Women’s Bible Study

Women’s Bible Study

Women’s Bible Study, December 13, 2024, 1 Timothy 6

Lesson 7 (1 Timothy 6)

Holy Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church

 

Highlights & notes for 1 Timothy 6 — Christian Stewardship 

1. Objectives and Introduction of this week’s study (SG 34-35, 89)

 

1. Through the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit, and prayerfully as we study 1 Timothy 6 we will…

 

• …as God’s stewards, be encouraged to faithfully use God’s gifts of talents, possessions, and faith, living to serve others and the Lord as His witnesses in this

 

• …be content with the things God gives us to enjoy in this

 

• …learn the value of true

 

1. Christian stewardship is one means by which we may glorify God in this Scripture teaches us much about how we are to use the gifts God has given us. We as Christians realize that all we have in life are gifts from Him alone, gifts “God has loaned to us for a season.”

 

1. “In Luke 12, Jesus tells the story of a rich man who was planning on building bigger barns to take care of his growing wealth and was thinking of the time he could take life easy and enjoy his vast possessions. But what happened? God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ (Luke 12:20). Whether a Christian is poor or rich, Paul sets forth in today’s session how we should regard and use the things of this world.” (SG p.89)

2. 1 Timothy 6:1-2 — The Stewardship of Service

 

1. (Regarding SG #52 35): Slavery in Roman times “Slavery was part of the social and economic structure within the Roman Empire. It has been estimated that within Rome itself about a third of the population were slaves, some of them cultured and well educated. That the Gospel found acceptance among slaves is seen from Paul’s frequent reference to them in his letters. Paul wrote a letter to Philemon, whose runaway slave had become a Christian. He bade Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ.” (TPB p.88)

 

• “Repeatedly, Paul expressed the thought that ‘there is ..slave nor free,’ that we ‘are all one in Christ Jesus’ (Galatians 3:28).” (TPB p.88)

 

• “Paul held no brief for Earlier in this letter he had listed ‘slave traders’ with ‘adulterers and perverts…liars and perjurers and ‘whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine’ (1:10).” (TPB p.88)

 

• “Paul also did not inaugurate a crusade simply to abolish slavery in the Roman Empire or in the world, desirable as that might have Rather, he shows how the Gospel will have its effect on Christians as they live in the slave and master relationship.” (TPB p.88)
• “Over time, Christian teaching of brotherhood tended to undermine Roman “

(TLSB 6:1)

 

1. (Regarding SG #53 35): “Paul reminds Christian slaves that they must be on their guard not to turn their masters against the Gospel by unfaithfulness or ungodly conduct. Instead, they should by an exemplary life try to win them for Christ.” (SG p.34) Likewise today, consider how Christians might turn others against the Gospel (either at work or with those who are in authority over them, or in society in general). Also, in the same way, how can Christians try to win others for Christ?

 

• “When a slave is a Christian, his conduct toward his heathen master brings honor or shame on Christ and the If the slave shows no respect, Christ will as a result be blasphemed among the heathen. If slaves have believing masters, that is all the more reason not for disrespect…” (TPB p.89)

 

• In his letter to the Ephesians Paul has more to say… concerning masters, “namely that Christian masters are to ‘treat your slaves in the same way’ (Ephesians 6:9), that is, with respect and love, reflecting faith in Christ.” (TPB p.89)

 

• “Thus the Gospel as it converts sinners can profoundly affect and change undesirable customs and practices that may be present in a sinful world.” (TPB p.89) [See again “a.4)” above.]

1. (Regarding SG #54, p.35): What is meant by stewardship of time and talents?

 

• “The discussion of stewardship is often led along the lines of Law rather than Gospel….However, when stewardship is thought of and practiced in view of the Gospel, it concerns itself with loving and serving [servanthood] and benefiting others. Here we do not look for earthly gains, profits, or increase for ourselves, believing if we get something out of an act or deed then it was good stewardship. Rather, we give away

 

our lives, our goods, and all gain in this world, because God has in Christ secured for us eternal glory and riches in His kingdom. Thus, we are free to live in love.” (SG #54, p.91)

 

• Recall that Christ, the Son of God, humbled Himself and became a slave (Philippians 2:6–8), to perform the work of salvation for ungrateful people, enduring the cross, shame, indignity,and death… for our sake. (SG.#52, p.90).

3. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 — The Stewardship of God’s Word (Handling it rightly in it’s truth and purity, vs. “false teachings.” Distorting the Word of God is poor stewardship of Scripture.)

 

1. 3 – false doctrines (different doctrines, EHV, ESV) — This is the third time Paul addresses this serious problem in 1 Timothy (see also 1:3-11 and 4:1-16).

 

• False doctrine/teaching can be easily recognized as it “does not agree to the sound instruction [sound words, EHV, ESV] of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching.” What did Jesus teach, that so often false teachings contradict?

 

1. He alone is the way to the Father (John 14:6)

 

** And that way is pure grace: “It is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:8)

• False doctrines and teachings always add something else that we must do to gain God’s favor.

 

1. “If you keep the ..”

 

1. “If you accept Jesus into your ..”

 

• “If you abstain from [foods, etc]…”

 

1. “if you do your ..”

 

1. “if you believe…” (making faith a contributing work on our part to)

 

“Such false conditions are not “sound,” healthy teaching that can heal the troubled heart. [That comes only through Christ Jesus.] It is not “godly teaching” that leads to true godliness in living.” [which comes through the Spirit’s work in us.] (TPB, pp.90-91

 

1. 4 – False teachers are “conceited.” False teachers claim they know more than the Lord, preferring to follow their own ideas, placing self above God’s word. “False teaching creates dissension and division in the church and among Christians. How different this is from the peace, love, joy, comfort, and hope that come through Jesus’ sound teaching.” (TPB, p.91)

1. 5a – People “who have been robbed of the truth” (“who have lost hold of the truth” EHV; “deprived of the truth” ESV). They had once known the truth, but they had been led into error. (CSB, 6:5)
2. 5b – False teachers are also prone to use their false “godliness” as “a means to financial gain.”

(Interestingly some text translations, such as EHV & KJV, include “Separate yourself from such people” (EHV). “From such withdraw thyself” (KJV). It becomes more and more difficult to avoid such false teachings in this century, with so many misleading and falsely teaching using media (TV, podcasts, Internet, social media), and bookstores everywhere. As to the financial gain… see next passage, where Paul continues with a warning about the love of money. (TPB, p.92)

1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19 — The Stewardship of Possessions (SG #55 & 56, 36)

 

1. 6 – Contentment is “a state of being and an attitude that enables the Christian to live with faith in Christ, impervious to the influence of external circumstances.” (TLSB 6:6)

* “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” (Philippians 4:12)

1. 7 – “This universal and timeless truth [in verse 7] is recognized by those possessing godliness with contentment (v.6), but ignored by those who are ambitious only for earthly gain (v.5).” (TLSB 6:7)

* “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” (Job 1:21)

** “Cease to pursue those things which it is misery to attain…. Will it be more

prudent to yield them up for love of Christ than to have them taken away by death?”

(SLSB, pp. 207-208, [“Some Letters of St. Bernard, Abbot of Clairvoux.”], 1904. As quoted TLSB 6:7)

1. 8 – Food and clothing – These are necessities of life that come from God. (Review Luther’s explanation of the First Article of the Apostle’s Creed…………….. This we truly believe and trust

Him, for ‘this is most certainly true.”) (TLSB 6:8)

 

* “Those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:10)

 

** The Lord Jesus says: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33).

What greater gain is there than to have this promise of the Lord? (TPB pp.93-94)

9-10 – The dangers of desiring earthly riches: Falling into temptation and into a trap, which can lead to destruction (could include both physical and spiritual destruction); some wander from the faith (their departure does not happen instantaneously), and some “pierce themselves,” self-inflicted suffering. (TLSB)

 

• “One who is content always has … Discontent, however, is one of the

greatest vices today. It is a foolish, dangerous, and sinful attitude of the heart.” (SG #55, p.91)

 

• “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” (Philippians 4:12)

1. Summary: “Rather than being content with what we have, we by nature covet the things we do not have. Those who covet often see money as a wonderful solution to all of life’s problems. But those who love money are in grave danger; they risk losing their faith in Christ. Our Savior has blessed us with the riches of His priceless salvation. Nothing can separate us from His love. As He tenderly cares for us through His Word of promise, we are able to enjoy lives of godliness with All that we can take with us when we leave this world is the life and immortality that Jesus has given us through faith — and that is more than enough! ‘Give us grace, dear Lord, rightly to regard the wealth we call our own, that it might not be a curse in our lives but a blessing. Amen.'” (TLSB 6:2-10)
2. 17-19 – Riches and all other gifts from God’s hand are to be received for our enjoyment with thanksgiving (also recall 1 Tim. 4:4). Those who are rich are not to be prideful, but as Christians we are to continually place all our hope on God. (v.17). Even the poorest Christians can be “rich” in service, in good works. (v.18). Those who enjoy earthly riches should especially endeavor to be “rich” in this noble way, which flows from faith in Christ. Good works that always accompany faith are treasured by the Lord Jesus (Matthew 25:34-40). (Notes consolidated from TLSB, vv.17-19)

 

5. 1 Timothy 6:11-16 — The Stewardship of Faith

 

1. 11 – Contrasting Timothy with the lovers of money who wander from the faith in

v.10. Timothy was a unique man of God, but the words that follow apply to every man and woman of God through faith in Christ. (TLSB 6:11)

 

• “man of God” – While Paul refers to Timothy as a pastor (and to all pastors called to God’s special service), the term “man of God” that Paul uses here (and in 2 Timothy 3:17) applies to “anyone who belongs to God, whom God thoroughly equips for every good work by means of His Word.” Just as Peter also refers to Christians as “a people belonging to God” (1 Peter 2:9). (TPB p.95)

 

• “flee from all this” – In context, referencing back to the verses before this, “the desire to be rich and the temptations to which this leads, the love of money and all the evils associated with it.” (TPB p.95)

 

• “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance (steadfastness) and gentleness” – all fruit of the Spirit, coming from God through Christ’s work alone in us. (Oh, the importance of His means of grace for us!) “The believer’s chief concern should be to cling to the Savior. Instead of reaching after worldly riches, he or she should guard against the sin of covetousness and seek the spiritual riches that God gives us in His Word.” (SG #57, p.92)

1. 12 (SG #57, pp.37,92) – “Fight the good fight of faith” – We are engaged in an ongoing contest in which sound doctrine is advanced against the forces of darkness and evil. (TLSB 6:12)

 

• In 1 Timothy 1:18, Paul spoke of this fight in terms of a battle in war. Here he uses a term referring to an athletic contest, as in a There’s really no difference, the point is the same. The struggle is with the world, the devil, and our sinful flesh. (TPB p.96)

 

• “Because of our sinful flesh, this is not easy…. We must fight the enemies of

our souls and defend our faith, for Satan seeks to destroy it (1 Peter 5:8-9)” (SG #57, p.92).

 

• This is the good fight of .. faith received from God the Holy Spirit…

 

1. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus ” (1 Cor. 15:57) (Also, see the struggle, the war against the flesh Paul describes in Romans

7:18-25, and ends on this same victorious note.)

 

**This call to fight the good fight of faith is, however, not a call to muster our own strength, to trust in our own powers. Relying on himself, Peter soon fell into shameful denial of his Lord. To the Ephesians, Paul wrote how they may take their “stand against the devil’s schemes” They are to “put on the full armor of God,” allt the weapons God gives for this fight (listed in Ephesians 6:11-17). He gives us His own sword, the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (TPB p. 97)… Thus, our Bible study here!!

1. 12 (SG #58, pp.37,92) “Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called” – God’s gift of eternal life is not a prize that we receive at the conclusion of the contest but a prize that we receive and retain even in this present life of faith. It is God who gives this to us through Christ, by His active power alone in which this call of faith comes to us through the means of grace of Word and Baptism. (TLSB 6:12)

 

• “to which you were called” – “God brought Timothy to faith in the Lord Jesus by calling, inviting him through the Gospel to receive eternal Through faith this gift is received, faith that the Spirit works in the sinner’s heart by the Gospel’s call.” (TPB p.97)

 

• “when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” – This seems to refer to the time of Timothy’s baptism, that appears to have taken place before many witnesses, who heard his “good” (sound doctrinal) confession of faith, the faith the Lord had worked in Timothy’s heart. (TPB p.97)

 

1. “Eventually, these baptismal confessions grew into what we know as the Apostles’ Creed.” (TPB pp.97-98)

 

** Note: At the time of their installation those who serve as pastors and teachers in our churches also make a “good confession” in the presence of many witnesses. They confess and promise to teach only the inspired, inerrant Holy Scriptures. And their ministry, teaching, and living is to be an ongoing “good confession” made in the presence of many witnesses, the people whom they serve. (TPB, p.98)

 

*** A note about the confession we made on the day of our Confirmation: “Let us often think of the confession of faith we made when we were baptized and confirmed. Through the Gospel, the Holy Spirit enables us to make this confession and live up to it. [In our class together on Friday, we will briefly review our confession at Confirmation.] The Word makes us spiritually alive and constantly sustains the new life of faith.” (SG #58, p.92)

 

1. 13-16 – In these verses Paul makes his appeal through both Father and Son (there are no greater witnesses! [TPB, p.98]), and Paul magnifies their attributes. (TLSB 6:13-16). Paul instructs Timothy and all of us to remain faithful in confessing (with our words and actions) the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ (as so beautifully outlined, as we recall, in 1 Tim. 3:16!!!), remaining faithful and proclaiming the truth of salvation in Christ Jesus until He returns.

 

• 13 – We are to confess Christ before others, just as He confessed the truth of His divine identity before Pilate (which each of the 4 Gospels tell us [Matthew 27:11, Mark 15:2, Luke 23:3, John 18:36-37]). Recall that Jesus’ testimony concerning His identity was the basis for His crucifixion. His testimony included not only His words, but also what He did for us with His very life (His suffering, crucifixion, death and burial, and His resurrection and ascension.). (SG #58, p. 92; TLSB 6:13, TPB pp.98-99)

 

• 14 – “to keep this command without spot or fault” – The command we are to keep is the whole doctrine of salvation: the Gospel, and we are called to keep this faith. (SG #58, p.92) We do so not in our own strength or by any merit or worthiness of our own, but through the Holy Spirit who works in us the very faithfulness that this command calls for (TPB, p.99), and in the spotless righteousness of our Savior given to us by His grace alone.

 

• 15-16 – For the second time in this epistle, Paul sounds forth with a glorious doxology. The first time was when he wrote about Jesus’ first coming to save sinners (in which Paul said that he was chief of sinners). (1 Timothy 1:15-17). Now here in 1 Tim 6:15-16, as Paul contemplates Christ’s second coming, he breaks forth in another doxology that describes the glorious God who determines the appointed time for “the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.” And as we reflect on who our God is and what He has done for us, we cannot but say with Paul, “To Him be honor and power forever! Amen.” (TPB, p.100-101)

6. 1 Timothy 6:20-21 — Conclusion: Guard Your Trust (TPB, 105-106)

 

1. This is the conclusion of Paul’s letter to Paul concludes as he began, with a call to preserve God’s truth, and with a warning against false teachings. Paul warns to not engage with false teachers, but to “turn away” from them (TPB, p.105). This final warning concerns the grave effects of false teaching… causing some to wander from the faith. (TLSB, 6:21). This is serious, and frightening to see the eternal danger of such false teachings.

 

1. “Grace be to ” – A typical blessing as Paul closes his letter.

