This is the first of two books or epistles written by the apostle Paul to the young Christian Timothy. As Paul says in the opening chapter he had nurtured Timothy from an early age, in 1 Timothy 1: 2 he opens by saying - 2 To Timothy my true son in the faith.
In this book Paul gives Timothy clear practical guidelines as how to live as a Christian. Back in the book of Philippians Paul was clearly pleased with how Timothy had developed in his faith. While Paul was in prison he could trust Timothy by sending him to Philippi on his behalf to encourage the church there for he says in Philippians 2: 20 - 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.
Paul is greatly encouraged by the strength of character Timothy had with the discipline needed to council the church in Ephesus, and he says in 1 Timothy 1: 3 - 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.
Obeying the law is not sufficient, Paul is also quick to re-emphasis the foundational motivation to the Christian faith, it is God’s love in their hearts and reminds the church we live by faith. Paul says on 1 Timothy 1: 5 - 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
In the closing verses of the chapter Paul askes Timothy to recall the prophecy he made over Timothy, to encourage him as he faced the different foes and opposition. He says in 1 Timothy 1:18 and 19 - 18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.
In the second chapter, Paul explains how to stay strong in his faith by emphases the importance of his relationship with his God in prayer. He first explains his approach to God is only through Jesus. He says in 1 Timothy 2: 1 to - I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people.
In the third chapter Paul instructs Timothy as to the role the church leadership have and the importance of being an example by their lifestyle. He talks about the two levels of leadership, the Overseers; they are to be beyond reproach, those who oversee the running of the church and the conduct of those that serve in the church the deacons.
In chapter four Paul warns Timothy of church members who will try and introduce doctrines and ideas that are not of God. He tells Timothy to command and teach, he is to assert his authority as well as teach the church the truth, again telling him to exercise the gift given him and not to be undermined in spite of Timothy being young. We read in 1 Timothy 4:11 to 16 - 11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
In the final chapter of this book, Paul tells Timothy how to conduct himself towards the members of the church because he is a young man. 1 Timothy 5:1 & 2 = Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
He reminds Timothy to support the widows 1 Timothy 5:3 to 16. He also advises Timothy how to deal with sensitive issues towards the elders of the church who hold an honourable position. He says in 1Timothy 5:17 to 21. 17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.
