Summary of I Timothy
A. Background of 1 Timothy
1) Who is Timothy?a. A disciple of Jesus Christ mentored by Paul. (Phil. 2:22; 1 Tim. 1:2)2) Who is Paul?
b. A helper and fellow worker in Paul's ministry. (Acts 19:22; Rom. 16;21)
c. A preacher of God's word. (2 Cor. 1:19)a. A former Pharisee who persecuted the church of Jesus Christ. (Acts 7:58-8:3)3) How did they meet? (reference Acts 16:1-3)
b. A convert to Christianity called to preach by direct revelation of Jesus Christ. (Acts 9:1-20)
c. A missionary primarily to the Gentiles. (Acts 13:1-3; Gal. 1:16)
d. Author of thirteen books in the New Testament under inspiration of the Holy Spirit.4) What was the ministry connection between Paul and Timothy in this epistle?
a. Paul the spiritual leader in the church. (1 Tim. 1:3)5) What was the situation in which this epistle was written?
b. Timothy the senior pastor at Ephesus. (1 Tim. 1:3)
c. Paul instructing Timothy on how to lead the church as its senior spiritual leader. (1 Tim. 1:18; 3:15)a. False teachers spreading bad doctrine and discord. (1 Tim. 1:3)
b. Ungodly men opposing the church and sound doctrine. (1 Tim. 1:20)
c. Leaders of bad reputation and character (implied from the lengthydescription of pastor/deacon qualifications).B. Chapter One Highlights
1) A formal charge to Timothy to correct those who distort the truth of God's word. (1:3,18)
2) A correct view of the Law applies it to unrighteous men. (1:8-11)
3) His central message concerned Jesus Christ who came into the world to save sinners. (1:15)
4) An encouragement to Timothy to "fight the good fight" of the faith. (1:18-19)C. Chapter Two Highlights
1) The call to prayer by men and women in the church for all people, especially those in authority over us. (2:1-2)
2) The uniqueness of Jesus Christ as Mediator between God and man. (2:5-6)
3) The limitations on a woman's ministry role. (2:9-15)D. Chapter Three Highlights
1) Qualifications for the senior pastor of a church -- the elder or bishop. (3:1-7)
(see also The Pastor: Qualified For Conflict)
2) Qualifications for deacons. (3:8-13)
3) Primary purpose in writing 1 Timothy is that "you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God." (3:15)E. Chapter Four Highlights
1) The coming apostasy and false teachers. (4:1-5)
2) The need for the minister to exercise toward godliness. (4:6-11)
3) The importance of the minister setting a good example. (4:12)F. Chapter Five Highlights
1) Godly relationships with elders, widows, friends, and family members. (5:1-16)
2) Proper honor and dealings with elders who teach and preach. (5:17-22)G. Chapter Six Highlights
1) The truth that godliness with contentment is better than gold. (6:6-8)
2) The warning that loving money turns one away from the true faith. (6:9-10,17-19)
