I Timothy for Beginners

Slavery existed in both Jewish and Pagan societies, as well as in the Roman Empire and among Christians. The main difference was that slaves in pagan societies were considered property and could be treated as desired. In Jewish and Christian communities, religious laws and Christian principles were included to protect slaves.

Although rarely commented on and not supported, the issue was not condemned outright for various reasons: it was an integral part of the social and economic environment, the practice was beginning to wane, there was no widespread replacement system, the focus of Christianity was on spiritual salvation, not social issues.

Honor and respect their pagan masters as a witness of their faith. We have the same responsibility today as we work in our various occupations. Our work ethic and attitudes reflect our belief system as Christians.

Do not take advantage of the fact that your master is a fellow believer. This is a wonderful situation but it does not remove the responsibility for us to fulfil our role as Christians. It perhaps adds even more responsibility as we serve, support, encourage and hold each other accountable.

Warnings to those who cause division (I Timothy 6:3-5). Division is hated by God (Proverbs 6:16-19.

Note: Although not specifically stated, the seven things listed cause division.). If one teaches a different doctrine than that given by our Lord and the apostles, it will cause division and lost souls; those who teach it and those who follow it. Timothy and the church are to oppose these type of teachings and those who teach it.

Warnings to those whose desire is money (I Timothy 6:6-10). True godliness focuses on being content with the blessings that God provides and using those blessings for His glory, not our personal gain. One pursuing (desiring) money can easily slip into that pursuit over pursuing godliness. The issue is focus. Anything that takes precedence over our desire for godliness is dangerous for our souls. See also Matthew 6:24; Proverbs 23:4-5; Proverbs 11:28; Ecclesiastes 5:10; I John 2:15-17; James 5:1-6)

Warning to ministers (I Timothy 6:11-15). These instructions are to Timothy and those serving as ministers in the church. (Author's opinion: Don't isolate the title of minister to those who preach from the pulpit. It can be applied to anyone serving the church regardless of role, gender, or status.) A person involved in ministry has a great deal of influence. Therefore, this influence must be used to support and encourage, not to cause division. Primary goals are to be for spiritual matters over worldly ones. Ministers, like everyone else, must strive for faithfulness to the Lord in all things. We are to use the gifts and opportunities given to us to further the proclamation of the gospel to everyone.

Paul opened his letter by stating his position as an apostle and offering grace, mercy and peace from God and our Lord Jesus. He concludes with strong encouragement to Timothy to maintain his faithfulness. Paul inserts praise and glory to God in the middle of his final instructions. This praise underscores the purpose of our lives as faithful servants, we are to glorify God in all ways. Paul is giving us an example of this. He speaks to the eventual return of our Lord, yet another reason to remain faithful.

Our focus is on obeying and serving our Lord. A major teaching of Jesus and the apostles was about remaining faithful in all things and not causing division. Note that even as Jesus was praying in the garden before His torture and death, He prayed for unity (John 17). There is a practical reason for this focus on unity. One tactic Satan uses against the church is to cause division. He knows that if we are divided we then can be easily defeated. When we stand united with our Lord and each other in our faith, then we are able to withstand Satan's attacks.