Deserving of Full Acceptance - 1 Timothy 1-6

This is Episode #349 and today we’ll read 1 Timothy chapters 1-6 together.   The saying is true and deserving of full acceptance.    

Show Notes

·       These will help!  Overview videos of all books of the Bible

Visit

·        Visit my website
·        Visit my church
·        Visit The German Shepherd
·        Find me on Facebook,  Instagram and Twitter. 

Bible Study Resources

·        CSB Study Bible – Hardcover or Kindle!
·        The Bible Project’s Bible Basics – Free!
·        Every Bible You Could Ever Want!
·        The Bible Hub – Free!
·        Bible Study Tools – Free!
·        The Bible Project- Free!
          Beth Moore Daniel – Great for Church or Small Group Study

Other Resources

·        Want to use your tablet for Bible reading? Consider Kindle .
·        I love Audible! Try it for free!
·        Want it? FaithGear has it!
·        Wear your faith! Christian Strong
·        Bet Hannon Business Websites designed and maintains my website.
·        Title of song used in the podcast is 3 Joys & the Truth, by Daniel O’Connor

 Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase anything, I may get a small commission.  This does not cost you anything and it helps offset the costs of the podcast.  Thank you in advance.

View my Broadcast License.

Transcript

Joy: You’re listening to Season 2 of the Lifting Her Voice podcast.   This is Episode #349 and today we’ll read 1 Timothy chapters 1-6 together.   The saying is true and deserving of full acceptance.    

Welcome

Welcome to the Lifting Her Voice podcast, Season 2!  I'm your host, Joy Miller, and I invite you to grab your Bible and join me - from the beginning - simply reading God's word together.  We built some spiritual muscles in 2020 with just the New Testament.  But this year we’re going all out, cover-to-cover, Old Testament and New.  So, whether with your first cup in the morning, your commute to work, or as the last thing on your mind before sleep, God’s Word will equip you for every good work.  I’m really glad you’re here!

Intro to 1 Timothy

Today we’ll begin the first of two letters written by Paul to his coworker and protégé Timothy.  It is also the first of three books referred to as The Pastoral Letters.

Timothy was a disciple of Paul’s, but he was more than that.  In the opening of this book, Paul describes him as “…my true son in the faith.”  He was a constant companion of Paul and worked side by side with him in many places such as Macedonia, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens and Corinth.  Timothy eventually became the leader of the church at Ephesus and is believed to have been martyred in the year AD 97.

The contents of this letter are at times very personal and likely intended for Timothy only.  However, it may also have been that Paul intended the letter to be read to the entire congregation at Ephesus.  In this way, Paul could deal with two matters at once.  He could use his authority to install Timothy as pastor over the church in Ephesus and at the same time, deal with the infiltration of false teachers in the church.

Practical Instruction

The book is full of practical, pastoral instruction for Timothy on subjects such as prayer, men and women in the church, qualifications for overseers and deacons, and instructions on ministry.  As such, it is an excellent guide for new ministers and the establishment of a new church body.

It should be pointed out that 2 Timothy – which we will read next – is believed to be Paul’s last letter from prison before being executed.  There is argument about how much time passed between the two letters.  Some say they were written very close together while others say that 1 Timothy must have been written much earlier because there is no hint that Paul was in prison.

1 Timothy Chapter 1:

Greeting

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope:

To Timothy, my true son in the faith.

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

False Doctrine and Misuse of the Law

As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach false doctrine or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These promote empty speculations rather than God’s plan, which operates by faith. Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion. They want to be teachers of the law, although they don’t understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on. But we know that the law is good, provided one uses it legitimately. We know that the law is not meant for a righteous person, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and irreverent, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral and males who have sex with males, for slave traders, liars, perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which was entrusted to me.

Paul’s Testimony

I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry —  even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” — and I am the worst of them. 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. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Engage in Battle

Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the good fight, having faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and have shipwrecked the faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.

1 Timothy Chapter 2:

Instructions on Prayer

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.

For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Instructions to Men and Women

Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument. Also, the women are 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. A woman is to learn quietly with full submission. I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. But she will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with good sense.

1 Timothy Chapter 3:

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

This saying is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.” 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, not greedy. He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil. Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.

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. They must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. Wives, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything. Deacons are to be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. 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.

The Mystery of Godliness

I write these things to you, hoping to come to you soon. But if I should be delayed, I have written so that 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. And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great:

He was manifested in the flesh,

vindicated in the Spirit,

seen by angels,

preached among the nations,

believed on in the world,

taken up in glory.

