WEBVTT 00:00:01.604 --> 00:00:13.211 So please turn in your Bibles to the book of 1 Timothy, and if you don't have a Bible with you, you can use the one in the pew Bible in front of you, and you can find it on page 1051. 00:00:13.211 --> 00:00:18.032 And if you don't own a Bible, you're welcome to take that one as a gift from our church. 00:00:18.032 --> 00:00:26.513 Now, as we navigate through the Apostle Paul's letters, the first nine were written to different churches that he planted. 00:00:26.513 --> 00:00:37.173 The remaining letters were written to individuals who were very dear to him, and three of these letters written to Timothy and Titus are referred to as pastoral epistles. 00:00:37.173 --> 00:00:41.710 And we're going to start looking at these letters tonight and in the next couple of weeks. 00:00:41.710 --> 00:00:43.726 But before we get started, let's pray. 00:00:43.726 --> 00:00:47.926 Heavenly Father, you are the source of all wisdom. 00:00:47.926 --> 00:00:51.622 Your word is like a lamp to our feet and a light on our path. 00:00:51.622 --> 00:00:58.726 As we look at this letter, please give us instruction and understanding so that we may apply it to our lives and grow in the knowledge of you. 00:00:58.726 --> 00:01:01.292 In Jesus' name, we pray Amen. 00:01:01.292 --> 00:01:08.793 So the first two verses declare Paul as the author and Timothy as the recipient. 00:01:08.793 --> 00:01:20.393 Paul describes Timothy as his beloved son in the faith, and his name is appropriate, as it means one who honors God, and certainly Timothy was faithful to that. 00:01:20.393 --> 00:01:29.888 He was taught the scriptures from a young age, as his mother, eunice, and his grandmother Lois were devout Jews who became believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:01:29.888 --> 00:01:37.953 Now we don't know much about his father, except that he was a Greek and possibly deceased by the time Timothy met Paul. 00:01:39.659 --> 00:01:47.501 Timothy was from Lystra, a city in the Roman province of Galatia, which in geographical terms would be modern-day Turkey. 00:01:47.501 --> 00:01:55.144 It was Paul who led Timothy to Christ and on his second missionary journey he chose Timothy to accompany him. 00:01:55.144 --> 00:02:03.987 At the time Timothy was a young man, probably in his late teens or early twenties, but he already had a reputation for godliness. 00:02:03.987 --> 00:02:19.432 Timothy would become Paul's disciple, friend and co-laborer for the remainder of the apostle's life, serving with him in Berea, athens and Corinth, while accompanying him on his journey to Jerusalem. 00:02:19.432 --> 00:02:27.813 Paul frequently mentions Timothy in many of his letters and often sent Timothy to those churches as his representative. 00:02:27.813 --> 00:02:44.733 He was with Paul during his final imprisonment and after being released, paul and Timothy revisited several of the cities where he had planted churches and, seeing a need at Ephesus, he left Timothy there to deal with problems that had arisen in the church. 00:02:44.733 --> 00:02:49.360 At Ephesus, he left Timothy there to deal with problems that had arisen in the church. 00:02:49.360 --> 00:02:54.284 Paul then went on to Macedonia, from where he wrote Timothy this letter to help him carry out the task of pastoring. 00:02:54.284 --> 00:02:58.774 Evidence shows that the letter was written between 62 and 64 AD. 00:03:01.479 --> 00:03:04.965 First Timothy is a practical letter containing pastoral instruction. 00:03:04.965 --> 00:03:13.975 Now, when I say pastoral instruction, the context of this letter is an older pastor, paul, writing to a younger pastor, timothy. 00:03:13.975 --> 00:03:23.225 Yet we as Christians need the same instruction, so we should listen as if Paul is speaking to all of us. 00:03:23.225 --> 00:03:30.651 And in today's talk we will cover five different types of instruction and in the process we will break down some well-known passages of Scripture. 00:03:30.651 --> 00:03:40.806 Now the first instruction, which we see in chapter 1, is a personal plea from Paul to Timothy to be steadfast in his calling. 00:03:40.806 --> 00:03:43.631 Verse 3 makes that very clear. 00:03:43.631 --> 00:03:55.429 It says, as I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach false doctrine. 00:03:55.429 --> 00:03:57.173 Now, the key word here is remain. 00:03:58.800 --> 00:03:59.980 Timothy had a difficult task. 00:03:59.980 --> 00:04:01.022 He was not just a small country church pastor. 00:04:01.022 --> 00:04:03.365 He was not just a small country church pastor. 00:04:03.365 --> 00:04:08.210 His task was to oversee all the churches in the region of Ephesus. 