Timothy And Titus Series

January 08, 2022

Now to the letters to Timothy and Titus.

All three letters were likely written around 65/66 AD

Paul was entrusting Timothy, in Ephesus, and Titus, in Crete, with the Gospel that he had sacrificed so much to proclaim.

Which brings us to My Favorite Thing About 1st and 2nd TIMOTHY and TITUS ---- Paul’s instructions to young pastors.

Timothy

At the end of Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, he warned the church of false teachers – inside and outside the church {Acts 20:28-31}. Paul repeated these warning to Timothy:

• Myths, Genealogies, Controversies, Meaningless talk (1:4; 1:6; 4:7)

o 1 Timothy 1:3-7 - As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus, in order that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, 4 nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. 5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, 7 wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.

• Quarrels over words (6:4)

o 1 Timothy 6:3-5 - If anyone advocates a different doctrine, and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.

• Empty chatter, False Knowledge, Opposing arguments (6:20)

o 1 Timothy 6:20-21 - O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge " -- 21 which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you.

Dealing with troublemakers was only part of the problem in Ephesus. There were some who were seeking leadership positions who had no business being leaders in the church, so, Paul also gave Timothy practical advice regarding church worship structure and how to choose spiritual and practical leaders:

Elder:

• Is above reproach.

• Has only one wife.

• Is temperate – prudent – respectable – hospitable.

• Is able to teach.

• Is not addicted to wine.

• Is not quick to argue and is not contentious.

• Is gentle.

• Is free from the love of money.

• Is able to manage his own household and keep control of his children.

• Is not a new convert.

• Has a good reputation inside and outside the church.

Deacon:

• Is dignified.

• Is not double tongued.

• Is not addicted to wine.

• Is not fond of sorted gain.

• Has only one wife.

• Holds onto the mysteries of faith with a clear conscience.

• Is a good manager of their children and household.

Deaconess:

• Is dignified.

• Is temperate.

• Is not malicious gossip.

• Is faithful in all things

Don’t just get any warm body to fill leadership roles in the church. Be picky about it because these individuals will lead the church and set the transformational tone for the congregation.

Regarding Widows:

• Her family is responsible for her care – the church steps in if she has no family.

• She must really be a widow and above the age of 60.

• If she is young, she should be encouraged to remarry instead of seeking handouts from the church.

Regarding Leaders:

• Hold in high esteem Elders who excel at preaching and teaching.

• Accusations made against an elder must have 2 or 3 witnesses. If the charge is true, deal with it publicly.

• Do not show partiality.

• Do not be hasty to reinstate a leader who has been disciplined.

Regarding Personal Conduct:

• Set a moral example for your congregation.

• Be content with what you have – the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil

• Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness

• Fight the good fight of faith and take hold of eternal life.

• Be obedient to the word of God.

Timothy, you have been gifted by God, called into ministry and hands have been laid on you. God did not give you a spirit of fear. He gave you a spirit of power and love and a sound mind. Therefore, don’t be ashamed of the testimony of Jesus or of me.