1 Timothy 1

1 Timothy 1:1-2

Greetings

• Paul identifies himself as Apostle writing to Timothy.
• Timothy is identified as my true son in the faith.
• Paul had preached the Gospel to Timothy.
• Timothy had been prepared from birth by his grandmother and mother.
• We can learn that grandparents and parents can have a great influence in the spiritual life of a child by reading and teaching the Scriptures.
• We can learn, too, that by memorizing Scripture as a child will be used later by the Holy Spirit to open their mind and heart to the Gospel.

1 Timothy 1:3-11

Oppose false teachers

• There are always false teachers.
• We must always be aware of the fact that there are false teachers.
• Often false teachers appear to be the holiest people in the congregation.
• If we have studied, know, and believe the truth, we will spot them much more quickly.
• It is important and a responsibility of the pastor to know what people believe and are teaching.
• False teachers will
  • Teach something false. Sometimes it is very subtle, so we must clarify at times. They may even change the common definition to what they want it to mean.
  • Teach things that are speculation to be an important doctrine/s.
  • Teach the Law (Torah) without even understanding what it really means and/or how it applies to the Christian. Compare the controversy in Acts 15:1-35.
• This false teaching has an effect on the people leading to discussions, debates, disagreements, etc. so in effect diverting the people from what is important to what is not important.
• Paul teaches that the Law is useful for convicting a person of their sins by showing God’s holy standard of thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

1 Timothy 1:12-17

Paul’s Testimony and Thankfulness

• Now, Paul rehearses his conversion. Paul considered himself to be blameless according to the Law’s standards (at least outwardly). See Philippians 3:6.
• Paul mentions some of his sins
  • Blasphemer
  • Persecutor
  • Insolent
• Despite his sins, Paul thanks God for His great mercy in giving him understanding of the Gospel and the Gospel itself, which is of Jesus Christ.
• He feels that he is one of the worst of sinners and God’s love showed its greatness towards him.
• We notice the greatness of God’s patience.
• Paul, then, praises God for
  • Being King (King of the universe for sure)
  • Being eternal, immortal, invisible, God who alone is wise
• Because of all these things, God is worthy of the highest honors and praise.

1 Timothy 1:18- 20

Stand true

• Paul reminds Timothy of the prophecies given when he was ordained.
• One of Timothy’s ministries is to wage warfare. This
  • Is not physical as in using the sword.
  • Is spiritual by thinking, living, preaching as a Christian
• Keeping faith is being faithful to what he has been taught by Paul and others.
• A blunted conscious is possible by ignoring or diminishing these teachings.
• Paul mentions 2 teachers who have sinned against God—Hymenaeus and Alexander. These 2
  • Blasphemed God
    • Taking His name in vain
    • Lying about His character and His character traits
    • Teaching lies, which are things not found in the teaching of Jesus Christ or His apostles.

Applications

• Teach our children
• Remember what we are taught
• Be aware that there are false teachers. Some may not reveal themselves until after they have taught truth and have the trust of the congregation.
• We need to study the truth first then do apologetics.
• God will hold teachers responsible if they teach error.
• God wants people saved. So we need to preach and live the Gospel.
• Be thankful for God’s love and mercy. We are not to take those things for granted.
• It is OK to name names.