fact that they traveled and worked together more than any others. Paul included Timothy s name with his own at the beginning of six letters: 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians and Philemon.
CHAPTER 1 1 Paul followed the custom of writers in his day. He began by writing his own name first. (Today also when many people write letters they put their own name and address at the top of the paper.) Paul called himself an Apostle. This means a sent one, or missionary. The term was also used of ambassadors in the governmental world. An ambassador is sent to a foreign country to represent his king or ruler. He is under orders and must obey those orders. Paul was under orders from: (1) God our Savior. This title, Savior, includes eternal salvation as well as daily deliverance. (2) Christ Jesus our hope. Christ is the New Testament name for the Old Testament Messiah, which means the anointed one. In the Old Testament prophets, priests and kings were anointed. So was Christ in the New Testament. His earthly name, Jesus, also comes from the Old Testament. It means Jehovah Savior. He is called our Hope (of glory, Colossians 1.27.) Note here God the Father and Christ Jesus are presented being on equality. Jesus is God! 2 As we have seen, Timothy means he who honors God. This was no doubt the desire of his mother and grandmother when he was named. By God s grace he lived up to his name. But Paul here calls Timothy his own true child: this lovingly refers to Timothy s conversion through Paul s preaching. We have already seen that Timothy s mother was a Jewess but his father was a Gentile, Acts 16.1. The Jews would consider Timothy not a genuine Jew but a half-breed. But because of his faith in Christ he was a true born-again child of God. That was his spiritual relationship to God. But in his personal relationship he was Paul s own child in the faith. Paul s prayer for Timothy s blessing is threefold: (1) Grace, God s free favor to save and sustain him: (2) mercy, a term brought over from the Old Testament meaning lovingkindness or 8
CHAPTER 1 9 steadfast love to strengthen one in weakness; (3) peace, the sure, sweet result of God s grace and mercy working in the heart. Timothy would greatly need all three. He was a young man coming from a divided home, going through difficult service for God, and eventually to face a martyr s death. (According to tradition he was beaten to death in Ephesus.) Paul knew the source of help for his young son in the faith: God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Problems at Ephesus 3,4 Timothy was to stay on at Ephesus. His instructions were (1) to stop those teachers who were bringing in false doctrines: (2) to tell them to turn from their legends and myths. (There were Greek myths, 2 Peter 1.16, as well as Jewish legends, Titus 1.14. These were all of human origin.): (3) also to turn them from genealogies, that is, lists of ancestors names. This does not refer to the Bible genealogies which are true and dependable. The non- Biblical ones were only of human origin. These were to be avoided because they only produced arguments. They were unprofitable because they were not of faith. Today some people make a great deal of their ancestors and genealogies. We should stick to faith in God s Word plus nothing. It alone is like pure gold all else is only like mere gravel. 5 Here are three goals or purposes of Paul s instructions: (1) Love from a pure heart which is cleansed from sin. See Matthew 5.8; John 15.3. The heart is the center of our will, thoughts and emotions. (2) A good or clear conscience, resulting from a pure heart. (3) Genuine faith which solidly rests on the Word of God. In contrast to these, the false teachers: (1) had a corrupted heart and mind, chapter 6.5, (2) had a seared, scarred conscience, chapter 4.2, and (3) were traitors to the Faith, 2 Timothy 3.8. 6,7 Some of these false teachers had carelessly wandered away from the truth of God s Word and became helplessly twisted. Their talk was useless and profitless. With them talk was cheap many empty words with no solid truth. They were self-cen-
10 1 TIMOTHY tered and proud, claiming to be doctors of the law. But all the time they didn t know what they were talking about. We need to beware of empty teachers like that. See what Jude wrote about such, Jude 10-13. Also look up James 3.1. 8 Paul now gives the true place and use of God s Law. His law is like Himself -- perfect and good. It is the expression of His own character and will. 9,10 First, the wrong use of the law is to apply it to believers as a rule of life, Romans 6.14. Second, the right use of the law is to sinners to bring them to Christ as their only way of salvation, Galatians 3.24. 1. First Paul lists general sins: (a) relating to the law the lawless or unruly people who reject all law and authority; (b) relating to God -- ungodly sinner, without God and disobeying Him; (c) relating to holiness profane, unholy persons who trample all that is sacred. 2. Next Paul lists specific sins against specific commandments of God (compare Exodus 20.12-17): against the 5th commandment those who mistreat and dishonor parents 6th commandment murderers 7th commandment adulterers and sex perverts 8th commandment kidnappers and slave dealers 9th commandment liars and perjurers All moral law anything contrary to the solid, healthful teachings of God s Word. 11 The Good News of God s Word is the message of the glory of the blessed (or happy) God, 6.15. Our God is the Happy God. The Good News tells out the glory and beauty of His grace, His forgiveness and redemption, and of all His attributes. 12 Paul s Privilege. Paul was always thankful for the great privilege of serving Christ. Power for service is found in Christ. 13-16 Paul s Past. As he recalls his past life he is doubly amazed that God should choose him for service. He was a blasphemer, that is, he had spoken evil of Jesus. He was a persecutor, doing harm to the followers of Jesus. Read Acts 8.3; 9.1,2,4,5; 22.4-
