The letter is addressed to Timothy one of Paul’s loyal co-workers. Timothy was a man known to Paul from the days of Timothy’s youth. Paul knew Timothy’s mother and grandmother. Timothy was most likely now in Ephesus, helping to lead the church there. He was faced with many problems, most notably the false teachings that was being spread about by the false teachers.

This was a time when the first generation of Christians were being superseded by the next, and familiar problems were sprouting everywhere like weeds after rain.

Three pastoral letters: 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus.

In laying down the law. Paul has given us timeless set of guidelines to church leadership. They apply especially to anyone in Christian leadership today. But they also give church members an insight into what to pray and look for, as thay call people to various responsibilities in the church. This was not only pastoral responsibilities.  In church life, every worker must have similar spiritual qualifications to managers.

Importance of False and True teaching.      1 Timothy 1 verses 1 to 20.

Paul begins by addressing one of the main themes of the letter, false teaching. These teachers are characterized by being happy with Jewish myths, obscure genealogies, and emphasis of the law.

Pray. 1 Timothy 2 verse 1 to 15.

We should pray for those with political power {what a different this would be if we were more conscious in praying for our political leaders}.

We should pray in a spirit of Peace and Love, and we should pray in recognition of what God has done fro us. {We should always be thankful to Our Lord and Our Friend].

Leadership in The Church 1 Timothy 3 verse 1 to 13.

The types of church leaders, Elders and deacons. This was the same structure of leadership seen in The Book of Acts. The elders are responsible for the overall leadership of the church, deacons assist the elders and take a variety of practical tasks. However deacons were known to teach as in the case of Stephen and Philip. {Acts 7 verse 8}.

Practical Instruction 1 Timothy  verse 6 to 16.

Timothy is told to work hard, to concentrate on teaching the essentials, to earn and expect respect from others, and to read scriptures in Worship. He is also instructed to counter false teaching about marriage and clean and unclean food. To govern the church wisely.

Instruction About Worldliness 1 Timothy 6 verses 3 to 21.

Christians were known for helping the poor, but there had to be guidelines. Not everyone was deserving and Paul gives guidelines for sorting out who should be helped and how.

Timothy is about instruction, helping us all to understand, do we know the truths in God’s Word well enough to spot false teaching. False teaching is harmful, to our Christian growth and our walking In Our Lord and Our Friend. As we come to know more and more about Him, learn to love the instruction in His Word, He has for all of us.

God Bless.

O F J.