Like a good detective, let's examine this book.

🔥 Overview

Imagine the opportunity to be in one-on-one meetings with one of the most influential leaders in world history. That is a little of what this letter is like. Paul has a young leader named Timothy who has taken over leadership of one of the biggest churches around. Timothy is now the leader of the church in Ephesus and he is only in his early thirties. Paul spends time in this letter encouraging and challenging Timothy to be a good pastor. It is a great opportunity for all of us to read it as an older leader mentoring all of us to follow Jesus in whatever God has given us to do.

🔍 Things to Notice

Mentoring in the work of ministry.
Mentoring in being the right kind of person.

🙏 Jesus in this Book

(Every book reveals the glory of God, revealed in Christ Jesus)

The Savior of the worst Sinners and the Teacher of our souls

👀 Themes

The leadership of the church.
The leadership of the household of God.
The leadership of ourselves.

😀 Who?

Who wrote it: The Apostle Paul
Martyred: Killed by Nero between 62 and 64 A.D. He beheaded. There were many more gruesome ways to die so this was considered a merciful death for a Roman citizen.

Who is the original audience: Timothy. Young Pastor of the church in Ephesus. According to church legend, Timothy died in 97 AD because he was trying to stop a parade that celebrated a false god. The angry pagans beat him, dragged him through the street, and stoned him to death. He was 80 years old.

🪧 Where?

Where are we: This is considered one of the Pastoral Epistles. Possibly written in Macedonia.

⏳ When?

When was it written: 63 AD

🤔 What?

What is the big idea: Paul is mentoring a young leader on the qualities of good Christian leadership. Leading is not easy. Leading a church has even more complications. Paul encourages Timothy to "fight the good fight" (1:18) and preserve.

🧐 Why?

Why is this book important: This is important for everyone to read to learn what mature godliness looks like. It is even more important for those who serve in Christian leadership.

📝 How?

How can I apply it?: While reading, imagine Paul is writing you and encouraging you to make the most of what God has given you to do. Everyone is not made equal. Everyone has been given unique gifts, talents, abilities, and opportunities. We will be held accountable one day for how faithful we have been to the opportunities placed in front of us. What has God given you to do right now? Are you giving it everything you have as an act of worship? Never stop learning. Never stop growing. It's almost like Paul is telling Timothy, "Now that you have ascended to church leadership... the journey has just begun."

From Insight for Living (Isn't it Awesome!)

Quick Thoughts on Each Chapter

Chapter 1
1 Timothy is one of my favorite books of the New Testament. This is God inspiring Paul to write to a younger leader in how to lead others with integrity. I think the Lord inspired this letter because, while Paul is speaking to Timothy, God is using it to still speak to all of us about personal integrity. We can learn how to honor God by honoring and living well with others. My favorite verse in this chapter is verse 5, “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

Chapter 2
Paul’s wisdom to Timothy is a list of practical steps. Pray for all people. Be modest in how we dress. Submit to one another. There’s also a little controversy here. Many view this chapter as the main excuse to not let women do anything in church. This worth further study. Don’t look for quick answers or popular google searches. Go deep.

Chapter 3
Church leadership should not be handed out like candy. Church leaders are “attending to souls” and caring for God’s people. Therefore, it should be something we aspire to live up to. Paul also finishes this chapter with a great summary of the Gospel.

Chapter 4
God’s Word contrasts the difference between false teachers and faithful teachers. This applies to teachers but also can apply to how we relate to others as well. We have to be sure we keep our motives and actions in step with following Jesus.

Chapter 5
There is a lot of practical consideration for how a church should run. This is important for everyone to know because the church community is not an institution we “shop at” on the weekends. This is part of our lives. There is wisdom regarding caring for others, honoring those who serve, and how to perform discipline. Think about how you can value from this is your own life.

Chapter 6
V11- God’s Word challenges us to not RUN from the desires of fame, the love of money, and self-importance. Instead to RUN TO righteousness and a godly life. All the former only produces more emptiness. Following Jesus produces life.