CHAPTER 1 11 5; 26.9-11; Galatians 1.13. Also he was a violent man, even putting Christians to death, Acts 8.1; 26.10. But he received mercy. Why? Because he had acted in ignorance and unbelief. The Old Testament law made a difference between sins of ignorance and sins of deliberate malice. Compare Numbers 15.27-31. Provision was made for the manslayer to flee to the Cities of Refuge, see Numbers 35.13-25. Paul s ignorance was not an excuse for his sin but it brought him under God s mercy. Also compare Luke 23.34. 14 God s grace is superabounding. Sin was like full tide on an ocean, but God s grace was like a great tidal wave far surpassing the sin, Romans 5.20. Grace has planned salvation, Faith accepts it as Love applies it. And Christ Jesus our Lord is the Source of it all. 15 Now comes one of the faithful, true sayings used by the early church. Very few of the early believers could afford to own copies of the scriptures or of the New Testament writings. Therefore many memorized portions of them, and probably put some to music, Ephesians 5.19. This is one such trustworthy saying. There are four others in these Pastoral Epistles. Find the verses and write down the message of importance in all five references: 1 Timothy 1. v. _ Message: I Timothy 3, v. _ I Timothy 4. v. _ 2 Timothy 2. v. _ God s salvation is for only one kind of people: Sinners! Do you qualify? Paul was a very religious man but he was a sinner, yes, the chief or worst of them all. Why did he say that? See 1 Corinthians 15.9. If the chief of sinners could be saved there is room at the cross for you! 16 The reason for Paul s salvation was Christ s great love and patience. Compare Luke 19.10. The result of his salvation was to be an example to all others who would believe in Christ. And Paul never ceased to wonder at such grace. He loved to give his
12 1 TIMOTHY personal testimony over and over. Read it for yourself in Acts 22, 26; Galatians 1; Philippians 3, and here in verses 12-16. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I m found, Was blind but now I see. Newton 17 And Paul bursts out in a joyful song of praise to his Savior- God the King Sovereign over all Eternal with no beginning or ending Immortal He can never die or grow old Invisible to mortal eyes (but revealed in the Lord Jesus Christ, Colossians 1.15) The Only God None other beside Him, Isaiah 44:6; 42.8 None other like Him, Isaiah 40.25-26 He is worthy of all honor the value placed on Him and glory His displayed excellence forever without end AMEN Let it be so! 18 Paul s charge to Timothy refers back to verses 3-5. There had been prophecies made about Timothy which led Paul to choose him as a fellow-worker, 4.14. Compare other references to local prophecies as in Acts 11.27-28; 13.1-2. The charges or orders which Paul gave to Timothy were to direct his life as the Lord s soldier. In order to fight the good fight of faith he must have weapons 19 faith and a good conscience. He must never throw these aside. False teachers had rejected the good conscience and denied the faith. That is like throwing away the chart and compass of a ship. The result was shipwreck. (Timothy was to be a good soldier and a good sailor for Jesus Christ.) This is shipwreck of testimony, as to their faith. It does not teach that a believer in Christ can be lost. Paul was physically shipwrecked four times but he was not lost. See 2 Corinthians 11.25 and Acts 27. But this refers to one s life testi-
CHAPTER 1 13 mony before the world, wrecked and wasted. How sad it is when this happens to careless believers. 20 Two examples were well known to Timothy. Hymenaeus and Alexander evidently were leaders in deceit, false teaching and evil living. So evil were they that Paul had to hand them over to Satan s power. We believe this was an apostolic act, only twice recorded as being performed: (1) here, for doctrinal error: and (2) in 1 Corinthians 5.5, for moral error. It no doubt included putting them out of church fellowship and into the hands of the Wicked One, Satan, see 1 John 5.19. But it was more. They were placed in Satan s hands for affliction and punishment, which probably included physical suffering. An illustration of how Satan can be allowed to cause physical damage may be seen in Job 1.12-22, and 2.4-10. But see also the result in Job s case, Job 42.1-6, 12-17. It is important to see the object or purpose of this act. It is not a case of true believers losing their salvation. This cannot happen, see John 10.27-30. But it is for discipline or child-training. It is like the spanking which naughty children receive from faithful parents. The object is restoration to the Lord - that they may be taught, not destroyed. They must be taught not to blaspheme, that is, not to speak against the honor and dignity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Those who promote false teaching regarding the person and work of our Lord Jesus speak directly against Him. So Timothy and all of us are warned against the danger of carelessly playing with our consciences and the Faith.
