The book of I Timothy is in many ways a book of first principles. The instruction and exhortations provided offer inspired insight into the general structure and expectations of the church of Christ both in the first century and today. In fact, relating to the practical wisdom Paul, an older preacher, was passing on to Timothy, a younger preacher, Robert R. Taylor, Jr. states about this book:
“Timothy needed to take heed to himself and to the doctrine of Christ (I Timothy 4:16). He needed to know how to deal with false teachers. It was essential that he be instructed in matters pertaining to elders and deacons. He needed instructions about dealing with aged men and aged women, with young men and with young women. He needed instructions relative to widows and the master-slave relationship. He needed to keep his faith intact at all costs. He needed to know how to deal with the rich and their love of money.”
Essentially there were areas of Timothy’s work as a preacher that he might not have known how to handle without the proper experience, thus Paul, by inspiration advises him how to do so effectively. But what is some of this practical wisdom Paul provides for Timothy that has spanned the centuries of time, preserved for our learning?
First, in chapter 1, Paul charges Timothy to hold fast the faithful word (I Timothy 1:18-20). God’s will is pure. There is no expectation God has placed upon man that is either wrong nor unreasonable (Romans 12:1). Therefore the greatest service Timothy could render to himself and to God was to commit himself to pure doctrine, straying neither to the left nor the right, that he could war a good warfare (vs. 18).
Second, in chapter 2, Paul charges Timothy in the areas of prayer and modesty. Paul’s greatest desire was for the free course of the gospel (II Thessalonians 3:1), and he knew the only way that could come was by no governmental interference in its propagation (I Timothy 2:1-2). Therefore he instructed Timothy to pray for all men, especially for the leaders of the day that a quiet and peaceable life of serving God might be possible. Additionally, though, both the issues of modesty and women’s work in the church are addressed and explicitly state one thing: there are limitations to both. The dress of women (as well as men) should reflect their lives of godly service rather than lives of sin; and as it pertains to a woman’s role in public worship, Paul simply states that they should learn in silence, not usurping authority over the men. Thus should modesty be reflected in adornment and behavior.
Third, in chapter 3, Paul charges Timothy regarding the organization of the church. Qualifications are listed for both the office of elders and deacons, and each congregation of the Lord’s people is expected to be governed in the fashion described. Elders oversee the church according to God’s standard, and deacons serve under those elders. Such should be the arrangement today.
Fourth, in chapter 4, Paul charges Timothy concerning false teachers. The Spirit spoke expressly through Paul that “in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils…” (I Timothy 4:1). When that day came Paul simply said, “put the brethren in remembrance of these things” (vs. 6), and by such he would be a good minister of Jesus Christ.
Fifth, in chapter 5, Paul charges Timothy in the area of the treatment of brethren. Older men should be treated as fathers, women as mothers, younger men as brothers, and women as sisters with all purity. Elders should be respected and treated with double honor for their well service. Such continues to be the standard by which treatment is rendered in the family of God.
Then sixth, in chapter 6, Paul charges Timothy keep pure his motives in serving God. Ill-trust is placed in money or material worth in this world, but Timothy was charged to keep the commandment without spot or blemish looking forward to the blessing revealed and provided by God. Such should be the motive of all Christian servants for all time.
I Timothy is one of the great books of the New Testament for everything mentioned above and much more. To the reader of it is revealed the practicality and “practicals” of Christian service for now and always.