Squirrel Huntin'

Summary of 1 Timothy          

But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
1 Timothy 1:5 NAS

LET IT GLOW

Since fall weather is here, it reminds me of going squirrel huntin' with my brother during my childhood. We  silently trapesed through the fallen, brown leaves, swishing our way down the hill in the woods in front of our house. Talking would alert the squirrels of our arrival, which would scare them away, so I knew to be slilent. Up in the tops of trees were visible nests. Once found, we would lean against another tree, waiting for the victim to leave its home. Often it seemed like hours passed. When I saw a squirrel, I couldn't help but yell out. My brother was a good shot so we usually returned home with a  kill. Then I held the squirrel while he skinned it. I didn't mind, because I was a country girl. Umm, Mom would make squirrel an' dumplin's or fried squirrel. The venture was worth the time and energy.

I'm sure Paul had spent a lot of time writing letters, which we have as words from God.

What do we recall about this letter?
-written by Paul, who considered himself an apostle of Jesus Christ;
-written to Timothy, the one in whom Paul considered to be his own son in the faith;
-probably written after Paul was released from his first Roman imprisonment (A.D. 62-64);
-Timothy became pastor of the church at Ephesus, to whom Paul sends instructions;
-one of 3 Pastoral Epistles-1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, written by Paul

The city of Ephesus was a port city under the Roman Empire. The people worshiped up to 50 different gods and goddesses. It was the location of the temple of Artemis (Dianna), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Sounds like idolatry was rampid. One month a year the city officials set aside a celebration to honor the goddess. Olympic-like games, theaterical plays, and concerts lurred people to the city of Ephesus. This resulted in enormous sums of money brought in and banking institutions established.
Schools of philosophy were an attraction there. Ephesus was a city built of marble-streets, monuments, foundations.
Timothy had a lot to contend with as a pastor, did he?


LET IT GROW

Paul had a lot of instructions to give the church and Timothy. I've included some verses that are highlighted in my Bible. Shall we review?

Chapter 1: Instructions concerning false doctrine and false teachers; Paul's testimony; encouragements;

And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. (verse 14)

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.  (verse 15)

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (verse 17)

Chapters 2-3: Instructions to the church concerning prayer, role of women, qualifications for leaders;

... that we may lead a quiet and peaceable live in all godliness and honest. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. (verses 2b-3)

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (verse 5)

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority  over the man, but to be in silence. (verses 9-12)

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (verse 16)

Chapter 4: Instructions concerning false teachers-sound doctrine, true godliness, perseverance, faithful
                 teaching;

For every creature of God (eating meats) is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be reaceived with thanskgiving. For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. (verse 4-5)

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. (verse 12)

Chapter 5: Instructions concerning pastoral responsibilities; pay attention to various age groups, widows,
                 elders, slaves, sinning members, and wisdom;

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
 (verse 22)

Chapter 6: Instructions concerning the man of God-maintain a balance with masters/slaves, rich/poor,
                 internals/externals; money, treasures, truth, false teaching;

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
(verses 6-8)

For the love of money is the root of all evil. (verse 10a)

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life. (verses 11-12a)

Which in his (our Lord Jesus Christ) times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. (verse 15)

Grace be with you. (verse 21b)


LET IT GO

Let go of the world and money.

Cling to Jesus.