1 Timothy Chapter 4:

Demonic Influence

Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

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. But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness. For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. For this reason we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

Instructions for Ministry

Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy Chapter 5:

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.

The Support of Widows

Support widows who are genuinely in need. But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn to practice godliness toward their own family first and to repay their parents, for this pleases God. The widow who is truly in need and left all alone has put her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers; however, she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. Command this also, so that they will be above reproach. 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.

No widow is to be enrolled on the list for support unless she is at least sixty years old, has been the wife of one husband, and is well known for good works — that is, if she has brought up children, shown hospitality, washed the saints’ feet, helped the afflicted, and devoted herself to every good work. But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when they are drawn away from Christ by desire, they want to marry and will therefore receive condemnation because they have renounced their original pledge. At the same time, they also learn to be idle, going from house to house; they are not only idle, but are also gossips and busybodies, saying things they shouldn’t say. Therefore, I want younger women to marry, have children, manage their households, and give the adversary no opportunity to accuse us. For some have already turned away to follow Satan. If any believing woman has widows in her family, let her help them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it can help widows in genuine need.

Honoring the Elders

The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says: Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain, and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

Don’t accept an accusation against an elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. Publicly rebuke those who sin, so that the rest will be afraid. I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing out of favoritism. Don’t be too quick to appoint anyone as an elder, and don’t share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. Don’t continue drinking only water, but use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. Some people’s sins are obvious, preceding them to judgment, but the sins of others surface later. Likewise, good works are obvious, and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden.

1 Timothy Chapter 6:

Honoring Masters

All who are under the yoke as slaves should regard their own masters as worthy of all respect, so that God’s name and his teaching will not be blasphemed. Let those who have believing masters not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers, but serve them even better, since those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved.

False Doctrine and Human Greed

Teach and encourage these things. 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. 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. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 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. 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.

Fight the Good Fight

But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God, who gives life to all, and of Christ Jesus, who gave a good confession before Pontius Pilate, I charge you to keep this command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. God will bring this about in his own time. He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see, to him be honor and eternal power. Amen.

Instructions to the Rich

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. 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.

Guard the Heritage

Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding irreverent and empty speech and contradictions from what is falsely called knowledge. By professing it, some people have departed from the faith.

Grace be with you all.

Close

Okay, this was a tough one.  Not because there isn’t much to highlight, but because we covered it last year chapter by chapter.  We uncovered some great truths last year!  However, I did trip on one thing that sent me to one of my commentaries.  As I read and listened to all six chapters of first Timothy, over and over I noticed that Paul used one phrase in particular, well, over and over.  Did you notice Paul saying multiple times, the saying is trustworthy? Sometimes he added, and deserving of full acceptance.  It’s almost like he was trying to convince Timothy, doing a hard sell.  Well, according to John MacArthur, that’s kinda what he was doing, but not exactly.

According to Mr. MacArthur, this phrase announces a statement summarizing key doctrines.  Deserving full acceptance adds emphasis.  Apparently, these saying were well known in the churches, as concise expressions of cardinal gospel truth.  

Oh, and sidebar…this phrase is unique to the Pastoral Epistles.  That is 1&2 Timothy and Titus.  So there ya go…today’s Biblical vocab lesson.

Prayer

Let’s pray.  Father, thank You for the passion that you instilled in Paul for passing on the pleasing-to-You operation of Your Church. Admittedly, I read these chapters and am ashamed that our local bodies don’t always operate as Paul described they should.  Please forgive us, Father.  Help us to see our local church as a place worthy of Your presence.  Help us to support our pastors in anything they need and to respect their calling.  It is indeed the hardest job.  Lord, it is assumed that our church body cannot be healthy and righteous if its congregants are not healthy and righteous.  Cause us to take to heart these tenets; these instructions for Godly behavior and exercise them for Your good pleasure.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

I’m trying to think of a modern-day phrase like the one that Paul used in these chapters.  You better believe it!?  Cross my heart and hope to die?  Let me know what you come up with at Lifting Her Voice.com, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Thank you for joining me here today.  I pray that by spending time in His Word every day, you will be changed.  Visit me at Lifting Her Voice.com with your comments and questions.  And don’t forget to visit the Blog page while you’re there.  If you like the podcast, it would be great if you’d give it a five-star review and share it with everyone you know.  Don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.  See you tomorrow!

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible(r), Copyright (c) 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible(r) and CSB(r) are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.