As you might recall, Paul met young Timothy on his Second Missionary Journey while in Asia Minor. From the time of their meeting, Timothy accompanied Paul throughout much of his ministry. It is also likely that Timothy was with Paul for a time during this first imprisonment in Rome, and after his release, he sent Timothy to Philippi to share with them the good news of Paul’s release, while Paul himself traveled to Ephesus. When Timothy rejoined Paul in Ephesus, Paul instructed him to “remain at Ephesus” and care for the church, while Paul departed for Macedonia, probably going to Philippi where Timothy had just been. Apparently, Paul was delayed in traveling to other churches in Macedonia, and hence, many believe that Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy from Philippi.

During his time in Ephesus, Timothy began to feel the burden of responsibility to faithfully shepherd God’s people in this prominent city. He began to face the challenges of arresting false doctrine that had entered the church; safeguarding their times of worship; and developing strong leadership among the elders. As a faithful spiritual father to Timothy, Paul wrote pointedly about godly conduct as a shepherd of God’s people, exhorting him to be careful that his youthfulness does not become a hinderance to his pastoral leadership. Paul challenges him to avoid false doctrines and greedy motives, pursuing instead, righteousness and other vital Christian virtues that should characterize a “man of God.”

In this letter, Paul provides the qualifications for church leaders, including both elders and deacons, and provides instruction on how to treat widows and the older men in the congregation. In addition, Paul reminds Timothy that a faithful servant of Christ, must constantly be,  

“….nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. Have nothing to do with worldly fables…but discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:6-8).

Oh, that all of us would heed Paul’s words, that we would “discipline ourselves for godliness,” which requires being constantly nourished on God’s word. Paul goes on to say,

“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe” (1 Tim. 4:12).

Surrounded by older men and women in the faith, Paul exhorts Timothy to set a good example of what it means to not only be a follower of Christ, but also a shepherd of God’s people.

And then, following his exhortation to “flee from the love of money,” Paul exhorts Timothy to,

“…pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and to which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Tim. 6:11-12).

And again, Paul’s message is for all of us to “pursue righteousness” with all of it’s attendant virtues, and to “fight the good fight of faith,” remembering that our real enemy operates in the “unseen realm,” as Paul had previously written to the Ephesian church.

Finally, Paul extends a heartfelt and passionate appeal to Timothy as he wraps up this first letter,

“Oh Timothy, guard that which has been entrusted to you…” (1 Tim. 6:20).

Just as one who stands guard over the riches of “this world,” we are all to “safely guard” those spiritual truths, promises, and blessings that God has given to those who believe.

Paul’s words to Timothy provide much-needed instruction for all current and future pastors. But his exhortations are not limited to church leaders because the principles he shares are for the entire body of Christ. We are each to “discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness” and “pursue righteousness” with all of it’s attendant virtues. But let’s always remember that we cannot do this alone. We all need the strength that God provides through the power of His Holy Spirit. Two key words for us to remember: “DISCIPLINE” and “PURSUE.” By God’s grace and through His power, we can all move forward in our walk with Christ, and become faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us.

Peggy and I send our love and greetings to you. God bless you.