introduction to

1 Timothy
he Book of 1 Timothy amounts to a leadership
training manual. Written by the apostle Paul to his
young apprentice, Timothy, it contains not only good
instruction for emerging leaders, but also lists the qualifications of a leader.
Paul and Timothy provide the clearest mentoring
relationship in Scripture of any since Elijah and Elisha.
Their story begins in Acts 16:13, when Timothy joined
Paul in Lystra. Paul invested in him for a long time, taking him on short-term mission trips, letting him preach,
leaving him to pastor a young church, and writing instructional letters to him while apart. Paul would do
anything for his young protg. Note how Paul developed Timothy as a leader.
First, we spot the Principle of Purposeful Pursuit.
Paul proactively identified a young leader he could develop. He had been to Lystra and seen Timothy. His antennas were up. He insisted his team go back to challenge and invite the young man to join them.
Second, we see the Principle of Proven Potential. Paul
did his homework on Timothy. He recognized him as a
diamond in the rough. He watched Timothy prove himself in his hometown while growing up, and he knew
Timothys family and the spiritual stock he came from.
Third, Paul demonstrated the Principle of Practical
Patience. Paul patiently selected and mentored Timothy.
He was careful not to act prematurely and even advised
his student not to lay hands on anyone hastily (5:22).
He believed his team had acted too quickly in letting
John Mark travel with them (Acts 12:25), and he didnt
want to pick fruit too early.
Fourth, notice the Principle of the Participatory
Process. Paul recognized that he was but one participant

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A Leadership
Training Manual
Gods Role in 1 Timothy
God plays out His role in 1 Timothy as the One who develops
leaders who develop other
leaders. Our Lord is the Master
Developer who raised up Paul
the apostle to equip Timothy to
equip His church in Ephesus. God
revealed to Timothy the fundamental principles and guidelines
for church leadership, and the
qualifications for overseers and
their code of conduct. Through
this book God speaks very
personally to Timothy and every
spiritual leader.

Leaders in 1 Timothy
Paul, Timothy, elders

Other People of
Influence in 1 Timothy
Hymenaeus, Alexander, deacons

Lessons in Leadership
Leaders must live by a higher
standard than followers.
Leaders are not mass produced, but must be mentored
one at a time.
Leaders must celebrate diversity, but confront deviancy.
The greatest contribution a
leader can make is to develop
more leaders.
Young leaders can influence by
their example, if nothing else.
A leaders integrity will directly
affect his/her influence.

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Introduction to Timothy

1498

in a long line of contributors in Timothys life. In his second letter, Paul reminds Timothy of his other mentors, including his mother and grandmother. Timothy had a strong
heritage before Paul came along; Paul simply played his role in the process.
Finally, we see the Principle of Passion and Pricetags. Paul made clear the price of
leadership in both of his letters to Timothy. After Paul found Timothy in Lystra, a mob
dragged the apostle out of the city, stoned him, and left him for dead. When he recovered, he returned, grabbed Timothy, and finished his work there. This kind of passion
for leadership drove Paul to reproduce leaders like Timothy.

Leadership Highlights in 1 Timothy

LEADERSHIP by Objective (1:1, 2)

page 1499

QUALIFICATIONS of Spiritual Leaders (3:113)

page 1500

THE QUALITIES of a Spiritual Leader (3:213)

page 1501

TIMOTHY: An Unlikely Leader (4:12)

page 1502

THE LAW OF THE PICTURE: The More You Walk the Less You Have to Talk (4:1216)

page 1503

THE LAW OF EMPOWERMENT: Timothy Was to Equip Elders (5:1722)

page 1504

MOTIVE CHECK: Why You Do Something Determines What You Do (6:310, 1719)

page 1504

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1499

Timothy 1:13

Greeting
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord
Jesus Christ, our hope,

Humility:
Paul Never Forgot
Where He Came From

2 To

Timothy, a true son in the faith:

1 Timothy 1:1217

Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father

and Jesus Christ our Lord.
No Other Doctrine
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia
remain in Ephesus that you may charge some
that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give
heed to fables and endless genealogies, which
cause disputes rather than godly edification
which is in faith. 5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a
good conscience, and from sincere faith, 6 from
which some, having strayed, have turned aside
to idle talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law,
understanding neither what they say nor the
things which they affirm.
8 But we know that the law is good if one uses
it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not
made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for
sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for

hile we know Paul as the greatest evangelist in history, he knew that, left to himself,
he was the worst sinner (1 Tim. 1:15). God chose
him because of his weakness, so that the Lord
could display His great patience and grace in him.
The more leaders mature, the more humble they
become.

manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for

kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there
is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the
blessed God which was committed to my trust.
Glory to God for His Grace
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has
enabled me, because He counted me faithful,
putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was
formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an
insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I

Leadership by Objective
1 Timothy 1:1, 2

aul wrote this book as a training manual for young Timothy and sent it to the young leader as he attempted to pastor an intimidating church in Ephesus. Paul issues five charges for Timothy:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

First charge: Wage the good warfare (1:1820).

Second charge: Conduct yourself worthy of Gods house (3:14, 15).
Third charge: Do not neglect your gift (4:1116).
Fourth charge: Observe these things without prejudice (5:21).
Fifth charge: Guard what is committed to you (6:20, 21).

Paul communicates his purpose on several occasions. He declares it in 1 Timothy 1:5. Paul believed in
management by objective. He was quick to share his bottom line goals with his team and encouraged them
to meet those objectives in the manner that suited them best. He considered the mission, not the methods,
sacred. He teaches us that:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Leaders manage goals. They let people choose their own methods.
Leaders create atmosphere. They let people own their style.
Leaders determine budget. They give ownership of how money is spent.
Leaders choose priorities. They share activities with gifted people.
Leaders train the team. They freely give away the credit for victories.

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1500

Timothy 1:14

did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace

of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with
faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 This
is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for
this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first
Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as
a pattern to those who are going to believe on
Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King
eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone
is wise, a be honor and glory forever and ever.
Amen.
Fight the Good Fight
18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy,
according to the prophecies previously made
concerning you, that by them you may wage
the good warfare, 19 having faith and a good
conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 of
whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom
I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to
blaspheme.
Pray for All Men
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of
thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all
who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet
and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the
sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to
be saved and to come to the knowledge of the
truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator
between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

Leaders Need
Prayer Partners
1 Timothy 2:14

hen we pray for God to change leaders,

we affect them and everyone who follows
them. Praying for our leaders results in an atmosphere conducive to the spreading of the gospel.
Every leader ought to be proactive, recruiting and
equipping a team of prayer partners, who will
pray for their protection, wisdom, and strength.

6 who

gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed
a preacher and an apostleI am speaking the
truth in Christ a and not lyinga teacher of the
Gentiles in faith and truth.

Men and Women in the Church

8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and
doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women
adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or
gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which
is proper for women professing godliness, with
good works. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with
all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman
to teach or to have authority over a man, but to
1:17 aNU-Text reads to the only God. 2:7 aNU-Text omits in
Christ.

Qualifications of Spiritual Leaders

1 Timothy 3:113

n Pauls list of qualifications for church leaders, 1 Timothy 3:10 is key: But let these also first be tested.
Every leader should be tested before given an official position. The preparation of a leader is crucial to their
success. Frank Damazio outlines Pauls logic concerning leadership:

Leaders Salvation
Leadership is planted
as a seed.

Leaders Call
Leadership begins
to sprout.

Leaders Preparation
Leadership is tested
as a plant.

Leaders Position
Leadership matures
and bears fruit.

Paul gave this list of qualifications for two reasons: first, to provide guidelines for churches to select leaders;
second, to give church leaders a checkpoint for their own spiritual lives. Paul reminds us that if anyone aspires
to be a leader, he aspires to a noble task. To have the gifts and qualities and not take on leadership positions
may be disobedience. The desire, however, must be accompanied by discipline.

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1501

be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then

Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the
woman being deceived, fell into transgression.
15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing
if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with
self-control.
Qualifications of Overseers
This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the
position of a bishop, a he desires a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband
of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good
behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given
to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, a but
gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who
rules his own house well, having his children
in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man
does not know how to rule his own house, how
will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a
novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall
into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among
those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach
and the snare of the devil.

