Paul & Timothy in 1 Corintians 4

Paul informs the Corinthian church that he is sending Timothy to remind them of Paul's "way of life."

Timothy's ministry is still a partnership, based upon teamwork and modeling, but he is now being sent out alone.

Paul is gradually giving Timothy more and more independence and authority.

Timothy times twenty-nine

The name Timothy appears in the Bible 29 times.

In Acts 16-20, Timothy appears seven times. In every case, his is part of a group.

There is no need to be a Lone Ranger in service to Christ. Timothy's early service was completely as a member of a team.

We Meet Timothy

According to the Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary Volume 2: New Testament, we first meet Timothy in Acts 16:1-3, part of Paul's second missionary journey.

It is believed that Timothy first came to faith as a result of Paul's preaching on his first missionary journey, just two years before Paul recruits him.

Hymenaeus and Alexander

Christians must be evervigilant.

Hymenaeus and Alexander were sincere believers whose faith ws "shipwrecked."

Paul "handed them over to Satan" to teach them a lesson.

It is vital that believers not engage in sinful actions which require this level of intervention.

But many of us do, in fact, require a strong level of correction.

Avoid Pointless Arguments

Part of keeping our faith strong is avoiding pointless arguments.

This is not the same thing as avoiding thoughtful conversation. But debate is futile in the arena of science vs. religion.

So don't bother.

Characteristics of Jesus

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1. God gives life
   
2. Testified before Pontius Pilate
   
3. Will reappear on earth
   
4. Blessed
   
5. Sovereign
   
6. Top King
   
7. Top Lord
   
8. Immortal
   
9. Surrounded in unapproachable light
   
10. Never seen by humans
    
11. Honored
    
12. Eternal ruler
    

Love of Money

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In verses 6-12, Paul teaches the following:

1. Goal: godliness with contentment
   
2. Implied: a person can experience godliness without contentment!
   
3. Existence: we enter and leave the world with nothing of value
   
4. Needs: food and clothing
   
5. Wants: everything else
   
6. Danger: love of everything else
   
7. Consequence: ruin and destruction
   
8. Alternative: pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness
   
9. Word picture: fight the good fight of faith
   
10. Result: eternal life
    

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We Are Family

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In verses 1-2, Paul directs Timothy (and the members of his church) not to distinguish among the various gender and age groups represented, but to treat one another respectfully, as brothers and sisters and parents.

Keep Up the Good Work

In verses 13-16, Paul encourages Timothy to use his gift to continue teaching and sharing Scripture.

He also tells Timothy not to neglect his gift. This implies that it's possible to neglect spiritual gifts.

What gift do I neglect? What gift do you neglect, dear Reader?

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?

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 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

Outline of 1 Timothy 3

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How to Be a Church Leader

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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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