07/07/2013

  • SABBATH SERMON PREACHED 7-6-13

    Introduction to the Epistle of 1 Timothy

    1 Tim 1:3 And I besought thee to abide still in Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mighest charge some that they teach no other doctrine.

     

     

     

    Introduction:

    1.Timothy: His name means: “honoring Yahvah. He was Paul’s spiritual son in the faith.

    1 Cor. 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in Yahvah, who shall bring into remembrance of my ways which be in Messiah, as I teach every where in every assembly.

    1 Tim. 1:2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Unmerited Favor, mercy and peace, from Yahvah our Father and Yahvahosha Messiah our Saviour.

    2 Tim. 1:2) To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Unmerited Favor, mercy, and peace from Yahvah the Father and Messiah Yahvahosha our Saviour

    He was Paul’s traveling companion and fellow missionary during some of his journeys.

     

    2. Timothy was somewhat timid, yet was faithful servant of the Saviour.

    1 Cor. 16:10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of Yahvahosha, as I also do.

     2 Tim. 1:7 For Yahvah hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

    and had frequent ailments:

    1 Tim. 5:23 Drink no longer water; but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.

     

    3. Paul loved him deeply

    Phil. 2:19-22 But I trust in the Saviour Yahvahosha to send Timotheus shortly unto you that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Yahvahosha Messiah’s. But ye know the proof of him, that is as a son with the father; he hath served with me in the gospel.

    And it was an enduring relationship.

    2 Tim. 4:9,21 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia and all the brethren.

     

    He was younger than Paul.

     I Tim 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

     

     He was somewhat different from Titus Paul’s other progeny in the faith. Titus was a leader, a resourceful and man of initiative and aggressive as was Paul.

     4.However, Timothy a follower and was shy, reserved. nevertheless he was obedient, cooperative and even did things that was contrary to his natural shyness. This proves that a person can overcome their natural weaknesses.  5.Timothy is first mentioned in Acts. 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there named Timotheus, the son of a certaion woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek; It is inferred he was from Lystra. Acts 20:4 And there accompanied him unto Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

    a.From a mixed marriage. Greek father and his mother a devout Jewess named Eunice. Who followed the faith.

    2Tim 3:15 And from a child thou has known the consecrated scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Messiah Yahvahosha.

     2 Tim. 1:5 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

    He was far removed from influence of other Jews, yet was brought up devoutly as a Jew by his mother.

    b.Paul came and taught this devout Jewish family of Messiah and they became Brethren. On his first missionary journey.

    c. As a child he was taught the Scriptures. Timothy was probably living at Lystra when Paul made his first missionary journey there and was saved. There is no mention of Timothy until his second trip there, and it is believed he was under the care of the church at Lystra, until Paul returned.

    d.Timothy was well aware of the sufferings of Paul and Silas.

    2 Tim. 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Lconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all Yahvah delivered me.

    e.On the Second Missionary Journey Timothy joined the Group.

    6.Paul had Timothy circumcised, because his mother was Jewish. Although brought up as a Jew, his father being a Gentle probably was the cause of his not being circumcised.

    In contrast: Titus was a Gentile and was not circumcised.

     7.Timothy was ordained but we do not know in what church. It could have been at Lystra or the church in Ephesus.

     In Acts 13:2 Paul and Barnabas were also said to be ordain by the laying of hands with prayer. As they ministered to Yahvahosha and fasted, the Consecrated Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

    However prayer is not mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:15. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that they profiting may appear to all.

    The act of laying on of hands, was an act of appointment and it conferred no spiritual power. It showed the Assembly doing the ordaining had formally approved their appointment.

    2 Tim. 1:6) Where I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of Yahvah, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

    8.Acts 17:10-15. And the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks and men, not a few. But the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of Yahvah was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it waere to the sea; but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

    Timothy, on Paul’s second missionary journey left at Berea, they later joined Paul at Athens.

    a.He was sent back now to Thessaloncia for the purpose of strengthening the infant church there.

    1 Th. 3:1,2 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of Yahvah, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Messiah, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith.

    b. In Acts 18:1-5. After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth: And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. And when Silas and Tiumotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Yahvahosha was Messiah. Timothy and Silas joined Paul at Corinth.

    9.On the Third missionary journey Timothy was again with Paul and during his lengthy stay a Ephesus.

    a.Timothy was sent to Macedonia and Corinth.

    Rom.16:21  Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.

     

    b.He then returned to Macedonia.