CHAPTER 2 1 First Paul urges the importance of prayer. At least six different words are used relating to prayer in the New Testament. Here we find four of them: (1) Requests or petitions made to a King. As we feel our deep need of help we come asking God to meet that need. We come humbly and respectfully. (2) Prayer is the general word covering all aspects of appeal to God. When we pray we ask, seek and knock, Matthew 7.7. (3) Intercession is prayer on behalf of others. But here the word has more the idea of approach to God in a close, intimate relationship. It is based on personal communion with God our Father. Consider Genesis 18.16-33. (4) Thanksgiving. We should always remember to thank God as we pray, even before we receive the answers! Look up Philippians 4.6 and Colossians 3.17. The object of our prayers should be all of mankind, that is, all kinds or classes of people. God loves the whole world of human beings. So should we. 2 But here we are to pray specially for our rulers, even the wicked ones. Do you remember who was ruler of the Roman empire when Paul wrote this letter? It was wicked Nero, who murdered many of God s children! All of our civil rulers, from the highest to the lowest, need our prayers. The result of these prayers will be peaceful, quiet lives. This may or may not include outward peace of circumstances. But, of most importance, it does include inward peace of heart. See what Paul wrote in Philippians 4.6,7,9. 3 Godliness here means lives lived in entire devotion to God, in holy, respectable conduct. This is pleasing to God and brings 14
CHAPTER 2 15 glory to Him. Again we find the title, God our Savior (see 1.1,4,10). He is called this because He wants everyone to be saved. 4 He does not desire anyone to be lost, 2 Peter 3.9. His grace brought salvation for all, Titus 2.1 I He wants everyone to fully experience His truth in His Word. 5 But how can this be possible? God and mankind are far apart because of sin. God is high and holy, Isaiah 57.15. We are far away from Him in our sins, Ephesians 2.17 as illustrated in Luke 15.13. We find the answer in the Man Christ Jesus. The Son of God became the Son of Man so that He might bring us together. He could put one hand on God and the other on us human beings and bring us together. See Job 9.33. He is like a great bridge across a very deep and wide valley. The bridge is anchored on both ends. 6 And how could He do this? By giving His life to redeem mankind. A ransom is the price paid to set a slave or prisoner free. The price Christ Jesus paid was His very own life. So it is limitless in value, sufficient to cover the sins of every sinner on earth. But it is effective only for the many who believe on Him, Matthew 20.28, Mark 10.45. It is of no avail to those who decide not to believe, see John 3.36. When Christ died on the cross He gave proof to the whole world that God wants all to be saved. So the Good News is that whosoever believes, trusts in, or receives Christ as Savior has eternal life, John 3.16. 7 Paul was appointed by God to be the messenger bringing this good news. (1) A preacher or herald was one who announced important news or royal messages. He had to proclaim the word of his master and king. (2) An apostle is a sent one. The title was used of ambassadors and official representatives. (3) A teacher explains the message to those. who want to understand. Paul was all three. He emphasizes the truthfulness of his calling, probably because some at Ephesus were challenging his authority (as some did also in Corinth and Galatia). He was faithful to the truth in contrast to the unbelieving, false teachers of his day. 8 Paul returns to the importance of prayer. He speaks with apostolic authority when he writes, I want. His purpose was
16 1 TIMOTHY that the men (males) lead in prayer at the public meetings of the church. Lifting up the hands was the Old Testament custom of prayer. The hands were held outward with palms up. Refer to Psalm 28.2 and Psalm 63.4. Lifting up clean hands refers to clean, holy lives in God s sight, Psalm 24.3-5; 26.6 Anger and arguments are hindrances to effective prayer, Ephesians 4.31. So we see that pure actions and pure motives are both needed when we pray. Psalm 141.2 adds an interesting thought regarding prayer. Let the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. The time of the evening sacrifice was about 3 PM. That is about the time our Lord Jesus died on the cross. The request would really be, Let my prayer come up to God in the value and on the basis of the finished work of Christ on the cross. In verses 9 to 15 Paul addresses the women in the church. 9 First about their clothes they should be neat, tidy and in good taste. Modesty and decency are part of humility. Nothing should be worn which would attract attention to self. That would be pride. Good judgment linked with moderation will give good balance. In this way they will adorn, or make attractive, the teaching of God, see Titus 2.10. In contrast Paul refers to the way unbelieving women of the world dressed: Fancy hair styles, even plaited with gold threads; flashy gold ornaments on the fingers, wrists, neck, nose and ears; very costly clothing all of this was typical of the high society of wealthy women and the low society of prostitutes. It was all to attract attention to self. There was no glory to God in it. 10 For women who profess to be followers of the Lord Jesus there are better kinds of adornment. Show your faith by the way you live, in other words, let your energy be put into living like your Master. He went about doing good to others. See Acts 9.36 for an example of a Christian woman who was well dressed in the eyes of the Lord. True beauty is inward, spiritual beauty of the heart. Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me All His wondrous compassion and purity.