00:04:08.210 --> 00:04:14.096 He was still a young guy and was probably of the mindset that he was not up to the task he was given. 00:04:14.096 --> 00:04:23.939 He might have been intimidated and maybe had a case of the fear of man. 00:04:23.939 --> 00:04:30.220 So to minister in a territory that had a population of about 300,000 people was indeed a daunting task. 00:04:30.220 --> 00:04:38.990 Paul had to urge him to stay, and he gives Timothy a handful of reasons why he should, and we see that in verses 3 to 20 of chapter 1. 00:04:38.990 --> 00:04:48.273 There were false teachers springing up everywhere and Paul needed Timothy to stand firm in the faith, confronting them with the truth. 00:04:48.273 --> 00:04:51.687 Ephesus was Gentile country. 00:04:51.687 --> 00:04:58.153 Paul describes the people as irreligious, not having an open heart for the gospel. 00:04:58.153 --> 00:05:05.213 So not only did Timothy have to deal with false teachers, he had to deal with hardened unbelievers as well. 00:05:05.213 --> 00:05:09.649 Paul was building Timothy up for the task at hand. 00:05:09.649 --> 00:05:13.541 He had to approach the job as a soldier approaches battle. 00:05:13.541 --> 00:05:16.187 He needed to carry on the fight. 00:05:16.187 --> 00:05:21.322 A soldier had a responsibility not to desert his post. 00:05:21.322 --> 00:05:29.146 Timothy had to have faith that God was in control and would guide him as Timothy continued to seek him. 00:05:30.470 --> 00:05:35.927 But to me, the most compelling reason for Timothy to stay in Ephesus comes in verses 12 to 16. 00:05:35.927 --> 00:05:40.259 Now we already know that Timothy may have been plagued by insecurity. 00:05:40.259 --> 00:05:45.552 It would be easy for him to consider himself unworthy of the calling which he had received. 00:05:45.552 --> 00:05:48.709 But Paul debunks this theory in that passage. 00:05:48.709 --> 00:05:50.824 Let's start with verse 12. 00:05:50.824 --> 00:06:06.995 It says so. 00:06:06.995 --> 00:06:07.797 Let's stop right here. 00:06:07.797 --> 00:06:12.170 It was Paul's faith that made him ready for the ministry. 00:06:12.170 --> 00:06:17.971 Now, ministry sounds like a fancy, important word, but it simply means service. 00:06:17.971 --> 00:06:24.427 It means to work hard for God and serve like a slave, and Paul surely fit that description. 00:06:24.427 --> 00:06:41.677 Let's continue on in verse 13. 00:06:41.677 --> 00:06:45.002 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 00:06:45.002 --> 00:06:49.932 Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them. 00:06:49.932 --> 00:07:03.190 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life. 00:07:03.190 --> 00:07:09.528 So we see that twice in this passage Paul calls himself the worst of sinners. 00:07:09.528 --> 00:07:13.581 Now for him to say this should not be taken as a flippant remark. 00:07:14.983 --> 00:07:22.041 In Acts 20, in verse 11, paul is giving his testimony to King Agrippa, speaking about his persecution of Christians. 00:07:22.041 --> 00:07:28.213 He says in all the synagogues I often punish them and try to make them blaspheme. 00:07:28.213 --> 00:07:33.752 In other words, before killing them, he would try to get them to deny their faith in Christ. 00:07:33.752 --> 00:07:35.081 Can you imagine? 00:07:35.081 --> 00:07:38.451 Your last words before you die are the denial of Christ? 00:07:38.451 --> 00:07:48.269 But overall, paul was trying to shut down Christianity before it could even get started, and he tried to destroy God's plan for humanity. 00:07:48.269 --> 00:07:52.029 Only Satan himself was worse than that. 00:07:53.581 --> 00:08:05.192 Now, considering this, you might think that Paul's past would disqualify him from the ministry, but, on the contrary, god's mercy and grace are enough to cover our sins and make us useful to serve him. 00:08:05.192 --> 00:08:07.528 So be encouraged, brothers and sisters. 00:08:07.528 --> 00:08:10.428 God can use any one of us for any task. 00:08:10.428 --> 00:08:15.271 We should never feel that our past makes us unable to be used by God. 00:08:15.271 --> 00:08:22.012 Paul was living proof that God can use any sinner, no matter how great a one he might be. 00:08:22.012 --> 00:08:31.105 So, now that Timothy had his personal charge, paul turned his attention to the church, covered in chapters 2 and 3. 00:08:31.105 --> 00:08:34.789 It is the instruction concerning the church. 00:08:34.789 --> 00:08:44.282 Now, before we get into this, I want to be clear that the issues being addressed are meant for use within the confines of the church and its worship service. 00:08:44.282 --> 00:08:48.328 So you might ask why instruction for the church? 00:08:48.328 --> 00:08:50.871 I thought this was a letter to Timothy. 