• But there’s nothing at all typical about Grace. It is Paul’s prayer that all receive the Lord’s abundant Grace through the teaching of God’s Word in its truth and purity.
• The “you” in this closing is plural in the original Greek, showing that Paul expected Timothy to share this letter with the believers in It reaches down through the ages also to us. What a fitting conclusion! (TLSB 6:21, TPB p.106).

References:

 TPB = “The People’s Bible (Commentary): 1,2 Timothy, Titus” 2nd edition, by Armin W. Schuetze. Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee, WI. 2000 (2nd ed.). (Originally published 1988)

 

TLSB = The Lutheran Study Bible, English Standard Version, General editor Rev. Edward A. Engelbrecht. Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO. Published 2009.

 

CSB = Concordia Self-Study Bible, New International Version, General editor Robert G. Hoerber. Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis MO. 1986.

 

SG = Study Guide used in our Women’s Bible Study (by participants in-person and via Zoom):”1 and 2 Timothy, Titus: Keeping the Faith” by A.C. Mueller. Concordia Publishing House, St.

Louis, MO. 2006. (This is part of the Bible study series “God’s Word for Today”)

 

“Luther’s Catechism: The Small Catechism of Dr. Martin Luther” (Anniversary Edition).Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee, WI. 2017.

 

SLSB = “Some Letters of St. Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux” (pp. 207-208, quoted in TLSB 1 Tim. 6:7). Vol. 1, “The Complete Works of S. Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux.” Eales, Samuel J., trans. and ed. London: John Hodges, 1904.

 

Bible translations used:

 

EHV = Evangelical Heritage Version ESV = English Standard Version NIV = New International Version

Women’s Bible Study, December 6, 2024, 1 Timothy 5
Lesson 6 (1 Timothy 5)
Holy Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church

Highlights & notes for 1 Timothy 5 — Responsibilities Toward Others; Ministering in Church Family

1. Objectives and Introduction of this week’s study (SG p.86, p.30; TPB p.73)

a. Through the Holy Spirit working through God’s Word we will:

1) Understand what opportunities a Christian has to serve his or her neighbor;

2) Desire to be of service to others;

3) Learn what God’s will is in our treatment of pastors.

b. Just as Paul instructs Timothy to minister to individual sheep of the flock as a loving, concerned caring shepherd (TPB p.73), so also we as followers of Christ are to serve one another. Paul shows clearly that we are not in the world merely for our own sake. God has put us here to live useful lives in the service of our neighbor (SG p.30). Paul gives specific examples of individual needs within the church community in which pastors and the church family are to serve and encourage others.

2. 1 Timothy 5:1-8, Encouraging and caring for others within the church

a. vv.1-2, Older men, younger men, older women, younger women

1) Teaching and correction are not to be done harshly, but with kindness and respect.

2) Encouragement should be extended to fellow believers regardless of age or gender, as if they were members of one’s own family. (TLSB 5:1-2) A young pastor (as Timothy was) “should show the honor and respect due according to the Fourth Commandment.” (See also Leviticus 19:32: “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly.”) (TPB p.73)
3) SG #46, pp.31 & 86-87 — With brotherly love consider how we are to help a fellow brother or sister in Christ who has fallen into sin. It is important that we do not do so in a superior or condemning manner, but do so with pure motives (“in all purity”).

* Galatians 6:1-2 – “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit [you who are spiritual (EHV, ESV)] should restore that person gently [in a spirit of humility (EHV), in a spirit of gentleness (ESV)]. But [carefully] watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (NIV)
** James 5:19-20 – “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders away from the truth and someone turns [brings (EHV)] him back, let it be know that the one who turns [brings back (ESV)] a sinner from the error [wandering (ESV)] of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” (EHV)

 

b. vv.3-8, (SG #47, pp.31 & 87) — Widows and others within one’s family and church family with specific needs (e.g., elderly) Consider why we should offer sympathy and kindness especially to widows and older people who are left alone and especially our own parents.

1) “The first special group about whom Paul writes are the widows. In the Jerusalem congregation too they were the first group that needed to be served in a special way (Acts 6). If a woman lost her husband, she lost her means of support… It is not surprising that Paul has special words of instruction regarding widows.” (TPB p.74)

2) v.3, “Give proper recognition” literally means to honor, show respect, offer support. (TPB p.75; TLSB 5:3)
3) v.4, If a widow has children and grandchildren who are able to help her, it is “pleasing to God” for the family to first look after her. The church still has responsibility to provide care for the widow (James 1:27), especially if she has no one to help her. (TPB p.75; TLSB 5:4; SG p.87)

4) v.5, This verse is one that personally resonates with me and other sisters in Christ who are also widows. There is great comfort in God’s special care for widows as described throughout Scripture. It is true that a widow’s prayers become deeper and are unceasing as she cries out and relies more fully upon the Lord in her need and in the great hope she’s been given in the Lord. With true dependence upon the Lord alone, Christian widows remember Anna (in Luke 2:36-38), who “never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” And Christian widows remember the heart of the poor widow (in Mark 12:41-44, “This poor widow,…out of her poverty, put in everything…”).

5) v.6, Instead of turning to God, a widow may seek to satisfy her emotional, social, and perhaps even financial needs by a life of pleasure… thus, killing faith in her heart. The church’s responsibility in such a case is to earnestly call her to repentance. (TPB p. 75)

6) vv.7-8, Caring for family members who are in need, elderly, etc, is also addressed.

* “To aid one’s parents is every Christian’s duty. [Not caring for one’s family was considered highly contemptible. Even unbelievers may instinctively care for their family (TPSB 5:8)] The Church must care for those who are left alone and helpless…” (SG #47, p.87)

* Going back to v. 4, the NIV states “…these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family…” The ESV states, “let them first learn to show godliness to their own household…” To not do so, according to v.8, would be to deny the faith (and is worse than an unbeliever). Even unbelievers recognize the closeness of family bonds and the responsibilities incumbent on parents and children toward one another…” (TPB p.76) Living forth our faith, in the power and by the fruit of the Spirit, especially within our own household, is a mark of sincere faith. Also, it was considered a mark of Christian faith in the early church, in the family of God. (recall our study of Acts, Acts 2:44-47 and as we mentioned earlier Acts 6:1-7)

3. 1 Timothy 5:9-16, Specific instructions in organizing help for widows in the church at Ephesus

a. Regarding “the list of widows” — This was perhaps a list of those widows with greatest need that the congregation supported. Or other commentators consider the list to include widows that the congregations chose as “deaconesses” or at least for some kind of similar service. The widows on the list were to have certain qualifications. (TPB pp.77-78)

b. Regarding younger widows, they were not added to the list. “Paul counsels them to marry… Another marriage must have been a viable prospect for younger widows. Paul advises them to follow this route…” (TPB pp.78-79)

c. Note: The commentators do not have clear explanations for the specific background or need for these instructions. But those qualified widows (see verses 9-15: over 60 years of age, having had one husband, serving of others, reputation) were apparently selected to receive the church’s assistance on a permanent basis. (TLSB
5:9-10) And “they may also have been assigned service to the church that older widows with the stated qualifications could capably and best render.” (TPB, p.79)

d. In verse 16, Paul again takes up the subject of family support of widows. “Believers should take care of the widows within their own families. This will enable the church to use its resources to provide for those widows who are ‘really in need.’ ” (TPB, p.80)

e. Summary: “Different times and economic and social conditions may change how these principles are put into practice, but the role of caring concern by both family and church does not change. Let believers and the church not become indifferent and close their eyes to those in need.” (TPB, p.80)

(Note: I am not including here discussion questions #48 and #49 from the study guide (SG p.32) in these highlights/notes, as I do not think they are necessarily applicable. [Just my opinion and due to time constraints.])

 

4. 1 Timothy 5:17-20, Elders; Honoring pastors and teachers of God’s Word

a. vv.17-18, (SG #50 pp.33 & 88) — Timothy is to teach the members of the congregations at Ephesus about their responsibilities toward the elders. These verses show how churches are to honor their pastors, to “double honor” them (vs. 17).

1) “Double ” here indicates that the honor due the elders (“overseers”, 3:1-7, pastors) encompasses honor both in the sense of reverence and also in the sense of an honorarium or compensation. (TLSB 5:17)

2) In verse 18, Paul quotes Scripture: Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 25:4) and our Lord Himself (in Luke 10:7). Note: “The use of this term “Scripture” for both an OT and a NT passage shows that by this time portions of the NT (or what ultimately became a part of the NT) were considered to be equal in authority to the OT Scriptures.” (CSB 5:18) In quoting these passages, Paul is highlighting that pastors should be properly compensated for their work. (TLSB 5:18; TPB pp.81-82)

* Paul summed it up as follows in 1 Corinthians 9:14, “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the Gospel should receive their living from the Gospel.”

3) Recall from our study of 1 Timothy 3 (pp. 5-6 of highlights/notes, Nov. 8):

* 1 Thess. 5:12-13 – “…Respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord… esteem them very highly in love because of their work.” (They are to be honored & loved not because of their status but because of their service in the spirit of Christ’s teaching. Jesus defined greatness in terms of humble service. God will exalt those who humbly serve for His sake. TLSB 5:13)

** Galatians 6:6 – “One who is taught the Word must share all good things with the one who teaches.” (Provide for and pay our pastors well. Care for their families.)

*** Hebrews 13:17 – “Have confidence in your [pastoral] leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” (Listen and follow the pastor God has given us and invest in his joy.)

b. vv.19-20, (SG #51, pp.33 & 88) — Honoring our pastors by thinking and speaking well of them and shielding their reputation.

1) Pastors are serving in a public office, and they may “be subject to criticism according to the likes and dislikes” of congregational members or by those outside of the church. (TPB p.83) What should be our response when we hear our pastors unjustly criticized and slandered? (SG #51, p.33)

2) Consider the actual source of false accusations. Paul was very aware from personal experience that the devil seeks to undermine the work and word of the Lord. Gossip and evil reports originate from Satan, and we dare not become the devil’s tool in participating in his schemes. What Scripture says…

i) Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (ESV)

ii) Prov. 6:16-19 –
“These are six things the Lord hates,
seven things that really disgust Him:
arrogant eyes, a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run quickly to do evil,
a false witness who breathes lies, and a person who spreads conflict
between brothers.” (EHV)

iii) Exodus 20:16 – “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
(ESV)

iv) James 1:26 – “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” (ESV)

v) Matthew 12:36 – “I tell you that on the day of judgment people will give account of every careless word they have spoken.” (EHV)

3) “Unless these reports are well founded and can be verified by competent witnesses [‘two or three witnesses’], church members should pay no attention to them.” (SG p.33). What Scripture says…

* Deuteronomy 19:15 – “A single witness does not have legal standing to convict a person of any guilt or sin in connection with any wrongful action he may have committed. A case is to have standing only on the testimony of two or three witnesses.” (EHV)

** Matthew 18:15-16 – “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his sin just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have regained your brother.
But if he will not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'” (EHV)
4) verse 20 –

* “persist in sin” – There were those who continued in their sin for which they had been rebuked privately. (TLSB 5:20)

** “rebuke them in the presence of all” – Although some sins would preclude an elder from continuing to serve in that office, Paul prescribes a public rebuke to move them to repentance and help them amend their lives. (TLSB 5:20)

*** If witnesses are able to prove the charges, then the elder/pastor is to be reprimanded publicly as a warning to others. Because his work is of a public nature, public rebuke is in order. “Pastors are to be examples to the flock in their faith and lives. When their sin requires public rebuke, let them also be an example in repentance. Let
them turn to the Lord for forgiveness” (TPB pp.83-84). This then becomes a testimony for others, to realize that we have in Christ Jesus His rich grace and redemption.

5. 1 Timothy 5:21-25, Paul’s additional instructions to Timothy

a. v.21, There is no place in the church for partiality or “favoritism” (NIV) (“pre-judging” ESV; “prejudice” EHV)

*This is not only good advice but a solemn charge of the apostle. Pastors and congregational members must not show partiality in decision-making, providing pastoral care, serving others, or in choosing elders or deacons (lay leaders). (TPB, p.85)

b. v.22, Care in choosing church leaders

* Do not lay on of hands too hastily — “Paul is speaking of the ordination of an elder (pastor), which should not be performed until the candidate has had time to prove himself.” (CSB 5:22). (This is the blessing we have in our seminaries where our pastors are well trained and have a vicarage year and a final 4th year.)

** Do not share in the sins of others — “Do not ordain a person unworthy of the office of elder [pastor].”(CSB 5:22) Or in the laying on of hands in “conferring a congregational office…” (TPB p.85)

*** Keep yourself pure — “Timothy is not to be hasty in conferring an office on anyone.
If he failed to assure himself of the individual’s qualifications and Christian conduct, Timothy would show an indifference toward sin. He would share responsibility for the sins committed by the individual while in office and for the damage such conduct might do to the church… What Paul says here has broader application… If a congregation becomes careless in choosing its leaders, responsibility for the misconduct and sins of poorly chosen leaders is shared by the congregation. We are responsible not only for what we ourselves do but for what we condone in others. ‘Keep yourself pure’ by not sharing in the sins of others.” (TPB p.85)

c. v.23, Personal instruction to take care of himself

*A parenthetical comment in the midst of Paul’s instructions concerning elders. Perhaps Timothy’s ailments were due to the impurities in the water and Timothy’s sensitive stomach. Water in the ancient world was often impure, and Timothy probably had stomach problems and other health concerns from such unclean water.
The alcohol may eliminate some of the impurities affecting Timothy. (CSB p.86; TLSB 5:23; TPB p.86)

d. vv.24-25, Be alert to hidden sins as well as to good deeds in the lives of candidates for ordination (CSB 5:24-25). These words are meant to be a caution to Timothy in his appointing leaders. “Paul may still have had in mind what he said about

not laying hands on anyone hastily: …Timothy must carefully look at what is evident, their sins and their good deeds.” The Lord will guide him and help him more clearly to recognize the one or the other. Timothy and also we need to take it slow, so that we can wait on the Lord for discernment. And there may be some things that will remain hidden until the time of the Lord’s judgement. (TPB p.87) We trust God to guide us.

Outlining each of these actions helps us as believers to examine ourselves, and to focus on our Savior,… our need for our Savior, …our eternal love of our Savior. (Personally, as you might have noticed, outlining in Bible study gives me needed understanding & perspective, and needed focus. Such is the case here…)

1) Obvious sins

(These may pride themselves in not being hypocritical about their sin, not trying to hide it. Avoiding hypocrisy, however, does not justify overt sin. [TPB p.86]) (“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24)

2) Sins covered under hypocrisy

(These sins may “trail behind them,” but, if not before, then in the Lord’s judgement they will be exposed by Him who knows all things. [TPB p.87]) (Luke 12:2 – “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” Also, see Matthew 23:27-28; Luke
11:39-42)

3) Obvious good works

(“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. Revealing and giving witness of the Lord. No glory for self, but all to the glory of God. [TPB p.87])

4) Not obvious good works, but they can’t stay hidden

(“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them.” Matthew 6:1. If not before, in the final judgment, the Lord will point to the good works as evidence of faith…Matthew 25:34-40. [TPB p.87])

References:

TPB = “The People’s Bible (Commentary): 1,2 Timothy, Titus” 2nd edition, by Armin W. Schuetze. Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee, WI. 2000 (2nd ed.). (Originally published 1988)

TLSB = The Lutheran Study Bible, English Standard Version, General editor Rev. Edward A. Engelbrecht. Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO. Published 2009.

