1 Timothy: An Introduction to the Epistle

I Timothy: Proclaiming Truth I Timothy 1:1-2 An Introduction to the Epistle

I Timothy along with II Timothy and Titus have historically been identified as “The Pastor Epistles” and they are full of important teaching of doctrine and practice.

I. The Author of the Epistle Identified…Paul A.An Apostle…Acts 9:1-15 B. Commissioned by God… C. And Jesus Christ our hope… Phil. 3:20-21; Col. 1

II. The Recipient of the Epistle Addressed and Commended…Timothy A. Timothy was Paul's beloved child… 1. A godly heritage…II Tim. 1:5 2. Instructed in the Scriptures…II Tim. 3:14-15 3. Paul's Child in the faith…cf. Matt. 23:9 & I Cor. 4:15 with Hebrews 12:9

B.Timothy a gifted servant…Romans 16:21 (co-worker; sun-ergos) 1. Faithful in service…I Cor. 4:14-17; Acts 17:14-15; 18:5; 20:4 2. Indispensable to the ministry…Phil. 2:19-22 3. Continued spiritual growth…II Tim. 2:1-3; 3:14 4. Charged with not only “a good work” but hard work…I Tim. 1:18; 6:12; II Tim. 2:3,15; 4:5. “He was an ambassador charged with difficult tasks…” Herbert Lockyer I Cor. 4:14-17 Charged to help a backsliding church… I Thess. 3:1-5 Called to comfort a church facing serious persecution… I Timothy 1: 3ff No easy task at Ephesus… 5. He was acquainted with suffering…II Tim. 1:8; 2:3; 4:5

III. The Theme of the Epistle Sorted Out and Emphasized… A. The letter has a sense of urgency…I Tim. 3:14-15

B. The vital importance of keeping and teaching the truth… I Tim. 2:7; 3:15; Titus 1:1; II Tim. 3:8; cf. I Tim. 3

IV. The Epistle's Salutation of Grace… Grace is God's unmerited favor; Mercy is His kindness…Ephesians 2:4 cf. Hebrews 4:16

Application: