Scripture: I Timothy 1:1-2

C.I.: I Timothy – Chapter 1

Today we begin a new series (I Tim.). – This letter is for believers (not unB.), 3:14-15, “I am hoping….”
So while the book is clearly a manual for preachers (Timothy) – it is truly for all of God’s people.

I. The Church and Its Message (I Timothy 1)

A. Our Conduct in Dealing with What is False (vs. 1-11)

1. (v. 3), “As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, - remain on at Ephesus, - in order that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines.”
a. God is concerned about the purity of the message His church proclaims.

2. Three contrasts between godly and strange doctrines:
a. #1. Controversies vs. God’s Work - (v. 4),“These devote (pay attention) themselves to myths & endless genealogies. – They promote controversies rather than God’s work – which is by faith.”
1) The word for “devote/pay attention” = “Addicted” (also found in 3:8) – i.e. this is all they do.
2) Jesus warned us – (Matt. 7:15-16), “Beware of false prophets who come to you… their fruits”
3) What kind of fruit should the church look for – those involved in controversy or God’s work?
b. #2. Love vs. Fruitless Discussion - (vs. 5-6), “Goal is love from a pure heart, good conscience, sincere faith. – For some men straying from these things, - have turned aside to fruitless discussion.” – Again, what is the fruit?!
1) “Love” = To do what is in another’s best interest in spite of what it may cost you!
2) “Pure heart” = question is, “Who benefits?” - (Matt. 5:46), “For if you love those who….”
3) Good Conscience: Trusts in God (cf. Acts 23:1; I Jn. 3:20), “…in whatever our heart condemns us; God is greater than our hearts, and knows all things.”
4) Sincere faith: Faith that is without hypocrisy – founded upon God’s word (Rom. 10:17).
c. #3. Teachers of Law vs. Lawful Users - (vs. 7-8), “…wanting to be teachers of the law, - even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions. – But we know the law is good if one uses it lawfully.”
1) There are two errors that people involve themselves in re: Law (both are at the extremes):
(i) Legalism:
1. Doesn’t say, “We must obey God’s commands” – for God says that (Matt. 28:20).
2. It says, “If we don’t obey all God’s laws we cannot be saved (cf. Gal. 3:10; 5:4).
(ii) Antinomianism: We are under no law whatsoever (cf. I Cor. 9:21; Rom. 4:15; I Jn. 3:4)
2) The correct use of the law is also two-fold:
(i) Show us a righteous standard (cf. Rom. 3:20; 7:7), “…thru law comes the K. of sin…”
1. (vs. 9-10), “The law was not made for a righteous man, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their father & mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching.”
(ii) To show us since we couldn’t attain to this standard – we needed a Savior (Gal. 3:23-24).
3) Therefore, since we all need a Savior – Paul now moves on to talk about, “…the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which He entrusted to me!” (v. 11).

B. Our Conduct in Dealing with What is True (vs. 12-17)

1. Paul’s Need for the “Gospel”:
a. Our sinfulness - (v. 15), “It is a trustworthy statement – deserving full acceptance. That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, - among whom I am foremost of all.”
1) This is exactly what Jesus said He came to do – (Lk. 19:10), “I have come to seek and….”
2) Notice Paul’s verb tense – “…I am foremost…” – when we see ourselves as God sees us – we are driven to our knees – recognizing our own continuing sinfulness!
b. God’s graciousness – (v. 16), “And yet for this reason I found mercy, - in order that in me as the foremost, - Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience, - as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.”
1) Are you a “blasphemer and a persecutor & violent aggressor”? – PAUL WAS!!!
2) Yet in His mercy for Paul – God shows He can have mercy on all who come to Him
c. This thought so overwhelmed Paul – he breaks out in a doxology of praise – (v. 17), “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. – Amen”

C. Our Conduct in Defending the Faith (vs. 18-20)

1. God calls for the church to fight for its doctrinal purity:
a. (vs. 18-19), “…fight the good fight, - keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.”
1) 2 essential weapons for this fight are faith & good conscience (Both center on God):
b. (v. 20), “Among these are Hymenaeus & Alexander, whom I have delivered over to Satan, so they may be taught not to blaspheme.” Paul blasphemed in ignorance – these men are rebellious!
c. Last Resort: Church Discipline
1) Discipline begins when we – “…instruct [them] not to teach strange doctrines,” (v. 3).
2) But if that fails… - (I Cor. 5:5), “…I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”
3) (I Cor. 5:13), “Remove the wicked man from among your midst.”
4) (II Thess. 3:14-15), “If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter – take special note of him, and do not associate with him. – But do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him….”

CONCLUSIONS:

1. As I said at the beginning- this letter is not to convert – but for the converted!

2. If you have been studying God’s word – and desire to become His disciple – (quote Matt. 28:19-20).

3. If on the other hand – you recognize something amiss in your life – and want to return to a merciful God…!