How to run a church – Manuals for troubleshooters.

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This was a time when the first generation of Christians were being superseded by the next, and familiar problems were sprouting everywhere like weeds after rain.

Paul had written three pastoral letters: 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus.

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 they 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.

How To 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].

Church Leaders. 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}.

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.

True Wealth 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.

Key Scriptures 1 Timothy 4 verse 12.

“Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

1 Timothy 6 verse 12.

“Fight the good fight for the faith; take hold of eternal life, to which you were called and have made a good confession before many witnesses.”

God Bless.

OFJ