CHAPTER 2 17 Who is the best dressed Christian in your family? (*See Footnote.) 11 Woman s position in the church. First, positive. (1) To learn. Our Lord wants us all to learn of and from Him, Matthew 11.29. We learn from Him through His Word, reading and meditating on it. We learn through His teachers in the church. But the women were not to be making a disturbance in the church by asking questions with loud voices. They should be quiet in church services and ask their husbands at home, 1 Corinthians 14.34,35. (This passage probably was to correct the earlier errors of 1 Corinthians 11.5 regarding women praying and prophesying). (2) To live in subjection and obedience to the Word of God. This is true humility. 12 Second, negative. I do not permit. In the church women were not allowed to teach men nor have authority over men. In the next chapter we will see that leadership in the church was given to men. When the Lord appointed apostles they were all men. There were and are women disciples who have very important spheres of service. (For example see Matthew 26.7). But teaching men and ruling over men is not part of that service. Of course women are to teach other women, Titus 2.3-5, and children, 2 Timothy 1.5; 3.15. And on individual basis, in the home they (with their husbands) can be a real help to others, including men. See Acts 18.26. The important virtue is quietness. Compare Peter s teaching on all these matters in 1 Peter 3.1-6. 13 Now Paul gives the basic reasons for all of this teaching regarding women: (1) Order in Creation. God created man first. He is the leader, the first in priority, not in value. He is the head of the race. 14 Then (2) Order of Sin. The woman was first to disobey. She was thoroughly deceived by Satan, compare Genesis 3.13. She * These verses are specially directed to women. But the men are by no means exempt from temptations to over-dress. 1 Peter 5.5-6 teaches men also to be clothed with humility with the added warning that God resists the proud! It s pretty hard to show humility when you are dressed in the most stylish, expensive clothing money can buy!
18 1 TIMOTHY transgressed, that is, broke God s law and so fell into guilt. transgressed, that is, broke God s law and so fell into guilt. Because of this she is not fit to be a spiritual leader over men. 15 This is a difficult verse. Bible teachers are not agreed on its exact meaning. Most agree that being saved here does not refer to the salvation of the soul. That cannot be accomplished by any physical act, Ephesians 2.9, Titus 3.5. But neither can it mean being safely brought through childbirth because of faith and love. Many very godly women have died in childbirth. Some suggest that the childbearing refers to Christ s birth as Genesis 3.16 refers to the Seed of the woman. But it is really His death not His birth that saves us. Another suggestion is that believing women experience a sort of practical salvation from the social evils (marital and sexual) which abound in the world. This would be by their godly life, continuing in faith in God, love to God, holy living in obedience to the Word of God. Perhaps this is the closest to the exact meaning.
CHAPTER 3 Church Leaders Paul now writes about how the church is to be ruled or controlled. Who is to be the leader? This is an important question. When we look around at many churches today we find different ideas. 1. Some groups have one bishop ruling over several churches, with an archbishop over several bishops, and a head man over all others, like a pyramid. 2. Other groups are ruled by a board of elders who select and call a minister or pastor. This man leads the church, preaches and teaches, etc., as the head of the church. 3. Still others have the whole congregation choose the pastor to do all the preaching and teaching work. Which is right? The New Testament shows us how God wants it done. In the New Testament church the Apostles directly appointed elders (plural) over each church, as in Acts 14.23, or they appointed a representative to do this on their behalf, as Titus in Titus 1.4,5. But today we do not have the Apostles with us to do this. So how do we get elders and leaders today? In the first verse of this chapter we find that some of the believers had an eager desire to do this work. This came from a burden or concern given them by the Holy Spirit. HE is the source of spiritual gift and growth. HE does the choosing and appointing, see Acts 20.28. Then in 1 Thessalonians 5.12-13 we learn what the church s responsibility is: (1) Recognize who these men are by their deeds. Are they doing the work of shepherding God s people? Do they fill the qualifications given in this chapter, 1 Timothy 3? Then: (2) Think highly of them for the work they are doing. Love them, pray for them and obey and follow them, Hebrews 13.17. 19
20 1 TIMOTHY Note carefully there is no thought here of putting these men on a pedestal or throne! They are not a special, separate class or clergy. There is no clergy in God s view of the church! Even the apostles did not wear different clothes than other believers. No one is to have special titles, read carefully Matthew 23.8-12. 1 But now let s look at the qualifications for leadership in the church of God. In verses 1-7 Paul deals with the spiritual leaders or oversees ( bishops in some Bibles). Overseers refers to the kind of work to be done. Elders refers to the kind of man to do the work older, mature and experienced. 2 The very first requirement for spiritual leaders is a general one he must be above reproach, a good man whose life cannot be spoken against (literally, one who cannot be laid hold upon. Like the Lord Jesus Himself in John 14.30: Satan could not get a hold on Him for any sin in His life). Then Paul lists six specific, personal characteristics needed by all spiritual leaders: (1) husband of only one wife. Polygamy (having more than one wife) is not God s will for His people. (2) Temperate, in the general sense of calm, clearheaded and balanced. It is important that church leaders be not easily upset. (3) Self-controlled, especially in the thought life. It literally means to have a sound mind. (4) Orderly and respectable, having a well ordered lifestyle. (5) Hospitable or caring for others, especially strangers. Early Christians who had to travel appreciated having fellowship in homes of believers, Romans 12.13; Hebrews 13.1-3. (6) Able to teach others (a) instructing believers in the truth, and (b) proving false teachers wrong. This involves having a good working knowledge of the Bible. 3 Next are the negative qualities: (1) Not a drunkard or a slave to alcohol. But see 1 Corinthians 10.31. (2) Not a violent man who uses his fists freely, but rather the opposite, gentle and forbearing.
