First Timothy

Why is First Timothy important?  It presents the most explicit and complete instructions for church leadership and organization in the entire Bible.  Included are sections on appropriate conduct in worship gatherings, the qualifications of elders and deacons, and the proper order of church discipline.  Paul advised Timothy on these practical matters, based on his past experiences and emphasizing the purity that should characterize Christian leaders and the gatherings they oversee.  Paul conveyed to Timothy the importance of setting an example of consistent faith, remaining above reproach with a good conscience, and exercising the spiritual gifts that God had given him.  Timothy was to persevere with a thick skin and a clear purpose.  First Timothy helps us gain a clearer understanding of the proper qualifications and roles for church leaders.  A church can be evaluated by the priorities of its leaders, the purity within the leaders’ personal lives, the emphasis on sound doctrine, and living out the Christian faith by example.

Second Timothy is important because it offers a picture of Paul at the end of his ministry, just before his death, writing from a dark Roman prison cell while Emperor Nero used believers as scapegoats.  Paul tells Timothy of those who served faithfully alongside him and those who had wronged him.  He encouraged Timothy to keep the church following sound doctrine, while guiding them to live their lives well for the sake of Christ, even though it was often a difficult, thankless task.

Paul encouraged Timothy to fight the good fight, as Paul had done.  In Hebrews 13:23, we find he stayed strong after Paul’s death and was imprisoned for his faith, just like his mentor Paul.

Submitted by Bob Sidlinger

Leave a Reply

Meet the Disciples

First Christian Church is a Disciples of Christ congregation. Learn more about the Disciples on our Kansas region site and our main denomination page.

Directions

bootstrap themes

First Christian Church

319 W. Laurel St.
Independence, KS 67301

620-273-2525