MORE+ Committing to Make a Difference

Transcription

1 MORE+ Committing to Make a Difference 1 Timothy 1:1-20 Richard Leslie Parrott Friends: This is the first in a series of five lessons from 1 Timothy. The purpose of this series is to help people grow into spiritual maturity and spiritual leadership. Specifically, this lesson includes an introduction to Paul s letter to Timothy as well as resources for Chapter 1. A biography of Timothy is found on page 11. The introduction to the series provides Paul s definition of Spiritual Maturity: To Integrate What We Believe with How We Live. These resources complement a commentary on 1 Timothy authored by N. T. Wright. Please, take advantage of the commentary. This week s reading from Dr. Wright s commentary is found on pages 3-17 in the commentary. The resources in this packet include questions for use in your class. Choose the sections of the introduction and chapter that best suites the need of your class. Finally, I suggest an action step for each section of the lesson. Aim for action steps for each lesson in this series. Each action promotes spiritual maturity. ACTION STEP: To grow in love by remaining faithful in the face of difficulties. ACTION STEP: To live in a way that validates the message of the gospel. ACTION STEP: To use my testimony to influence others for Christ ACTION STEP: To fulfill my calling in the battle of faith. Dr. Parrott

2 From Pastor Ulmet: BIBLE PASSAGE: I TIMOTHY MORE + Committing to Make a Difference SERMON SERIES WINTER, 2016 JANUARY 10 THROUGH FERUARY 7, 2016 Key Words: Commitment, Churchmanship, all in, Obedience, fully invested. Objective: To challenge our people to deepen their personal commitment to and more consistently practice the disciplines of their Christian faith, increasing their effective influence in their world. SERIES INTRODUCTION Spiritual Maturity: To Integrate What We Believe with How We Live. For the next few weeks, we will study 1 Timothy. A great resource for our study is a clear and concise commentary by the renowned New Testament Scholar, N. T. Wright. May I say with all candor and humility, if you only have time to read either the notes in the recourses or N. T. Wright s commentary, read the commentary. You will find it to be solid in New Testament scholarship as well as pastoral in presentation. In addition to the commentary, I will do my best to provide notes and discussion questions that will aid you in preparing your lessons for your class. Let me begin with a short introduction to the first letter to Timothy. NOTE: A one-page biography of Timothy is included at the end of the resources (page 11). The Bottom Line: Timothy was NOT a pastor in our modern sense; he was a representative of the Apostle Paul, empowered with Paul s authority, to deal with a church that was in trouble. The Bottom Line: he was 1) to confront individuals and groups who were bringing harm to the church and, 2) to build up the leadership in the local church. 2

3 The bottom line of 1 Timothy is essential for us to understand. We must appreciate that the letter to Timothy is dealing with specific issues. To understand the limited focus of Timothy s task keeps us from an indiscriminate and inappropriate application of the letter to the church today. The letter shows us how Paul instructed Timothy to develop leaders within the church as he confronted severe problems. The letter gives us a living picture of solving church problems by developing spiritual maturity within the church. The letter is not a prescription for every church, but an invitation to develop mature Christians in our church. What is spiritual maturity as described in 1 Timothy? Spiritual maturity is 1) right thinking and 2) right living. Right thinking is faithfulness to sound doctrine. Right living is love and purity. The two, thinking and living, are inextricably bound. We are to hold to the person and message of Christ and live in alignment with Christ s person and message. The result is spiritual maturity that will advance the mission of the church. 1 Timothy 4:16 expresses the message succinctly: Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. QUESTION: Why are life and doctrine so closely linked? When and how can life and doctrine become attractive to outsiders? When and how can life and doctrine become repulsive to outsiders? The Problem. Timothy was sent to the church in Ephesus; the church in Ephesus was in a mess. Both 1) right thinking and 2) right living were being undermined by teachers of false doctrines who traded in love and purity of greed and legalism. Paul gave Timothy authority to confront the heretics and false teachers. Remember, Paul was empowering Timothy. It was up to Timothy to figure out how to carry out the challenge. Paul does provide spiritual instruction for Timothy that we need: For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God (2 Timothy 1:6-8). QUESTION: If you were given the assignment Paul gave to Timothy, how would you begin? What would be your plan? Are you working with any confused Christians currently? How can we pray with you as you continue to minister to them? 3

