Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Overview of 1 Timothy 1–6

It was the Apostle Paul’s fourth missionary journey. While he went on to Macedonia he left Timothy, his young understudy, to take care of the Ephesian church. This first letter of Paul to Timothy was written to help Timothy do his work more effectively in Paul’s absence. Paul instructed Timothy on how to deal with false teachings and administer the affairs of the growing church through the selection and appointment of qualified church leaders. The emphasis was for Timolthy to know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household (1 Timothy 3:15).

The brand of false teaching Timothy had to deal with combined Gnosticism (with its dualistic belief that the body is evil and only the spirit is good) decadent Judaism (that focused on endless myths and genealogies) and false ascetism (that forbade the enjoyment of God’s good gifts). Paul had to instruct Timothy on practical matters such as dealing with different groups with different strengths, weaknesses and needs in the church to ensure its smooth running. Many apt warnings are given so that the church does not lose out through strained wrong relationships and the mishandling of money. Many of these are issues that we face in our churches today.

We have in this epistle an invaluable manual on church administration.


Stop People from Teaching False Doctrine
Read 1 Timothy 1:1-11

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer. 1 Timothy 1:3

Many people like to be looked up to as Bible teachers. Leaders have to be careful about what is being taught because not every one who teaches is competent to teach sound doctrine. There are also false teachers who do more damage than good with their teachings. Hearers should carefully test what is being taught before accepting it.

False teachers tend to major on the minor and promote controversies rather than God’s work. They are not sincere in their teaching and much of what they so confidently teach is meaningless talk. They try to impress with their cleverness and those who follow after them are led astray.

God’s Law is good if used properly. It is meant to turn sinners from their ways and helps them conform to the glorious Gospel of our blessed God. The false teachers will, however, use it to promote controversies and split Christians over minor and obscure points. They should be stopped. Our energies should instead be diverted to doing God’s work with a clear conscience and sincere faith issuing from a pure heart filled with love not bitterness.

There are two tests for any teaching. The are:
i) is it in accord with the rest of Scripture?
ii) what is its effect on its hearers?

Church leaders must be vigilant. They must guard the pulpit ministry and watch who they invite to teach and preach in their churches.

Pray for wisdom and discernment for your leaders in the planning of the pulpit ministry of your church. Pray for the Sunday speakers and teachers of the word that they will teach the word and the whole counsel of God.