00:08:50.871 --> 00:09:01.066 Well, it was, but these letters were also read aloud to the congregations so they could hear firsthand what Paul expected of them. 00:09:01.086 --> 00:09:03.169 Let's start in chapter 2, in verse 1. 00:09:03.169 --> 00:09:07.399 It says let's start in chapter 2 in verse 1. 00:09:07.399 --> 00:09:14.981 It says First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for everyone. 00:09:14.981 --> 00:09:15.062 Now. 00:09:15.062 --> 00:09:24.451 Prayer was very important to Paul and he wanted Timothy to have that same priority, and likewise we should have that priority here in our church Now. 00:09:24.451 --> 00:09:34.779 Most Christians find it easy to pray for their families, friends and loved ones, but it should not end there. 00:09:34.779 --> 00:09:38.519 Paul prayed for his enemies and we should also pray for our enemies and for those with whom we have conflict. 00:09:38.519 --> 00:09:46.770 So I encourage you, brothers and sisters, look around the church, consider praying for someone you might not ordinarily pray for. 00:09:46.770 --> 00:09:51.932 You may change someone's life and maybe change yours as well. 00:09:54.740 --> 00:09:59.072 Now, moving on, in chapter two, paul speaks to the roles of men and women. 00:09:59.072 --> 00:10:05.484 Let's break it down into two parts, remembering that this is in the context of the worship service. 00:10:05.484 --> 00:10:09.251 Verse 8 singles out the men to pray. 00:10:09.251 --> 00:10:25.662 It says Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, establishes that men are to take the lead in praying during the worship service. 00:10:25.662 --> 00:10:32.436 And verses 9 and 10 call out the women, instructing them on how to dress for church. 00:10:32.436 --> 00:10:51.095 It says Also the women ought to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls or expensive apparel, but with good works, as is proper for women who profess to worship God. 00:10:51.095 --> 00:10:59.426 Apparently, there were wealthy women who were purposely drawing attention to themselves and away from the Lord by the manner of their dress. 00:10:59.426 --> 00:11:05.658 Paul wanted to keep the attention on the Lord, because that is where it belonged. 00:11:05.658 --> 00:11:13.592 And as we move on, he stays with the women in what has become a much debated passage of Scripture verses 11 to 13. 00:11:15.086 --> 00:11:20.056 Verse 11 reads A woman is to learn quietly, with full submission. 00:11:20.056 --> 00:11:22.825 Now, the key word here is quietly. 00:11:22.825 --> 00:11:30.339 In this passage, quietly actually translates as peaceably or without contention. 00:11:30.339 --> 00:11:35.288 But that does not mean that women are prohibited from speaking in the service. 00:11:35.288 --> 00:11:43.374 What it does mean is that they are to listen and learn to what the men are teaching in a peaceful manner, without disruption. 00:11:43.374 --> 00:11:50.134 And Paul is also clear that women are not to have the role of teaching authority. 00:11:50.134 --> 00:11:55.928 Verse 12 says I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man. 00:11:55.928 --> 00:11:59.195 Instead, she is to remain quiet. 00:11:59.195 --> 00:12:04.014 Now, that doesn't mean that women cannot have teaching roles in the church. 00:12:04.014 --> 00:12:18.817 For example, we have many strong biblical women here in our church that teach in a variety of ways Sunday school, women's Bible studies, brunches, teas but Paul's focus here is the public worship of the church. 00:12:20.206 --> 00:12:24.735 God has established a clear chain of authority in both the church and the home. 00:12:24.735 --> 00:12:35.460 In those spheres God has ordained that men are the head, that is, that they have the place of authority and responsibility. 00:12:35.460 --> 00:12:40.313 And the reason for male authority in the church is God's order of creation. 00:12:40.313 --> 00:12:45.274 Verse 13 reads For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 00:12:45.274 --> 00:12:55.448 So Adam or man was created first and given original authority on earth by God, or man was created first and given original authority on earth by God. 00:12:55.448 --> 00:12:58.775 In fact, the first command God gave to the human race is found in Genesis, chapter 2, verses 16 and 17. 00:12:58.775 --> 00:13:12.414 It says of every tree of the garden you may freely eat, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die. 00:13:12.414 --> 00:13:17.571 Now this command was given to Adam and Eve had not yet been created. 00:13:17.571 --> 00:13:24.613 Therefore, adam received this command and his authority from God Once Eve was created. 00:13:24.613 --> 00:13:30.631 It was Adam's responsibility to convey the message, but it seems like something was lost in the translation. 00:13:31.754 --> 00:13:33.138 Let's pick it up in verse 14. 00:13:33.138 --> 00:13:39.778 It says and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. 00:13:39.778 --> 00:13:46.399 Both Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden, and Eve clearly sinned first. 00:13:46.399 --> 00:13:52.216 Yet the Bible never blames Eve for the fall of human race, but it always blames Adam. 00:13:52.216 --> 00:13:55.732 Romans, chapter 5 and verse 12 clearly states. 00:13:55.732 --> 00:14:10.135 It says Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and that man was Adam, so, as you can see, god had all of this figured out from before creation. 00:14:10.135 --> 00:14:13.173 There is a reason for the order that he established. 00:14:13.173 --> 00:14:20.818 And now, thousands of years later, it is still the same authority and cannot be subject to the whims of the culture. 00:14:20.818 --> 00:14:22.610 So listen up, men. 00:14:22.610 --> 00:14:27.596 God has given us a big responsibility to lead his house and our home. 00:14:27.596 --> 00:14:39.317 The world is in the shape that it is in because in many cases, we as men have neglected that responsibility or we have allowed the culture to take it away from us. 00:14:41.765 --> 00:14:48.788 Now, finally, we come to verse 15, which is the subject of many interpretations, and I think it is an important verse to cover. 00:14:48.788 --> 00:14:57.740 It says but she will be saved through childbearing if they continue in faith, love and holiness, with good sense. 00:14:57.740 --> 00:15:01.554 So what does save through childbearing mean? 00:15:01.554 --> 00:15:08.832 Now, there are a few interpretations out there, none of which are clear from the text, so I'm not giving any opinion here. 00:15:08.832 --> 00:15:10.370 I'm just saying what is out there. 00:15:10.370 --> 00:15:15.657 Some suggest that bearing children is a means of salvation for women. 00:15:15.657 --> 00:15:22.057 However, this contradicts the biblical message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. 00:15:22.057 --> 00:15:35.346 Some suggest that women will be protected from the dangers of childbirth if they continue in faith, love and holiness of childbirth if they continue in faith, love and holiness. 00:15:35.346 --> 00:15:38.253 However, christian women, like all women, can experience difficulties or even death through childbearing. 00:15:38.253 --> 00:15:52.100 Now, in the original Greek text, this phrase translates as the childbearing, and some interpret this as referring to the birth of Jesus Christ, through whom all are saved. 00:15:52.100 --> 00:16:08.707 And another interpretation suggests that being saved is understood in terms of women finding fulfillment as wives, mothers and managers of the household, provided they pursue faith, love and holiness. 00:16:08.707 --> 00:16:14.969 Now again, these interpretations are only for you to consider and draw your own conclusions. 00:16:17.572 --> 00:16:22.727 Now we have spent some time speaking about how men are to take the lead in the worship service. 00:16:22.727 --> 00:16:26.634 So who are these men and what qualifies them to lead? 00:16:26.634 --> 00:16:34.677 In chapter 3, paul continues his instruction to the church and teaches Timothy on how to qualify leaders. 00:16:34.677 --> 00:16:41.697 In verses 1 to 7, we see a list of qualifications for the office of pastor-elder. 00:16:41.697 --> 00:16:45.153 This saying is trustworthy. 00:16:45.153 --> 00:16:50.307 If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work. 00:16:50.307 --> 00:16:51.389 Aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work. 00:16:51.389 --> 00:17:08.862 An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not an excessive drinker, not a bully, but gentle, not quarrelsome and not greedy. 00:17:08.862 --> 00:17:16.051 He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. 00:17:16.051 --> 00:17:20.731 For if anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he then take care of God's church? 00:17:20.731 --> 00:17:27.650 He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil. 00:17:27.650 --> 00:17:36.269 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil's trap. 00:17:38.054 --> 00:17:46.035 Now, the words overseer, pastor and elder are words that can be used interchangeably to describe men who are responsible to lead the church. 00:17:46.035 --> 00:17:55.368 Notice, in this extensive list of qualifications, there is very little emphasis on spiritual gifts, aside from being able to teach. 