True Fitness

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Paul advises Timothy, in verses 7-11, to spend more time and energy on spiritual fitness than physical fitness.

Do you take this advice, dear Reader?

As I consider the number of minutes I spend on each objective, I am guilty of misplaced priority.

Timothy's Curriculum

Paul suggests that Timothy base his teaching upon the content of verses 1-5.

Who picks your curriculum, dear Reader? How do you decide what to study and learn?

Message from the Spirit

In verses 1-5, Paul warns Timothy against arbitrary rules of conduct.

Marriage should not be forbidden, and strict food rules are unbiblical.

Outline of 1 Timothy 4

1. Teach only what the Spirit teaches you
   
2. Spiritual health is even more important than physical health
   
3. Timothy, remember and apply your special spiritual gift
   
4. Reminder: teach the truth of the Spirit
   

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Follow the Leader

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There is no such thing as a leader in isolation.

Someone is always above the person who appears to be in charge.

In fact, when Jesus was on earth, he made it clear that he was simply fulfilling his father's business.

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3:16

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Jesus

1. came to earth
   
2. was fully human
   
3. pleased God
   
4. was seen by angels
   
5. preached to the nations
   
6. had people put their faith in him
   
7. returned to heaven
   

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Why Write?

Paul would rather visit Timothy in person, but he may be delayed.

Writing is another way to share truth about the Christian life.

Qualifications of a Deacon

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1. Man of dignity
   
2. Not double-tongued
   
3. Not a lush
   
4. Not fond of sordid gain
   
5. Holds to faith with clear conscience
   
6. Tested
   
7. Beyond reproach
   
8. Monogamous
   
9. Effective manager of children
   
10. Effective manager of home life
    

Qualifications of an Overseer (Elder)

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Worthy goal

1. Above reproach
   
2. Monogamous
   
3. Temperate
   
4. Prudent
   
5. Respectable
   
6. Hospitable
   
7. Able to teach
   
8. Not a lush
   
9. Gentle
   
10. Peaceable
    
11. Not in love with money
    
12. Manages household well
    
13. Children are well-behaved
    
    1. Leadership starts in the home, not the church
       
14. Experienced Christian
    
    1. Not conceited
       
    2. Avoid devil's condemnation
       
15. Good secular reputation
    
    1. Not fall into reproach
       
    2. Avoid the snare of the devil
       

Based upon the NASV

Elders and Deacons

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Paul writes that people who desire to take leadership in the church have an admirable goal.

This reminds me of a conversation I had once with a friend. We discussed volunteering, and I asked why anyone would ever subject themselves to school board service. It's stressful and unpaid.

He replied that his brother had been a school board president, and that the goal was to help the schools improve and provide a top-notch education.

I imagine that this should be the motivation of church elders and deacons, too.

Outline of 1 Timothy 3

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How to Be a Church Leader

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I

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There's the key!

Paul writes "I" in verses 9 and 12.

This is Paul's personal approach, not a universal principal.

1 Corinthians 14:39

In this verse, Paul explicitly forbids the Corinthian church to forbid speaking in tongues.

However, in today's culture, very conservative churches forbid speaking in tongues.

Why do we take the message that women should keep silent in churches more seriously than Paul's teaching on tongues?

1 Peter 3

In 1 Peter 3, we find another extended passage which appears very similar to 1 Timothy 2.

One safe theme is that our actions should influence behavior without words.

I'm not a strong enough leader to influence others without words.

Check out Mart De Haan's Post

Been Thinking About: Marriage in the Balance

Controversial Passage: vv. 9-15

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Verses 9-15 are incredibly challenging.

Here are a couple of blog posts related to these verses:

Women in the Church- 1 Timothy 2:8-15, part 3 adopts the complementarian rather than the egalitarian interpretation.



Reading 1 Timothy 2:9-15 in Its Literary Context proposes that "[r]eading 1 Timothy 2:9-15 within its literary context indicates that Paul is not addressing women here simply because they are women," and consequently that it is not necessary to adopt either the complementary or egalitarian position on this passage.

What I find most difficult as I struggle with these verses is that the egalitarian position appears to be much younger than the complementarian position. This point is made repeatedly by the complementarians.

However, this does not make it necessarily the correct interpretation.

For example, the egalitarian position with respect to race is younger than the complementarian position. This has important implications!

Are there any Christians willing to adopt a complementarian position on race? Or is this perspective outdated?

My claim is that it is outdated.

Maximization

In verses 1-8, Paul tells Timothy that he wants to see as many people as possible praying for as many people as possible, because God wants as many people as possible "to be saved."

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Outline of 1 Timothy 2

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1. Prayer
   
2. Women
   

Key Verse: I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing (8).

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Fight the Good Fight

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Living the Christian life is not all about functionalism. Sociology's conflict theories have value in helping a Christian interpret the world's events, too.

Paul reminds Timothy to "fight the good fight" against Hymenaeus and Alexander.

I wonder what it means to hand these two men over to Satan?

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1 Timothy 1:15-17

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It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.

Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (NASB)

Damaged Goods

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In verses 12-14, Paul thanks Jesus for the privilege of service, despite his terrible past.

Ignorance was forgiven.

In what ways am I ignorant?

I don't want to stay there. It is easier to escape once I understand that even Paul's ignorance was covered over by grace.

A Big "If"

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We know that the Law is good, if it is used in the right way (NIV).

This implies that God's Law can be used in the wrong way, that it can cause great damage.

Motivation

What's my motivation when I teach?

In verse 5, Paul reminds Timothy that his motivation should be:

1. love
2. pure heart
3. good conscience
4. sincere faith 

What Not to Teach

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In verses 3-4, Paul emphasizes Timothy's charge to emphasize what shouldn't be taught.

This is surprising. I'd have expected Paul to lead with a statement of what Timothy should be teaching.

There is great value in restraining wrong thinking. At times, it can be more urgent than implementing right thinking.

Outline of 1 Timothy 1

1. Greetings
   
2. The Law
   
   1. False Teachers
      
   2. Its Purpose
      
3. Paul's Gratefulness
   
   1. God Is Paul's Source
      
   2. Jesus Is Paul's King
      
4. Instructions
   
   1. Timothy's Prophetic Ministry
      
   2. Warning Against False Teachers
      

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Golden Mean

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6:6-8 reminds me of Solomon's words in Ecclesiastes 7:14-18, a Biblical description of the golden mean.

Responsibility

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Paul makes it clear, in 4:13-16, that faithful service to God includes hard work and an act of volition, not simply of faith.

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Mentor

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Paul encourages Timothy's leadership in 4:12. Godliness is more important to effective service than age.

Do I hold myself back because of my age? Would I be more effective (at school, at church, and at home) if I actively sought a mentor?

Bill Hybels, in his book Axiom, suggests that people ask for mentoring which is tied to a specific area of need and growth. He also suggests seeking multiple mentors for multiple areas of growth. This allows the person seeking mentoring to ask for advice catered to each mentor's strengths, and avoids the trouble caused when one person is completely dependent upon another.

Related links:
http://weblogg-ed.com/2009/personalizing-education-for-teachers-too/

Where in the world is Timothy?

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In 1:3, we learn that Timothy is serving in Ephesus.

So You Want To Be a Pastor?

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This epistle is written as a primer and encouragement to Timothy, a young pastor and friend to Paul.

Here's a brief outline:

1. Be careful of false teachings
   
2. I, Paul, am a positive model
   
3. Pray lots
   
4. Paul's thoughts on women
   
5. Elders and deacons
   
6. Living like a pastor
   
7. Caring for widows
   
8. Concluding advice
   

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