Tour of Living Letters: Introduction to 1 Timothy

1. 1 Timothy

2. Purpose:
The main purpose of 1 Timothy is probably
best expressed in the following verse:“…but
if I am delayed, I write so that you may know
how you ought to conduct yourself in the
house of God, which is the church of the
living God, the pillar and ground of the
truth” (1 Tim 3:15 NKJV).
1 Timothy

3. CentralThemes:
1Timothy deals with two aspects of the
subject of order in the local church:
(1) the life of the church and
(2) the leadership of the church.
1 Timothy

4. Outline
A charge (1:18, 6:13, 20) — “Guard the deposit”
Preliminary explanation (1:1-17).
The “charge” introduced (1:18-20).
I.THE ASSEMBLY AND ITS CONDUCT (ch. 2-3).
A.Concerning order (ch. 2).
1.The men and public prayer (2:1-8).
2.The women and public appearance (2:9-15).
B.Concerning office (ch. 3).
1.Qualifications of elders (3:1-7).
2.Qualifications of deacons (3:8-14).
1 Timothy

5. II.THE PREACHER AND HIS CONDUCT (ch. 4-6)
A.To the assembly in general (ch. 4)
1.A “good minister” in faithful teaching (4:1-11).
2.A “good minister” in exemplary living (4:12-16).
B.Toward particular classes (ch. 5-6)
1.Older and younger (5:1-2).
2.Widows (5:3-16).
3.Elders (5:17-25).
4.Servants (6:1-8).
5.The rich (6:9-19).
Closing appeal (6:20-21).
1 Timothy

6. Key verses:
“Now the purpose of the commandment is
love from a pure heart, from a good
conscience, and from sincere faith”
(1Tim 1:5 NKJV)
1 Timothy

7. Key words: “good”
1. “the law is good” (1:8).
2.“this is good and acceptable in the sight of God” (2:3).
3.“…he desires a good work” (3:1).
4.“have a good reputation with those outside…” (3:7).
5. “everything created by God is good…” (4:4).
6.“nourished in the words of faith and good doctrine” (4:6).
7.“fight the good fight of faith” (6:12).
8.“the good confession” (6:12).
9.“that they be rich in good works” (6:18).
1 Timothy

8. Key words: “godliness”
1. “lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
reverence.” (2:2)
2.“discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (4:7
NASU).
3.“godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the
life that now is and of that which is to come.” (4:8)
4.“doctrine conforming to godliness” (6:3 NASU)
5.“godliness with contentment is great gain” (6:6)
6.“flee these things and pursue…godliness” (6:11)
1 Timothy

9. Key words: “charge/command”
1.“that you may charge some that they teach no other
doctrine” (1:3)
2.“These things command [charge] and teach” (4:11)
3.“I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ…that
you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing
with partiality.” (5:21)
4.“Command [charge] those who are rich in this present
age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in
the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (6:17)
1 Timothy

10. Key words: “love”
1. The goal of Paul’s commands (1:5).
2. Young Timothy called to be an example of (4:12).
3. Is to be pursued, along with righteousness,
godliness, faith, patience and gentleness (6:11).
1 Timothy

11. Other Key Words….
1.“faithful” - 11x
2. “woman/wife” - 9x
3. “teaching” - 8x.
4. “truth, truthfulness” - 6x
1 Timothy

12. The Message for
Today
1 Timothy