CSB = Concordia Self-Study Bible, New International Version, General editor Robert G. Hoerber.
Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis MO. 1986.

SG = Study Guide used in our Women’s Bible Study (by participants in-person and via Zoom): “1 and 2 Timothy, Titus: Keeping the Faith” by A.C. Mueller. Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO. 2006. (This is part of the Bible study series “God’s Word for Today”)

Bible translations used:

EHV = Evangelical Heritage Version ESV = English Standard Version NIV = New International Version

Women’s Bible Study, November 22, 2024, 1 Timothy 4
Lesson 5 (1 Timothy 4)
Holy Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church

Highlights & notes for 1 Timothy 4 — Godliness in Everyday Life

1. Objectives and Introduction of this week’s study (SG p.81)

a. By the Holy Spirit through God’s Word,…
1) may we come to understand more fully the source & value of godliness.
2) may we be encouraged to apply the teachings of God’s Word to our daily lives.
3) we will learn how vital the pastoral office is to the life and ministry of the Church.

b. Introduction: Two major, interrelated lessons of this study:

1) Often the greatest harm done to the Church is not by its enemies outside of the Church, but by those members within a church who might live contrary to the Gospel, or those who often are misled by false teachings that they listen to or read from outside a doctrinally sound church. In our last lesson of 1 Timothy 3, we learned what the Lord expects of pastors and leaders in the Church. This week in 1 Timothy 4, we learn how necessary the pastor (the shepherd) of the church is, in the preaching and teaching of God’s Word rightly, in keeping the Gospel front and center in the life and ministry of the Church. (SG p.81)

2) “The Pastoral Epistles refer to the Christian life and Gospel ministry as ‘godliness.’ This is nothing else than faith in Christ [recall “the mystery of godliness,” in 1 Timothy 3:16 from last week’s study] and the life of love freely lived under the grace given us through Him. It stands opposite to false godliness, which stresses human works and self-righteousness.” (SG p.81)

2. 1 Timothy 4:1-5, Deceptive spirits versus enjoying God’s good gifts

a. vv. 1-3a, Falling for deceitful spirits and teachings

1) v.1 – “the Spirit clearly says…” : The Holy Spirit speaks to us by means of His Word. But before all the NT had been written, He at times spoke directly to His Church, as we have seen through times of direct revelation during Paul’s missionary journeys (e.g., Acts 13:2; Acts 20:22,29-30; Acts 21:11). Paul is perhaps speaking here of a specific revelation made to him and to the Church by the Spirit. (TLSB 4:1; TPB p.63; CSB 4:1)

2) v.1 – “in later times…” : Not only the last days before Christ’s return, but the entire NT era, the time beginning with the first coming of Christ. (TLSB 4:1; CSB 4:1)

* Hebrews 1:1-2, “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.”

** Acts 2:17, “And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,…” (Here Peter quotes Joel’s prophecy to state that the decisive stage and climax of history had arrived with Christ and the Church. TLSB Acts 2:17.)

3) v.1 – “some will depart from the faith…” : Those who were once believing members of the Church were turning away from Christ (and will turn away), abandoning the faith, and thereby rejecting the gift of salvation. (TLSB 4:1) How does that happen?!? (see next point…)

4) v.1 – “devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons…” : Giving more attention to false teachings that were leading them astray. (TLSB 4:1)

* Satan is “a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44) False doctrine in all its forms comes from him. (TLSB 4:1)

** When we stop taking in nourishment through the means of grace given to us, God’s pure Word, of Gospel, of the Bread of Life, we are more easily led astray and fall for false teachings & voices out there. In so doing, we unawares take our eyes off of Christ Jesus our Savior, and we are led to focus on “self” and on
work-righteousness. And the Grace of Christ becomes a distant memory.

5) v.2 – “hypocritical [insincere] liars whose consciences are seared…” : They want their lies to appear as God’s truth. They even quote Scripture in their attempt to make it appear as if their lies are coming from God (TPB p.64). Twisting God’s word is the devil’s manipulative ploy. Their consciences have become dulled, as though “branded” by Satan to show his ownership of them, or “cauterized,” leaving them unfeeling and unable to distinguish between right and wrong (TLSB 4:2).

[* Note: The study guide (SG, #38, pp.27 & 83) discusses this further, outlining the character of false teachers, the source of their error, and the effect these human regulations and restrictions have upon people’s consciences. We may touch on this during our in-person/Zoom study on Friday, but I’m not including the study guide discussion here, as I’ve highlighted much of it above.]

6) SG, #36, pp.27 & 82 – (Discuss human-made rules that some churches set up as means for obtaining salvation and blessing from God, SG #36, p.27). Paul gives us examples in verse 3 of false teachings that were of concern for the churches in Ephesus. “This unbiblical asceticism arose out of the mistaken belief that the material world was evil — a central belief of the Gnostic heresy” (CSB 4:3). (Gnosticism was one of the most dangerous heresies of the first two centuries. Its central teaching was that spirit is entirely good and matter is entirely evil. [Note from CSB, Introduction to 1 John, p. 1925])

* In v.3 we see that false teachers were demanding that marriage and certain food be rejected, but in so doing they were rejecting God, who gives the gifts of marriage and food. They presented celibacy and fasting as a higher form of piety, while they were actually rejecting God’s good gifts and relying on self &
work-righteousness. (TLSB 4:3; TPB p.64)

* “[Paul] paints a true picture of the great spiritual dangers that confront us today… The practice ot asceticism — extreme self-denial and harsh treatment of the body to gain spiritual grace — and the monastic life of monks and nuns that is taken up with the belief that it is spiritually superior to ordinary life (Colossians 2:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

“Today many teach that upon meeting certain conditions of devotedness, surrender, or obedience, Christians may secure from God certain blessings. Greater levels of grace and spiritual illumination are said to be available if one will follow a certain prescription of spiritual disciplines or programs for spiritual development. Often material prosperity is promised in God’s name if one gives an offering and plants seed money” (SG #36 p. 82).

* “Such teachings are demonic, for they turn the hearts and minds of people to supposed works of piety and away from the perfect redemption effected by Christ.” (TPB p.64)

* These teachings are also demonic in that they fail to give glory to God for His good creation (TPB p.64)… (see next point, b. below, 1 Timothy 4:3b-5).

b. vv. 3b-5, Enjoying and using God’s Gifts

1) SG, #37, pp.27 & 82 – (See Colossians 2:16 and 1 Corinthians 10:31. Does the NT forbid the use of any kind of food or drink?) As we noted above, false teachers try to prevent Christians from enjoying the good gifts of God. God has created these gifts and appointed them for our use.

2) vv.3b-4 – God Himself calls His creation good. Paul repeats here, “For everything God created is good.” And “those who believe and who know the truth” will rather receive and enjoy God’s gifts “with thanksgiving.” (TPB p. 64)

* “Believers will not reject any of God’s creation as something evil in itself.
Sinners that we are, however, the bodies God gave us and the material gifts we receive we only too readily use in evil and sinful ways… The fault is not in God’s creation. Man’s sinful abuse is at fault.” (TPB p. 65)

3) v.5 – “consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” — “Believers will recognize God’s creation as good and acknowledge Him as the giver. In prayer they will ask their heavenly Father’s word of blessing on the food they eat, on their marriages, on everything the Lord gives for their bodily welfare. Thus, what appears so earthly, material, and unspiritual is ‘consecrated by the Word of God and prayer.’ The Christian’s entire life becomes a worship of God. Whether he eats or drinks, or whatever he does, at work or during leisure hours, he does all to God’s glory.” (TPB p.63)

3. 1 Timothy 4:6-11, Nourishing faith; The value of “good devotion” (beneficial for all things)

a. vv.6-7, (SG #39, pp.28 & 83), The importance of staying nourished with God’s Word

1) v.6 – Timothy is to “point out these things” to his fellow believers: The importance of the “mystery of godliness” (3:16) by preaching the wonderful Gospel of forgiveness in Christ Jesus; And he is to continue to make aware and warn against errors (false teachings) that destroy the Gospel and faith. (TPB p.66)

2) v.6 – (Compare translations): Where the NIV states Timothy was “brought up” in the truths of faith, and the ESV states he was “trained” in the faith, I think the EHV has the better translation stating Timothy was “nourished by the words of the faith, and the good doctrine,” which he had been “following faithfully.”

* “Timothy is to feed himself spiritually on the truth, the good teaching that is found in God’s revelation. From infancy he had known the Holy Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15)… [and] he should keep on studying and reviewing in order to feed his soul and nourish his faith… Pastors need to keep on recharging their own batteries …They can only give what they have first received.” (TPB p.66)

3) v.7 – Likewise, Timothy was to “pay no attention to worldly and absurd myths [false teachings]; but train yourself for godliness.” (EHV) Such things would not nourish his faith but could draw him away from the truth. (Like “junk food” filling us up so we no longer crave true healthy options at dinner.) “The same can be said of much that appears in religious publications today. A pastor will be selective in what he reads and studies…” (TPB pp.66-67)

4) It is so important that we also continue to be nourished with God’s Word. For it is the only way our faith is sustained (kept from weakening) and is encouraged, strengthened, and produces spiritual growth in Christ. Additionally, it is the only way to keep us from faltering and going astray, keeping us from listening to and following doctrines that are false.

* “A believer’s faith can be nourished only by God’s Word [means of grace]. He or she should therefore give his or her whole attention to true godliness [1 Tim. 3:16], which concern not stories, pious opinions, or even personal testimonies as such, but the person and work of Jesus Christ — the Gospel. Paul puts everything else on a level with the stories told by idle gossipers (1 Tim. 6:20; 2 Tim. 2:16; Titus 1:10, 14; 3:9). [Paul repeats this often; it’s that important!] This applies also to all false doctrine and false teachers…” (SG p.83)

b. vv.7b-8, (SG #40 & #41, pp.28 & 83-84), The value of “godliness”

1) Comparing physical (bodily) training, and training for godliness: There are those who pay more attention to bodily desires and earthly ambitions, more time and resources devoted to looking and feeling good than time, attention and resources dedicated to maintaining a healthy faith. While neglecting the growth of faith and edification of our souls, we show where our treasure really is. (SG #40 p.84)
2) v.8, “some value (beneficial to an extent)” versus “value (beneficial) for all things” : “To have some value means that physical exercise is profitable only to a certain extent… The Fifth Commandment requires that we take the best possible care of our bodies and health. That is part of the godly life. It is worth a great deal but not the main thing; it is little when compared with all that real godliness comprises. Paul does not disparage athletic exercise, but neither does he unduly exalt them…” (SG #41a, p. 84)

“Godliness” is not something we do on our own, but it consists in the faith and life God works in us. Godliness “has value for all things.” The “all” is comprehensive. It includes both this present life and the life to come. (TPB p.67)

3) The word “godliness” means literally “good devotion.” It refers to the proper or right devotion and reverence shown to God. We know that the true worship of God does not consist in our works for Him but in believing and receiving His great work of salvation accomplished for us in Jesus Christ. To trust in Christ and make His action for us the focal point of our worship is to practice godliness. This results in a fruitful life of love and service to neighbor and abounds with true good works. (SG #41b, p.84)

c. vv.9-11, The surpassing value of godliness (again, recall our study on 1 Tim. 3:16 last week)

1) v.10, The surpassing value of godliness is important to remember! For this reason our pastors and we all as Christians continue to “labor and strive.” For as Paul proclaimed (v.10), “We have put our hope in the living God who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” (TPB p.67) The value of true godliness is in the spirit, soul, heart, and life of those in Christ; it consists in faith, love, and all Christian virtues, the product of pure Gospel teaching. The blessings of godliness do not end with this life; godliness has real value for time and eternity. Such is its value in all things, in every way. (SG p.84)

2) v.10, Jesus “is the Savior of all” because He “desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim.2:4). His sacrificial death as the Lamb of God was for the reconciliation of the world (2 Corinthians 5:19), to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). (TLSB 4:10)

3) Not all, however, enter into salvation (such universalism contradicts Scripture). God is, however, the Savior of all in that He offers salvation to all, and all who believe will be saved (CSB 4:10).
He is the Savior “especially of those who believe,” not because their faith makes them worthy of it, but because unbelief rejects God’s blessing (TPB p.68). And it’s important to note, believers already enjoy the benefits of everlasting life (TLSB 4:10). Thus, the work of pastors and of every Christian needs to continue, striving in godliness, and laboring so that all may come to know this saving message and grace we hold so dear… Truly of highest value, beneficial for all and in all things!

4) v.11, …And, thus, Paul’s instruction to Timothy in verse 11. These things are of highest importance. He is to instruct the elders (pastors), deacons, and all people in these matters, not with legalistic authoritarianism but with certainty and conviction. This is a heavy responsibility, especially for a man who was still young (see next section below, 1 Timothy 4:12…) (TPB p.68)

4. 1 Timothy 4:12-16, Living with Purpose; Spiritual Growth

a. v.12, (SG #42, pp.29 & 84-85) – Timothy’s youthful age, and setting an example

1) Timothy’s “youth” : “In other contexts, the word refers to people in their 30s; Timothy’s age is uncertain. In first-century Jewish culture, people were considered youth up to age 40.” (TLSB 4:12)

* “Timothy was probably in his mid-30s or younger, and in that day, such an influential position was not usually held by a man so young. For this reason, perhaps, his leadership had been called into question.” (CSB 4:12)

** He was undoubtedly younger than many whom he was to “command and teach” (TPB p.68). Because of his younger age than some of the elders and members in the Ephesus churches, and these who were probably considerably older, they might question his authority. Paul did not consider Timothy too young to serve as his representative. Timothy had been Paul’s assistant for at least fourteen years. (SG #42, p.84)

2) “set an example” : In order to forestall criticism (concerning his youthful age) as much as possible, Paul said that Timothy should exercise care and always set a good example (SG #42, p.84-85). By setting a personal example (and growing in his spiritual life), Timothy would be able to prevent others from looking down on him due to his youth. (TPB pp.68-69; TLSB 4:12).
He was to set an example for his fellow believers in all aspects of his life:

a) “in speech” – sound doctrine; whether in the pulpit, classroom, or private conversation
(SG, TPB)

b) “in life” (“conduct”) – by practicing what he preached (TPB)

c) “in love” – self-sacrificing love characteristic of Christ Jesus; demonstrating grace to those who treat him rudely and disrespectfully (TPB, SG)

d) “in faith” – that trusts God and is the source of the Christian’s life and love (TPB)

e) “in purity” – giving no occasion for even a suspicion of immorality; works of pure motives
(TPB; SG)

b. vv.13-14, (SG #43, pp.29 & 85) – Timothy’s spiritual gift; Spiritual gifts given to those in the pastoral office

1) A spiritual gift, in this context, is “a special gift of God’s grace that enables the recipient to carry out a particular role or task in the congregation.” In context with
v.13 (“devote yourself to the [public] reading of Scripture, to encouraging [preaching]/exhortation], and to teaching”), Paul is referring to Timothy’s gift from the Lord which “enabled him faithfully to fulfill the tasks of his ministry in Ephesus…” (TLSB 4:14)

2) This special gift was given to Timothy “by prophecy” (recall 1 Tim. 1:18; and also see 2 Tim.1:6 through the laying on of hands):

a) “Prophecies about Timothy seem to have pointed to the significant leadership role he was to have in the church” (CSB 1:18).

b) Paul reminds Timothy “by Whom he was chosen and ordained, as if he had said, ‘God has chosen you’ ” (TLSB 1:18).

c) Here in 4:14 once again he is reminded of “the proclamation of the Word when Timothy was publicly placed in his position as pastor, comparable to the ordination and/or installation of pastors today… God’s gift to Timothy was mediated through the Church and her official representatives… This visible act [when the council of elders laid their hands on Timothy] signaled Timothy’s placement in the Office of the Holy Ministry, showing that his gift is to be used publicly on behalf of the congregation.” (TLSB 4:14)

3) “While all believers have the spiritual aptitude to comprehend the Word of God for themselves (Isaiah 54:13; John 6:45; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 John 2:20-27), only those called to the pastoral office have the promise of ministerial grace to perform the work of shepherding God’s people.” (SG #43, p.85)

c. vv.15-16, (SG #44 & #45, pp.29 & 85) – Living with a purpose; perseverance in God’s Word

1) v.15, “As Timothy devotes himself diligently to the study and teaching of the Word and to his ministry, he will grow spiritually. Without any special effort on Timothy’s part to display this, his growth will become evident to all. People will forget that he is young and recognize and respect him for his increasing spiritual maturity.” (TPB p.71)

2) vv.15-16, Pastors are Christ’s chosen ministers. A pastor is a gift to the congregation where God calls him to teach the Word of God in its truth and purity. Through the ministry of the Word and prayer, the pastor shepherds and feeds the flock. He feeds them the Gospel through the means of grace, the Word and Sacrament. It is important to realize that we should not burden or discourage our pastors from this priority. Pastors need our prayers and our encouragement, and we can assist our pastors in matters that may otherwise distract or burden them. (SG #44, p.85)

3) v.16, The pastor’s devotion to and perseverance in the study of God’s Word strengthens his own faith, and in his preaching and teaching he also encourages, inspires, and strengthens his congregation, those who listen to their shepherd and who are blessed by his ministry in their midst. (TPB pp.70-72; SG #45, p.85)

a) A note about v.16b, “…by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.”
“God alone saves, but the NT often depicts human beings as instruments in His saving work. (1 Cor. 9:22; James 5:20; Jude 23)” (TLSB 4:16).

