1st Timothy

In 1st Timothy 1 we see what Christ meant in Revelation chapter 1 when He said they had lost their first love. They had taken their minds off of what Christ was leading them to do and were concentrating on things that were dear to them, not Him. They were caught up in "meaningless arguments that promote controversies rather than God's work which is by faith." The law is made to define and reveal sin, not to live by or to minister by. We are to walk by faith in communion with God and not get caught up in the rules and regulations that so easily entangle us. By grace God has saves us and delivered us from the law that could not save. When we walk by the law we look good compared to others. When we walk by grace we take our eyes off each other and the law and fix our eyes on Christ and what He has in mind to have us become, do and think. When that happens the law no longer is relevant as we seek to do His will. The law is no longer the standard - Christ is and what He wants is relevant. We are to hold on to what we learned in the beginning and He will show us in a daily basis what we need to keep from shipwrecking our faith.

In chapter 2 we see the urgency of intercessory prayer - 1 "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time." Paul directs us to lift up "holy hands in prayer without anger and disputing."

In chapter 3 we see Paul giving instructions to church leaders. We are to lead lives that would have others see god working in and through us. WE are to be tested to be sure there is nothing ungodly in our lives. This will not only gain the respect of our families. but others as well. We must also manage our children and household well. 14 "I am writing you these instructions so that 15 ... you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."

In chapter 4 we encounter the truth that there will be false teachers. Their consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. We are to seek God for what is acceptable in His sight. A thorough knowledge of His word is needed to sort through the rhetoric.
9 "This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe." Then we were shown not to neglect our gift that was given to us when we were saved.

In chapter 5 we are instructed to treat older men as our father, older women as our mother, and younger ones as our brothers and sisters. We are to give proper recognition to the widows in need. We are to make a list of widows and put the older ones on it and encourage the younger ones to work and not become idle. Paul counsels the younger ones to marry and have children, manage their homes and not to be used as a vessel to spread slander. 16 "If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need."(NIV) The families should help first and then the church. We are to rule without favoritism and God (who knows what He is doing) places us here to work together. He will bring glory to Himself will use us to bring others to a close encounter with our Lord as we do the things He instructs.