4 WEEK 1 JANUARY 10 PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE From Pastor Ulmet I Timothy 1 -Paul was transformed to make a difference in his world. 1 Timothy 1: Note verse 16 Paul was changed to become an example for others. -Timothy was trusted to make a difference in his world. 1 Timothy 1: We must determine in ourselves to stay in the fight, keep the faith and keep our consciences clear, to avoid spiritual shipwreck. APPLICATION what has God entrusted to me? What gifts has He given me? What places of service has He opened for me? What difference am I allowing Him to make in my world through me? TARGETED OUTCOME: that the worshipers will determine in their own hearts and lives to deepen their faith and more courageously represent the Kingdom in their daily lives though 1) increased faithfulness to Sunday School/small group discipleship, 2) worship Service attendance and participation, 3) personal devotions and prayer, and 4) more focus on living for a cause in their daily routines. LESSON: COMMENTARY READING N. T. Wright, pages As with all the letters of Paul, we have only one side of the conversation. We don t have the letter from Timothy to Paul that prompted Paul s reply. We do know that Paul s first word to Timothy (following the greeting) was I urge you... stay there in Ephesus... (vs. 3). It seems reasonable to surmise that Timothy was asking to be relieved from service to the church in Ephesus. The church was facing severe difficulty; this is why Paul sent Timothy. The situation had not improved; perhaps the problems had increased. Timothy was ready to toss in the towel. The purpose of Paul s letter was to empower Timothy to stay the course, confront the problems, and mature the leadership of the church. In the opening chapter of the letter, Paul 1-reiterates Timothy s challenge, 2-restates the problem of human sin, 3-reminds him of God s power to change human beings, and 4-repeats the challenge to press on. 4

5 1 Timothy 1:1-7 True Teaching About the Truth ACTION STEP: To grow in love by remaining faithful in the face of difficulties. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God s work which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. The Bullet Points: Apostle (vs. 1). An apostle was a person sent on a mission and was to be received as though he was the sender himself. Paul was an Apostle of Christ Jesus. Today, we turn to the New Testament, the words of the Apostles, as the Word of God for us. The Bible understood in the Spirit of Jesus is the Apostolic Authority of the Church. God and Christ (vs. 1-2). The command comes from both God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope. The Biblical view of the connection between God and Christ is thus: Christ is God in nature and Son as to his person. One God; three persons. Faith, Truth, and Love (vs. 3-5). Given that the theme of this paragraph is false doctrine, we might expect the goal to be sound doctrine. However, the goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (vs. 5). What differentiates the true faith from false is not skilled arguments, clever analysis, or esoteric knowledge of myths and endless genealogies (vs. 4), but love. Sound Doctrine and Right Living (vs. 6-7). The term sound doctrine indicates doctrine that is healthy as in sound body. Note that the false teachers, rather than exemplifying the spiritually healthy goal of love, 5

6 promote controversial speculation (vs. 4), meaningless talk (vs. 6), and they do not know what they are talking about (vs. 7). Rather than promoting the person and message of Christ, the false teachers promote themselves. This is not healthy doctrine, but sickly doctrine. The Application: Our Need for Clarity and Authority. Paul rarely used his authority when he wrote to churches. In this letter, Paul was not writing to a church but to a member of his inner circle. Remember that pastors in the modern church do not have the authority of Paul. Our authority is found in the New Testament as understood in the Spirit of Christ. QUESTION: In today s pluralistic society, a clear voice of authority is judged as unseemly. In what ways do we need an authoritative voice? How can the church and church leaders speak with clarity and authority in today s world? The Challenge of Christian Words. In the opening of the letter, several common Christian words appear: grace, mercy, peace, and hope. In today s world, these words take on meanings that are far afield from Christian understanding. For example, the word grace is universally associated with the hymn Amazing Grace. But for the reader without a Christian background, saying Grace be with you, might be as meaningless as hearing the Force be with you. QUESTION: If we don t understand the Christian meaning of Christian words, we cannot develop sound doctrine or good thinking. What are key Christian words that people need to know? How can we help new Christians as well as the next generation understand a Christian vocabulary? How to Address Error. The message of 1 Timothy is not only the fact that we must confront unhealthy doctrine, but how we are to redress unhealthy doctrine. As Christianity expanded, the number of churches extended beyond Paul s span of control. Paul observed that ungodliness was coupled with corrupted or unhealthy teaching (1 Tim. 1:18-20; 4:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:16-17; 3:1-9). Sound (healthy) doctrine and right living must be integrated. When healthy doctrine and right living are aligned, the result is love from a pure heart, sincere faith, and a good conscience. QUESTION: What are different ways to address false or unhealthy Christian teaching and living? What is a better way to confront unhealthy Christian teaching and living in our era of diversity, pluralism, and opinions? How to Identify Error. Good Christians disagree; good Christians agree to disagree. The challenge is to know the difference between a healthy disagreement and unhealthy teaching and living. In our modern culture, people feel they have a right to their opinion. Indeed, church communities and denominations have developed around a specific theological position. The debate between various theological 6