CHAPTER 3 21 (3) Not quarrelsome or always picking an argument. Titus 1.7 includes the idea of being quick-tempered. Instead he should be a peaceful man. (4) Not a lover of money. The love of money, (6.10) is a root source of all kinds of evil. No one should be a church leader for the money that s in it! 4,5 The next important part of a leader s qualifications is his family life. How he manages his own family is a real test of his character. If his own children do not respect and obey and love him how can he think of managing God s children in the church? 6 A recently converted man is really a baby, spiritually. He must grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, 2 Peter 3.18, by feeding on the Word, 1 Peter 2.2. As he becomes a strong young man, spiritually, and then a mature adult, 1 John 2.12-14, he then can be a good leader in the church. However if he is not mature, spiritually, he will fall in the same way Satan did, by pride. And pride goes before a fall, Proverbs 16.18. 7 He must have a good testimony before the unbelievers with whom he works and lives. Unbelievers scoff at a person who acts very religiously on Sundays at church but who lives a disgraceful life from Monday to Saturday. Unbelievers watch a life before listening to a sermon. We all should beware of Satan s traps, 2 Timothy 2.26. Look up these verses and write down which trap is mentioned in each: 1 Timothy 5.15 1 Timothy 6.9 2 Thessalonians 2.9,10 Also see Luke 22.31 So, with about 14 strokesoof an artist s brush Paul has sketched a man of God who qualifies for leadership in God s church. The standards are high but the work is important. The leader-shepherd must be a good example (4.12) to the flock or his work will fail. See also 1 Peter 5.1-4. In verses 8-13 Paul writes about deacons. These are church servants or helpers. The spiritual work is for the elders or overseers. But physical work and business affairs are looked after by the deacons. Read Acts 6.1-6. There are important qualifications for these men just as there are for elders.
22 1 TIMOTHY 8 (1) They must be of good character and worthy of respect. Handling money and property for the church must not be done by men of dishonest reputation. (2) They must be sincere; some Bibles say not doubletongued. That is, they shouldn t be two-faced, using double-talk, saying one thing to one person and another thing to someone else. (3) They must not be drunkards. Compare Ephesians 5:18. (4) They must not be greedy, wanting what is not their own. If one has a weakness in this area he should not be entrusted with handling church funds or other business. 9 (5) Holding the deep truth of the faith with a clear conscience. A human mystery is knowledge withheld. A New Testament mystery is truth revealed to believers. Here the deep truth of the faith refers to the body of teaching of New Testament truth. Holding it means believing and obeying it... but always with clear conscience, obeying and practising what we know. It is an intelligent and moral belief. Compare 1.5 and Hebrews 10.22. Here are some other New Testament mysteries. Look up these verses and write in what they are: Matthew 13.11 1 Corinthians 4.1 Ephesians 6.19 Colossians 4.3 1 Timothy 3.16 10 (6) Proved and tested in action, Proverbs 17.3. First proved then approved, 1 Thessalonians 2.4. When there is nothing against them then they may serve. 11 Their wives are next mentioned. They too must be of good character and worthy of respect. The wife s lifestyle is just as important as the husband s. No slander or gossip must cross her lips. In every detail of her life she should be honest, trustworthy and faithful. 12 Like the elders, deacons also must be the husband of only one wife, and they must manage their children and households well. This again marks the great importance of a good, stable family life. 13 Faithful service will surely bring great reward; not in earthly
CHAPTER 3 23 wealth or glory, but in the honor and esteem of believers in the church. And it will bring a Well done from the Lord Himself, see John 12.26; Matthew 25.21. Another, present benefit will be great assurance and courage in the prayer life and in witness to others. Compare Stephen in Acts 6.5,8-15; 7.1-60. 14,15 Paul hoped to join Timothy at Ephesus but he wrote this letter of instruction just in case something should hinder him. This verse gives us the key to this letter: to know how to behave in God s household, the church. Let s remember that the church is not a building. Nor is it a branch of Christianity called by some man-made name. It is the Body of Christ made up of all true believers in Christ. One aspect of it is the house of God, 1 Corinthians 3.16. This has the idea of a dwelling place where God lives. He is the living God in contrast to the lifeless, helpless heathen idols. Two things are noted here about the church: (1) Pillar of the truth. A pillar or column supports the weight of a building. It is not the foundation but rests on the foundation. In the church Christ is the only foundation, I Corinthians 3.11. But believers are built on Him like pillars which hold up the truth for all mankind to see. See Galatians 2.9 and Revelation 3.12; (2) Support or prop of the truth. Again the church is not the foundation nor basis of truth. It is the continuing, living witness to the truth. The support props up the pillar on the foundation. The church is like a signpost braced up on a rock foundation, pointing people to Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior. 16 Now Paul gives us a brief summary of the truth which the church presents to the world. Beyond all question the message of this mystery or revealed secret is great and wonderful. It is all found in the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1. He appeared in human body. The invisible God became visible, 1 John 1.2; 3.5. God became Man. This reveals Christ s deity and humanity. 2. He was approved by the Holy Spirit at His baptism, in His preaching and miracles, and at His resurrection. Find scripture references for these points. A concordance would help.