* Paul’s words to Timothy indicate that he and other pastors do not do this (save self and others) by their own works, but by looking to and leading people to the Lord Jesus in faith. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). (TPB p.71)

** As Timothy and other pastors devote themselves with diligence to God’s Word, live as an example for believers, and continue to grow and mature spiritually, it will become evident to others and will bless both pastors and their listeners, eternally. (TPB p.71-72)

b) And… Regarding “will save” we need to keep in mind that “salvation is both an event and a process. We are saved by God’s grace at the time of conversion but are still being saved in the sense of being made more conformed to Christ’s image (1 Cor. 1:18)” (CSB 4:16).

4) We also, as members of the flock, can also grow in faith as we listen to and devote ourselves to God’s Word; then as we grow in faith, we reflect the light of Christ’s grace in our lives. In this way we become witnesses for Christ to our “neighbor” and to one another and to the world. (personal note re SG #45b, p.29)

References:

TPB = “The People’s Bible (Commentary): 1,2 Timothy, Titus” 2nd edition, by Armin W. Schuetze. Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee, WI. 2000 (2nd ed.). (Originally published 1988)

TLSB = The Lutheran Study Bible, English Standard Version, General editor Rev. Edward A. Engelbrecht. Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO. Published 2009.

CSB = Concordia Self-Study Bible, New International Version, General editor Robert G. Hoerber.
Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis MO. 1986.

SG = Study Guide used in our Women’s Bible Study (by participants in-person and via Zoom): “1 and 2 Timothy, Titus: Keeping the Faith” by A.C. Mueller. Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO. 2006. (This is part of the Bible study series “God’s Word for Today”)

Bible translations used:

EHV = Evangelical Heritage Version ESV = English Standard Version NIV = New International VersionWomen’s Bible Study, November 22, 2024, 1 Timothy 4

 

Women’s Bible Study, November 8, 2024
Women’s Bible Study, November 8, 2024, 1 Timothy 3

Lesson 4 (1 Timothy 3)
Holy Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church

Highlights & notes for 1 Timothy 3 — Serving the Lord in the Church

1. Introduction/Objectives of this week’s study (SG p.77; Book of Concord, The Augsburg Confession XIV)

a. Theme verse, 1 Tim. 3:15: “…if I am delayed, I wanted you to know how it is necessary to behave (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.” (EHV, NIV)

b. Objectives in this week’s study (SG p. 77): Through the Holy Spirit’s work, who is growing faith within our hearts through God’s Word,…

1) We will better understand the qualifications and duties of pastors and church workers.

2) We will be encouraged to use our spiritual gifts and talents in service to the Church.

3) With grateful hearts we will grow in appreciation for the importance of the
Gospel-centered ministry and worship in our churches, and all the more appreciate and pray for our dedicated pastors.

c. Regarding our Lutheran teaching on the pastoral call: Why do our churches devote so much effort and time in prayer when calling a pastor? Why does the church make such careful inquiry when calling a pastor to shepherd their flock? Because God’s Word reveals how important it is, and why it is that such a man have the necessary qualifications outlined in Scripture.

1) “Our churches teach that no one should publicly teach in the Church, or administer the Sacraments, without a rightly ordered call.” (The Augsburg Confession, Article XIV)

2) “Note: When this article speaks of a rightly ordered call, it refers to the Church’s historic practice of placing personally and theologically qualified men into the office of preaching and teaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments. No one in the Church can take such authority for himself or bestow such authority on his own. The ministry is conferred by means of a formal, public, and official call from the Church. At the time this article was presented, it was understood that a minster’s first call is publicly ratified and confirmed by means of prayer and the laying on of hands, ordination, a practice that dates back to the time of the Apostles.” (Note to Article XIV of The Augsburg Confession in “Concordia,The Lutheran Confessions: The Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord” pp. 38-39)

2. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 — Qualifications of a Pastor

a. v. 1 – An overseer’s noble task:

1) “Overseer” is the word in the Greek which also means “pastor.” Such men are to be “shepherds of the church of God.” (Acts 20:28). To “aspire” (“set his heart on”) to being a pastor/overseer is “not an ambitious quest for personal gain, but for honorable and commendable service.” (TLSB 3:1)

2) “Noble task” — It is a noble task, not as a form of status, but because those who are served benefit greatly. The task, the work, requires the full measure of a man’s energy and devotion. The ministry is a divine institution. For this reason, and because it minsters to the welfare of souls, it is a noble task. (TLSB 3:1; SG p.78)

b. (SG #28, pp.23 & 78) vv. 2-7 – Divinely-appointed requirements, qualifications for pastors to serve the Lord and His flock. (It’s quite a list! Who can measure up to them? Discuss these qualifications, then read the summary below this list.) Paul lists the qualifications congregations are to seek in those they call as pastors. (SG p.78; TPB pp.49-55):

vs. 2 1) “above reproach” – (Before God no one is above reproach. If this calls for sinlessness and perfection, who could qualify?) Paul has in mind “consistent, mature Christian living which gives no occasion for public reproach.” (TPB p.50)

2) “faithful to his wife” NIV; (“husband of only one wife”) – Ephesus was known for sexual immorality. The pastor was to be known for his faithfulness to his wife, and not be a womanizer as was so common then, and still is today. To become guilty of adultery disqualifies a pastor from the ministry.

3) “sober-minded” ESV; (“temperate”) – To be calm and collected in spirit. The pastor does not become intoxicated by what is new and different, is not influenced by every wind of doctrinal change that blows across the horizon. (TBP p.51)

4) “self-controlled” – Prudent, thoughtful, not acting by impulse, thinking before acting/responding

5) “respectable” – Well-ordered demeanor in every aspect of his character. (TLSB 3:2)

6) “hospitable” – In the first century, they would often take in Christian strangers who were traveling or fleeing from persecution. (TLSB 3:2). A hospitable person makes others “feel at home in his presence… A pastor’s spirit of hospitality will be contagious so that strangers and guests will feel welcome in his congregation’s services. (TPB p.51). Consider the remarkable hospitable spirit of the pastor
(1586-1649) who wrote the words of the hymn “Now Thank We All Our God.” Pastor Martin Rinkart’s ministry was during the 30 Years’ War and the plague & famine that ensued in the midst. (Notes from our Lutheran Hymnody study a few years ago)

7) “able to teach” – This is a distinct requirement for pastors which we’ll be studying later in greater depth (1 Tim. 5:17; 2 Tim. 2:2; 3:14; 1 Cor. 12:29). This is not the natural gift of teaching but the spiritual gift of teaching. It is the ability to explain clearly the mysteries of the Gospel. The blessing of the Holy Spirit working through the Word is alone what makes the pastor effective in his teaching ministry and not the use of worldly techniques. The pastor is the public teacher in the Church.” He continues to learn and is able to communicate the saving truth of the Gospel through the Holy Spirit. (SG #28 p.78; TPB p.51)

vs.3 8) “not a drunkard” EHV; (“not given to drunkenness”) – Recall Paul’s warning to the Ephesians, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debaucher [causes you to lose control (EHV)]. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18).

9) “not violent but gentle” – A “violent” person is short in temper, “all too ready to come to blows, if not with his fist then with his tongue. He likes to throw his weight around. Not so the pastor. He should be ‘gentle,’ mild, kind, reasonable, willing to yield when Scripture truth is not compromised.” (TPB p.52)

10) “not quarrelsome” – Not contentious but a peacemaker when factions arise in a congregation. (TPB p.52)

11) “not a lover of money” – “You cannot serve both God and Money” (Jesus words in Luke 16:13). Peter also wrote that shepherds of God’s flock are not to be “greedy for money, but eager to serve” (1 Peter 5:2). Paul also calls greed “idolatry” (Colossians 3:5). “The pastor’s heart should be filled with love for God and for people, not with a love for money and things. Paul will have more to say about this later (1 Tim. 6:6-10).” (TPB pp.52-53)

vs.4 12) “must manage his own family well” NIV; (“…household”) – “The pastor who has a wife and children can demonstrate his qualifications to be an overseer by the way he manages his own household The spirit the father shows in managing his home and children will be the same he needs as
pastor in taking care of the larger family of God’s people.” (See vs. 5.) (TPB p.53)

13) “see to that his children obey him do so in a manner worthy of full respect”
NIV; (” with all dignity”) – The manner in which the pastor-father instructs and teaches his children is
important. His manner will be one “worthy of full respect” and dignified in his calling for obedience. He will not simply “lay down the law,” nor become abusive in language or action. He will be kind, as mentioned above, and “gentle.” He leads by example. This is an important quality for all fathers. (TPB p. 53)

vs.6 14) “not a recent convert” – A new Christian lacks experience and growth, and his strength of character and faith have not yet been tested. Such a person might become conceited because of the trust others put in him, and then in his pride he becomes a prey of the devil. (SG #28 p.78) Pride on the part of a pastor can have disastrous consequences. “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). (TPB p.54)

vs.7 15) “have a good reputation with those outside the church” EHV; (“well thought of by outsiders”) – A congregation and its pastor live and labor in a community in which the majority

may not be members of the church. The pastor’s reputation is important among those also outside of the church.. How quickly a pastor who does not have a good reputation could bring disgrace on himself and his congregation, upon his Lord and the saving Gospel. Many of those outside the church truly respect the man who lives by Christian principles, even if they don’t have these qualities themselves. What a tremendous witness of the truth of God’s Gospel in the community! (TPB pp.54-55)

* Summary of the qualifications of the pastoral ministry: “What a list of qualifications! Who can measure up to them? No individual will have them all in equal measure. Not all qualifications may be of equal importance in every situation. Yet a congregation will be concerned that those they call and who serve them in the public ministry be evaluated according to this divine standard. The pastor will use it for
self-evaluation.” (TPB p.55)

** Only qualified men may serve as pastors of God’s flock. We should honor and uphold the qualifications that God has set forth for those who would serve in the Office of the Public Ministry, always remembering that the pastoral office is a divine institution
–a gift from God for His Church. The Lord Jesus has given this office and its qualifications because He loves us and always desires what is best for us. He Himself is our chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).” (TLSB 3:1-7)

c. (SG #29, pp.23 & 78-79) – Note the specific duties of pastors as indicated in the following Scripture passages:

1) 1 Timothy 4:6,12-16 – Set an example, publicly read Scripture, preach, and teach.

2) 2 Timothy 2:15, 24-26 – Teach God’s word in it’s truth & purity; with patience & gentleness, not being quarrelsome.

3) 2 Timothy 4:2 – Patiently & carefully instruct, always be prepared to teach, correct, & encourage.

4) Titus 1:11 – With the truth of God’s word, silence false teachings that are misleading those in the church family.

5) Titus 2:1, 7 – Teach sound doctrine; be an example in teaching, showing integrity, dignity, & sound speech.

* Summary of pastoral duties: “The primary duty of the pastoral office is the proclamation of the Gospel. Consequently, pastors are to spend their time immersed in the study and contemplation of the Word of God and feeding it to God’s people regularly through preaching and teaching, along with the administration of the Sacraments. They must demonstrate their competence in handling the Word of God by rightly and properly dividing Law

and Gospel and by refuting false teachers. God’s Word promises the pastor that by carefully maintaining a devout life of faith in Christ and pure doctrine, both he and his hearers will be saved (1 Timothy 4:16).” (SG #29 pp.78-79)

d. (SG #30, pp.23 & 79) – Consider the significance of pastors being an example for their flock:

1) Philippians 3:17- “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” (Think, speak, and live as Paul does in Christ’s image, as described in Phil. 2:5-8. TLSB 3:17)

2) 2 Thessalonians 3:9 – “We did this… in order to offer ourselves as an example for you to
follow.”

3) 1 Peter 5:2-3 – “Shepherd the flock of God… not domineering over those entrusted to your care, but being examples to the flock.” (Pastors are servants of the Church, not taskmasters. They are to model the faith as well as teach it. TLSB 5:3)

Summary of the significance of pastors being examples for their flocks: “The New Testament has only one standard of morals for both clergy and laity, but it is a well-known fact that moral faults and weaknesses are more readily tolerated in church members than in their pastors. The reasons for making this distinction are quite evident. Members look up to their pastors as leaders and patterns. Pastors are expected to be examples to the flock [as mentioned in these few verses].” (SG #30 p.79)

e. (SG #31, pp.23 & 79) – Consider what church members owe to their pastors, especially having just studied the qualifications for becoming a pastor, and realizing the eternal weight of their work ministering to the welfare of souls. Consider ways we can best encourage and support our pastors, and future pastors. A few Scripture passages to consider:

1) 1 Timothy 5:17 – “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” (Honor and pay them well.)

2) 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 – “…Respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord… esteem them very highly in love because of their work.” (They are to be honored & loved not because of their status but because of their service in the spirit of Christ’s teaching. Jesus defined greatness in terms of humble service. God will exalt those who humbly serve for His sake. TLSB 5:13)

3) Hebrews 13:17 – “Have confidence in your [pastoral] leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” (Listen and follow the pastor God has given us and invest in his joy.)

4) Galatians 6:6 – “One who is taught the Word must share all good things with the one who teaches.” (Provide for and pay our pastors well. Care for their families.)

5) 2 Cor. 11:28, James 3:1 – (Empathize with the weight of ministry our pastors carry.)

6) Acts 6:1-4 – Free the pastor from things that would distract him from prayer & the Word. See next section regarding “deacons” and lay workers.

