LESSONS FOR LEADERS.
Commentary on 1 & 2 TIMOTHY and Titus
Mr K Gerner BA
-O0O-
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CONTENTS
No.1. INTRODUCTION.
Background to the Epistles of Timothy & Titus.
SPIRITUAL HOMES 1 Tim.1:1-14,2 Tim.1:1-7,Tit.1:1-5
No.2. SALVATION.(Message and Messenger)
1Tim.1:5-20,2Tim.1:8- 14,Tit.3:1-8
No.3. SUPPLICATIONS AND PRAYERS 1 Timothy.2:1-8.
No.4. SISTERS. (Womens dress & place) 1 Tim.2:9-15, Tit.2:4-5.
No.5. SPIRITUAL OVERSIGHT. (a) BISHOPS AND ELDERS
(i) Selection & qualifications. 1 Tim.3:1-7, Titus 1:5-16, 2:2
(ii) Support and Treatment 1 Tim.5:17-25
No.6. (b) DEACONS (i) Definition, qualities, Deaconesses. 1 Tim 3:8-13
(c) MINISTRY INSTRUCTIONS. 1 Tim.3:14ff
(d) FAITHFUL REWARDS & EXAMPLE 1 Tim 4:6-16.
No.7. SIGNS OF LAST DAYS.(Soldiering on)
1 Tim.4:1-5.2 Tim 1:5-18,2:1-13.Tit.2:7-18
No.8. SOCIAL QUESTIONS. (a) SLAVES & MASTERS.
Industrial relationships . 1 Tim.6:1-2, Titus.2:9-10
(b) SATISFACTION v GREED. (Money) 1 Timothy 6:6-19.
No.9. STANDING AGAINST FALSE TEACHING.
(a) Shun contentions. 1 Tim.6:3-5,20-21, Tit.1:10 11.
(b) "Scientific opposition"(Modernism)
(c) Dealing with controversy. 2 Timothy 2:14-15
No.10.(d) Corruption in last days,
(e) Firm stand on the Words of God.2 Tim 3:1-17.
No.11. SERVICE REWARDED. 2 Timothy 4:1-22.
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Lesson.1.INTRODUCTION AND SPIRITUAL HOMES.
1 TIMOTHY 1:1-14, 2 TIM.1:1-7, TITUS 1:1-5
" We see in Paul, a man, beside whose achievements, even a colossus like Napoleon, seems a pigmy, and Alexander the Great, the creature of an instant." ("Turning Points in History" by First Earl of Birkenhead.)
This series reveals the SECRET OF PAUL'S GREATNESS as a LEADER in his instructions to Timothy, which contain detailed and practical directions on BEHAVIOUR WITHIN THE LOCAL CHURCH, answering the question "How should the Fellowship be run ?" This is the main query addressed and answered by these three letters.
( 1TI 3:14 NIV Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,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.)
LET US DISCOVER HIS ANSWERS AND APPLY THEM TODAY !
INTRODUCTION TO NEW TESTAMENT LEADERSHIP.
Leaders in the N.T.were trained FIRST IN THE LOCAL CHURCH (often meeting in their own homes) and we must see what these local churches were like. We will examine what happened at EPHESUS (Timothy's home) including his experience of the Spirit and at CRETE (where Titus learned ministry.
(a) EPHESIAN CHURCH AND TIMOTHY. 1 Timothy 1:1-4
(i) BACKGROUND
EPHESUS was the Provincial capital of ASIA and an ideal Centre. Paul met Aquila and Priscilla at CORINTH, working on tents.
ACT 18:18 NIV Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.19 They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
When the 3 came to Ephesus, Paul preached briefly in the synagogue and then left the other two as FOUNDERS AND WORKING MISSIONARIES.
APOLLOS visit (Acts 18:24-28) led many to salvation, but it took the other two to instruct him on several matters (probably including Spirit Baptism) before he left for ACHAIA.