00:17:55.368 --> 00:18:05.378 Every qualification is about character, and it is clear that the character of a man is the most important qualification for a leadership role in the church. 00:18:05.378 --> 00:18:11.798 But if you think about it as Christians, these qualifications are something we should all desire to have. 00:18:11.798 --> 00:18:17.977 Now, in verses 11 to 13, we see the qualifications for the office of deacon. 00:18:17.977 --> 00:18:20.368 Let's start with verses 8 to 10. 00:18:20.368 --> 00:18:33.445 Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 00:18:33.445 --> 00:18:36.352 They must also be tested first. 00:18:36.352 --> 00:18:40.038 If they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. 00:18:40.038 --> 00:18:44.599 So it seems pretty straightforward, though the tasks may be different. 00:18:44.599 --> 00:18:49.672 All the qualifications are character-based, just as for the pastorder. 00:18:49.672 --> 00:18:56.451 The main difference is that the ability to teach is not a requirement, although it is certainly not prohibited. 00:18:58.135 --> 00:19:02.633 Now, moving on to verse 11, we come to a bit of controversy when it comes to the interpretation. 00:19:02.633 --> 00:19:12.096 It says Wives, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything. 00:19:12.096 --> 00:19:17.291 So it mentions wives, and the Bible does not give a clear explanation on the meaning. 00:19:17.291 --> 00:19:19.938 Some translations say women. 00:19:19.938 --> 00:19:20.945 What women? 00:19:20.945 --> 00:19:24.753 Now it's in the middle of the section on deacons. 00:19:24.753 --> 00:19:26.638 So are they deacons' wives? 00:19:26.638 --> 00:19:31.516 Why would Paul call out the deacons's wives and not the elders' wives? 00:19:31.516 --> 00:19:34.926 Are they women deacons. 00:19:34.926 --> 00:19:51.569 Now, since the office of deacon is task-based and does not require doctrinal teaching, it can be a role that women may be recognized for, and in some churches they are, and it's just another question we can ask Paul when we meet him. 00:19:51.569 --> 00:20:04.125 Continuing on in verses 12 and 13, deacons are to be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. 00:20:05.285 --> 00:20:08.881 For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 00:20:08.881 --> 00:20:13.415 The bottom line here is that Paul wanted leaders with character. 00:20:13.415 --> 00:20:18.557 A man demonstrates his fitness for office in the church by his conduct. 00:20:18.557 --> 00:20:22.013 You don't just become this, you already are this. 00:20:22.013 --> 00:20:30.396 It is not a title, it is more of a function and it is certainly not a status, but it is indeed a calling. 00:20:30.396 --> 00:20:37.720 So as we close out chapter three, let's recap. 00:20:37.720 --> 00:20:46.005 In chapter one we see Paul encouraging Timothy to remain in Ephesus, and in chapters two and three we see him encouraging the church in its worship, service and leadership. 00:20:46.005 --> 00:20:51.525 And as we move to the second half of the book, we go from encouragement to warning. 00:20:51.525 --> 00:20:53.188 And as we move to the second half of the book we go from encouragement to warning. 00:20:53.208 --> 00:20:58.116 The third instruction Paul gives concerns false teachers and we find that in chapter 4. 00:20:58.116 --> 00:21:20.178 Let's read verses 1 and 2 and see how Paul describes the way false teachers work. 00:21:20.178 --> 00:21:28.794 He says Satan and his demons constantly corrupt and pervert God's Word, using human false teachers to do their work. 00:21:28.794 --> 00:21:35.250 And the most common deception comes in making human works as a prerequisite for salvation. 00:21:35.250 --> 00:21:38.779 This is the mark of all false religions. 00:21:38.779 --> 00:21:42.469 They teach that faith plus works for salvation. 00:21:42.469 --> 00:21:46.857 And in today's world even professing Christians are deceived. 00:21:46.857 --> 00:21:53.719 Faith plus anything is false and anyone teaching that is a false teacher. 00:21:55.222 --> 00:21:57.689 Ever hear the question which comes first, the chicken or the egg? 00:21:57.689 --> 00:22:09.338 Well, in the bible the answer is very clear good deeds won't get you saved, but true salvation by faith will produce all of those good works. 00:22:09.338 --> 00:22:13.134 Ephesians, chapter 2, verses 8 and 9, makes it clear. 00:22:13.134 --> 00:22:18.493 It says For you are saved by grace, through faith, and this is not from yourselves. 00:22:18.493 --> 00:22:23.770 It is a gift from God, not from works, so that no one can boast. 00:22:23.770 --> 00:22:27.377 Brothers and sisters, don't be deceived. 00:22:27.377 --> 00:22:36.280 I encourage you to cultivate a relationship with our Lord and Savior, jesus Christ, and to allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to all good works. 