God would have the Minister and the Christian know “how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God” (3:15) and how to hold “the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience” (3:9).
The Christian must be loyal to Christ and to the truth, enduring as a good soldier against all persecution, and in the midst of growing apostasies.
1 Timothy Intro
1 Timothy Intro: Two Topics
1 Timothy Intro: Church
This Epistle was written not long after Paul had left Ephesus for Macedonia; but it is a matter of debate as to when this was, some holding that it must have been about the time of the great riot which drove the Apostle from the city; others that it was nearer the time of his second and last imprisonment at Rome.
Timothy is first mentioned as living at Lystra, Acts 16:1. His mother, Eunice, was a Jewess, II Timothy 1:5; his father was a Greek. He was early the subject of pious influence, II Timothy 3:14-15. He was well spoken of by his fellow-believers, and became the intimate friend and companion of the Apostle.
The Epistle was designed to instruct him how to deal with false teachers, how to conduct public worship, and to urge him to cultivate all those qualities which would better equip him for the discharge of his important duties. – Through the Bible Day by Day
The Church and Its Ministry
Salutation, I Timothy 1:1-2
I. the Charge Concerning the Church, I Timothy 1:3-3:16
1. The Need of Love, Faith and a Good Conscience, I Timothy 1:3-20
2. The Conduct of Public Prayer, I Timothy 2:1-8
3. The Place of Women in the Church, I Timothy 2:9-15
4. The Appointment of Bishops, I Timothy 3:1-7
5. The Appointment of Deacons, I Timothy 3:8-13
Exhortation, I Timothy 3:14-16
II. “A Good Minister of Jesus Christ,” I Timothy 4-6
1. His Ministry and Teaching, I Timothy 4
2. His Bearing toward Elders and Widows, I Timothy 5
3. His Attitude toward Slavery, I Timothy 6:1-2
4. Characteristics of False Teachers, I Timothy 6:3-10
5. The Minister’s Personal Life, I Timothy 6:11-16
6. His Charge to the Rich, I Timothy 6:17-19
Conclusion, I Timothy 6:20-21 – Through the Bible Day by Day
2 Timothy Intro
2 Timothy Intro: Apostasy
2 Timothy Intro: Depravity
This is the last Epistle of the great Apostle, who was apparently awaiting sentence. He had already had audience with Caesar,and escaped (2 Timothy 4:16-17); but there could be no doubt as to the ultimate issue. When Paul indited these words he was imprisoned in the Mamertine dungeon, exposed to the chill ague of its damp walls, reeking with pestilence and recalling the miseries of generations of condemned criminals. There was one desire for the fulfillment of which he yearned. He longed to see once more the dear friend of earlier years, whom he had led into this life of stern suffering, and whose spirit seems to have been somewhat overwhelmed by its severity. It was this that led Paul to dispatch this second letter, filled with advice and exhortation in case Timothy could not come, but specially full of desire that he should come before winter set in and traveling became difficult (2 Timothy 4:9, 21). There is not trace of despondency in this noble swan song. Though Paul had lost all things, he had gained Christ. “Glorious Apostle! Would that every leader’s voice could burst, as he falls, into such a trumpet-sound, thrilling the young hearts that pant in the good fight and must never despair of final victory!” (Meyer)
The Apostle’s Farewell Message
Salutation, II Timothy 1:1-2
1. Thanksgiving for Timothy’s Faith, II Timothy 1:3-6
2. The Glory of the Gospel, II Timothy 1:7-14
(False Friends and True, II Timothy 1:15-18)
3. “A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus,” II Timothy 2:1-13
4. “A Good Workman That Needeth Not To Be Ashamed,” II Timothy 2:14-26
5. Grievous Times in the Last Days, II Timothy 3
6. The Triumphant Close of a Great Career, II Timothy 4:1-8
7. Personal Instructions, II Timothy 4:9-13
8. Final Experiences, II Timothy 4:14-18
9. Greetings to Friends, II Timothy 4:19-21
Conclusion, II Timothy 4:22 – Through the Bible Day by Day