October 17, 2021

1 TIMOTHY: COACHING FOR GOD’S HOUSE

October 17, 2021

Matt Willmington

 

Often, teens are anxious to leave the parental nest to get away from the “rules” there. They haven’t learned that we all, regardless of age, live by rules! Can you give examples?

Although Paul never married and had children, he often called Timothy, a young man raised by a godly mother and grandmother, “my true son in the faith.” The Book of First Timothy is a personal letter from Paul to aid Timothy as he preaches the gospel he has learned from childhood. Full of guidelines for most classes of persons who make up a local body of believers, 1 Timothy is perfect for establishing churches today. With these instructions, most churches built on the foundation of the inerrant, infallible word of God will flourish. Within the teachings are doxologies, praises to God that seem to burst from Paul’s soul as he magnifies Jesus’ Name.

Focal Passage: The Book of 1 Timothy 

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17           

MEN-WOMEN

  • Read 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Before laying out guidelines for the working of the church, Paul gives instructions on how to live a peaceful life. How are we to do that? Why is this sometimes very difficult?
  • Read 1 Tim. 2:8. What is the simple exercise for the men in this verse? Why is it necessary for men to put away from themselves anger or arguing? Why can true prayer not be effective while in a combative mood? Read Jas. 1:19-20. Is this your answer?
  • Read 1 Tim. 2:9-11. What is the first counsel for a woman? Why is a woman’s clothing such a vital testimony? What are the abstract items that a woman can “wear”? How can a woman be so nice that she seems beautiful all the time?

God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory. 1 Tim. 3:16.

CHURCH LEADERS—YOUNG PEOPLE

  • Read 1 Tim. 3:1, 4, 5, 7. Why are the leaders of the church held to a higher standard than the flock? What are some of the qualities a pastor must develop? Read Jas. 3:1-2. How does James reinforce the duty of teaching?
  • Read 1 Tim. 4:12-16. What are the five areas of life that Paul counseled Timothy to excel in? If you lived this way, would you make an impact on your friends? What will be the result if Timothy is the example Paul exhorts him to be (vs. 15)?

WIDOWS—SERVANTS–WEALTHY

  • Read 1 Tim. 5:9-10. The church did not have money to waste, so restrictions were needed. When was a widow worthy of church support? Why did she need to be over sixty, and without family? What kind of testimony should she have?
  • Read 1 Tim. 6:1-2. Most of the people you know do not have servants. However, if you work, you qualify as a “servant” of your employer. What are the guidelines for you as you serve your employer? Are these recommendations only for good or kind employers? How can you ruin your testimony at work?
  • Read 1 Tim. 6:7-10, and 17-19. What will God provide that should make us content? Did we do anything for Him to bless us with more than this? What is it that drives people to desire more (and more, and more)? Why is this wrong? What is the key to wealth that is in verse 18? What is the treasure in verse 19?

He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen. 1 Tim. 6:15-16. 

Close

Many of us in the church have had mentors: someone who took time from their busy lives to instruct, guide, or teach a young person many of the basics that would enable them to make choices leading to a life of godliness. Others of us wish we could have had someone to pour godly wisdom into our lives, causing us to avoid pitfalls that have scarred us for life. And yet, God can take any broken spirit, bad choice, or sinful lifestyle, and bring good out of the bad when there is a repentant heart, a broken spirit, and a believing soul. Praise God for His wondrous works to the sons of men!

Timothy served Paul as a son all the days of Paul’s life. Can you imagine the wisdom poured into this young man? It will be exciting to meet him in heaven and hear the stories of how he furthered the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Are we that sold out to God, that we can serve as a mentor, or have a desire to be mentored? As you read the guidelines for godliness, did you see yourself in any of the categories Paul listed? Perhaps you’re a widow, over sixty, with no one left in your family. The church, then, becomes your family and takes care of your needs. Your good works within the church family will bless you as it blesses them. You’ll find new beginnings in service to God. Perhaps you are a young person, looking for the good life. Did you notice Paul said in one of the verses that the counsel he had laid out would give you a peaceful and tranquil life? No matter your age or ability, almost everyone can identify themselves somewhere within these six chapters, and take them to heart. Meanwhile, Satan wants to isolate you, remove you from those who can help you, and devour your joy. Don’t allow it! As we used to sing, “Take the Name of Jesus with you..it will joy and comfort give you, take it everywhere you go!”*

 

*Precious Name, by Lydia Baxter.

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