Summary of 1 Timothy

Posted on May 20, 2014 by zachridd Standard Reply

Summary of 1 Timothy

The Book of 1 Timothy was written to Timothy from the hand of Paul, instructing a church leader on how to lead the church in a specific area.

In Chapter 1: Paul greets Timothy, then quickly turns to a warning against false teachings.

In Chapters 2-4: Paul declares that God desires salvation for everyone,”Who [God] will have all men to be saved…” (1 Timothy 2:4) Paul teaches that “…there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ.” (1 Timothy 2:5) Paul urges the members to give heed to “…readings [and]… to doctrine.” (1 Timothy 4:13)

In Chapters 5-6: Paul urges the members to take care of each other, especially those who are in need. He also encourages the members to “Fight the good fight of faith…” (1 Timothy 6:12)

1 Timothy 6

Posted on May 19, 2014 by zachridd Standard Reply

1 Timothy 6: Money = Root of all Evil

Paul explains that there are men who have “…corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw theyself.” (1 Timothy 6:5) Paul tells us that we should not associate ourselves with those who love money. Paul goes on to explain; “For we brought noting into this world, and it is certain we carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:7) Therefore, we should focus on things that do leave with us… our bodies, our minds and our service unto others.

Paul explains that “… the love of money is the root of all evil…” (1 Timothy 6:10)

Instead of loving money and material possessions, we should “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life…” (1 Timothy 6:12)

1 Timothy 5

Posted on May 19, 2014 by zachridd Standard Reply

1 Timothy 5: Care for the Poor

Paul explains that the Saints of the Church (the members) are to care for one another, especially those in need. “Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mother; the younger as sisters, with all purity. Honour widows, that are widows indeed.” (1 Timothy 5:1-3)

Paul explains that if a widow is less than 60 years old, she should remarry. He explains that if anyone accuses an elder of anything, they need to have “…two or three witnesses.” (1 Timothy 4:19) and those who sin, should be “…rebuke[d] before all…” (1 Timothy 5:20)

1 Timothy 4

Posted on May 19, 2014 by zachridd Standard Reply

1 Timothy 4: Latter-day Apostasy – “Hold Fast”

Paul opens his letter to Timothy describing the Apostasy that would take hold of the world in the last days; “…in latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” (1 Timothy 4:1-3)

In the Last Days, the Devil will try to deceive many, and make many believe they are doing good. For those who are following God, Paul exhorts them to be an example for the other believers, and urges them to study the words of the scriptures and to have their own knowledge of them:

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands…” (1 Timothy 4:12-14)

Paul ends his letter to Timothy, by urging him to take “heed” to himself and the doctrine of Christ.

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” (1 Timothy 4:16)

1 Timothy 3

Posted on May 16, 2014 by zachridd Standard Reply

1 Timothy 3: Qualifications: Bishops/Deacons

Paul explains to Timothy the qualifications for a Bishop in the Church;

“…If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine… not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” (1 Timothy 3:1-5)

In the Restored Church of Jesus Christ, a.k.a The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Bishops and all leaders of the church are not paid, nor can they be ‘elected’ or ‘work’ towards obtaining these positions. All positions in the church are given based off revelation.

Paul also lays down the requirements for Deacons in the Church;

“Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre…” (1 Timothy 3:8)

Deacons in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are 12-14 years of age and provide the first taste of leadership in the church and in their own lives. We can understand from this chapter that Paul wanted Timothy to understand the importance of these sacred roles and for those who hold those titles to do so reverently.

1 Timothy 2

Posted on May 15, 2014 by zachridd Standard Reply

1 Timothy 2: Christ and Women

Paul writes to Timothy and urges him and all he teaches to pray constantly; for this is “…good and acceptable in the sight of God…” (1 Timothy 2:3) Paul explains that there is “…one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ.” (1 Timothy 2:5)

Paul tells Timothy that women should wear; “…modest apparel… not with gold, or pearls, or costly array.” (1 Timothy 2:9)

Paul then goes on to explain; “…suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve… Adam was not deceived but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” (1 Timothy 2:12-15)

Here is where we see the traditional idea that men are better than women. This is also were we see weak men try to take authority over their wives. But this should not be condoned, because both male and female are equal in the eyes of the Lord. In marriage, husband and wife should act as equal partners, never having dominion or authority over one another.

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe that the “Fall” of Adam and Eve was a good thing and that “that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.” (Articles of Faith 2)

1 Timothy 1

Posted on May 14, 2014 by zachridd Standard Reply

1 Timothy 1: Teach ONLY the Doctrine

Paul writes a letter to his son Timothy, and asks him to command that local church leaders in Ephesus and Macedonia (among others) to “…teach no other doctrine.” (1 Timothy 1:3) During this time it was probably common practice for local leaders to stray slightly from the real doctrine and perhaps teach their own views, or tell stories that are more tradition than fact. Paul encourages his son to not “…give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith…” (1 Timothy 1:4) Essentially Paul is explaining that it is not important to know every detail about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because often times this intense studying of the gospel only leads to questions that may or may not edify someone in the faith of Jesus Christ.

Paul goes on to explain that all we need to know/have (as followers of Christ) is charity and a pure heart. Paul explains that many, who desire to be teachers of the law (and gospel); teach things that are not necessarily correct or true. Because of this, they do not understand; “…what they say, nor whereof they affirm.” (1 Timothy 1:7)

Paul teaches us that no one is perfect, and for this purpose; “…Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:15) However, we need to strive to be perfect and strive to be like Jesus; “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.” (1 Timothy 1:19) In other words, we are not perfect. However, we should strive to be perfect and hold our faith so that we aren’t led away by the devil.