Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Timothy 1:1-2
Do you remember Paul’s purpose of 1 Timothy? Reread 1 Timothy 1:3 and also look at 3:14, 15 if you can write the purpose in the margin of your bible or a notebook. Let’s also put the date in. A.D. 65.
Read chapters 4-6 of this book to familiarize yourself with the rest of the book.
Now let’s go back and focus on Chapter 1. Pay attention to the words: doctrine, instructions, and sound teaching. What is the meaning of doctrine? It means “teaching.” Did you take notice of Paul and how he describes “sound doctrine and unsound doctrine”? In your notebook, write down what you learn from this. Maybe even write on the top half of the paper -Sound Doctrine and the other side Unsound Doctrine.
Why did Paul emphasize his own authority in the first sentence of his letter to Timothy? Leaders of the church have a responsibility. This is one of them. Church leaders must command people to stop teaching false doctrine in the church (1 Timothy 1:1-7). Paul’s purpose for writing to Timothy is because the church of Ephesus faced a serious problem. False Teachers were leading the people away from the truth.
Paul thought that the people might not accept Timothy’s right to correct them. Paul began first by establishing his authority first over the Ephesian believer. If you have read any other books of Paul’s, you will see that when he needs to use authority, this is how he addresses it. Paul uses the word command four times. He mentions that he is under God’s command. He then passes the command onto Timothy and the church. The command actually comes from God. Let’s remember this truth – our authority in the church comes from Jesus. We have authority over others, only as we ourselves are under His command. Those under authority have authority (1 Timothy 1: 3-7).
In the following weeks, we will add to these lists.
Now, Read 1 Timothy 1:1-11. Look at the word law. What do you learn about the law in this passage? Look closely at verses 8-9. Who is the law for, and who is it not for?
Let’s do some cross-referencing. Lookup Galatians 3:23-29. What do we learn about law and faith? Make a list for each one. What is the goal of sound doctrine?
Paul warned the church of Ephesus that false teachers would arise from their own number (Acts 20: 28-31). Later, some even start to teach the false doctrine. This led people away from the truth and into meaningful talk and conflict. Paul charged Timothy to stop this, to bring the people back to truth and love for each other. Love has three sources: a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Why must pastors correct those who wander from the truth?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for having leaders be in authority in your name. I pray that you will guide us into the sound doctrine of your word.
In Jesus Name
Amen
