Stamp Out Error! – 1 Timothy 1:1-5

Exposition of salutation and opening charge to Timothy to eradicate false teaching from the church at Ephesus.

1. Review of theme – Order in church practice and doctrine (2:14-15)
2. This lesson: Introductory salutation and Paul’s opening exhortation/charge to Timothy (refer Vs. 18).

The Author (Vs. 1)

Note: This Apostolic seal was of great importance if the churches were to receive the instructions from Timothy.

His Name – Paul

1. Definition – means ‘small’ or ‘little’. English word ‘pauper’ derived from this word.
2. Background – A Pharisee of the noblest rank and a Roman Citizen (II. Cor. 10:10)
   Phil. 3:4-7 “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me those I counted loss for Christ.”

His Office – Apostle

1. The Definition of the office: The word ‘apostle’ literally means “sent one”. In the New Testament, there were strict requirements for someone to qualify as an Apostle. A New Testament Apostle had to be an eyewitness of the earthly ministry of Christ from the time of His baptism by the hands of John the Baptist through to His Ascension (Acts 1:21-22). Paul was an Apostle to the Gentiles; one “born out of due time.” (I. Cor. 15:8)
2. The Appointment to the office
   1. ‘commandment’ From the time of his conversion, Paul exhibited a spirit of total consecration to the will and purpose of God for his life. “And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6)
   2. The Father & the Son
      1. God our Saviour – The Father is the source of salvation. Christ is the channel of salvation.
         Col. 1:12-13 – “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”
      2. Christ our Hope – Our confident expectation as believers is centred in a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ. ‘hope’ = absolute certainty of fulfilment.

The Recipient (Vs. 2)

His Name – Timothy

1. Definition: The name Timothy means, “he that honours God.” In Jewish families, names were generally not given without some significance being placed on the meaning of the name. Refer Genesis 29 & 30 (Rachel & Leah). Timothy was blessed with a godly mother & grandmother (II. Timothy 1:5). It is likely that this name reflects their godly desire that Timothy would grow up to be a man who would bring honour to the true and living God.
2. Background: He was a native of Lystra with a Jewish mother and Greek father. It is likely he was converted during Paul’s first missionary journey. He joins Paul on his second missionary journey.

His Relationship to Paul

1. “own son” = legitimate, genuine child. Paul gave birth to Timothy spiritually. Paul was not only committed to seeing men saved, he was also committed to seeing them trained and equipped for the service of God (II. Tim. 2:2).
   Phil. 2:19-22 “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.”
2. “the faith” = saving faith. The faith that brings a person to salvation.

His blessing by Paul

1. Unique to the Epistle’s of 1 & 2 Timothy (usually Grace & Peace only).
2. The three blessings.
   1. Grace – God’s unmerited favour. Experienced in salvation and in sanctification. Necessary for daily walk.
   2. Mercy – Divine pity
   3. Peace – Positional peace (with God) and practical peace (of God).
3. The Divine Source
   1. God the Father
   2. Christ the Lord

The Plea (Vs. 3-4)

1. Based on a previous instruction – ‘as’ & “so do”
   1. Due to Timothy’s timidity, Paul seeks to exhort and rouse him to carry out the apostolic instructions.
   2. Much of our need as believers is to act upon the truth we know; to be doers of the Word not hearers only.
2. ‘charge’ = command. I.e. a command from a superior officer to a subordinate.
3. ‘some’ – a group of false teachers within the Ephesian church. Note Paul’s warning to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:29-30.
4. Eradicate False Teaching
   1. Don’t teach it!
      1. “other doctrine” = another of a different kind. Paul warned elsewhere about “another Jesus”, “another spirit” & “another Gospel” (II. Cor 11:4)
      2. Titus 1:10-11 “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.”
      3. No careless attitude towards doctrine.
      4. No compromising of doctrine for the sake of unity
   2. Don’t entertain it!
      1. “give heed” = to give assent to, to adhere to, to attach oneself to, to commit oneself to
         Prov 19:27 “Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.”
         Gal 2:4-5 “And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.”
         2 Jn 1:10-11 “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”
      2. Examples of false teaching
         1. ‘fables’ = Fictitious teachings, myths
            1. Old wives fables (4:7)
            2. Jewish fables (Titus 1:14)
         2. ‘geneologies’ = tracing one’s lineage, spiritualising O.T. geneoligies
      3. Effect of false teaching
         1. They create confusion
         2. They do not edify – “…Let all things be done unto edifying.” 1 Cor 14:26

The Goal (Vs. 5)

1. ‘end’ = the goal, aim
2. ‘commandment’ = same word as ‘charge’ in Vs. 3.
3. ‘charity’ – Divine love. The love that can only be produced in the heart of a born again individual. This was not the goal of the false teachers. They were more concerned about their reputation as “teachers of the law”.
4. The three-fold source of this love
   1. A pure heart = a cleansed heart; a regenerated heart
   2. A good conscience = the seat of moral judgment. The faculty of the spirit that either approves or accuses our actions.
   3. An unfeigned faith = un-hypocritical. A hypocrite was an actor; someone who pretended be someone they were not in real life.

Conclusion

Stand for the Truth!

Sermon 2 of 27 in 1 Timothy Series

Sermon Audio Id: 2281647520