I Timothy Overview

By Ben Bailey

Introduction to I Timothy:

I. Who was Timothy? Timothy was a young man who had been taught the scriptures from a young age by his mother and grandmother (2 Tim 1:5; 2 Tim 3:14-15). He was evidently a convert of Paul during the first missionary journey (Acts 14:8-20). The name Timothy is derived from two Greek words. Timios, which means “dear”, and Theov, which means “to God”. Hence, Timothy means one who is dear to God.

II. What is the Central purpose of Paul writing the Book of I Timothy? What is the key message that will help me draw closer to God? The Key Message, around which everything revolves, is “church conduct”(I Tim 3:14-15). But, what does the phrase “church conduct” mean? Does it mean that one behave properly in the church assembly? No. The word church does not necessarily mean worship. By using “church”, Paul is referring to “church life” in and out of the assembly. The Book of I Timothy tells us how to live life properly in and out of the assembly.

III. Outline of I Timothy.

You and I can conduct ourselves properly as members of the Lord’s Church when we…

I. The One Gsopel. 1:3-20

A. You and I teach the gospel by two ways:

1. Evangelism (Matt 28:18; Mk 16:15)

2. Example (I Tim 4:12; Acts 4:13). NOTE: While we do teach the gospel by example, we can not teach the gospel by example alone. Just like an appetizer compliments the main dish, the Christian example compliments verbal evangelism of the gospel. Without both evangelism and example combined a sinner can not get the full spiritual meal he needs. Some people think that they can fulfill the great commission by example alone, but if that is the case then I Cor 1:21 is a lie!!

B. What does the one gospel consist of ? Ephesians 4:4-5 list 7 characteristics of the one gospel:

1. One body (church).

2. One Sprit.

3. One Hope.

4. One Lord.

5. One Faith.

6. One Baptism.

7. One God.

C. Remember our previous life 1:12-17

1. Paul was formerly three things:

a. blasphemer

b. persecutor

c. violent to the cause of Christ

D. Fight the good fight of Faith. 1:18-20

II. The Proper Scope of Prayer. 2:1-15, Matt 5:44

A. Prayer is for all men 2:1-8

B. Men should pray everywhere 2:8

C. Women are to be in submission, not authority 2:9-15

III. Organize the Body properly. 3:1-13

A. The qualifications of elders (3:1-7).

B. The qualifications and duty of deacons 3:8-13).

C. Theme and Scheme of Redemption 3:14-16).

IV. The Characterisitcs of a good Minister

A. Warns the brethren against false teaching (4:1-5).

B. Posses the characteristics of a good servant/minister. 4:6-16

V. Honor the bretren (5:1-6:2).

A. Honor all brethren 5:1-2

B. Honor true widows 5:3-16

C. Honor the elders 5:17-25

D. Honor masters/employers 6:1-2

VI. The Calamity of Greed (6:3-10, 17-19)

A. False teaching for money 6:3-5

B. False living for money 6:6-10

XII. Strive to remain faithful to God 6:11-16, 20-21; Rev 2:10