24 1 TIMOTHY 3. He was seen or observed by angels. We can notice them at His birth, temptation, at Gethsemane, and His resurrection. Look up references for these also. 4. He was preached among the nations around the world. Christ is God s Good News to everyone. 5. He was believed on in the world. Not by everyone, but as many as did were made children of God. Have you trusted Him? 6. He was taken up into heaven, His ascension. Mark 16.19; Acts 1.2. Received in glory (Acts 1.9) suggests the glory cloud of the Old Testament as in Exodus 40.34-38. This brief outline of truth may have been a stanza of a hymn sung by the early church. It is still the theme for joyful praise and singing by believers around the world today.
CHAPTER 4 The confession of the Faith in chapter 3 is now followed by a warning about departure from it, vs. 1-5. 1 It is the Holy Spirit who clearly warned that some people would abandon the Faith. (The Faith refers to the whole body of Christian teaching in the Word of God.) When Paul wrote these lines there were already some who had turned away. But he warned that after he was no longer with them many more would turn away (Acts 20.29) and their numbers would increase until the end of the age (the last times of 2 Timothy 3.1). We notice three classes here: (1) Those persons who were the victims of false teaching. They strayed from the faith when they obeyed and followed the false teachings. 2 (2) The unseen source of the false teachings: lying spirits and demons. Satan is behind them, the liar and father of lies, John 8.44. Remember how he misled Eve in Genesis 3.1-7. Satan has many servants who are spirit-beings called demons. These evil agents put lies and false ideas in the minds of men and women who are willing to listen. (3) The visible source of the evil teachings are the human beings through whom the demons work. These are called false teachers, false prophets and false brethren in other scriptures. Find the verses in 2 Corinthians 11, Galatians 2, 2 Peter 2, and 1 John 4. These false teachers have scarred consciences, without feeling. The picture Paul uses is of a hot branding iron. Today cattle are branded by their owners. In Paul s day sometimes slaves were branded on the forehead, and certain criminals were branded too. These marks showed ownership or guilt. The scar itself is dead flesh, unable to feel. In the same way these false teachers were really marked as Satan s servants without conscience and unable to distinguish right from wrong. 25
26 1 TIMOTHY 3 The false teaching. Two examples are selected from among many others of that day. (1) It is wrong to marry, and (2) it is wrong to eat certain foods. These teachings appealed to some people who try to earn their way to heaven by fasting and self denial in various ways. They thought their good works would win God s favor. But see Ephesians 2.1-10. 4 God has created food for us to eat and enjoy. He also appointed marriage for man and woman. See Genesis 1.29-30; 2.21-25. He called all His creation good. Genesis 1.31. We are to receive His good gifts with thanksgiving. 5 And so true believers gladly receive God s good gift of food with a prayer of thanksgiving each time they eat. We remember our Lord s example in Matthew 14.19 and Paul s in Acts 27.35. It is also a good custom to read and feed on God s Word at our regular meal-times. Also see Matthew 4.4. Thanksgiving and the Word of God give a lovely atmosphere for holy enjoyment of God s provision and presence at the dinner table. A Good Servant of Jesus Christ, 4.6-16 6 In contrast to Satan s evil servants, Timothy is urged to be a good servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. This will be shown in four ways: (1) Continually teaching the truth to other believers. It is the positive answer to the errors. (2) Continually feeding himself on the Word of God. This is necessary if he would be a help to others. (3) Continually following and obeying the teaching himself. In other words, practice what you preach! (4) Rejecting godless legends silly old tales which have no foundation. We should have nothing to do with such useless stories that are not worth repeating. 7,8 The way to success as a good servant is by training and discipline. Paul uses an illustration from the athletic world exercise or, literally, gymnastics. Timothy is reminded that athletes endure hard training to keep themselves physically fit. Believers are to take proper care of their bodies, too. They are the temple and dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 6.19. In every way possible we should keep our bodies clean and healthy so that we can better serve our Master and Lord, Romans 6.13. He needs and wants our bodies for His service, Romans 12.1; 2 Corinthians 4.10.
