Introduction to 1 Timothy – 1 Timothy 3:14-15

Introduction to 1 Timothy. Key verse examined along with the key overall themes of the Book.

Context and Background

1. The New Testament Grouping
   1. Part of Pastoral Epistles: I & II Timothy & Titus
   2. Referred to as the Pastoral Epistles as they are addressed to men in pastoral ministry: Timothy & Titus.
2. The Author (Paul)
   1. Strong support from early church fathers. For example:
      1. Ignatius
      2. Polycarp
      3. Justin Martyr
      4. Clement of Alexandria
      5. Tertullian
      6. Irenaeus
   2. Place of writing: Possibly Laodicea (see subscription at end of chapter 6)
3. The Date
   1. Two main views
      1. Post Acts – A.D. 64 or 65
      2. After Paul left Ephesus in Acts 20:1 on his third missionary journey – A.D. 58 or 59. More likely date. Ephesian church still in its infancy and thus in need of direction. Timothy still in his youth.
4. The Occasion
   1. Paul’s departure from Ephesus to Macedonia (1:3)
   2. The threat of false teaching and lack of order.

Central Theme

1. Key Verses – 3:14-15
2. Church Order – “behave thyself”
   1. God’s order for doctrine and teaching
   2. God’s order for men in the church
   3. God’s order for women in the church (e.g. teaching & modesty)
   4. God ordained offices for the church (Bishops & Deacons)
   5. Instructions for proper pastoral conduct in the local church – e.g. the pastor’s relationship to the various individuals in the church such as elderly men, young men, elderly women, young women, widows etc…
3. Church Doctrine – “truth”
4. ‘pillar’ = column (e.g. like a pillar in the temple). The church displays the truth as a witness to a world filled with error. It is the Propagator of the truth.
5. ‘ground’ = firm foundation, base, stay or prop. This refers to the churches guardianship of the truth. It is the Protector of the truth.

Key Observations

The Divine blueprint for Church Practice

1. Note the phrase “good and acceptable” in 2:1 & 5:4
2. 1 Cor. 14:40 “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
3. 1Cor. 14:33 “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”
4. Structure and order is honoured of the Spirit of God.
5. Illustration: The pattern of the tabernacle
   Ex. 25:8-9 “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.”
6. Contrasted with the modern de-emphasis on church structure.

The Necessity of Sound Doctrine

1. There are 8 references to the word ‘doctrine’ in I. Timothy.
   1. 1:3 – “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightiest charge some that they teach no other doctrine.”
   2. 1:10 – “…and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.”
   3. 4:6 – “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou has attained.”
   4. 4:13 – “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”
   5. 4:16 – “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”
   6. 5:17 – “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”
   7. 6:1 – “Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.”
   8. 6:3 – “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;”
2. There are 17 references to the word ‘doctrine’ in the Pastoral Epistles combined. The words ‘teach’ and ‘teaching’ are found 11 times. The word ‘truth’ appears 13 times. The word ‘doctrine’ occurs a total of 51 times in our KJV Bible.
3. Strict adherence to doctrine was a mark of the early Christians Acts 2:42 “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
4. Believers are commanded to separate from those who propagate false doctrine Rom. 16:17 “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”
   1. ‘mark’ = from the Greek word skopei:w (skopeio) from where our word ‘scope’ is derived (e.g. telescope). It is translated elsewhere as “take heed” (Lk. 11:35); “look at” (II. Cor. 4:18); ‘considering’ (Gal. 6:1) & “look on” (Phil. 2:4).
   2. ‘avoid’ = to turn away from; to shun
5. The contrast of the modern church
   1. The example of Pat Boone – “Doctrine divides, experience unites. We don’t all have our doctrine completely correct, but God doesn’t judge us on our understanding of doctrine.”
   2. The example of Bill Gaither
      1. “I view building bridges of understanding of different cultures and philosophical points of view as part of my calling. Unity does not depend upon our consensus of opinion but on our unity in Christ.”
      2. “Finger pointing is never, I think of God. Because I know that Scripture “judgment is mine, saith the Lord.” When we get out of the judgment business and just get into the being business, the being what God wants us to be, it will take care of itself.”
   3. The example of Rick Warren – “God won’t ask about your religious background or doctrinal views. The only thing that will matter is, did you accept what Jesus did for you and did you learn to love and trust him?”

The Tone of Urgency

1. The word ‘charge’ occurs 6 times (1:3; 1:18; 5:7; 6:13; 6:17). Four of these are given directly to Timothy to rouse him to spiritual action. Two are charges Timothy is to enjoin upon others.
2. The subject matter of this Epistle is not to be treated lightly or be trifled with.

Conclusion

Are you committed to sound doctrine? Is your conduct in the local church in line with the blueprint of Scripture? What is your attitude towards the house of God?

Sermon 1 of 27 in 1 Timothy Series

Sermon Audio Id: 2211634332