Daily Bread for Dec 15, 1 Tim 1-6

Today’s readings are 1 Tim 1-6.

1 & 2 Timothy and Titus are known as the Pastoral Epistles. They were written very near the end of Paul's life as guides to his young proteges. As such, they are rich in wisdom and experience. These letters are Paul’s last words telling his successors what is of primary importance in life and ministry.

1 Timothy, like the other two Pastoral Epistles, deals with the doctrines of the church and where some are being led astray. It becomes clear the churches are in far more danger from threats within than from without. Timothy is in Ephesus, Paul writes from Macedonia.

1 Tim 1 concerns false teachers, a theme that becomes increasingly emphasized as the new church grows and spreads. Notice that errant teaching has been a significant factor in the development of the new church. As the Epistles mature in their theology and doctrine, so does the nature of error. It becomes increasingly essential for believers to become familiar with the Scriptures and those who teach them. The only defense against being led astray is a deep and abiding knowledge of the whole Bible. All errant and false teaching we see in the Scriptures arises from an incomplete or casual awareness of what the Bible really says.

1 Tim 2 describes the instructions for worship services and provides guidelines for the structure of the church. The elders are to be men, following the created order. The elders’ role is to serve and protect the flock, not to lord over them. Controversy and much pain have occurred from various interpretations of 1 Tim 2:11. However, this verse is applied must be in harmony with other passages in the Bible such as when Priscilla and Aquila taught Apollos (Acts 18:26) or when Miriam is named among those who led Israel (Mic 6:4). Evidently, the issue of women’s roles in the church is not a cut and dried as some would think.

1 Tim 3 lists the guidelines for selecting elders and deacons. They are to be examples of godly living, older men of integrity who have demonstrated a track record of living in the faith.

1 Tim 4 brings a charge to Timothy to guard the truth and refute the heretics. Paul implores upon him to do this by preaching and teaching sound doctrine (1 Tim 4:6-7). This will be a theme that is repeated in the Pastoral Epistles.  Timothy, as a leader in the church, is to be an example of godly living and solid teaching.

1 Tim 5 is a list of various guidelines for the church. It is to take care of widows. The overseers are to teach and provide guidance and direction to the church. They are to be honored and respected. Any criticism of leadership should be rejected unless unequivocally proven to be true. They are to be examined thoroughly before being installed. Discipline toward them is to be exercised with great care and caution (1 Tim 5:19-21).

1 Tim 6 exhorts Timothy to "fight the good fight." This implies that there will be a fight! Paul intends to prepare Timothy for the rigors of ministry. The church will require constant teaching. The world will not always receive the gospel in a friendly manner. Paul’s life is a testimony to the way the world rejects the message of the gospel. Timothy should not be surprised or blindsided by any of this. He is not enrolling in a popularity contest; he is becoming a messenger for God. Historically, the world has tried to kill God’s messengers.

1 Timothy is intended to help clarify and reiterate the theology and structure of the church, both are necessary if the church is to function as it should. Ephesus was a vast city filled with temples and a broad variety of philosophies and religions. It was difficult to get people to understand the message of one true God and salvation through His only Son. In an environment where people were regaled with philosophical platitudes, fascinating stories and world-class orators, doctrine and order were not what many were looking for. Timothy was being given a tough assignment. Understanding God's design for His church and the message that Christianity was to carry was vital to the spread of the gospel. Paul's message is no less critical today.