Qualifications of Deacons
8 Like wise deacons must be reverent, not
double-tongued, not given to much wine, not
greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the

Timothy 3:16

faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also

first be tested; then let them serve as deacons,
being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives
must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate,
faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and
their own houses well. 13 For those who have
served well as deacons obtain for themselves a
good standing and great boldness in the faith
which is in Christ Jesus.
The Great Mystery
14 These things I write to you, though I hope
to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I
write so that you may know how you ought to
conduct yourself in the house of God, which
is the church of the living God, the pillar and
ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy
great is the mystery of godliness:
God a was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.
3:1 aLiterally overseer 3:3 aNU-Text omits not greedy for money.
3:16 aNU-Text reads Who.

The Qualities of a Spiritual Leader

1 Timothy 3:213

hat sort of qualifications must church leaders possess? Paul lists the following traits:

1. Blameless (v. 2)Question: Am I quick to improve those areas that can damage my integrity?
2. Husband of one wife (v. 2)Question: Am I loving my wife as Christ loved the church?
3. Temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior (v. 2)Question: Am I master of myself, that I may be a
servant to many?
4. Hospitable (v. 2)Question: Do I exhibit a warm and welcoming spirit?
5. Able to teach (v. 2)Question: Do I consistently help others learn and become better disciples?
6. Not given to wine (v. 3)Question: Am I sober, watchful, and diligent, so that I do not damage those who
watch me?
7. Not violent, not quarrelsome (v. 3)Question: Do I have an approachable disposition that brings peace
and healing?
8. Not greedy, not covetous (v. 3)Question: Am I allowing my leadership to be controlled by the rich?
9. Rules his own house well (vv. 4, 5)Question: Do I manage my own family before I try to manage the
church?
10. Not a novice (v. 6)Question: Am I a seasoned, solid example for both insiders and outsiders?

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1502

Timothy 4:1

The Great Apostasy

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter
times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of
demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their
own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from
foods which God created to be received with
thanksgiving by those who believe and know
the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good,
and nothing is to be refused if it is received with
thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of
God and prayer.

The Law of Solid Ground:

Timothy Must Earn Trust

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

6 If you instruct the brethren in these things,
you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But
reject profane and old wives fables, and exercise
yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise
profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all
things, having promise of the life that now is and
of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this
end we both labor and suffer reproach, a because
we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of
all men, especially of those who believe. 11 These
things command and teach.

PROFILE
in leadership

TIMOTHY

54-1 Timothy.indd 1502

1 Timothy 4:116

very spiritual leader faces at least two important duties. First, they must confront those
who fall away from the faith (1 Tim. 4:16). Second, they must discipline themselves for godliness (4:716). When leaders fulfill these two duties, they practice the Law of Solid Ground and
earn the trust of others.

Take Heed to Your Ministry

12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an
example to the believers in word, in conduct, in
love, in spirit, a in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come,
give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you,
which was given to you by prophecy with the
laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to
them, that your progress may be evident to all.
16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine.
Continue in them, for in doing this you will save
both yourself and those who hear you.
4:10 aNU-Text reads we labor and strive. 4:12 aNU-Text omits
in spirit.

An Unlikely Leader
1 Timothy 4:12

othing can make someone more unlikelyeven unwillingto lead than feelings
of inadequacy.
Timothy, the young protg of the apostle Paul, must have felt much as Moses did when
God called him to lead Israel out of Egyptian captivity. Moses felt inadequate for the task,
and likely so did Timothy.
We can identify any number of reasons that Timothy might have felt unfit to accept his
assignment as pastor of the Ephesian church. He was too young and too inexperienced, and
the church seemed too large for a first pastoral assignment. Besides, how could he take over
for the churchs founder, Paul? Would anyone take him seriously?
Never mind all that, Paul tells him in his letter. If you follow my instructions, you will
be more than able to do the job. Dont let anyone look down on you because of your relative youth and inexperience. Rather, be the kind of example of godliness that wont allow
anyone to treat you with anything but respect.
God doesnt necessarily choose leaders based on their natural talent or ability. Neither
does He always choose them based on their age and experience. As Paul tells Timothy, God
chooses leaders based on their availability, not their ability; on their willingness to walk in
obedience to Him, not their experience.

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1503

The Law of the Picture:

The Most Important Lesson
About Influence

Timothy 5:22

the house, give no opportunity to the adversary

to speak reproachfully. 15 For some have already
turned aside after Satan. 16 If any believing man
or a woman has widows, let them relieve them,
and do not let the church be burdened, that it
may relieve those who are really widows.