CHAPTER 4 27 In order to have healthy bodies we need good food, proper exercise, fresh air and sufficient rest. Keeping physically fit has real value but it is only for the limited time of our life here on earth. This is in contrast with the more important and lasting value of spiritual fitness which is for eternity. Exercise in godliness is a spiritual training and discipline. In order to keep spiritually fit and healthy we need the same four things: (1) Good food. God s Word, the Bible, is nourishing food of spiritual nature. It is like milk for new believers, 1 Peter 2.2. It is the bread of life, Matthew 4.4. It is like honey for sweetness, Psalm 119.103, and like good meat for strong men, Hebrews 5.12. (2) Proper exercise, working our spiritual muscles like a wrestler striving (to keep a clear conscience) Acts 24.16; walking in a godly manner, 4.8; running in the way of God s commandments, Psalm 119. 32; Philippians 3.12-14; weight-lifting (others burdens), Galatians 6.2; developing endurance in the race of life, Hebrews 12.1-3; (3) Fresh air, free from the effects of sinful living. By prayer we breathe the pure atmosphere of God s holy presence; confessing our sins for cleansing, 1 John 1.8,9; communing with Him in the high mountain air of heavenly places, Ephesians 1.3; 2.6. (4) Sufficient rest trusting Him wholly for salvation, Matthew 11.28,29; for daily cares, Luke 12.22-32; Peter 5.7; for guidance, Psalm 37.3-5; for protection, Psalm 16.1; for eternity, Psalm 16.11. 9 This kind of training in godliness has value for this life and for eternity. It is so important for all Christians as well as for Timothy that Paul writes that these are faithful, true words worth being accepted and obeyed by all. 10 Paul notes that the struggle and hard work here are examples of his own spiritual training. It meant painful straining for victory, as in 1 Corinthians 9.25; against temptation in 2 Timothy 4.7; and in prayer, Colossians 4.12. The word Paul used is literally to agonize. It is a word the Christian, spiritual athlete is soon familiar with if he means business with God.
28 1 TIMOTHY The object or goal of the runner-athlete is the living God. Faith and hope are set on Him. Here He is called the Savior of all mankind, the One Who preserves and provides for all His creatures. Also it is His will that all be eternally saved, so the salvation of the soul is made available to all (whosoever, John 3.16). But this salvation is applied only to all who believe, John 3.36. 11 Timothy was given authority by the Apostle to command God s people to obey God s Word. But they need to know that Word before they can obey it. So they must be taught. 12 And the best way to teach is by example. What we say is best understood by the way we live, 1 Peter 5.3. Timothy was a young man (but not a teenager he was probably in his 30 s). Some older people might not like to listen to a young man speaking with authority. But they would not be able to speak against a godly life. So Paul lays more stress on Timothy s life than on his preaching. Notice the details of how he was to be an example: (1) in speech. How he spoke was very important. See Ephesians 5.18,19; (2) in life-style. Character is the sum total of the habits of life. Character produces conduct. What we say is closely tied to how we live. Read Colossians 3.17; (3) in love. This is divine love which is strong and self-sacrificing. It is not merely human emotion; (4) in faith. Without faith we cannot please Him or serve Him, Hebrews 11.6; (5) in moral purity, that is, with clean, pure life and motives, in spirit, soul and body. See 5.2; 2 Corinthians 6.6. (Some Bibles add in spirit to this list.) 13 In his public service Timothy was to devote his time and energy to three special areas: (1) Public reading of the scriptures. We often see this done in the New Testament. For example in Luke 4.16, Acts 15.21, Colossians 4.16. This is very important because God s Word is the source and basis of all truth; (2) urging and encouraging the people to listen to and follow God s truth;
CHAPTER 4 29 (3) explaining the scriptures to them in the way Ezra and the Levites did. Look up Nehemiah 8.1-8, especially notice verse 8. 14 But Timothy was also to be careful of his inner, private life. According to a prophetic word (see 1.18) Paul had recognized that Timothy had received a spiritual gift. (The Source of the gift was the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12.11.) Paul and the elders had recognized this when they laid hands on him, 2 Timothy 1.6. Laying on of hands was a symbolic act of identification and recognition. See Numbers 8.10 and 27.18-23. Neither Paul nor the elders gave Timothy this gift! What was his spiritual gift? 1 Corinthians 12 lists many gifts. Probably the gifts of teaching and of understanding right from wrong teaching would be among the gifts Timothy had received. The important thing to remember is that only the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts. Timothy was responsible to make use of his gifts for God s glory. He should not neglect nor be careless about so important a matter. Neither should we. 15 He should give his whole attention to doing this. There is nothing more important in the Christian life than to serve and glorify the Lord with all our abilities and with our whole heart. No half-hearted service will do. This is the way to make progress in our Christian life. We should use the abilities God has given us, and He will give us greater ability or gifts. Read Matthew 25.21,23. But contrast verses 24-28. 