Grace Institute: The Pauline Epistles: 1 Timothy: Outline and Notes

1 Timothy Survey of the New Testament: The Pauline Epistles Winter 2006

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Outline and Notes

I. 1 Timothy 1:1-2 Salutation

In Paul's day the author of a letter would state their name at the beginning. The introduction is a normal greeting for Paul. He calls Timothy his “true son”.

II. Problems in the church are corrected 1 Timothy 1:3-20

A. 1 Timothy 1:3-11

False doctrine is confronted and corrected. Judiazers have caused controversies instead of promoting unity through love.

• Verses 3 & 4 are incomplete sentences in the Greek. This indicates Paul's deep emotion.
• Genealogies:
• The goal of ministry in the church is love and sincere faith. Everything else is the means to this end.
• The purpose of the law: Surfacing and restraining sin

B. 1 Timothy 1:12-20

This section provides a foundation of salvation by grace through faith. Paul gives a personal illustration of grace in his life ( 1:12 -17) and an illustration of grace in Timothy's ministry ( 1:18 -20). Grace is in contrast to the law which is mentioned in the previous paragraph.

• Grace emphasizes freedom without cost. Mercy emphasizes the misery of the recipient.
• Judiazers ignorantly emphasized action apart from the Holy Spirit.
• Grace leads the believer to Worship.
• Paul draws an interesting relationship between the sin of man and the sovereignty of God. God's grace is sovereignly given to sinful people.
• Paul repeats himself five times in Pastoral Epistles with the words, “faithful saying.” Three times he repeats the phrase “faith and good conscience.”
• Timothy's fight is not with the world but with false teachers. Perhaps we could learn this lesson today.
• False Doctrine can shipwreck our faith. Hymenaeus and Alexander are leaders in the false teaching movement. Paul hands them over to Satan. I take this to mean that they are kicked out of the fellowship and suffer the consequences. In addition, this is not merely a church discipline issue. An apostle is handing them over to Satan. Perhaps the ministry of the Holy Spirit allows satanic attack.

III. Practices in the Church 1 Timothy 2:1-3:13

A. 1 Timothy 2:1-8

Paul urges prayer for everyone but specifically asks for kings and the authorities. The result of leaders following a godly path is peace in society.

• All men to be saved
• One mediator

B. 1 Timothy 2:9-15

Instructions are given concerning the role of women in the church. First, Paul addresses the issue of modesty in dress. Second, the role of women in the church is discussed. This is a hotly debated topic today among evangelical Christians.

C. 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Godly leadership was important to Paul. Timothy had a responsibility to select and train elders.

• Elders
• Deacons
• Women

IV. How Timothy should handle the problems in Ephesus 1 Timothy 4:1-6:21

A. 1 Timothy 4:1-16

Paul has little tolerance for false doctrine because of the destructive results. Timothy's responsibility is to teach sound doctrine and confront false teachers. Paul plans on visiting Timothy so he must persevere until the apostle arrives.

1. A description of the apostasy 4:1-5

• Spiritual deception
• Demonic activity
• Ascetic philosophy
• Legalistic

2. Confrontation is necessary 4:6-10

• Teach correct doctrine
• Live a godly life

3. Paul's challenge to Timothy 4:11-16

• Stand strong
• Teach publicly
• Use your talents
• Persevere

B. 1 Timothy 5:1-6:2

Paul exhorts Timothy to treat people respectfully and to organize the church in a responsible way.

1. Timothy must be careful when confronting older men. 5:1-2

2. Widows must be taken care of. 5:3-16

• Formal list to receive financial help
• Family members should be the first to help
• Older widows

3. Elders giving oversight to the church 5:17-25

• Some are paid
• Accusations against an elder
• If accusations are correct, the elder must be publicly rebuked
• Take time in selecting an elder

4. Conduct of slaves 6:1-2

C. 1 Timothy 6:3-21

Paul concludes this letter by restating his concern over false doctrine. However, the apostle finds it necessary to confront those who are self-centered with their material possessions. Paul says that the “love of money” is the root of all evil. When people love money more than the Lord they will do all kinds of things to get rich. In this section we can observe the following structure.

• Love of Money 3-10
• Live a Godly Life 11-16
• Love of Money 17-19
• Live a Godly Life 20-21

1. Apparently some people served and taught with wrong motives. They wanted to get rich. Sometimes false doctrine and greed are connected. 6:3-10

• Godliness
• Greed

2. Timothy must keep his ministry going by pursuing godliness 6:11-16

• Pursue holiness
• Persevere to the end

3. Keeping a good perspective about money is important. 6:17-19

• Share with others
• Invest in eternity

4. Closing thoughts for Timothy 6:20-21