1 Timothy

Paul, in the book of 1 Timothy, is directing and encouraging Timothy to stay in Ephesus to combat the presence of false teaching. In many instances false teaching does not occur outside the church but from within the church. Even Satan will use these ongoing discrepancies to divide people who are followers of Christ. Even those who teach falsely believe that their position is correct from a biblical perspective. The church of Ephesus may have been plagued by heretical issues, geneology and personal interests. The false teaching was merely an exercise in speculation, and it was distracting and a hindrance to those who were seeking the truth. Paul’s encouragement of Timothy comes from the very authority of God, who was speaking through Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 1:1), to do the good work of combating this false teaching (1 Timothy 1:3-7). If you are a child of God, your greatest weapon is when you are on your knees before God and allowing Him to direct you in every way as you are intracting with others, no matter what anyone else has to say or how they feel about you (2 Corinthians 10:10-11; 13:3-4). Paul introduces himself to the church at Ephesus for the purpose of extending Timothy’s stay there. He brings his position as an apostle of Jesus Christ as a support to Tinothy and with God’s authority. Paul had the position of apostle, teacher and leader (Galatians 1:11-12; Acts 13:2-3; 26:16). In this same way, we should absolutely know where God would have us to serve Him and what we are to do in His service. Paul calls Timothy his son (1 Timothy 1:2), but not as his biological son, but as his mentor with a close relationship with his faith, teaching and instruction. Timothy is Paul’s spiritual son. Timothy is the second generation Christian who Paul trusts to carry on the work of the gospel (2 Timothy 2:2). The challenge that we have today is the role of the next generation that will follow the present generation in leading the church and spreading the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). The book of Philemon is an example of how we are to treat those who are outside of our family relationships with love and respect while putting aside anger and bitterness (Philemon 10-16). God’s power has and will overcome all of our heartaches, fears and issues and helps us to see everything through His perspective (1 Corinthians 4:4-7). You will develop and maintain compassion and a deeper understanding of others who go through difficult circumstances.