Paul's 2nd visit (Acts 19) lasted three years and saw the foundation of the Church.
ACT 20:31 NIV Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
It was based on the School of Tyrranus and house meetings.
ACT 20:20 NIV You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.
Paul taught on Holy Ghost Baptism, Healing and Deliverance.
TIMOTHY joined Paul's party in Ephesus, where he was send on by Paul.
ACT 19:22 NIV He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.
(ii) SPIRITUAL WARFARE.
Demon power was strong in this area. (Acts 19:11-20)
1CO 15:32 NIV" If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus", may refer to this period.
This demonic idol worship was backed by commercial interests.(Ac.19:28-40)
(iii) The EPHESIAN CHURCH
The CHURCH founded in this City however, was led by local elders.
ACT 20:17 NIV From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.
These may have included ONESIPHORUS for example
2TI 1:18 NIV You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.
Paul predicted external attack and internal strife at his last visit (Acts 17:20-35) but the last mention of the Church in Revelation 2 v.1-6ff. still shows eminent purity in doctrine, despite losing its first love and fire.
REV 2:2 NIV I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.
This may refer to the attempted introduction later of Judaistic teachings, which were designed to split the Church.
1TI 1:3 NIV 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.
The divisions seem to have arisen over speculative traditions on Jewish teaching, which led to arguments, similar to those of modernistic critical thinking.
The handling of Scripture in simple dependence on God and in a humble spirit, is diametrically opposed to this type of teaching, and much more FAITH BUILDING !
(b) TIMOTHY'S HOME. 11 Timothy 1:1-7
Timothy came from a model Christian family and was brought to Christ by Paul himself.
2TI 1:1 NIV Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,2 To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
2TI 1:5 NIV I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
His mother EUNICE, married a Greek and Timothy was born at LYSTRA, where he found Christ.
ACT 16:1 NIV He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek.2 The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him.3 Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
Paul always calls him a spiritual "Son"
1CO 4:17 NIV 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.
1TI 1:2 NIV To Timothy my true son in the faith: 2TI 1:2 NIV To Timothy, my dear son:
Cradled in the Bible and nurtured by Paul, he quickly grew in God.
THIS EARLY SALVATION IS VITAL FOR TRAINING LEADERS IN GOD'S WORK WHO KNOW THE BIBLE, AND IT WAS FOLLOWED BY PUBLIC BAPTISM, despite the Christian home he enjoyed already.
1TI 6:12 NIV Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Timothy may also have received Baptism in the Spirit through Paul
2TI 1:6 NIV 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.
BOTH THESE BAPTISMS ARE VITAL FOR CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY AND LEADERSHIP.
God's influence ran through his family and Timothy may well have started the preach the Gospel when young.
2CO 1:19 NIV Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Timothy,
Paul warned him of attractions to the opposite sex and the need of care.
2TI 2:22 NIV Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
1TI 5:2 NIV( treat the) older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
PHI 2:19 NIV I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, .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.23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me
2TI 2:2 NIV And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
1TI 5:23 NIV Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
How would this inference square with Paul's appointing him to the important evangelistic centre at Ephesus ?
Others have suggested Timothy lacked personal drive (based on Paul's repeated exhortations for him to speak out) but this can be accounted for by his having to deal with older men with whom he needed confidence in God. Development of his ministry in fact, was gradual from his babyhood ! You cannot get ministries overnight and even Paul thanked God for his Jewish preparation and background
2TI 1:3 NIV I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.
This reveals the need for us to PRAY FOR OUR OWN CONVERTS AND SEE THEM GROW, as Paul did with Timothy. Only when your converts are leading others to the Lord, can we leave instructing them...and we should never cease praying for them !
1SA 12:23 NIV As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you.
Paul may have had a letter here from Timothy, which triggered his prayerful affection.
2TI 1:4 NIV Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.
