BE FAITHFUL

Date and Purpose Written after Paul’s 1 st Roman imprisonment (A.D.61-62) (Acts 28:16-31) A.D To set things right again in the church false doctrine (1:3-7; 4:1-3; 6:3-5) disorder in worship (2:1-15) the need for qualified leaders (3:1-14) and materialism (6:6-19)

1 Timothy 3:15 (NIV) [15] if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

1) GET BACK TO TRUTH!

How the Church Began

Acts 20:28-31 [28] Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. [29] I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. [30] Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. [31] So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

1 Timothy 1:3-4 (NIV) [3] As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer [4] nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work—which is by faith.

Urge Command Instruction/s Charge 3 (1:3, 2:1, 6:2) 7 (1:1, 1:3, 1:5, 4:11, 6:14, 6:17, 6:18) 5 (1:18, 3:14, 5:7, 5:21, 6:3) 3 (5:21, 6:13) Loud & Clear

1 Timothy 1:5-7 (NIV) [5] The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. [6] Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. [7] They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

1 Timothy 1:13-16 (NIV) [13] Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. [14] The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. [15] Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. [16] But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

2) HE HELD ON TO FAITH

1 Timothy 1:18-19 [18] Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, [19] holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.

Son of a Greek father and Jewish mother No mention of father being a Christian Mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois) known for their sincere faith Highly recommended by brothers from 2 cities Paul took him as a promising protégé Paul became like a spiritual father to Timothy 6 of Paul’s letters include Timothy in the salutations Timothy

Acts 14:19-20 (NIV) [19] Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. Witnessed Paul’s Stoning?

Trusted Messenger Acts 19:22 (NIV) [22] He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer. 1 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV) [17] For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church. Philippians 2:19 (NIV) [19] I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 1 Thessalonians 3:2 (NIV) [2] We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

A Dear Friend 2 Timothy 1:4 (NIV) [4] Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 2 Timothy 4:9 (NIV) [9] Do your best to come to me quickly, 2 Timothy 4:21 (NIV) [21] Do your best to get here before winter.

No One Like Him Philippians 2:20-22 (NIV) [20] I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. [21] For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. [22] But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.

Weaknesses Easily Discouraged 1 Timothy 1:3 (NIV) [3] As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer Timid/Easily Intimidated 2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV) [6] For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. [7] For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. Sickly 1 Timothy 5:23 (NIV) [23] Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. Young 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV) [12] Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

Ephesus Most important city of the Roman province of Asia “Guardian” of temple of Artemis (Diana) A city of 1000 years before Paul’s arrival Worship of Artemis as old as city Theater mentioned in Acts 19:29 seats 24,000 Wealthy city Multi-storied homes Mosaic floors Marble walls Found 2 heated bathrooms Prostitution and gambling huge

"Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in event of success."