7 positions will be with us always. However, when is a specific doctrinal teaching harmful to the mission and message of the church? QUESTION: How do you know when an opinion is harmful to a church and must be addressed? (TEACHERS: The point of this question is not to list the wrong thinking of different Christian groups. The point is to discover that we need to know what we believe about Christian understanding and living. We need a healthy tolerance of other approaches to the Christian life. We also need to know what is non-negotiable. Paul was tolerant of vast differences in the Church, but he knew when an issue struck at the heart of the gospel. Do we know?) 1 Timothy 1:8-11 The Purpose of the Law ACTION STEP: To live in a way that validates the message of the gospel. We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. The Bullet Points: Christians and the Old Testament (vs. 8-11). These verses make three points: 1) the knowledge of well informed Christians in contrast to the ignorance of the false teachers, 2) Timothy must oppose the false teachers but still affirm the value of the law, and 3) insights into the proper use of the law. In this passage, the legitimate use of the law is to point out sin. However, the false teachers were applying the law in order to advance their own mission and purpose rather than the mission and purpose of Christ. The Standard of Truth. The measure is clear: the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God. Paul is interested in protecting the core, the heart, and essence of the gospel. Paul was tolerant of differences between groups and individuals as long as it was done without quarreling over disputable matters (Romans 14:1). However, 7

8 when people where not acting in line with the truth of the gospel (Galatians 2:14), Paul gave no quarter. The Application: The Old Testament Law Today. Christians can be1) overzealous for an application of the law that negates the law of love that comes from a pure heart. For example, we join the fight for displaying the Ten Commandments (a worthy goal). As we do, let s remember that when we internalize the Beatitudes, we naturally follow the Ten Commandments. It would be a sham to defend the Ten Commandments by giving up the spiritual attitudes of the Beatitudes. Christians may also 2) fail to discern what does and does not conform to the truth of the gospel. For example, cults of various descriptions are now using the term family values as a means of confounding Christians. Beware. QUESTION: What is the place of the Old Testament in the thinking and living of New Testament followers of Christ? (TEACHERS: move the class toward an understanding of anything in the law that moves us toward Jesus is a good thing; any use of the law that moves us away from the mission and Spirit of Jesus is a bad thing.) Distinguishing Truth from Error. Today, the challenge is much greater than it was 100 years ago. Imagine the church in 1916: religious understanding was deep and broad; people won to Christ in evangelistic services came to the service with a basic knowledge of the gospel; and people had an understanding of the difference between truth and false teaching. Today s world is different. QUESTION: How can we help people sort out truth from falsehood in an era of pluralism and relativity? People come to church with diverse understandings. However, we continue to teach in the same way we did in How can we better disciple people into the truth of the gospel? (TEACHERS: return to the action step for this section.) 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Paul is an Example of God s Saving Grace ACTION STEP: To use my testimony to influence others for Christ I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 8

9 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. The Bullet Points: I was once... (vs ). Paul is self-condemning in this passage. In Philippians 2, Paul presents himself through his accomplishments. Here he presents his story through his failures. Timothy needed to be reminded of the transforming power of the Gospel. Sound doctrine that is only head knowledge is not enough. We all need a transforming work of the Holy Spirit. True and healthy knowledge of Christ is heart and life transforming. A trustworthy saying... (vs ). Here we have the heart of the gospel, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (vs. 15). Sound doctrine is not a specific theological bent, but an understanding that Jesus Christ saves sinners into a life of love that flows from a pure heart. This transformation is accomplished by the mercy of God. Paul doesn t just understand sound doctrine, he is a living example of the power of the gospel to heal the sin-sick soul. The Application: Christian Character is Our Witness. Personal experience speaks with a loud and clear voice. Paul was able to share his own testimony is multiple ways in order to meet the need of the listener. His testimony influenced and empowered others. QUESTION: Why is personal testimony such a strong means of sharing the gospel? 1 Timothy 1:18-20 The Battle of Faith ACTION STEP: To fulfill my calling in the battle of faith. Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the 9

