Lesson One: Paul’s First Letter To Timothy
A. Timothy:
• Timothy was born in Lystra (Acts 16:1-2) and was converted under Paul’s ministry during his first visit to Derbe and Lystra (Acts 14:6-22).
• He certainly had a special place in the affections of the Apostle Paul.
• Timothy accompanied Paul into Macedonia and had an active ministry at Berea, Athens, Corinth and Ephesus.
• Timothy was martyred under Nerva or Domitian.
B. Paul’s First Letter To Timothy:
• This letter was written by Paul after his first imprisonment and during a period of travel in Macedonia while Timothy was still at Ephesus (I Timothy 1:3).
• We cannot be certain of the date, but it could be in the spring of 63 AD.
• Paul’s purpose was to help Timothy in carrying out some difficult assignments.
• Timothy is given some definite instruction concerning his work in the church.
• A simple outline could be:
1. Chapters 1 & 2 – Doctrine and Prayer.
2. Chapters 3 & 4 – Ministry and Apostasy
3. Chapters 5 & 6 – Pastoral Responsibility.
C. Salutation:
• I Timothy 1:1-2
• In the salutation the Apostle Paul identifies himself as the writer and declares his apostolic authority.
• Timothy was saved under Paul’s ministry, but Paul loved him as he would his own son.
• The expression “God our Savior” is found only in the Pastoral Epistles.
D. The Need Of Sound Doctrine:
• I Timothy 1:3-7
• Paul exhorted Timothy to charge the church to teach only sound doctrine.
• Sound doctrine will lead to love, a pure heart, a good conscience, and true faith.
• There were false teachers who were ambitious and desired to be teachers of the Law.
• They did not understand the purpose of the Law.
E. The Purpose Of The Law:
• I Timothy 1:8-13
• Paul declares that the Law is not for the righteous man but for the lawless and disobedient.
• He makes a list of men for whom the Law was made.
• It was Paul’s ignorance, which permitted him to find forgiveness.
• The purpose of the Law is to bring under judgment the lawless and disobedient.
F. Purpose Of Christ’s Coming:
• I Timothy 1:14-16
• Jesus ministered to the sick and suffering, but the main reason for being born in Bethlehem’s manger was to save sinners.
G. Only One Eternal God:
• I Timothy 1:17
• When Paul bursts out in a note of praise because of the fact that he, the chief of sinners, had been saved, he declares that He is the only God.
• The only God whom Paul worshipped is eternal, immortal, invisible and full of wisdom.
H. Need For Discipline:
• I Timothy 1:18-20
• Paul charges his son in the gospel to put up a good fight. He told Timothy to hold the faith and a good conscience.
• Hymenaeus and Alexander were blasphemers who opposed sound doctrine.
• These men were delivered to Satan not for damnation, but for discipline (I Corinthians 5:5).
I. Exhortation To Worship And Praise
• I Timothy 2:1-8
• The second chapter continues Paul’s exhortation, giving instructions for prayer and worship.
• Men should pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without anger and unbelief.
• Jesus, in His humanity, has become our Mediator. Because of this, we know that God will hear and accept our prayer and thanksgiving
J. Women’s Place In Worship:
• I Timothy 2:9-15
• Timothy was given instruction regarding a godly woman’s appearance and manner of dress.
• Women who profess godliness do not need adornment.
• Not only were the outward appearances to be holy, but the spirit and attitude must be right.
• Women are to be in subjection to men.
• They must know their proper place and never usurp authority over men.
• Part of the curse of womanhood was sorrow in childbearing, but there is a promise to those who are faithful that there will be no danger in childbearing.
• In verse 15, there is a second meaning, which should be considered.
