I Timothy for Beginners
Paul's Charge to Timothy
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is the continued problem and Paul’s response to trouble caused by the false teachers. Of special note is Paul’s instructions and how they apply today.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand introductory information about Paul’s first letter to Timothy.
- Feel: Value the advice Paul provides Timothy for our faithfulness to Jesus.
- Do: Use Paul’s teachings to increase our faithfulness.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
The false doctrine of Gnosticism teaches that one had to have special knowledge in order to obtain salvation. It mixed Greek philosophy with mysticism and pagan religions, as well as teachings from Judaism and Christianity. Together these produced a doctrine different than what the Apostles taught.
Gnosticism produced an approach called, "Dualism". Dualism teaches that there are two eternal elements in the world: God/mind and Matter/flesh. God/mind was good, and matter/flesh was totally evil. Humans were a combination of these two. We have flesh, and therefore are totally evil and corrupt. To obtain salvation, our spirit had to escape from us. When that is done, then we can return to God and be at peace.
Paul introduces himself as an apostle of Jesus. This is not to carry the title as some position of honor, but to establish that he has the authority and responsibility to teach this information. Further, because of his apostolic authority, Timothy, as well as the church today are obliged to put these teachings into practice.
He further establishes that our hope is in Jesus Christ. This hope is the result of our salvation found only in Jesus.
He specifically addresses Timothy thus providing Timothy with credibility and integrity. He refers to Timothy as a "true child" to signify their closeness and Paul's trust in him. He blesses Timothy with grace, mercy, and peace.
Timothy is to remain in Ephesus and teach against false doctrine. It is interesting to note that the method of working against the false doctrine is to teach those that are teaching false doctrine.
Further, Timothy is to pay no attention to the endless discussions and speculation that serves only to distract and undermine faith. He is to focus instead on furthering the gospel through sound doctrine which leads to knowledge and faith.
The development of love because of the teaching. The fruit (outcome) is a pure heart, good conscience and sincere faith. The debates, pride and division are not the fruit of sound teaching.
The teachers are straying from the right path and are distracted by their fruitless discussions. They have left the doctrine of Christ to teach things they do not know answers to but profess to.
We also hear false doctrine that diverts our attention away from the pure gospel of Christ. For example, some are caught up in trying to determine the timeframe of the return of our Lord. Our Lord clearly teaches we cannot know the timeframe but should instead be ready for His return. (Matthew 24-25).
Paul states that the law is not made for the righteous, but the unrighteous. He gives specific examples, but not an exhaustive list, of who these are in verse 9-10. He explains that this is to show that Christians are under the principle of grace, not the principle of law. He teaches that the Law reveals:
- The nature of sin (Romans 3:20; Romans 7:7)
- The punishment for sin (Romans 6:23)
- God's justice (obey – live; disobey – die)
Under the principle of grace, God continues to forgive our sins as He transforms us into becoming perfect in Christ. This is contingent upon our being in Christ and our faithfulness.
Under the principle of law, if we sin, we are condemned. Anything less than perfection is unacceptable. We are saved if we do not sin. It is a salvation based on works.
Because the law is designed for godless, unrepentant, ignorant sinners. Paul gives a general listing in verse 10 and concludes it with, "and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching."
To teach (influence others to develop and practice belief) anything contrary to the gospel is condemned. This specifically targets false teachings. (Note: A follow-on suggested question is to draw a relationship between Paul's warnings about false teachers and James 3:1. As teachers, we will be judged more harshly because of our ability to influence the faith of others. Those that teach false doctrine face severe judgment for their actions. It is even more important, therefore, that we teach truth.)
- He establishes Timothy and his teachings as legitimately coming from God.
- He condemns the teachings and teachers of Gnostic ideas as false.
We face the same issues today. Nothing has changed from the writings of Paul to the present. The acceptable response for us is to focus on the gospel of Christ and not let man-made philosophies, myths and fruitless discussions and questions change our focus on the true gospel and undermine our faith.