00:22:39.145 --> 00:22:45.009 Now, moving on, we see Paul instructing Timothy on how to be a true teacher Verse 6. 00:22:45.009 --> 00:22:55.875 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching that you have followed. 00:22:55.875 --> 00:23:00.914 So what are these things that he wants Timothy to point out? 00:23:00.914 --> 00:23:10.313 The scriptures, constant feeding on the truths of God's word, are essential for all Christians, but especially for leaders like Timothy. 00:23:10.313 --> 00:23:22.214 It is only by reading the scriptures, studying them, meditating on them and mastering their contents can a pastor fulfill his calling, which is to preach and teach God's word. 00:23:22.214 --> 00:23:27.931 And as a believer, it is the only way that you can tell a true teacher from a false one. 00:23:27.931 --> 00:23:37.926 You have to know God's word so that when you hear it you can believe the speaker to be true, and if you hear something else you will know the speaker is false. 00:23:37.926 --> 00:23:40.192 But you have to make the effort. 00:23:40.192 --> 00:23:49.008 Be a Berean, know God's word, don't be deceived. 00:23:49.008 --> 00:23:51.029 Our fourth instruction is in chapter 5. 00:23:51.029 --> 00:23:55.512 And here Paul encourages Timothy concerning his pastoral duties. 00:23:55.512 --> 00:23:59.457 But the instruction pertains to all people in the church. 00:23:59.457 --> 00:24:03.259 It is not enough for just the pastor to be doing this work. 00:24:03.259 --> 00:24:05.241 It is our responsibility too. 00:24:05.241 --> 00:24:12.419 And here Paul is teaching not only Timothy, but all of us as well. 00:24:13.765 --> 00:24:19.077 Now, timothy was a young man in a prominent leadership role, so Paul showed him how he should relate to both men and women, young and old. 00:24:19.077 --> 00:24:21.211 Let's read verses 1 and 2. 00:24:21.211 --> 00:24:33.679 It says don't rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers and the younger women as sisters with all purity. 00:24:33.679 --> 00:24:36.509 So let's look at the word rebuke. 00:24:36.509 --> 00:24:39.998 To rebuke is a very important duty for a pastor. 00:24:39.998 --> 00:24:42.111 It is the main goal. 00:24:42.111 --> 00:24:49.153 The main goal is not encouragement, but instead to clearly confront someone with their wrong behavior or thinking. 00:24:50.375 --> 00:24:54.310 In Titus, chapter 2 and verse 15, paul made the importance of rebuking clear. 00:24:54.310 --> 00:24:58.967 He says Rebuke with all authority, let no one despise you. 00:24:58.967 --> 00:25:08.209 And in this case, in 1 Timothy, the Greek word used for rebuke literally means to strike at or to use harsh words. 00:25:08.209 --> 00:25:17.051 Now, the command was not that Timothy must never rebuke older men, but that he was not to strike at them in an overly harsh way. 00:25:17.051 --> 00:25:26.169 A young pastor such as Timothy must shepherd older men faithfully, but with respect for the years and presumed wisdom of the older men. 00:25:26.169 --> 00:25:31.365 He was to exhort them as a father, encouraging them to do what is right. 00:25:33.068 --> 00:25:34.151 When it came to younger men. 00:25:34.151 --> 00:25:42.373 These were to be treated as brothers, that is, as partners and friends in the work of the gospel, but without the same deference due to the older men. 00:25:42.373 --> 00:25:46.548 But he needed to deal with women differently. 00:25:46.548 --> 00:25:53.227 Older women were to be treated as mothers, with the respect and honor that comes with age. 00:25:53.227 --> 00:26:02.492 As a young pastor, timothy must accept and appreciate mothering from some of the older women in the church and it is proper to give them that honor. 00:26:02.492 --> 00:26:11.626 Now the younger women were to be treated as sisters. 00:26:11.626 --> 00:26:15.775 Timothy, as any godly man, was to make certain his conduct towards younger women was always pure and above reproach. 00:26:15.775 --> 00:26:26.747 A godly man is not flirtatious or provocative and he does not use words that can be taken in a flirtatious or provocative way. 00:26:26.747 --> 00:26:33.006 Now, in this situation, paul was addressing a young pastor as a man speaking to a man. 00:26:33.006 --> 00:26:43.537 But I might add that women in the church have the same responsibility and that the behavior and conduct of all people in the church must be above reproach. 00:26:45.766 --> 00:26:49.856 Next, paul spends verses 3 to 16 talking about how to treat widows. 00:26:49.856 --> 00:26:57.914 Now, at the time of the writing, widows were a large segment of the population and there was no public assistance from the government. 