(c) TIMOTHY'S GIFT MINISTRY. 2 Timothy 1:6-7
2TI 1:6 NIV 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
(i) NEED TO KEEP FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
REKINDLING of this Gift would seem to refer to Paul's own Baptism in the Spirit (Acts ch 8 & 9) after salvation. This Baptism was usually accompanied by tongues of praise.
ACT 10:44 NIV While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said,
ACT 11:15 NIV "As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.'17 So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"
GOD'S PATTERN IS THAT WE CONTINUE TO USE OUR PRAYER TONGUES.
((ii) NEED TO REMEMBER AND RECORD PROPHETIC CALLING by the whole Church.
Timothy also had hands laid on him by the whole Presbytery
1TI 4:14 NIV Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
Timothy ia also exhorted to remember prophecies given to him (at the same time ?)
1TI 1:18 NIV 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,
A similar calling with prophetic utterance was given to Paul and Barnabas also in Acts 13 for their first Missionary journey.
(iii) NEED TO USE PRAYER TONGUES IN PRIVATE PLACE
This was one secret of Paul's ministry. He enjoyed extensive private prayer thus.
1CO 14:18 NIV I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
(iv) CLEAR CONSCIENCE.
He also advocated a CLEAR CONSCIENCE.
1TI 1:18 NIV 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.
(V) PROPHETIC IMPARTATION with laying on hands
Personal prophecies are good foundation for ministry
ACT 20:28 NIV Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.
This ministry needs exercised with care and waiting on God
1TI 5:22 NIV Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure
There is NO COMPULSION or drive with this ministry, but it is exercised by WAITING ON GOD.
(d) TITUS. Chap.1.v.1-5
Written about A.D.56, this letter was sent by Paul to "my true child", since Titus was another of his converts. Titus was a Gentile, temporarily sent to Crete, but greatly loved because of his hard-working nature
2CO 12:18 NIV I urged Titus to go to you and I sent our brother with him. Titus did not exploit you, did he?
He worked with his own hands to establish his ministry, based on service to others.
(i) CRETE
Some from Crete were converted at Pentecost.
ACT 2:11 NIV (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs--we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"
Cretans however, were notorious liars, living lazy and self-indulgent lives.
TIT 1:12 NIV Even one of their own prophets has said, "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons."
To "Cretanize" in the common language of the Mediterranean, was to descend to the lowest depths.
(ii) CHURCH WORK
Titus was appointed there by Paul, after a short visit (Acts 27) to appoint Elders.
Titus was to aim at increasing faith and godliness, but warned to insist on trustworthiness.
TODAY WE NEED TO WATCH EXAGGERATION OF MIRACLES and to make sure that people can rely upon our word.
Paul insisted that Titus preach on "eternal life" based on conviction by the Law of sin in the life style, as he told Timothy:
1TI 1:9 NIV We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,10 for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers--and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine
This ministry involved a whole life style with God doing the directing, just as Paul's own call had been DIVINE. He was very conscious of this.
ACT 9:15 NIV But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.
GAL 1:1 NIV Paul, an apostle--sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead
(iii) THE EPISTLE
This letter is more official than that to Timothy and emphasises:
(a) Increase FAITH AND GODLINESS with RELIABILITY OF CHARACTER
(b) Do not FAIL GOD IN YOUR CALLING.
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EXERCISE QUESTIONS No.1.
GIVE BIBLE TEACHING IN YOUR OWN WORDS ON CHURCHES IN HOUSES from :-
(1.) Acts 2 v 46. (2) Acts 12 v 12. (3) Acts 28:30-31 (4) Romans 16:3-5 (5_ Colossians 4.v.15.
Send your answer, together with :
1.Your Name & home address
2.No and Title of each lesson in full at top of the paper
3.No. of each question and Bible reference in full, beside your written answer
4.Large stamped and self-addressed envelop for our reply.
AUDIO VISUAL MINISTRIES, POST OFFICE BOX 1, NEWCASTLE, Co Down.BT33 0EP