1 Timothy by Scott Risley (2014)

We start the book of 1 Timothy with background on the author Paul the Apostle and on Timothy (who the letter is written to). Paul talks about having a "pure heart and a good conscience, and a sincere faith". How can we have a good conscience serving God in today's world of compromise?

Timothy had to deal with false teachers pushing the idea that Christians need the Law to continue their spiritual growth. We learn from Paul that this is not true and he refutes it with Jesus's own teaching. The law isn't for the righteous but it is meant to lead those who need forgiveness toward God.

In this chapter, we look at some controversial passages regarding women in the church at Ephesus. These teachings have been twisted and used to sordid gain in the centuries since Paul wrote this. We learn how to interpret scripture with scripture and see what God's truth has to say on women in leadership, discipleship, and purpose in the body

Why should we want to be a leader? We learn from Paul what the qualifications are for being an elder and deacon. Timothy was given guidance from Paul on how to choose leaders and we can learn from this for those who aspire to be a leader in the body of Christ.

Paul writes to Timothy on more qualifications of an elder. Some of these characteristics are "to have a sharp mind...and are not given to drunkenness", we look at what the Bible says about alcohol and why this is a qualification for being an elder. There are many areas that God seeks to grow in potential leaders and Paul lists out many of them throughout this chapter.

Paul describes to Timothy what is needed in order to grow with God and train for Godliness. Paul talks about how it is not an easy method but you have to labor and strive for it. Though the work may take diligence, it can be joyful and fulfilling at the same time. God does not want us to live boring, joyless, or ungrateful lives, but this training is something we can do together in the body of Christ.

God isn't into the seniority system. He's looking to rescue people and He will work through everyone who is willing, even if they are young. Paul talks to Timothy on the importance of what he does and how it relates to his leadership as a young man. We look at the importance of church commitment and look at the downsides if we lack in this area.

The Bible calls us to be generous and use discernment. There were many in need in Timothy's church, mostly widows, and Paul teaches Timothy what qualifications there are to receive official aid from the church. Any generosity towards the need should not make them feel dependent on that aid, and our motivation for giving should not be from guilt but from our gratitude towards God.

People seek material gain to have a feeling of contentment in their lives and our culture perpetuates it. We are only trying to fill the God-sized hole in our own hearts. But God has delivered the ultimate fulfillment in the form of Christ's gift of eternal life.