16 Here is the summary of these instructions take heed, consider and watch: (1) your Character, that is yourself. Keep yourself pure, 5.22; (2) your Creed, that is what you believe and teach others. There is no value to number 2 if number 1 is neglected; (3) your Continuing, that is, keep on doing these things. The result will be seen in your personal life and in that of your hearers. Both you and they will be delivered from falling into sin or being deceived by demon-led teachers. Let not the sad cry of Song of Solomon 1.6 be ours, that in caring for the vineyards of others I have not taken care of my own vineyard!
CHAPTER 5 1,2 Timothy is given instruction regarding his relationship to other believers. He was young and was not to think he was in any way superior to others. He must never sharply rebuke an older man, even if that man might need it. Rather he should courteously appeal to him as if he were his own father. Younger men were to be treated as brothers, in brotherly love. Older women also must be lovingly treated like a mother and younger women like sisters. But he must at all times have absolutely pure thoughts, words and actions. He must continually live above suspicion. Look again at chapter 4 verse 12. This thought is emphasized again in verse 22. Regarding Widows, 5.3-16 3 Widows are often referred to in the Gospels and in Acts. They had special needs in those days. In their heathen custom a man having many wives could get rid of any of them at any time. There were no government social welfare programs to help them. But God has special love for widows and orphans, Psalm 68.5; 146.9. And so should the church. 4 However, there are differences in need. Truly needy widows must be fully cared for. But widows who have families should be cared for by their relatives. It is the duty and privilege of children to repay a needy parent (father or mother) for the loving care received during childhood years, Ephesians 6.1,2. This pleases God and is according to His will, Exodus 20.12. Compare Mark 7.9-12. 5 The real widow who is left without any relatives or support must be cared for by the church. Such are characterized as (1) totally alone, without relatives, (2) completely trusting God, (3) continually praying to God. We are reminded of Anna in Luke 2.37. 6 But some other widows were living in pleasure and luxury (James 5.5). Today we call it the fast life. These women were 30
CHAPTER 5 31 alive physically but dead spiritually, living corpses, Revelation 3.1. This is the condition of all unbelievers. They need to turn from sinful living to the Lord for salvation and life eternal. 7 Timothy should warn all the people about these things. 8 Every believer should provide for his own needy family members, James 1.27. Even non-christians did this, Matthew 5.20, 46,47. Some people profess faith in Christ but do not take care of their widows. They are showing that they have no faith, because they lack the fruit of faith which is good works, James 2.14-18. 9,10 A list of worthy widows was kept by the church. Some Bible teachers think this was a list of widows who formed an unofficial order or group of charity workers who served in the church as deaconesses. There have been such groups through the centuries but there is no real historical evidence for any during Paul s time. So we feel this list was simply the names of worthy widows whom the church was helping. Qualifications for this list are now given: (1) she must be 60 years or older; (2) she must have been a faithful wife to only one husband; (3) have a reputation for good deeds, such as (4) bringing up her children well, whether her own or orphans: (5) showing hospitality to strangers in need: (6) washing the feet of believers. This was an actual physical act of hospitality in Bible lands, 1 Samuel 25.41; Luke 7.38, and it was taught by our Lord, John 13.14. As a spiritual act it shows true humility and loving concern for an erring fellow-believer: (7) helping relieve those in trouble and suffering. Dorcas is a good example of these qualities, Acts 9.36,39. These are all summed up in (8) always following and furthering all good works. 11,12 The list should not include younger widows of childbearing age. Their physical vigor will naturally desire relationship with a husband, 1 Corinthians 7.9. If they marry a heathen or unbeliever they will be turned away from Christ. 13 Also they would get into mischief in their idleness. (Satan still fills idle hands with plenty of mischief!) Gossip is worthless talk. Being a busybody is worthless walk (or living). Meddling in other people s affairs can cause all kinds of harm in the church fellowship.