00:26:57.914 --> 00:27:04.877 Widows are described as over the age of 60 and without means to adequately support themselves. 00:27:04.877 --> 00:27:15.720 Those who were really widows were to receive honor, which in this context means financial support, yet given in a dignified and honorable way. 00:27:15.720 --> 00:27:22.157 In verses 3 and 4, paul places the responsibility in the hands of family, if there are any. 00:27:22.157 --> 00:27:26.470 He says support widows who are genuinely in need. 00:27:26.470 --> 00:27:37.678 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn to practice godliness towards their own family first and to repay their parents, for this pleases God. 00:27:37.678 --> 00:27:42.166 He continues in verse 8, speaking mainly to the men. 00:27:42.166 --> 00:27:52.315 But if anyone does not provide for his own family, especially for his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 00:27:52.315 --> 00:27:58.038 In summary, paul is clear in his instruction on the support of widows. 00:27:58.038 --> 00:28:11.567 The local church is to support godly widows who are truly destitute, but for those with family, the primary responsibility starts in the home. 00:28:11.587 --> 00:28:15.673 Now, as we continue in chapter 5, we see more instruction concerning church leaders. 00:28:15.673 --> 00:28:28.048 Back in chapter 3, paul taught Timothy how to qualify elders, but here he instructs Timothy on how to manage them. 00:28:28.048 --> 00:28:32.897 Part of Timothy's job was to appoint elders for the many local churches in the Ephesian territory. 00:28:32.897 --> 00:28:40.883 This was a serious matter, with the leadership of the church at stake. 00:28:40.883 --> 00:28:47.107 In verses 17 to 18, paul instructs Timothy on the compensation due to those who teach and preach. 00:28:47.107 --> 00:28:54.278 The word Says the elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 00:28:54.278 --> 00:29:04.998 For the scripture says do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain and the worker is worthy of his wages. 00:29:04.998 --> 00:29:10.933 Here Paul clearly states that it is entirely appropriate for those who do the spiritual work to be compensated. 00:29:10.933 --> 00:29:21.054 In Galatians, chapter 6 and verse 6, paul wrote let the one who is taught the word and that's us share all his good things with the teacher. 00:29:23.517 --> 00:29:29.111 In verses 19 and 20, paul instructs him on how to handle accusations against leadership. 00:29:29.111 --> 00:29:36.109 He says don't accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. 00:29:36.109 --> 00:29:42.310 Now elders are to be held to a high standard, but there must be a solid case presented. 00:29:42.310 --> 00:29:44.477 This is not about idle gossip. 00:29:44.477 --> 00:29:48.395 No elder is perfect and their job is very difficult. 00:29:48.395 --> 00:29:52.367 As a church body, we need to support them, not burden them. 00:29:52.367 --> 00:30:03.431 Hebrews 13, 17 commands us obey your leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account so that they can do. 00:30:03.431 --> 00:30:06.854 Yet because elders are not perfect, they are prone to sin like all of us. 00:30:06.854 --> 00:30:16.112 Verse 20 states it clearly. 00:30:16.112 --> 00:30:25.730 There needs to be a high level of accountability among church leadership. 00:30:25.730 --> 00:30:29.976 Fear of public rebuke is a great accountability partner. 00:30:32.088 --> 00:30:35.230 And Paul's last words to Timothy on leadership come in verse 22. 00:30:35.230 --> 00:30:41.953 It says don't be too quick to appoint anyone as an elder and don't share in the sins of others. 00:30:41.953 --> 00:30:43.770 Keep yourself pure. 00:30:43.770 --> 00:30:50.376 Paul cautioned Timothy to let a man prove himself before he was recognized as a leader. 00:30:50.376 --> 00:30:55.135 There should not be a rush to appoint someone, especially a newer convert. 00:30:55.135 --> 00:31:02.519 Only time can season a man and his ministry and allow his gifts and callings to demonstrate themselves. 00:31:02.519 --> 00:31:06.714 And finally, paul warns him to keep himself pure. 00:31:06.714 --> 00:31:16.356 If Timothy was called to observe and assess the lives of others, it was important that he pay even more attention to his own life. 00:31:19.186 --> 00:31:26.390 Now there is one final instruction to Timothy in chapter 6, and it has to do with money, contentment and godliness. 00:31:26.390 --> 00:31:28.856 Let's read verses 3 to 5. 00:31:28.856 --> 00:31:32.648 Teach and encourage these things. 00:31:32.648 --> 00:31:47.915 If anyone teaches false doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing but has an unhealthy interest in disputes and arguments over words. 