* Summary of ways to support our pastors in their work: “The congregation owes the pastor recognition of his divine call to minister to them the Gospel in the stead and by the command of Christ. They must not consider or treat him as a hireling but as Christ’s ambassador and gift to them to perform sacred ministry through Word and Sacrament.
Consequently, the congregation must submit to the pastor’s ministry through the glad, regular, and believing reception of God’s grace that he minister to them through the means of grace. They are to love and respect him for his office’s sake. And finally, they should see to his material and earthly needs through an adequate salary and compensation.” (SG #31 p.79)

3. 1 Timothy 3:8-13 — Lay workers needed to assist the pastor; Qualified deacons

a. Review Acts 6:1-6, where we studied the establishment of “deacons” to serve specific needs within the early Church, freeing the apostles to spend their time primarily in preaching & teaching the Word and in prayer. Note that the only two local church offices mentioned in the NT are those of overseer (also called pastor or elder) and deacon (see Philippians 1:1). (CSB 3:8)

1) “The seven men chosen by the Jerusalem congregation to administer the distribution of alms to the widows may well have been the first in that office, even though they were not called deacons then. They were servants, or helpers, who took care of collecting and dispersing the congregations finances, looking after the widows and the sick, and, in general administering the affairs of the congregation. This freed the Twelve [apostles] of those responsibilities so that they could devote their full energies to ‘the ministry of the Word.'” (TPB pp.55-56)

2) “If today’s pastor is similar to an overseer in Paul’s day, our church councilmen may come closest to the position of deacon.” (TPB p.56)
* The word “deacon” in general applies to all church workers. (SG p.79) “In its non-technical usage, the Greek for this word means simply “one who serves” (CSB 3:8)
3) Qualifications for deacons:

vs.8: dignified (EHV, ESV); worthy of respect (NIV)
sincere (NIV); not deceitful (EHV); not double-tongued (ESV)

not indulging in much wine
not greedy for dishonest gain (EHV, ESV); not pursuing dishonest gain (NIV)

vs.9: holding on to the mystery of the faith with a clean conscience (EHV, ESV); keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience (NIV)

“…men who are knowledgeable Christians, whose faith clings to the truth as a matter of conscience. We recall the ‘pure heart’ and ‘good conscience’ and ‘sincere faith’ Paul spoke about in chapter 1 (verse 5).” (TPB p.57)

vs.10: tested…found blameless (EHV, ⁷ESV); tested…[found] nothing against them (NIV)

“Paul says nothing about how they are to be tested… [not] a formal testing procedure.
…deacons were to be chosen because they had already shown themselves to be sound, conscientious believers. At Jerusalem they chose men who were ‘known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom’ (Acts 6:3). Congregations, then, will not chose the members of their council or board to make them better Christians, but they will choose men who already possess the qualifications listed here.” (TPB, p.57)

“…the Greek verb indicates that the testing would be ongoing–a careful and thoughtful evaluation.” (TLSB 3:10)

vs.12: faithful to his wife (NIV); husband of only one wife (EHV, ESV), managing his children and his household well.

4) In Paul’s outlining the qualifications for deacons, he does not mention the need for deacons to be “able to teach,” which he had given as a distinct responsibility for pastors. Therefore we can conclude that the deacons were not assigned a specific teaching role (although we recall Stephen also ably witnessed to his faith). (TPB p.56)

5) Note regarding vs.11: “women” (EHV) is the better translation. (“wives” used in ESV, NIV): “The women here may be deaconesses, female helpers of deacons, or wives of deacons.” (EHV footnote) “In the Early Church, women likely served as deaconesses, administering physical help and deeds of kindness.” (TLSB 3:11) They, too, were to be worthy of respect, not gossips, sober-minded, trustworthy & faithful.

6) Regarding vs.13, as “deacons” serve the Lord and help others, they reap a harvest of blessings (joy, assurance/boldness in faith, respect & appreciation from fellow believers). (TPB p.59)

b. (SG #32, pp.24 & 79-80) – Today we have boards and offices established in our congregations to assist our pastors and to carry out work of service in our churches. It is

important to recognize that those who are chosen for these positions would have similar qualities in their lives and faith as Paul has listed in these verses.

c. (SG #33, pp.24 & 80) – While we are blessed in our churches to serve and to have those who serve in various positions, we also realize that as Christians we all represent Christ in our daily lives (at home and in public). As we abide in Christ and He in and with us, “we live a life of faithful devotion to Him. Both in the home and in public, our conduct bears witness to the Gospel in one way or another. A consistent life of faith in Christ and love to one’s neighbor–that is, every and any other human being–furnishes a compelling witness to others of Christ.” (SG #33, p.80)

4. 1 Timothy 3:14-16 — Willing and Joyful Service

a. Verse 14 – Timothy was in Ephesus, and Paul was in Macedonia, a journey that would involve hundreds of miles through perilous stretches of land and sea. (TLSB 3:14). For that reason Paul does not want to rely on a later oral transmission of the instructions contained in this letter. They are so important that he wants them to reach Timothy and the Ephesian congregations as soon as possible. (TPB p.60) And in so doing, this Epistle written by inspiration of the Holy Spirit (God’s Word) would also be available to the believers of all times. (SG p.24)

b. (SG #34, pp.25 & 80), Verse 15 – “Paul is deeply concerned about the welfare of the church. Why? It is not just some earthly organization or gathering. He calls it the church of the living God.” (TPB p.60)

1) The household of God is the “place where God dwells with and in His people. The members of this household are brothers and sisters in Christ and children of the heavenly Father… God’s ‘household’ is also His Church, of which He is the living Head.” (TLSB 3:15)

2) The pillar and foundation (buttress) of truth — “As pillars and buttresses are needed to support large structures, the Gospel is needed so that not even the gates of hell can prevail against the Church. (Matthew 16:18; John 14:6)” (TLSB 3:15)

3) “In the Apostles’ Creed, we call it the holy Christian church, the communion of saints.” (TPB p.60)

* 1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Don’t you know that you (the congregation) yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?”

** 1 Peter 2:5 – “you also, like living stones, are being built as a spiritual
house…”

4) Thus, Paul’s concern for how we ought to conduct ourselves in the church! Our house of worship truly should be especially dear to our hearts.

“All Christians should be keenly aware that in church they are in the very house of the living God. There ministers serve, and the people together worship in the presence of God who sees everything that goes on in the hearts and lives of His people. Keeping that in mind, they will refrain from pride, selfishness, quarreling, gossiping, and other evils that sometimes disturb the peace of a congregation. The Church is a pillar and buttress of truth (v.15). From the Church, the truth shines out into the world and draws men to Christ.” (SG #34, p.80)

5) “The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord…” (Christian Worship Hymnal (2021), #855)

c. (SG #35, pp.25 & 80), Verse 16 — Poetic heart of the Gospel truth which God has entrusted to His Church, that is joyfully proclaimed (perhaps an early Church hymn/psalm). This sixfold statement highlights the central events of our Lord’s earthly ministry. Christ is (and must be) the subject & focus of all Christian preaching, which centers on His incarnation, redemption, and exaltation.” (TPB p.61; TLSB 3:16; SG #35 p.80)

1) “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness.”

* “The Gospel of Jesus Christ, especially as set forth in this verse, is neither known nor believed by the world, and therefore must be “proclaimed” [“confessed”]. For those who believe, however, it is no longer a “mystery.” (TLSB 3:16)

** “Greek: mysterion, “secret,” previously kept hidden but now openly revealed to all (1 Cor. 4:1). God’s plan of salvation was hidden in OT times in shadows and types. The mystery is revealed in the Word of God–in Christ. Pagan religions
also used “mystery” for secret knowledge that was tightly controlled and limited to a few. Paul stresses that the revelation of Christ is for all people (Ephesians 3:9).” (TLSB, p.1903, “Key Terms and Phrases in Paul’s Epistles”)

2) “revealed in the flesh” — Christ’s humiliation (Luther’s Small Catechism, pp.170-172)

John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”

3) “vindicated by the Spirit” (“justified in spirit” EHV) — Christ’s exaltation (Luther’s Sm. Cat., pp.172-176)

1 Peter 3:18 – “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.”

He who appeared “in a body” like one of us “was vindicated by the Spirit,” literally “was justified in spirit.” When God raised Jesus from the dead, Jesus was justified, or vindicated. His resurrection proved that He was…indeed the Son of God as He had claimed “In spirit” seems to be in
antithesis to “in flesh”.

“Christ was manifest in flesh, that is, He appeared in this world as a lowly, despised and weak human being. But He was justified in Spirit, that is, He was publicly vindicated by God as Lord and Christ in that new glorified, spiritual state in which He appeared to His disciples after His resurrection.”
(TPB p.62; “The Christological Flesh-Spirit Antithesis,” Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, July 1979, p.243)

4) “seen by messengers” (EHV) (” by angels” ESV, NIV)

Note: Angels are messengers. And the same word in Greek also refers to human beings sent as messengers (Luke 9:52). Likewise, the “angels” of the seven churches to whom John writes in the book of Revelation are the pastors of those churches. It is true that the risen, glorified Jesus appeared to the holy angels at His resurrection and ascension. Yet it seems more likely that “angels” here refers to the earthly messengers to whom Jesus appeared after His resurrection. See 1 Corinthians 15:5-8. Those messengers were designated as His witnesses and sent out to preach the Gospel in all the world. (TPB p.62)

5) “preached [proclaimed, ESV] among the nations”

Matthew 28:19 — “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. ”

Mark 13:10 — “And the Gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.” (Recall our study of the book of Acts)

6) “believed on in the world”

John 17:20-21 — “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father are in me and I in you, that they may be in us, so
that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

Romans 10:17 — “So then, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through the word of Christ.”

Colossians 1:5-6 — “Of this you have heard…the word of the truth, the Gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing…”

* “Yes, the preaching of the Gospel will be effective until the end of time.” (TPB p.63)

7) “taken up in glory”

Ephesians 1 20-22 — The Lord Jesus ascended to take His place at the right hand of God “in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion… to be head over everything for the church.”

Philippians 2:9-10 — “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Summary: “He, the Lord Jesus, and all that can be said about Him is “the mystery of godliness.” He is what “godliness,” our Christian faith…is all about. All of this is “great,” indeed, “beyond all question.” The Church is the pillar and foundation of that glorious truth, the saving truth entrusted to the Church to preserve and proclaim.” (TPB p.63)

“This is the Gospel… the work Christ has performed for our salvation. All heavenly gifts and grace, and faith itself, come from this Gospel… and to substitute for it stories, self-help plans of personal holiness, or church programs, however well-intended, is to lose all such precious blessings.” (SG #35 p.80)

5. Conclusion: “This concludes the section dedicated to the Church’s organization in 1 Timothy, chapters 2-3. We are not free to amend or depart from God’s revealed will concerning the outward organization of His Church… the Church of the living God that confesses the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a fallen world. In Love, God has made us members of His Church by the Holy Spirit. By grace, the Savior’s truth has been made manifest to us and, through faith, we will follow Him in glory.” (TLSB 3:14-16)

References:

TPB = “The People’s Bible (Commentary): 1,2 Timothy, Titus” 2nd edition, by Armin W. Schuetze. Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee, WI. 2000 (2nd ed.). (Originally published 1988)

TLSB = The Lutheran Study Bible, English Standard Version, General editor Rev. Edward A. Engelbrecht. Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO. Published 2009.

CSB = Concordia Self-Study Bible, New International Version, General editor Robert G. Hoerber.
Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis MO. 1986.

SG = Study Guide used in our Women’s Bible Study (by participants in-person and via Zoom): “1 and 2 Timothy, Titus: Keeping the Faith” by A.C. Mueller. Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO. 2006. (This is part of the Bible study series “God’s Word for Today”)

The Augsburg Confession, Article XIV, “Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, A Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord,” Second Edition, General editor Paul Timothy McCain.
Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO. 2005, 2006.

Note to Article XIV of The Augsburg Confession, pp. 38-39 in “Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, A Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord,” Second Edition, General editor Paul Timothy McCain. Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO. 2005, 2006.

“Christian Worship Hymnal” as authorized by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee, WI. First edition, 2021.

“Luther’s Catechism: The Small Catechism of Dr. Martin Luther” (Anniversary Edition). “Christ’s Humiliation and Exaltation,” pp. 170-177. Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee, WI. 2017.

Bible translations used:

EHV = Evangelical Heritage Version ESV = English Standard Version NIV = New International Version

Women’s Bible Study, October 18, 2024

To download PDF  Document of Bible Study Please click on link:
Women’s Bible Study, October 18, 2024, 1 Timothy Chapter 2

Highlights & notes for 1 Timothy 2 — The Church Body Together; The Christian in the Lord’s House

1. Introduction/Objectives of this week’s study (TPB, p.33; SG p.74)

   1. Theme verse: “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

   2. Objectives: By the power of the Holy Spirit working through God’s Word,…

      1. We’ll understand the importance of our church services and the blessing of attending church for worship unto our Lord, for receiving His gifts through the means of grace, and the importance of corporate prayer together.

      2. We’ll recognize the preaching of God’s Word and prayer as central to Christian worship.

      3. We’ll understand the beauty of the roles God has for us as men and women in public worship, as brothers and sisters together in Christ.

   3. “To ‘fight the good fight of faith’ [which we studied in 1 Timothy 1] requires more than opposing and excluding false teachers. Timothy’s faith-battle, the pastor’s, the church’s is not only defensive. …Paul also encourages Timothy as a faithful pastor to instruct and guide the congregation[s] in Ephesus in their worship, faith, and life. He gives instructions regarding prayer, including a special word to the men and women of the congregations.” (TPB, p.33). Paul’s words are God’s Word, as Christ’s chosen apostle, writing with the authority of Christ Jesus and as His spokesman, having carefully considered these matters and knowing the will of God, as revealed to him through the Spirit. (TPB, p.39)

2. 1 Timothy 2:1-3, 8 – Praying together; the importance of congregational prayer

   1. While we should always pray in our personal lives, here in 1 Timothy 2, Paul is especially concerned that we are diligent in prayer together, in our congregational worship life. (TPB, p.34)

      * v. 1 – “first of all” — “Corporate prayer and worship were not only first among the practical issues raised by Paul in his Epistle, but they are also of first (primary) importance…” (TLSB, 2:1)

   2. Four synonyms for prayer (each with a different nuance) (TPSB, 2:1; TPB, p.34):

      1. supplications (ESV), petitions (EHV), requests (NIV) – approaching God with our needs, for specific benefits.

      2. prayers – a general term, denoting a wide array of petitions; has the element of devotion and reverence as Christians approach the Lord.

      3. intercession[s] – appeals for others made to God our Father with boldness and childlike trust, “as dear children ask their dear father.” (Luther’s explanation to the Address of the Lord’s Prayer, Luther’s Small Catechism)

      4. thanksgiving[s] – expressions of gratitude for grace and mercy received.

   3. Note in vv. 1-2, Paul doesn’t tell us what to pray for, but for whom we should pray:

      1. For all people (ESV, EHV), For everyone (NIV) – How important it is that we pray for ALL people (not just for things or for what we want).

      2. For ALL those in authority, kings, and those in governments – Paul in particular mentions the need to pray for these. And he doesn’t exclude the notorious emperor Nero. This includes the heathen and oppressive rulers. Why are we to pray for these?:
         • Romans 13:1 – “The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
         • 1 Tim. 2:2 – They need our prayers, especially those who may seek the church’s harm (TPB, p.35)“The blessing we enjoy when rulers carry out their divinely assigned duties is ‘that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.’ …What a blessing when the church can assemble, worship, and proclaim the saving Gospel, unhindered by odious restrictions, war, and terrorism! A study of history and a look at today’s rulers throughout the world show that these blessings cannot be taken forgranted. Let the church, when assembled for worship, heed Paul’s encouragement to pray for those in authority. Let Christian people remember their rulers in private prayer and devotion. God’s Word through Jeremiah to the exiled Israelites in Babylon was this: ‘Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.’ (Jeremiah 29:7)”

           (TPB, pp.35-36)

           • 1 Tim. 2:3 – It is pleasing to God.

