1 Timothy by Conrad Hilario (2014)

On the outside, Timothy appeared to be weak and timid, but God was able to make him into a spiritual leader. In his letter to Timothy, Paul urges him to ensure that the central message of Christ is emphasized. False teachers were trying to emphasize esoteric teachings that have no value. A community that emphasizes the right things is able to be used powerfully by God.

The Law shows us that we fall short of God's perfect standard. Many view the Law's stance on subjects like sexual immorality to be overly restrictive. But ultimately, the purpose of the Law is to lead us to Christ. Paul considered himself a trophy of God's grace in spite of his sin, and believers should take the same view of their own lives.

Many are bothered by passages in the Bible that seem to promote misogyny. When interpreted critically in light of grammar and history, there are numerous problems with this common interpretation of Scripture and many compelling alternatives. Rather than promoting discrimination towards women, Paul in his letter to Timothy is actually stressing the need to fight false teaching.

The Bible speaks of the desire to lead for God as a noble ambition. Instead of setting a standard of gifting or talent, God instead chooses to set a standard of character. Some of these character qualifications for elders include: being above reproach, being self-controlled, being level-headed, and to have a well-ordered life.

Christian leadership is vastly different than the kind of leadership that we often see in our culture. The character qualifications for elders and deacons are a picture of spiritual maturity. Some of these qualities include hospitality, perseverance, gentleness, and authenticity. Elders and deacons are also called to lead their families, learn to teach well, and to avoid both drunkenness and the love of money.

As a relatively inexperienced and young leader, Timothy had a variety of challenges to his leadership. Paul offers six pieces of advice: 1) don't be surprised when people fall away; 2) keep the message of Christ at the center; 3) you can't lead others unless you yourself are growing; 4) stand on the authority of God's Word; 5) remember that God commissioned you; and 6) people should see where our lives are heading. Those who are able to persevere in the face of challenges are able to do incredible work for God.

According to the Bible, we should view ourselves as stewards of what God has given us. The Bible exhorts us to provide for our families, the poor, and full-time Christian workers. The concept of stewardship can be lived out in a corporate sense through churches wisely deciding where to spend money. On an individual level, Christians should view their entire life as a gift from God and specifically take a stewardship view towards money and generosity.

Scripture informs us that God has given us money as a stewardship meant to provide for the needs of the poor. A life of materialism generates profound unhappiness and anxiety, and money can often ravage one's spiritual life as it becomes a false substitute for God. Those who choose against a futile lifestyle of materialism and instead choose to give to God's cause will be richly rewarded in heaven.