Bible Discussion Thread

INTRODUCTION TO 1 TIMOTHY (Part 1):

1 Timothy is laid out like a handbook. In every section of 1 Timothy there's instruction. There are commands all the way through this letter. There are three major sections in 1 Timothy.



First of all, the principles of proper order in the church concerning doctrine, concerning prayer, and concerning dress, and concerning function.

Secondly, the principles of proper leadership in the church, instructions concerning overseers in the church, concerning deacons, concerning the church in general, concerning the apostasy, which is about to come, that is, in our day, and instruction concerning ministry in general.

And then the final section, the principles of proper treatment of people in the church. And this has to do with our response to the various age groups, instruction concerning age groups (elderly people, and younger people), what kind of relationships we are to have with one another.

Also, concerning widows, and there are instructions on how the church should be treating and approaching, and handling the situation with widows.

Church elders, slaves, false teachers, worldly pursuits, wealthy Christians in the church, how they are to be taught, there are some instructions for them. And for Timothy's function as pastor of the church.

And then it concludes with a half a verse at the end of 1 Timothy Chapter 6 with a postlude, and he provides his benediction.

So, in every section, it's laid out in commands. And you can see each one of these areas, and each one of these people. It is arranged in such an order that no matter what situation comes up in church, the functioning together as a church, you just turn to the page under the category of that particular issue and problem.