Jeff Stevens

This is an introspective question that we should all ask ourselves as we walk in Christ. While we examine Paul's message to Timothy we learn that through the power of God, there is no room to be ashamed of the Gospel. There are people in your circle that need Jesus, right now. And there is no better time to share the hope that resides within you.

As believers, we are called to boldly proclaim the truth of the saving grace of Christ Jesus. No matter the climate, in times of persecution and times of peace, we are called. Paul expresses to us in this passage that we have not been given a spirit of timidity. To the contrary, we have been given a spirit of, "Power and love and self-discipline!"

How is Godliness a great gain when accompanied by contentment? We can learn from the end of Paul's first letter to Timothy, that our pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness all grow out of contentment in God's saving grace. Fight the good fight!

What should be done with a pastor who has been accused of sin? Paul gives explicit orders to Timothy about dealing with elders. In an effort to honor God, the church must hold fast to Paul's orders. When we say that we love God's church, we ensure the pulpit remains God honoring, loving, Biblical and doctrinally sound. 1 Timothy 5 contains the charge from Paul to honor God through sound leadership.

Pastors play a very important role in the health and growth of the church. Does the Bible say that they should be paid? How do we respect and honor the office of elder? Paul's message to Timothy helps us to gain a clear understanding of what a pastor should be doing to lead a local congregation and how that congregation should honor him through love and finances.

Paul delivers some very important lessons for how the local church cares for its members in need. Ensuring that God's money is stewarded well, that families are taking responsibility for their own, that men are providing for their families, are all parts of understanding church benevolence. And when a member of our church can no longer care for themselves, it is up to us, the church, to care for them.

It is a great responsibility and a great honor for a pastor to see a church that is growing and love and in faith. Faithful expositing of the Word of God, loving, exhorting and teaching the flock are all essentials that go along with maintaining sound doctrine.

It is important to be able to recognize and discern apostasy in the church. Paul is very clear that ravenous wolves will come to tear the disciples away from the faith. It is essential that we write the Word of God on our hearts so that we are able to see clearly and protect our churches from those who wish to harm her.

Understanding the requirements for the family life and character of deacons helps the church to maintain order. Serving people is not easy business and should not be taken lightly. Although the role of deacons is truly an office in the church, all should strive for that good character and a heart to serve.

We should never be hypercritical of our overseers in the church. After all, they are sinful men, just like everyone else. However, We should be careful to place our hearts, the theological education in the scriptures and the safety of our families in the hands of a man who is unqualified to be an overseer. This study will help believers understand the qualifications of their overseers/elders/pastors/shepherds. While it also serves as a set of goals for those who aspire for the position, it is also a reminder to those in these roles of their standard.