In the first chapter of Luke’s gospel we are told that he wrote his account, so that Theophilus would have certainty about the words he had been taught (v. 4). Theophilus had evidently heard various things about Christ, and Luke wanted his account to bring him to certainty about them. Luke’s inspired words—Paul quotes Luke as Scripture in 1 Tim. 5:18—are intended by God to bring Theophilus and any reader to confidence about Christ, His work, and other matters related to the Christian faith. God’s Word is powerful to persuade people of its truth. However, as we will see in Luke one, when God gives His word to people, He expects that they respond with belief, not unbelief. Since He is both sovereign and trustworthy, faith is the only appropriate response to what He says. And what a great blessing He always promises to those who believe (Jn 20:29; Rom 10:11)!

In 1 Timothy 6:1-2, the apostle Paul concludes his directions given to various groups regarding life within the household of God. These final words spoke directly to Christians who were slaves. In the sermon, we will seek a better understanding of slavery in the Roman Empire in the first century, drawing comparisons and contrasts with the tragic era of slavery that scarred our own recent history. Most importantly, we will see how Paul’s instructions to Christian slaves still have application for us all.

In 1 Timothy chapter 5, the apostle Paul gave instructions to Timothy about how the church should live as members of the household of God. The focal point of 5:17-25 is the church’s responsibilities to her elders (that is, her pastors). In verses 17-18 Paul taught that the church must respect her pastors. In verses 19-21, Paul explained that the church must protect her pastors, though not with blind loyalty. In the text for this Lord’s Day, (5:22-25), Paul gives guidance for selecting new pastors.

In 1 Timothy chapter 5, the apostle Paul gave instructions to Timothy about how the church should live as members of the household of God. The focal point of 5:17-25 is the church’s responsibilities to her elders (that is, pastors). In verses 17-18 Paul taught that the church must respect her pastors. In today’s text, verses 19-21, Paul explained that the church must protect her pastors, though not with blind loyalty.

In 1 Timothy 5:17, Paul began to address the church’s responsibilities to her pastors. The background of the churches in Ephesus peeks through our reading of the text. There were pastors in that city who were doing a good work, leading and feeding God’s people. Some pastors needed correction and replacement. Paul’s instruction on the relationship between the congregation and these various pastors provides valuable guidance for churches in every generation.

In the sermon text for this Lord’s Day (1 Timothy 5:3-16), the apostle Paul continued his instructions about how the church should live as members of the household of God. The focal point of this passage is the church’s benevolent aid given to the neediest members in the church. The passage runs surprisingly contrary to modern assumptions about the benevolent work of the church. Those whom the church helps are its members who are 1) utterly destitute and 2) utterly reliant on the goodness of the Lord.

The opening verses of 1 Timothy 5 provide instruction regarding the way Timothy (and thus, others) should handle confrontation of sin within the church. Our identity as members of the household of God (3:15) determines the nature of our relationships with each other. The relational qualities Paul required of Timothy are not natural to us; we must learn them from the head of the household of God, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In the fourth chapter of 1 Timothy, Paul spoke to young pastor Timothy about 1) errors he must correct (4:1-6), 2) character he must develop (4:6-10), and 3) ministry he must perform (4:16). The central theme in this last section of the chapter is ministry of the Word of God. He was to “immerse” himself in this noble ministry and thus set an important example for the churches: the word of God is our business.

The apostle Paul describe for Timothy the marks of a good servant of Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 4:6-10). Just as the qualifications for the office of overseer listed in chapter 3 apply to all Christians and are not exclusive to those pastors, Paul’s instruction in this passage have application to all believers. All are servants of Christ. Every servant of Christ must hold to sound doctrine and vigorously pursue godliness. The end goal for those who know Christ is that we serve him with full devotion.

The apostle Paul told Timothy that this age would be punctuated with frequent deception and desertion among those who claim to be Christians (1 Timothy 4:1-5). They misuse God’s good creation, believing that their deeds will bring them to God. In contrast, those who come to God through Jesus Christ receive God’s good gifts with thankful hearts.