1 Timothy 4:1216

ow could Timothy prevent anyone from looking down on him because of his youth? He
could do it by being an example; this would ensure his effectiveness (1 Tim. 4:15, 16). The more
you walk, the less you have to talk. Live the life in
front of the ones you seek to influence. Our leadership is more caught than taught. People would
rather see a sermon than hear one.

Treatment of Church Members

Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him
as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older
women as mothers, younger women as sisters,
with all purity.

Honor True Widows

3 Honor widows who are really widows. 4 But
if any widow has children or grandchildren, let
them first learn to show piety at home and to
repay their parents; for this is good and a acceptable before God. 5 Now she who is really a widow,
and left alone, trusts in God and continues in
supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But
she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.
7 And these things command, that they may be
blameless. 8 But if anyone does not provide for
his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than
an unbeliever.
9 Do not let a widow under sixty years old be
taken into the number, and not unless she has
been the wife of one man, 10 well reported for
good works: if she has brought up children, if
she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the
saints feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she
has diligently followed every good work.
11 But refuse the younger widows; for when
they have begun to grow wanton against Christ,
they desire to marry, 12 having condemnation
because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And
besides they learn to be idle, wandering about
from house to house, and not only idle but also
gossips and busybodies, saying things which
they ought not. 14 Therefore I desire that the
younger widows marry, bear children, manage

54-1 Timothy.indd 1503

Honor the Elders

17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor
in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture
says, You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads
out the grain, a and, The laborer is worthy
of his wages. b 19 Do not receive an accusation
against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the
presence of all, that the rest also may fear.
21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus
Christ and the elect angels that you observe
these things without prejudice, doing nothing
with partiality. 22 Do not lay hands on anyone
hastily, nor share in other peoples sins; keep
yourself pure.
5:4 aNU-Text and M-Text omit good and. 5:16 aNU-Text omits
man or. 5:18 aDeuteronomy 25:4 bLuke 10:7

The Law of Priorities:

Leadership Begins at Home,
Then Goes Public
1 Timothy 5:8

n the midst of all his teaching about how believers are to relate to one another in the church,
Paul prioritizes Timothys leadership as a pastor.
If anyone doesnt provide for his own home, the
apostle declares, he cannot expect to provide for
the church with any integrity (1 Tim. 5:8).
Leadership starts at home. If it doesnt work
at home, dont export it. Pastors, especially, must
heed this warning. Leadership works best when it
is prioritized as follows:

1. I am first a person. I must prioritize my own

relationship with God.
2. Second, I am a partner. I must prioritize my
relationship with my spouse.
3. Third, I am a parent. I must prioritize my relationship with my children.
4. Fourth, I am a pastor. I must prioritize my relationship with my ministry.

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1504

Timothy 5:23

23 No

The Law of Empowerment:

Timothy Was to Equip Elders
1 Timothy 5:1722

eaders are crucial to any organization. Mistakes made at the leadership level impact
everyone. As the senior pastor, Timothy was to
identify, prepare, and affirm his church leaders. He
was to honor those who served well (1 Tim. 5:17,
18), correct those in error (5:1921), and prepare
those who were called, patiently and carefully
(5:22). Nothing should be done in haste.
Consider the steps Paul endorsed concerning
the establishment of leaders in the church:

1. Identification: Identify those with character,

gifts, and influence.
2. Separation: Set them apart for the work of
their calling.
3. Preparation: Equip them with the tools and
experiences they need.
4. Recognition: Allow the church to affirm their
calling.
5. Ordination: Lay hands on them and ordain
them for the work.

longer drink only water, but use a little

wine for your stomachs sake and your frequent
infirmities.
24 Some mens sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men
follow later. 25 Likewise, the good works of some
are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise
cannot be hidden.
Honor Masters
Let as many bondser vants as are under the
yoke count their own masters worthy of all
honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine
may not be blasphemed. 2 And those who have
believing masters, let them not despise them
because they are brethren, but rather serve them
because those who are benefited are believers
and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.

Error and Greed

3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not
consent to wholesome words, even the words of
our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which
accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing
nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife,
reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings a of
6:5 aNU-Text and M-Text read constant friction.