           • 2 Peter 3:9 – We know that the Lord does not want “anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

   4. [SG #19 pp.19 & 75], Jesus’ instructions (and promises) regarding prayer:

      1. John 16:23 – “Whatever you ask the Father in my name, He will give you.” (EHV)

      2. Matthew 7:7-8 – “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, it will be opened.” (EHV)

      3. Matthew 8:2-3 – “And behold, a leper came to him, saying, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.’ And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I will; be clean.'” (EHV, ESV)

      4. Matthew 21:22 – “Whatever you ask for in prayer, as you believe, you will receive.”

         (EHV)

   5. Verse 8 – How are we to pray (in the context here of public worship) according to verse

      8?

      1. Men should lead in prayer. “The word translated ‘men’ in this verse is not the generic word for mankind. It refers to the male members of the church, even as in verse 9 Paul follows with a word to the women.” (TPB, p.39)
      2. Posture in prayer – The hands extended to God in prayer “captures both the outer and inner attitudes that should accompany prayer. It is an ancient prayer posture that shows the need and expectancy of the one who prays.” (TLSB, 2:8). (Also see #5 below, “With faith”)
      3. With holy hands – “The hands extended to God in prayer, or folded as is our custom, are to be holy hands.” (Psalm 24:3-4: “Who may stand in His holy place?…Hewho has clean hands and a pure heart.”) “But who can claim to have clean hands and a pure heart? Only those who come to the Lord in repentance can, confessing their sins and trusting in the Lord for cleansing… Only through Christ can any Christian lift up holy hands in prayer. What is true of all Christians should, however, be true all the more of the men [pastors] as they lead their fellow Christians in prayer.” (TPB, pp.39-40)

      4. [SG #20, pp.19 & 75], Without anger or disputing – “It’s not a matter of our outward posturing when we pray, but a matter of our heart before God. “Without anger” (v. 8) implies we have right feelings toward our neighbor. An angry person cannot pray. This violates the 5th petition in which we forgive others.” (SG #20, p.75)

         • Matthew 5:23-24 – “If you are offering your gift at the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

         • Matthew 6:12 – “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin us.”

         • Matthew 6:15 – “If you do not forgive people their sins, your Father will not forgive

           your sins.”

      5. [SG, #21, pp.19 & 75], With faith – Faith is necessary for prayer to be sincere and trusting of our God. He hears our prayers lifted up in faith through Christ Jesus. Doubt and unbelief, however, “prevents God from answering our prayers because [unbelief] holds His word of promise to be untrue and unreliable. Such prayers are not spiritual but carnal and therefore those that God does not hear.” (SG, p.75)

         • James 1:5-7 – “If any one of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives it to all without reservation and without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, without doubting, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. In fact, that person should not expect that he will receive anything from the Lord.” (EHV)

         • James 5:15-16 – “The prayer offered in faith will save the sick person… pray for one another… The prayers of a righteous person is able to do much because it is effective.” [righteous in faith, same as one who prays in faith (TLSB)]

         • Mark 9:23-24 – “‘If you can?’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible for one who believes.’ Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'” (NIV)

3. 1 Timothy 2:4-7 – Taking the message to heart, prompting us to pray for all, and to share it with all

   1. v. 4, The compelling reason to pray for all people (TPB, p.36):

      1. “God our Savior desires all to be saved.” (v.4a)

         2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord does not want ‘anyone to perish, but that everyone come to repentance.'”

      2. The Lord’s will is for “all people to come to the knowledge of the Truth.” (v.4b) We pray this in the Lord’s Prayer when we pray (TPB, p.36):

         1. Hallowed be Your Name

            “Lord, may Your Word be taught among us and by us in its full truth and purity.” (from Luther’s explanation to the First Petition, Luther’s Small Catechism)

         2. Your Kingdom come

            “Lord, grant success to Your Word of Truth so that Your Kingdom (i.e., rule of grace) may come to us and to the people throughout the world.” (see Luther’s explanation to the Second Petition)

         3. Your will be done on earth as in Heaven

         “Lord, defeat every evil will of the devil so that Your gracious will may prevail in the hearts and lives of many.” (see Luther’s explanation to the Third Petition)

      3. [SG #22, pp.20 & 75] – The importance of the Gospel being preached in all our church services, even as we pray for “all people to come to the knowledge of Truth.”

         • Romans 10:17 – “…So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of

           Christ.”

           • Through the preaching of the Gospel, the Grace of God “is both offered and conferred upon people.” (SG #22, p. 75)
           • No one ever came to saving faith through teachings contrary to the truth in God’s Word. (The importance of being aware and warned of false teachings.) “The church must know God’s saving Gospel in all its truth and proclaim it faithfully into all the world.” (TPB, p.36)

   2. [SG #23, pp.20 & 75] – vv. 5-6, How we can be sure that Jesus has saved us:

      1. Salvation is received through faith alone, given to us by means of the Gospel, which reveals Christ Jesus as the only mediator between God and mankind. (SG #23, p.75)
      2. Because sin separates us from God, Christ alone could make peace for us with God, God Himself giving us His Son who willingly laid down His life for the sins of the whole world. (TPB pp.36-37; TLSB 2:6; SG p.75)

         1. Matthew 20:28 – “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (ransom, the price paid to free captives)

         2. 1 Timothy 2:6 – He “gave Himself as a ransom for all.”

         * “We must not fail to see the full significance of the words ‘for all men.’ Christ gave Himself as ransom not only for a chosen few. The ‘all’ includes every man, woman, or child who lives, has lived, or ever will live on this earth. The all does not indicate just a faceless sea of humanity. It includes every person you know That

         puts urgency and meaning into our prayers ‘for everyone.’ ” (TPB, pp.36-37)

         * This is certain! “We may be assured of salvation since Christ’s mediation promises us unconditional and eternal acceptance by God.” (SG #23 p.75)

   3. [SG #24, pp.20 & 75] – Our deep concern about the salvation of our neighbor, reflecting the Lord’s desire for all:

      1. “It is God’s will that the Gospel be preached to all people. Since God wants all people to be saved, we should also have the same desire and seek its realization by means of our prayers and missionary efforts.” (SG #24, p.75)

      2. v. 7 – Paul was “appointed a herald (EHV, NIV) [preacher (ESV)] and an apostle.”

         1. “The good news concerning the self-giving, ransom-paying Savior is a message that must be proclaimed and taught. Paul had been appointed to carry out this task. In the first century, a preacher (or herald) was often used to make important public announcements. As a spokesman for kings and other authorities, the herald’s most important duty was to accurately announce the message that had been entrusted to him.” (TLSB 2:7)

         2. “a teacher of the Gentiles” (v.7b) –

            * We have already studied how Paul was very conscious of this special assignment in Galatians, and in Acts Luke recorded how Paul faithfully carried out this missionary responsibility especially to the Gentile world. God desires to save “all people,” and we realize that the vast majority are, in fact, Gentiles. How thankful we are that Paul was sent to preach primarily to the Gentiles. (TPB, p.38; TLSB 2:7)

         3. Romans 10:15 – “How can they preach unless they are sent?”

         * “The church that prays ‘for everyone’ will also train and send out Pauls and Timothys according to the Lord’s will. Its members will respond, ‘Here am I, dear Lord, send me.'” (TPB, p.38)

4. 1 Timothy 2:9-15 – More instruction on worship, particularly about women: Adornment and Roles

   1. vv. 9-10, Adornment at church

      1. “Outward adornment should reflect the inner purity of those who profess faith in Christ. These directives hold true at all times, but especially as the congregation gathers for public worship.” (TLSB 2:9)
      2. What truly makes us beautiful to God and others in Christ, is evidence of a heart in which Christ dwells by faith. (TPB p.40)
         1. Speaking particularly of women, Paul’s words also apply for all those at church in general. “There is a temptation to pay more attention to one’s outward appearance than to the real purpose of public worship.” (SG, p.20)
         2. “Braided” hair that attracts undue attention, expensive jewelry and clothing often can reveal a heart centered on self and wealth. (TPB, pp.40-41)

         *Note: “Elaborate hair style and ornate jewelry in the first century were expressions of vanity and sexual promiscuity Paul is not condemning braided hair,

         jewelry, or fine clothing per se, but rather the excess and immorality conveyed by these items.” (TLSB 2:9)

         3) The primary “adornment” for every Christian (women, men, youth) is “good works” as a fruit of faith. (TLSB 2:10; SG p.20)

         • See 1 Peter 3:3-5

         • “Also, today Christian women will seek to appear truly beautiful in a way that far surpasses mere external beauty as they live lives of faith, love, and service that reveal their true inner self.” (TPB, p.41)

   2. vv.11-15, Roles of men and women in worship service [SG #25 & #26, p.21 & p.76]

      1. Recall in verse 8 Paul spoke briefly on the role of men in worship services. It is important to realize that God ordained roles of men and women at Creation. (TLSB 2:13). Here in these verses Paul asserts the principle that a woman is not “to have authority over man.” This principle originated from God at Creation. God created each, man and woman, for a specific role, that of “head’ and “helper”. (TPB, p.42)

         1. Adam was created first and given specific service (Gen. 2:7,15). Eve was then created (Gen. 2:21-22) as a worthy, compatible mate, a “helper” for Adam. (TLSB 2:13). “Helper” (Gen. 2:18) – in Hebrew, is found elsewhere in Scripture (Ps. 70:5) and has the sense of “assistant” or even “ally” and is applied to God there (Ps. 70:5); the same Hebrew word is used by God in Gen 2:18 in referring to creating Eve. It implies no inferiority, but it does reinforce the significance of the order of creation and the roles ordained by God. Accordingly, Adam was the more responsible party, (Gen. 3; Rom. 5). (TLSB 1 Tim. 2:13; TLSB Gen. 2:18)

         2. “This does not mean men are more important than women (Eph. 5:22-33) but that God established different callings for them. The relationship between husbands and wives (1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 5:23-24), set in place before the fall into sin, remains unchanged today. Thus the commands and prohibitions concerning men and women in this passage are not simply reflections of first-century Jewish culture or Paul’s personal opinions. Paul roots the practices of the Church in God’s created order.” (TLSB 2:13)

         3. Some have seized on this passage (Gen. 2:18) and these other Scripture passages to accuse the Bible of being hostile to women. However, the Bible (God’s Word) is the only piece of religious literature from the ancient near East that gives a full account of the creation of woman; the Bible has more significant women figures presented in a positive light than any other body of religious literature from the ancient world. (TLSB Gen. 2:18)

      2. “Genesis 3 illustrates what happens when the respective roles of men and women, established by God at Creation, are ignored… Adam did not exercise his

         God-ordained headship. Eve did not exercise her God-ordained role as helper and ally. The results were deadly.” (TLSB 2:14)

         1. v.14, “transgressor” (EHV, ESV) – literally, “one who steps over the boundary” (TLSB 2:14)

         2. While Eve initiated the sin (the transgression), God held Adam, whom He created first as the head, responsible for the fall. See Romans 5:12-14. (TPB, p.43)

         3. Ever since the fall, in which the first sin involved the abuse and the neglect of the roles God had given them in His perfect creation, the man-woman relationship of head-helper has been severely misunderstood; and, thus, the beauty of this gift has been (and is) missed. And the fall affected how we view and feel about these roles. “This relationship now was subject to abuse by man as the head and to resentment by the woman as helper.” (TPB, p.44)

      3. “The world, steeped in humanistic, evolutionistic philosophy, tempts also the Christian woman to question the head and helper relationship that goes back to Creation. She is told (wrongly) that it is something demeaning to women and prejudicial. Increasingly, Christian, including Lutheran, churches are “reinterpreting” what God says so that it agrees with prevailing views about equality and rights.” (TPB, p.45).

         **(Personal note: In doing so, I believe we have not only lost the rich beauty of what God ordained for us, but we ourselves create more chaos, work, and stress for ourselves as women and for the men we care about in our lives.)

      4. Thanks be to God through Christ Jesus who has shown us “how it’s done.” Not only that, but He has shown us such mercy and grace and “has done it for us.” He has become the Husband (Bridegroom) of His beloved Church (the Bride/wife), Ransomed and Redeemed!

         1. Ephesians 5:22-33

         2. “Her submission is not something demeaning any more than is the Church’s submission to Christ, her Head. Husbands…on their part will avoid making it demeaning, by loving and caring for their wives as Christ does the Church.” (TPB, p.46)

         3. Note: Some of you may remember a study we did many years ago by John F. Brug: “Man and Woman in God’s World” (NPH, 1985). These brief notes in today’s study are a bit of a summary/overview of what we learned then.

      5. v.15 – The most difficult verse in the Pastoral Epistles, which has received a number of interpretations (Notes from TPB, pp.44-45)…

         1. This verse does NOT teach that through bearing children we gain salvation for ourselves (nor a more favored standing with God).

         2. This verse DOES indicate that for women (as is also the case for men), salvation IS received by faith, continuing in faith that embraces the Lord Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all. Such faith, from the Holy Spirit, produces living fruit (“love and holiness with propriety” [“self-control”, EHV, ESV; and EHV adds “sanctification”]).

         3. Some see this as “a reference to the birth of a particular child, the Lord Jesus. This expresses a basic, important truth and would render a valid meaning. We may still ask, however, whether this is the meaning Paul had in mind.” (TPB, p.44)

         4. In context (that is, Paul’s writing of the woman’s role in the church and in our lives in His creation, a role which we stepped out of in the fall), this verse of promise reinforces that, in Christ, we are certain Salvation is ours, living in the role God has assigned to us, including our unique and special role God gives upon womanhood. We find genuine fulfillment as we live according to God’s role for us in the Church and according to His plan for us in His grace.

   3. [SG #27, pp.21 & 76], Christianity (above all religions, and because it’s based on the only true and Living God and Savior) truly elevates womanhood! We are not in the least curtailed as far as our spiritual life is concerned…See Galatians 3:26-28. In Christ we are made one in Him, …we are one with all others in Christ as His beloved Bride, the Church. He has restored woman to her position of honor as man’s companion and help & ally. What a blessed position and role we’ve been given in all of His Creation.

References:

TPB = “The People’s Bible (Commentary): 1,2 Timothy, Titus” 2nd edition, by Armin W. Schuetze. Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee, WI. 2000 (2nd ed.). (Originally published 1988)

TLSB = The Lutheran Study Bible, English Standard Version, General editor Rev. Edward A. Engelbrecht. Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO. Published 2009.

CSB = Concordia Self-Study Bible, New International Version, General editor Robert G. Hoerber.

Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis MO. 1986.

SG = Study Guide used in our Women’s Bible Study (by participants in-person and via Zoom): “1 and 2 Timothy, Titus: Keeping the Faith” by A.C. Mueller. Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO. 2006. (This is part of the Bible study series “God’s Word for Today”)

“Luther’s Catechism: The Small Catechism of Dr. Martin Luther” (Anniversary Edition). Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee, WI. 2017.

“Man and Woman in God’s World,” a Bible Study by John F. Brug. Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee, WI. 1985. (This is a study we did in our women’s Bible study several years ago [maybe 20+ years ago].)