10 faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme. The Bullet Points: My son (vs. 18). The chapter opens and closes with Paul calling Timothy his son. Paul empowers Timothy through relationship. Timothy s Call to Ministry (vs. 18). The New Testament provides five (5) examples of a call to ministry. 1-Jesus called the disciples (Lk. 5:1-11), 2- Peter is commissioned (John 21:15-19), 3-Paul on the Damascus road (Acts 9:1-19), 4-Paul and Barnabas are commissioned for missionary work (Acts 13:1-3), and 5-the only other call is that given to Timothy. Fight the good fight (vs. 18). Christian ministry and Christian maturity is a battle to keep your head on right and live in alignment with Christ s mission. Shipwrecked (vs. 19). The image of spiritual shipwreck (or train wreck) is frightening. We are reminded that as God holds us, but we must also hold on. Handed over to Satan (vs. 20). We don t practice excommunication in the local church. Paul s point here is that life outside the loving community of Christ s followers is desperate. Paul s actions are tough love. Notice that his goal is not punishment but restoration that they may be taught. The Application: Called to Ministry. There are only four methods of calls to ministry in the New Testament: 1) the audible voice of Jesus to disciples, 2) a unique conversation with Paul, 3) the dream of the Macedonian, and 4) God s call through other Christians. We can summarize by saying that a call comes through the interaction of the inward work of the Spirit s leading and the confirmation of Christian fellowship. QUESTION: Have you ever received a specific call to a specific ministry? What happened? Fight the Good Fight. Paul uses combat language to describe the Christian life. Here in vs. 18 he instructs Timothy to fight the battle well. At the end of the letter he tells Timothy to fight the good fight of faith (6:12). Finally, in a second letter to Timothy, Paul shares his own experience, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Tim. 4:7). QUESTION: As you prepare to lead the class in prayer, ask what battles they are fighting today. 10

11 Timothy, A Brief Biography Many great leaders act as mentors to someone younger, and such was the case with the Apostle Paul and his "true son in the faith," Timothy. As Paul planted churches around the Mediterranean and converted thousands to Christianity, he realized he needed a trustworthy person to carry on after he died. He chose the zealous young disciple Timothy. Timothy means "honoring God." Timothy was the product of a mixed marriage. His Greek (Gentile) father is not mentioned by name. Eunice, his Jewish mother, and his grandmother Lois taught him the Scriptures from the time he was a young boy. When Paul picked Timothy as his successor, he realized this young man would be trying to convert Jews, so Paul circumcised Timothy (Acts 16:3). Paul also taught Timothy about church leadership, as well as many other important lessons about running a church. These were formally recorded in Paul's letters, 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy. Church tradition holds that after Paul's death, Timothy served as bishop of the church at Ephesus, a seaport on the west coast of Asia Minor, until A.D. 97. At that time a group of pagans were celebrating the feast of Catagogion, a festival in which they carried images of their gods about the streets. Timothy met and scolded them for their idolatry. They beat him with clubs, and he died two days later. Accomplishments of Timothy in the Bible: Timothy acted as Paul's scribe and co-author of the books of 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon. He accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys, and when Paul was in prison, Timothy represented Paul at Corinth and Philippi. For a time, Timothy was also imprisoned for the faith. He converted untold people to the Christian faith. Referenced in the Bible: Acts 16:1, 17:14-15, 18:5, 19:22, 20:4; Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 4:17, 16:10; 2 Corinthians 1:1, 1:19, Philemon 1:1, 2:19, 22; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 3:2, 6; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Timothy; 2 Timothy; Hebrews 13:23. (Sources: Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Trent C. Butler, Editor; Illustrated Bible Dictionary by M.G. Easton; and Smith's Bible Dictionary by William Smith.) 11