00:31:47.915 --> 00:32:04.059 From these come envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain. 00:32:04.059 --> 00:32:06.726 Now the CSB doesn't have it. 00:32:06.726 --> 00:32:13.638 But other translations finish verse 5 with the warning from such people, withdraw yourself. 00:32:13.638 --> 00:32:23.715 In other words, timothy was to avoid people who taught wrong doctrine, stirred up strife in the church and who were thirsty to peddle God's word for money. 00:32:26.105 --> 00:32:30.277 In verses 6 to 8, he encourages Timothy to be content with what God has given him. 00:32:30.277 --> 00:32:38.306 But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out. 00:32:38.306 --> 00:32:42.951 If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 00:32:42.951 --> 00:32:49.759 A heart of contentment begins with seeing our earthly possessions from an eternal perspective. 00:32:49.759 --> 00:33:00.204 The things that make a man rich in this world mean nothing in the world to come. 00:33:00.204 --> 00:33:02.246 And verses 9 and 10 give us a lesson on the love of money, it says. 00:33:02.246 --> 00:33:11.478 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 00:33:11.478 --> 00:33:21.009 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 00:33:21.009 --> 00:33:26.740 Many people misquote verse 10 by saying money is the root of all evil. 00:33:26.740 --> 00:33:29.532 Money is not the problem. 00:33:29.532 --> 00:33:34.416 In fact, there were many godly people in the Bible who had vast wealth. 00:33:34.416 --> 00:33:39.656 Job, abraham, david and Solomon were just a few that we know. 00:33:41.105 --> 00:33:47.951 The desire for wealth is far more dangerous than wealth itself, and it isn't only the poor who desire to be rich. 00:33:47.951 --> 00:33:51.377 It is also the wealthy who want more wealth. 00:33:51.377 --> 00:33:56.071 Only spiritual riches from Christ can satisfy us. 00:33:56.071 --> 00:33:58.959 Everything else falls short. 00:33:58.959 --> 00:34:11.144 But there are many people in the church who have means, and Paul goes on with instructions for Timothy on how to deal with those who do have material wealth. 00:34:11.144 --> 00:34:27.469 Verses 17 to 19 state Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. 00:34:27.469 --> 00:34:39.166 Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share, storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life. 00:34:39.166 --> 00:34:42.514 Pride is a constant danger. 00:34:42.514 --> 00:34:50.052 With wealth, it is very easy to believe that we are more important because we have more than another man has. 00:34:50.052 --> 00:34:59.177 Paul's main point to Timothy was leave the pursuit of money aside and be content with your work as a minister of the gospel. 00:35:01.467 --> 00:35:07.726 Now, as the book closes, paul gives one final charge to Timothy, and the same charge to us as well. 00:35:07.726 --> 00:35:13.985 He exhorts Timothy to fight the good fight of faith and to guard what has been entrusted to him. 00:35:13.985 --> 00:35:28.210 He urges him to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness and to keep these commands without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord, jesus Christ. 00:35:28.210 --> 00:35:32.947 And make no mistake, our Lord will appear when you least expect it. 00:35:32.947 --> 00:35:47.416 So if you are here today and you do not know the Lord, we invite you to consider the good news that God sent his only begotten Son, jesus Christ, to die on a cross so that the sins of all those who believe would be forgiven. 00:35:47.416 --> 00:35:58.277 He was buried and on the third day he was raised from the grave to conquer death, so that one day we, as believers, would also conquer death and have eternal life with him. 00:35:59.385 --> 00:36:02.650 The Bible says that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 00:36:02.650 --> 00:36:04.393 The Bible says that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 00:36:04.393 --> 00:36:16.728 So I invite you in this moment to look up and ask Jesus Christ to become your Lord and Savior, commit yourself to him in faith and love and watch him transform your life. 00:36:16.728 --> 00:36:19.295 Heavenly Father, we know that all good things come from above. 00:36:19.295 --> 00:36:26.650 Thank you for the godly instruction given to Timothy, knowing that, as believers, we must heed it as well. 00:36:26.650 --> 00:36:30.344 Help us, o Lord, to be mindful of your word and obedient to your commands. 00:36:30.344 --> 00:36:37.271 Lead us and guide us to be more like your Son, and we pray for all of this in his glorious name, amen.