Bible translations used:

EHV = Evangelical Heritage Version ESV = English Standard Version NIV = New International Version

Women’s Bible Study, October 4, 2024
Holy Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church

To download PDF  Document of Bible Study Please click on link:
Women’s Bible Study, October 4, 2024, 1 Timothy Chapter 1

Highlights & notes for 1 Timothy 1 –The Firm Foundation of Our Faith
How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He has said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

From Christian Worship Hymnal (2021), #800

Introduction/Objectives of this week’s study (SG, 4 & 71; CSB, Intro to 1 Timothy)

a. By the Holy Spirit’s work through God’s Word we come to faith and we remain & grow in this gift of faith. It is through His Word that we come to understand the importance of sound Christian doctrine, the importance of being taught God’s Word in its truth and purity.

b. It is important that we can recognize false doctrine and how false teachings can so subtly lead us away from the truth of the Gospel, and how very destructive this can be to our faith and in our churches.

c. May we come to appreciate the ministry of God’s Word through pastors who are trained and called by Christ to serve as shepherds, guiding and teaching us through God’s Word, and helping us and encouraging us in this one true faith.

* “The pastoral office is shaped, directed, and determined not by people but by Jesus Christ in accordance with the Gospel.” (SG, p.6)

d.We’ll see here in 1 Timothy that the biggest problem facing this young pastor (and the other pastors he was overseeing) in Ephesus was that of the false teachers, those who were introducing false doctrines into this young church of believers and confusing them. False teachers were trying to rob them of their faith.

2.   1 Timothy 1:1-7, False teachers and their doctrines contrary to true faith in Christ alone

a. vv. 1-2, Opening greeting emphasizing…

1) …Paul’s apostleship – An “apostle” is “one who is ”

* “The one se nt goes with the full authority of the Paul’s words are God’s words… his authority as one appointed directly by the risen Lord, whom he had seen. Paul and the Twelve were called and sent directly by Jesus.” (TLSB, p. 1901)

* As an apostle of Christ Jesus, Paul “wrote this epistle with the authority of Jesus, the Anointed One of God, like the other 12 whom Jesus had chosen and sent out (the meaning of apostle) with His Gospel.” (TPB, p.10)

* “The apostle’s mission was to give unbelievers the light of the Gospel, to tell them the good news about Jesus.” (TPB-Acts, p. 268)

2) “Christ Jesus our hope” (v.1) – “Hope objectively embodied in Jesus is not mere wishful thinking but confident [and certain] expectation.” (TLSB, footnote 1:1)

3) “Timothy, my true child in the faith” (v.2) – Paul had fathered Timothy in the faith and they shared a close and loving relationship. (TPB, p.11)

4)…”Grace, mercy and peace from God… ” (v.2) – Both a prayer & blessing upon Timothy, and the foundation of this faith in “Christ Jesus our Lord.”

b. 3-7, Warning concerning the false teachers…

1) Satan uses false teachers to try to lead Christian believers away from the Truth of God’s saving grace, mercy and Recall our study of Acts 20:28-31, Paul warned the Ephesian elders of the “savage wolves” coming in among their flocks. (TPB-Acts, pp.222-223)

2) These false “teachers” professed knowledge of Scripture, but they really did not know the Truth of God’s Word and thus used Scripture in the wrong way. They would read things into Scripture, twist Scripture, invent stories of “genealogies,” and they would use the Law without understanding its purpose. (SG, p. 14)

3) They were characterized by conceit, being argumentative, talk that was meaningless and foolish, teaching “ascetic practices” (severe self-discipline and self-abstaining practices), and they used their positions of religious leadership for personal financial gain. (CSB, 1:3-11)

4) These false teachers possibly were forerunners of the Gnostics (CSB 1:3-11). “This heresy reached its full development in the second century. Gnostics claimed to have a higher knowledge… that was necessary for salvation. They perverted law and gospel and failed to acknowledge God’s revelation as the only source of truth.” (TPB, 14)

5) False teachers do not promote “God’s work–which is by faith” (v.4). “They contribute nothing to knowing the true God and the salvation He prepared for sinners.” (This is a significant “red flag” of false teachers!) And they claim theirs is “a higher form of Christianity” which they take upon themselves to zealously “teach” others. (TPB,pp.14-15)

6) While false teachers often preach Law, they fail to understand that the Law demands love, which only comes from Christ, …from a sincere faith in Him (v.5). False teaching promotes controversy, but the teaching of “sound doctrine” (which Paul speaks of later) “generates love, love to God and love toward one’s neighbor………………………………………… Only the Gospel with its message of full and free forgiveness cleanses hearts, calms consciences, and leads to a faith that is without hypocrisy.” (SG, p.15; TPB, p.16)

c. Considering “God’s Word for Today” (SG, 15, #9 & #10):

1) (SG, #9) — “What are some of the things that people hear from pulpits where God’s Word is not taught in all its truth and purity?”

* Consider those who add/subtract to Scripture, those claiming new or added revelation: 1) Familiar and historic religious cults/sects; 2) Authors, preachers, teachers who claim personal revelation from God (apart from Scripture), or modern “prophecies” (twisting Scriptures to point to current events or personal agendas, rather than pointing to Christ); 3) Recent and often subtly added “trends” of faith.

*Often teachings in churches today “one can find teaching on life skills, personal finances, or so-called personality inventories and personality types. Others… harp constantly on the Law and teach works righteousness and morality as the essence of Christianity.” (SG, p.72, #9)

2) (SG, #10) — “How do some preachers reveal that they do not understand the Law of God?”

*Those who boast of the Law, “but they show no understanding of the right use of the They prescribe the Law as a means of righteousness and gaining favor with God… Such methods do not promote growth in the knowledge of God’s Word but lead people away from the Gospel. Paul warns all Christians not to listen to such teachers.” (SG, p.72, #10) [Note that often “Christian outrage,” especially on media and on social media, falls into this category of “false teaching,” when wielding Law wrongly and turning people away from the truth of the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus alone.]

2.   1 Timothy 1:8-15, The true & only Source and Foundation of Faith 

a. 8-11, The purpose of the Law and the proper use of the Law: 

1) The Ephesian false teachers were not using the Law properly. They were teaching that the Law could make people righteous before God. “The Law is also the Word of God, and therefore it is good, but it is not able to make a sinner righteous, that is, convert, regenerate, and sanctify him or her.” (SG, p. 72 #11)

2) (SG, #11) — The Law is used properly when it serves the sinner in three ways (as most of us learned in our Catechism, “God’s Law”). (SG, 15 & 72, #11; TPB, pp.18,21; Luther’s Small Catechism, “God’s Law”):

*A curb — Serving outwardly, in the lives of all people (for “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23). “Law with its commands and threats is needed to coerce them into at least a tolerable degree of social order and civic obedience, serving as a restraining curb. When wickedness becomes unbearable, laws are passed to curb it.

“Thus also is God’s law. It was not made for “the righteous.” If there had been no fall, there would have been no need for the law on Mount Sinai. ‘It was added because of transgressions’ (Galatians 3:19). The purpose of the law is not to replace or add to the gracious Gospel promise. As a curb against wickedness, it does not lead to salvation.” (TPB, p.18; Luther’s Small Catechism, pp. 34-36)

*A mirror — “God’s Law also works inwardly, in the hearts of all people, as a mirror by showing us our sin” (Luther’s Small Catechism, p.34). This is a more important purpose. Romans 3:20, “Through the Law we become conscious of sin.”

“The Law was made for the wicked to expose their wickedness. By looking into the mirror of the law we get a reflection of the evil thoughts and sinful actions that have corrupted our hearts and lives. It reveals our true nature.” (TPB, p. 18) It shows our need for a Savior to cleanse us of our wretched sin.

*A guide — “Finally, it has a function that serves only believers in Jesus–it serves as a guide for Christian living.” (Luther’s Small Catechism, p.34) “Can the church then forget about preaching the law? It cannot. Paul says that the law was made ‘for lawbreakers and rebels…’ (1 Timothy 1:9,10)……………….. Who are the lawbreakers?.. ‘All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one’ (Psalm 14:3)….. Christians still have an old Adam. They need to confess that they ‘daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment’ [from Martin Luther’s explanation of the Fifth Petition/Lord’s Prayer, Luther’s Small Catechism].

3) Regarding 9, law…for the lawless: “. this is not to be understood in a simplistic way, as though the justified are not to live without Law. God’s Law has been written in their hearts (Romans 2:15 [conscience])……………….. What St. Paul means is that the curse of the Law cannot burden those who have been reconciled to God through Christ. Nor must the Law confuse the regenerate with its coercion, for they have pleasure in God’s Law in the inner man (Romans 7:22 [Jeremiah 31:33])” (Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration VI 5, as quoted in TLSB 1:9; also quoted in TPB, p. 21)

4) Regarding 11, Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:15-25). The glorious Gospel of the blessed God (v.11)… “The Good News is that we are saved eternally from the Law’s condemnation through faith in Jesus. It is the only means by which sinners can be cleansed and saved. God is described as “blessed” in the NT only here and in 6:15. He is the source of all blessedness, which He gives to believers through the “sound doctrine” of the Gospel.” (TLSB, 1:11)

b. vv 12-15, The riches of God’s mercy to save sinners, the worst of sinners

1) (SG #12) — Here we see how Paul’s life proves that the Law cannot make a person righteous. Before the Lord had appeared to him on the road to Damascus, and before his conversion, Paul “had grievously offended God, even though he had tried earnestly to live according to the Law. Then when the Lord had revealed His mercy and grace to Paul and assured him of the forgiveness of his sins, the apostle became a different man. The Gospel worked faith in his heart and united him with his Savior.” (SG, p.15)

*Read Philippians 3:4-6; All his life of keeping (using) the Law (in a terribly wrong way), never made Paul His zealousness for the Law, proved him to be the worst of sinners in his persecution of Christ and the early Church.

*Read Philippians 3:7-9; Paul realized the confidence in his heritage and self-righteous works actually interfered with knowing God. “If anyone wants to drag good works into the article of justification, rest his righteousness or trust for salvation on them, and merit God’s grace and be saved by them, St. Paul…says and repeats it three times –such a person’s works are not only useless and a hindrance, but are also harmful. This is not the fault of the good works themselves, but of the false confidence placed in the works, contrary to God’s clear Word.” (TLSB, 3:7; Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration IV 37)

*Paul’s life illustrates that it was not by works of the Law but by the grace of the Lord that he was justified. (SG, p.72, #12)

2) (SG, #13) — in 15, Paul calls himself the worst of sinners! Why?

*”Paul had been a Pharisee, who patterned his life most carefully after God’s law. Paul, however, never forgot that he had been a blasphemer and a persecutor of Christianity [of Christ and His Church]…………………………………………. Paul had rebelled against the true God [the God that he had deceived himself into thinking he had been serving all those years], sought to destroy Jesus’ saving name, subverted faith and the Gospel, and robbed sinners of a heavenly treasure.” (TPB, p.27)

(Point to consider: Do I, do we as Christians, ever do any of these things?)

* Note: “The present tense of the verb [“of whom I am the worst”] indicates that Paul’s self-designation remains valid, even though he has been absolved and saved by Christ Jesus. Christians do not cease to sin until the life of the world to come. In this life we remain saints (people made holy through faith in Jesus) and sinners.” (TLSB, 1:15)

3)(SG, #14) — Note the richness of the “glorious Gospel (v.11)” in this brief “trustworthy saying” of 1 Timothy 1:15, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” This is one of the most comforting passages in the Why is this so comforting?

*”Every word contains a sermon:

One; “Christ — the eternal Son of God promised as the Messiah, the Anointed

Jesus — true man, the Son of Mary, so named ‘because He will save His people from their sins’ (Matthew 1:21);

came — sent by the Father, willingly leaving the glory that was His from eternity;

into the world — humbly placing himself under the Law and being tempted as we are (but without sin), obedient even to the humiliating death on the cross;

to save — His one great goal and accomplishment ‘to seek and to save what was lost’ (Luke 19:10);

sinners — [all of us; our sins eternally destroy us,] ‘but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (Romans 5:8).” (TPB, pp.26-27)

*We can safely and assuredly base our faith on the Gospel of Christ Jesus, for it is trustworthy. The faithful and unbounded grace of God, which Paul experienced in a tremendous way…Trustworthy, faithful sayings of pure Gospel truth that is absolutely reliable, and so “deserves full acceptance.” (SG, p. 72, #14; TPB, p.26)

4.   1 Timothy 1:16-20, A firm foundation of the mercy and grace from God our Father through Christ Jesus, in whom we continue to “fight the good fight of faith.”

 a. 16, God turned what was “worst” in Paul to a useful purpose. This became for all future believers an example of God’s boundless mercy, a display of His perfect unlimited patience. (TPB, p. 27; TLSB, 1:16)

1) “When God delays judgment against sin, this patience is an occasion for repentance and .. God would also graciously deal with other sinners who would repent and believe in the future.” (TLSB, 1:16)

2) “God does not condone what is “worst” in He doesn’t nullify His judgment upon sin. His mercy and patience aim at faith and eternal life through Christ” (TPB, p.28).

*Peter 3:9 — “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

3) “When we contemplate our own sins, what patience God has shown also toward us! And what patience we must show as we tell of Christ to even the worst of sinners.” (TPB, p.28)

b. v17, Grateful praise and heartfelt doxology in the light of such boundless mercy!

c. (SG, #15). — 18, “fight the good fight…”. (EHV, NIV); “wage the good warfare” (ESV). In what way is the life of a Christian like warfare? How in particular was this a necessary “charge” of warfare for Timothy?

1)These words remind Timothy of his call to serve in Gospel ministry, reminding him by Whom he was chosen and (Similarly for our pastors today.) (TLSB, 1:18; TPB, p 29; SG p.73 #15)…

*Instruction to combat false teachers, to make sure that only the true Gospel of Grace in Christ is He is charged in battle to silence those in Ephesus teaching different doctrines.

*His ministry would be an ongoing battle against Satan and his forces. See Ephesians 6:10-17. Timothy had been well fortified and equipped for fighting against sin and doctrinal error.

d. (SG, #16) — v 19-20, “holding faith and a good conscience.” …Without these, the battle is The conscience is guided by God’s Word of Truth, as faith is nourished by this means of grace, God’s word. (TPB, pp. 29-30)

1) “As long as a Christian remains in faith, he or she will have a good conscience before God. One cannot keep his or her faith and enjoy the peace of God in one’s heart while playing fast and loose with the Word of God. Such people will get shipwrecked in the faith. Paul mentions two teachers who had this sad ” (SG, p. 73, #16)

 2) Note: 20, “handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.” (ESV).

*Excommunication: “Paul excluded these two men from the church, which was considered a sanctuary from Satan’s power. Out in the world, away from the fellowship and care of the church, they would be taught not to blaspheme. The purpose of such drastic action was more remedial than punitive.” (CSB, 1:20).

*”The goal of excommunication is that the sinner be led to repentance and be restored to the faith previously rejected.” (TLSB, 1:20)

e. (SG, #17) — Point to ponder: “Why do some fall away after being confirmed?” Something to consider, in light of Matthew 7:24, our faith must rest on the firm foundation of God’s Word, or Satan will overthrow (Oh, the need to keep growing in the truths of God’s word… at any age.)

f. (SG, #18) — “Teaching false doctrine is a form of blasphemy, because it dishonors God…” Christ gave His church on earth “the keys” to ultimately lead those in such grave sin to repentance and restoration. The declaration of God’s judgment (“the binding key”) is used with the goal and hope of the unrepentant false teacher and sinner coming to repentance and receiving the forgiveness of sins (“the loosing key”). (Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:15-17; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). (SG, pp. 17, 73 #18; A study or reading of “The Keys” in Luther’s Small Catechism, pp.327-341 [see reference at end of these notes.])

g. How grateful we should be for our church Synod where we receive God’s Word in it’s truth and purity, where our pastors are so faithful to the sound doctrine to which they’ve been entrusted. We are so blessed! “How Firm the Foundation” (opening hymn stanza of these notes above), the Foundation of this Faith we’ve been given!!! We continue to pray for our pastors! And pray for the Lord to raise up more pastors and teachers, who are trained, called, diligent, and faithful to God’s Word!!