    Acts 20:3-4 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbre. And Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

     

    c. He was waiting for Paul at Troas.

    Ac 20:5 These going before us tarried for us at Troas.

     

    d.Was probably with Paul in Jerusalem.

    1 Co 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, then will I send to bring your liberality to Jerusalem.

    e.During Paul’s stay in Rome in prison Timothy was a constant companion and contact.

    Phil 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Yahvahosha Messiah, to all the chosen which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Col 1:1Paul an apostle of Yahvahosha Messiah by the will of Yahvah, and Timotheus our brother.  Phil 1:1 Paul, A prisoner of Yahvahosha Messiah, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer.             

    In Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Saviour Yahvahosha to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.  Paul expected to be released and was to sent Timothy to them.

    10.Next at Ephesus Timothy is asked by Paul to remain there and minister.  

    1 Tim. 1:3. As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mighest charge some that they teach no other doctrine.

    a.2 Tim. 1:4, indicates that he remained at Ephesus reluctantly, even weeping at the possible not being able to continue to minister with Paul.

    2 Tim 1:4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy.

    b.There was false teaching in the church at Ephesus that would lead to possible heresy and licentiousness (it means to be morally unrestrained, not living by Yahvah’s standards).

    11.Timothy as a young preacher had a difficult task before him.

    1.He had to exercise rule over the leaders and men of the church and not allow them to compromise the Word of God and God’s truth. Some of them older than himself.

    2 Tim. 1:4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

    2.He had to render judgments, in disputes and in church discipline.

    1 Tim. 5:19-21 “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. I charge thee before Yahvah, and the Saviour Yahvahosha Messiah, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

    3.He had to teach and regulate giving in the church to the widows.

    1 Tim. 5:3-10 Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before Yahvah. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate trusteth in Yahvah, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of this own house, he hath denied tdhe faith, and is worse than an infidel. Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the chosens’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

    4.He had to ordain pastors and deacons in the church.

     1 Tim. 3:1-13 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth will her own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the Assembly of Yahvah?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall unto reproach and the snare of the devil. Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

    5.Timothy as a pastor and preacher of the Gospel, because of his calling and duties, ran the risk of beginning caught up in the disputes of rival groups in the assembly.

    Paul expressed his anxiousness over Timothy remaining stead fast under these pressures.

    12.While at Ephesus Timothy received a letter from Paul and the letter is 1 Timothy. Later from prison Paul sent a second letter which is 2 Timothy.

    The Scripture does not say they ever saw each other again. Some believe Hebrew 13:23, indicates that he did see Paul again before Paul’s death and shared his imprisonment. I do not believe that Hebrews was written by Paul, but by Luke and if this is true it would shed any light on the matter.

    “Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you.” (Hebrews 13:23)

    13.Tradition says that Timothy returned to Ephesus and remained the pastor there until he was martyred under the persecution of the Roman Emperor Domitian or Nerva.

    14.The theme of the Book is found in 1 Timothy 3:15. “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of Yahvah, which is the assembly of the living Yahvah, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

    a. The book is addressed to pastors, yet has great importance and worth to every child of Yahvah in an assembly.

    b.It goes without saying that if Yahvah instructs Pastors as to their duties and responsibilities, the members of the assembly should assist and do all they can to aid the pastor in following the Messiah and leading the assembly.

    c.It points out for example, that disputes cause trouble and disrupt the assembly. It is clear Timothy was under great pressure because of disputes and dissension, because of people questioning his abilities and authority.

    15.Four purposes that Yahvah had in inspiring Paul to write these letters.

    1.To encourage Timothy to oppose false teaching. (1 Tim.1:3-7,18-20, 6:3-5, 20-21).

    2.To furnish Timothy with written credentials as authorize by Paul, and thus Yahvah Himself. (1 Timothy 1:3-4)

    3.To give instruction in church affairs and how to conduct the affairs of the assembly. (1 Timothy 3:14-15)

    4.To exhort Timothy to diligence in the performance of his pastoral duties.

    Conclusion:

    Each of us can be a cause of disunity, which is so distracting from the work of winning the lost to Messiah…or we can be a part of the problem or the solution. We can be one who is a peace maker, an exhorter, a comforter.

    Each of us can be an example of faithfulness or be a stumbling block to those Yahvah has called us to reach.

    As we look at the instructions to Timothy we get real incites into the work of building a assembly that will bring honor to our Savior and Yahvah, and help us in winning lost souls to Messiah.