I Timothy Chapter 1
Paul was released from his first Roman imprisonment and travelled to Ephesus. This was the return visit he had wanted to make for some time. What he discovered was that false teachers had influenced the church in his absence. Paul was called away to Macedonia but left Timothy in charge of instructing the church at Ephesus. He wrote this letter to Timothy to help guide him in his endeavors. Paul started the letter with his credentials which might prove useful for Timothy as he presented the doctrinal teachings to the church and its influences.
Let's Reflect
1. Paul wrote that Timothy should not allow teaching of different doctrines than what they had taught, nor should they allow those that taught speculations from teaching genealogies – this was probably using Old Testament genealogies to declare only Jews were privy to God’s redemption. According to verse 4 what other types of false teaching was Timothy to stamp out?
2. Paul also warned against vain discussions and debates concerning the law. What did he say about these people arguing over Old Testament law?
3. Paul clearly tells us what the purpose of the law is. He said that the law was written to point out the sins of the lawless. It was not written to be discussed amongst those who thought themselves to be righteous and their discussions of the law would make them even more righteous. It was all vanity. Paul lists several sins that the law would shed light on. He also mentions that it would shed light on sound what?
4. The question of why Jesus came to this earth is clearly answered in this chapter. Why did Jesus come to earth?
5. And then Paul answers the question that one could hypothetically ask about him and consequently ask about any person, “why did God save Paul?” Paul said that he was the chief of sinners. He understood the reason God extended mercy to him. Why did God save Paul?
6. Who gets the credit for the great change brought about in Paul’s life? In your life?
7. What was the charge that Paul left with Timothy?
8. Two men are named that Paul said he handed over to Satan to learn not to blaspheme. Some people are so hard-headed and steeped in their sin that in order to learn that they need to turn to God, they must first fall hard. What does holding on to sin do to your faith according to verse 19?