One more hymn about this firm foundation…
1 The Church’s one foundation
is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
she is His new creation by water and the Word.|
From heaven He came and sought her to be His holy bride;
with His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died.

2 Elect from every nation, yet one o’er all the earth;
her charter of salvation: one Lord, one faith, one birth.
One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food,
and to one hope she presses, with every grace endued.

3. The Church shall never Her dear Lord to defend,
to guide, sustain, and cherish, is with her to the end.
Tho’ there be those that hate her and strive to see her fail,
against both foe and traitor she ever shall prevail.

4. Tho’ with a scornful wonder the world sees her oppressed,
by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed,
yet saints their watch are keeping; their cry goes up, “How long?”
and soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.

5. ‘Mid toil and tribulation and tumult of her war
she waits the consummation of peace forevermore
till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blest,
and the great Church victorious shall be the Church at rest.

From Christian Worship Hymnal (2021), #855

Women’s Bible Study, Sept. 27, 2024
Holy Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church

To download PDF  Document of Bible Study Please click on link:
(http://holytrinitylutheranwyoming.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Womens-Bible-Study-9-27-2024-Intro-to-the-Pastoral-Epistles-Timothy-Study.pdf

Highlights & notes for Introduction to Paul’s Pastoral Epistles
(Resource notations explained at end of weekly notes.)

1. General information about the Pastoral Epistles
 a. To whom and reason for Paul writing these letters:
 1) Pastoral counsel to Timothy and to Titus, who were coworkers, “sons of the faith” to their spiritual father Paul, and who were loved and especially close to Paul. Paul had chosen Timothy  and Titus, coworkers that he had trained, to carry on the Lord’s mission.

* “[Paul] is led by the Holy Spirit to give divine counsel to those who will succeed him in order that the Gospel and its ministry will continue just as he received them from the Lord.” (SG, p.9)

 2) These letters are often called “Pastoral Epistles” not necessarily because of who Paul addresses, but because these letters address issues concerning the Office of the Holy Ministry (the pastoral office). (SG, p.9)

* Timothy and Titus were not apostles, and they were probably not what we would consider to be a pastor (an overseer) of a specific congregation. Rather, we’ll see in this study that Paul gives them instructions about pastors, about shepherds of congregational flocks. It may be best to regard Timothy (and Titus) as apostolic representatives, delegated by Paul to carry out special work (as Paul had done, Acts 14:23) in establishing & organizing churches within the regional Church, and selecting, teaching, and guiding elders (Titus 1:5) in their appointed pastoral role within a church. (CSB, Introduction to 1 Timothy)

3) These letters are also written by inspiration of the Holy Spirit to all generations yet to come, to pastors and to all church members, with instruction and encouragement “to maintain faithfulness to the Lord and to keep the faith.” (TPB, p.1; SG,p.9)

b. General content of the Pastoral Epistles:
1) These epistles contain pastoral advice to Timothy and to Titus on how to deal with problems in churches both in Ephesus and in Crete. Paul gives advice as to qualifications for pastors and lay leaders, with instructions on worship, and instructions on “how they are to serve the members of their flocks, the young and the elderly, the widows and the older men, the wealthy  and the servants.” Paul also warns of the significant problematic issue of false teachers and false doctrine! He “encourages faithfulness in teaching and godliness in conduct.” (TBP, p.1)

 2) Note: The word pastor is derived from the Latin word for shepherd. Timothy and Titus were more than pastors, as we understand that role. They had the responsibility of overseeing shepherding) the development of an entire church body in a specific region, which would have included several smaller house churches. (Recall our study in Acts 20:17-38, Paul’s meeting in Miletus with the elders from Ephesus. The church of Ephesus was actually made up of a number of local churches or congregations [house churches, since church buildings were not constructed until the third century].) Paul provided instruction and encouragement to both Timothy and Titus in their work of building up the church body in such a way so that the local churches in Ephesus and in Crete could stand on their own. (SG; and our Acts study notes)

c. Primary reason for Paul writing these letters, which guided the content of these letters (again under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, God’s word given): Paul’s deep concern for the future of the Church is evident in these epistles.

1) Paul provides instruction & encouragement for the ministry of the Church.
2) He warns of false doctrine.
3) He encourages faithfulness unto Christ.

2.  An overview of the First Epistle to Timothy
a. The historical setting (TPB, pp.6-7; SG, p.10, pp.68-69; CSB Introduction to 1 Timothy):
1) Timothy’s hometown of Lystra, where Paul preached the Gospel, on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:6b-8)

2) Son of a Jewish mother and Greek father, and in early childhood was taught the Old Testament Scriptures by his Jewish mother and grandmother. Timothy had not been circumcised as an infant child.

3) Timothy and his mother evidently became Christian during Paul’s first missionary journey when he came to Lystra and preached the Gospel.

4) When Paul returned to Lystra on his second missionary journey, Timothy was recommended to Paul as a helper to assist Paul in his missionary work. Timothy was a young man with a sincere faith, chosen by Paul to be one of his traveling companions and co-workers.

5) Paul circumcised Timothy, not as a requirement for salvation, but in Christian liberty, for the sake of the Gospel, in order that Timothy would be more readily received by the Jews. (Recall our study of Acts 15, the Council at Jerusalem.)

6) Though he was young and inclined to be timid, Timothy set an example to others in speech, life, love, faith, and purity. (1 Timothy 4:12).

7) Timothy had special gifts from the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:6), which when combined with his dedicated faithfulness unto the Lord and the Lord’s work (1 Cor. 4:17), made Timothy a valuable help during Paul’s missionary journeys in the spread of the Gospel.

8) Timothy accompanied Paul during much of the second and third missionary journeys. While our study of Acts mentioned many of the places Timothy went with Paul, of great significance for this study is the work done in Ephesus for over 2 years during Paul’s third missionary journey.

9) Timothy was with Paul at the end of the third missionary journey, on the return to Jerusalem, along with the other representatives from the various churches bringing the collection to help out the Christians who were in need due to the famine there. Timothy was most likely there a few days later when Paul was arrested in Jerusalem.

10) When Paul was finally sent to Rome and during those two years under house arrest, Timothy went there to spend time with Paul during his first imprisonment in Rome (Philemon 1).

11) From Rome Paul would send out Timothy and other of his representatives on various important missions (and pastoral calls) to encourage congregations he had established previously.

12) Paul sent Timothy to Ephesus to continue the work they had started there, and to encourage and instruct the churches there, After 2 years under house arrest, Paul was released (A.D. 63)  from Rome, and Paul traveled to revisit churches to teach and encourage them, and possibly to start new ones (always the missionary wherever he was and wherever he went!).

13) After his release, Paul joined Timothy in Ephesus, where Paul had concerns of the trouble that false teachers were causing in congregations (Acts 20:28-29). After a time with Timothy in Ephesus, Paul left for Macedonia and kept Timothy in charge of the work in Ephesus.

14) In order to help encourage Timothy, Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy from Macedonian about A.D. 64 or 65.

15) Paul’s closeness to and admiration of Timothy are seen in Paul’s naming him as the co-sender of six of his letters (2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1,2 Thessalonians and Philemon).

b. Who was Timothy, his life and character? (exercise #1 from SG, p.10-11):
             1) Acts 16:1-3 –
             2) Acts 17:14-15 –
             3) Acts 18:5 –
             4) Acts 19:22 –
             5) 2 Timothy 1:5 –
             6) 2 Timothy 3:15 –
             7) Philippians 2:19-23 –
            8) 1 Thessalonians 1:1 –
            9) 2 Thessalonians 1 –
           10) 1 Corinthians 16:10 –
           11) 2 Corinthians 1:1 –
           12) Romans 16:21 –
           13) Colossians 1:1 –

c. How Paul addresses Timothy (SG, p.11 #2):
            1) 1 Timothy 1:1-3 –
            2) 2 Timothy 1:1-5 –

3. An overview of the Second Epistle to Timothy
a. The historical setting (TPB, pp.107-108; SG, p.11; CSB Introduction to 2 Timothy):
1) Near the end of his life, when Paul was facing execution during his second imprisonment (a harsh imprisonment this time under Nero who had changed his position concerning the Christians, and was now persecuting the Christians severely), Paul wrote his second epistle to Timothy, requested Timothy come visit him in prison as soon as possible.

2) “Nothing certain can be said about Timothy’s later life. According to Hebrews 13:23, he may have suffered imprisonment from which he was released. Tradition has Timothy continuing as the first bishop of Ephesus until martyrdom under Nerva in A.D. 97.” (TPB, p.7)

3) The sequence in our Bibles has 2 Timothy as the second of the pastoral letters. Chronologically, however, it is the third. In fact, this is the last of all the letters written by the apostle Paul.

4) The reasons for writing this epistle (CSB, TLSB, TPB):
     * Personal needs, and he was lonely
     * Concern for Timothy and the church.
     * His “farewell letter,” leaving “his dearest friend and the Lord’s church these words of encouragement in written form.” (TPB, p.108)

b. Note how the tone of this letter** differs from the letters Paul wrote during his first imprisonment*, when he was certain he would be acquitted and set free (exercise #3 from SG, pp.11 & 69):
            *1) Philippians 2:24 –
            *2) Philippians 1:25 –
            *3) Philemon 22 –
          **4) 2 Timothy 4:6 –
          **5) 2 Timothy 4:16 –
 (Note: In either case, it is by God’s grace alone that Paul and all Christians are well-prepared for the Lord calling us Home to be with Him, the moment we depart this world in death and go from life to Life to be with our Savior eternally.)

c. What Paul longs for, as he expresses to Timothy in this letter (SG, pp.11 & 69 #4):
              1) 2 Timothy 1:4 –
              2) 2 Timothy 4:9 –
              3) 2 Timothy 4:21 –

4. An overview of the Epistle to Titus

a. The historical setting (SG, pp.12,69-70; TPB, pp.174-175; CSB Introduction to Titus):
1) This epistle isn’t chronologically the third of the pastoral epistles. Paul wrote Titus about the same time as Paul’s first letter to Timothy, written from Macedonia, possibly Philippi, in the fall of A.D. 63.

2) Titus is another faithful coworker with Paul. But we don’t know much about Titus. Luke did not mention him in the Book of Acts.

3) Titus is first mentioned in Galatians 2:3, where Paul speaks of him as a Gentile Christian. Recall from our study of Galatians that Paul refused to circumcise Titus when the Judaizers demanded it was necessary for being a true Christian. Paul refused in this situation for the sake of the Gospel.

4) Titus accompanied Paul to the Council at Jerusalem, Acts 15.

5) Paul mentions Titus often in the second epistle to the Corinthians. Titus worked with Paul at Ephesus during the third missionary journey, and from there Paul sent him to Corinth to help that church with its work.

6) When Paul stopped on the island of Crete after his first imprisonment in Rome, he and Titus worked briefly in Crete, and Paul had Titus stay there as his representative and to complete                 needed work there. Titus was a very capable and resourceful leader, probably younger than Paul, but older than Timothy. He was trusted and a respected troubleshooter, which Crete                 needed.

7) Later, upon Paul’s request, Titus met Paul at Nicopolis (in Greece), and then went on a mission journey to Dalmatia (modern Yugoslavia). Last mentioned in the NT in 2 Timothy 4:10.

       b. What we learn about Titus in 2 Corinthians (exercise from SG, p.12 #5):
            1) 2 Cor. 2:13 –
           2) 2 Cor. 7:6 –
           3) 2 Cor. 7:7 –
           4) 2 Cor. 7:13-15 –
           5) 2 Cor. 8:16-18 –
           6) 2 Cor. 8:23 –
           7) 2 Cor.12:18 –
* “It is clear that Titus was a vital part of Paul’s ministry in Greece and Asia Minor. He is a trusted brother and esteemed minister of the Gospel. He shared Paul’s own pastoral work and spirit in ministering to the difficult church in Corinth. Titus was charged with receiving a collection from the Corinthians and showed pastoral sensitivity in dealing with them in the face of  a disciplinary matter.” (SG, p.69 #5)

c. How Paul addresses Titus in Titus 1:4 – :
   “To Titus, my true child* in our common faith:
    Grace and peace from God our Father
    and Christ Jesus our Savior.” (EHV)
   *[“my true son” NIV]

1) Paul may have led Titus, a Gentile, to faith in Christ, in effect becoming his spiritual father. (TLSB 1:4)

2 “As with Timothy, Paul is reminding all who would question Titus’s authority or legitimacy that Paul himself has appointed this man and he enjoys the apostle’s full approval. The words ‘in a common faith’ affirm that Titus’s doctrine is that which is revealed in the Gospel and therefore known and believed by all true Christians and not may know.” (SG, p.70 #6a)
 
d. The special task Paul gave Titus to do in Crete, Titus 1:5 –
    “The reason I left you in Crete was so that you would set in order
     the things that were left unfinished
    and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you.” (EHV)
 
* This appears to be “putting into order” the “unfinished” work of organizing and establishing these churches, with significance placed upon the appointing of elders/pastors for churches in every town. Most important is that these churches are provided with qualified pastors. The significance and priority of the pastoral ministry for our churches is evident. (TPB, pp.181-182; TLSB 1:5; SG, p.70 #6b)

e. Paul’s description of the Cretans in Titus 1:12 –
 “One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said,
  ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.'” (ESV)

1) This is a description of the Old Adam in all of us, and as manifested in the world’s various cultures. These sins interfere with hearing and believing the Gospel. Note the sins prevalent in our own culture or community that lead us to not always hear God’s Word in its truth and purity. (SG, p.70, #7)

2) I think this explanation from TLSB is more fitting, considering the context: “Paul likely cites the passage as a rebuke to the Cretan false teachers and not to Cretans generally. He challenges the Cretan churches to reject the false teachers among them, who apparently claimed prophetic authority. This teaching strategy suggests that Paul wanted Titus to share the Letter publicly with the churches on Crete.” (TLSB 1:12)

5. Note how the Lord’s instructions through Paul in these Pastoral Epistles to pastors are also important for all of us believers (SG, p.13, p.70, #8):…
a. …Helping us recognize and understand the ministry of the Gospel within the Church, teaching us what we can expect from Christ’s Church and from pastors that He gives us.
* This is needful because “Christians often have unbiblical expectations that prevent them from appreciating and receiving the true gifts of Christ.”

b. …Helping us to better assist, care, and pray for our pastors.

c. The spiritual truths Paul wrote in these letters apply to all of us in Christ. We are each a member of His Church, and as such these truths touch upon “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:12)
1) These letters, with instructions regarding pastors, are also letters to church members. The instructions the Lord gives are to pastors and to church members. And the encouragement these           letters provide are for the entire church., Every member can hear and learn, and grow together as the body of Christ, the Church of His own making. (TPB, p.1)

2) “Laypeople may be tempted to think that these letters do not concern them. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Understanding just what the will of our Lord is regarding the work of ministers, will help [laypeople/church members] to not only be humble and grateful recipients of their pastors’ service, but genuinely useful assistants and friends to them.” (SG, p.9)