Motive Check: Why You Do Something

Determines What You Do
1 Timothy 6:310, 1719

ecause our motives eventually determine our direction, Paul taught that right motives were even more
important for the leader than right moves. Note Pauls teaching on motives:

1. The evidence of wrong motives (v. 3)

The leaders doctrine drifts and the teaching does not produce godliness.
2. The nature of wrong motives (vv. 4, 5)
The proud leader stirs division and pursues personal gain.
3. The results of wrong motives (vv. 9, 10)
The leader falls into temptation, wanders from the faith, and destroys himself or herself.
So how are we to watch our motives? What key principles should we keep in mind?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Trouble comes when leadership performs for the wrong reasons.

Spiritual leadership brings rewards, so long as the rewards dont control us.
Prosperity is everything God gives you above food and covering.
We must be content with Gods provision and placement.
We must remain dissatisfied with our own fruitfulness and pursuit of God.
Wrong motives can lead to wrong moves, and even disqualify us for leadership.

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1505

men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth,

who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.
From such withdraw yourself. b
6 Now godliness with contentment is great
gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world,
and it is certain a we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and clothing, with these we
shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be
rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into
many foolish and harmful lusts which drown
men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the
love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for
which some have strayed from the faith in their
greediness, and pierced themselves through
with many sorrows.
The Good Confession
11 But you, O man of God, flee these things
and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of
faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were
also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I urge
you in the sight of God who gives life to all
things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed
the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that
you keep this commandment without spot,

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Timothy 6:21

blameless until our Lord Jesus Christs appearing, 15 which He will manifest in His own time,
He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the
King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has
immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light,
whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be
honor and everlasting power. Amen.
Instructions to the Rich
17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us
richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good,
that they be rich in good works, ready to give,
willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a
good foundation for the time to come, that they
may lay hold on eternal life.
Guard the Faith
20 O Timothy! Guard what was committed
to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle
babblings and contradictions of what is falsely
called knowledge 21 by professing it some have
strayed concerning the faith.
Grace be with you. Amen.
6:5 bNU-Text omits this sentence. 6:7 aNU-Text omits and it
is certain.

5/14/2007 3:20:34 PM

introduction to

2 Timothy
ou can often tell what is important to a man by listening to his last words. Deathbed statements and
confessions have furnished the themes of movies and
books for decades. David Livingston uttered his last
words in prayer for the tribes he tried to reach in Africa.
Jesus last words make up the Great Commission. And
we read the apostle Pauls last words in 2 Timothy.
This epistle is the last extant book written by the
great first-century leader. In it he communicates several
crucial issues with his spiritual son Timothy, the young
pastor of the church in Ephesus. Paul had been his mentor and discipler. This letter contains the apostles final
lessons for his protg.
Paul exhorts Timothy to stir up his leadership gifts.
Timothy, young and timid, at times felt overwhelmed by
his leadership role. Paul reminds Timothy of the day he
laid his hands on him and commissioned him for ministry. Now Timothy needs to fan into flame those Godgiven gifts and use them without fear or shame.
Paul also motivates Timothy with word pictures.
In chapter two alone the apostle uses seven leadership
metaphors: teacher, soldier, athlete, farmer, worker, vessel, and servant. These pictures portray a leader who is
generous, disciplined, patient, rugged, tenacious, pure,
hardworking, and sacrificial.
Paul also mentors his young leader in how to face
difficult times. He reviews with him the culture around
him and warns him of coming opposition. He describes
the gospel as a trust to be preserved, a tool to be proven,
and a treasure to be prized. Timothy is to advance this
gospel beyond where Paul has taken it.
Finally, Paul challenges Timothy to carry on his legacy. He speaks as a mentor, particularly at the end of his

55-2 Timothy.indd 1506

Final Lessons
for a Protg

Gods Role in 2 Timothy

God made sure that Paul spoke to
the heart of a leader, not merely
to the head. While the book
contains practical instructions
for the mind and challenging
exhortations for the will, God
delivers through Pauls pen words
that fly straight to the heart and
the emotions of Timothy.
Any leader can receive valuable encouragement from this letter. It calls leaders to lead out of
their souls and their convictions,
to stand for what is right even
when no one else does, to finish
well, regardless of the moral failure of the world. God speaks very
personally and mentors us to be
His kind of leadersgood ones
and not evil, great ones instead
of miserable.

Leaders in 2 Timothy
Paul, Timothy

Other People of
Influence in 2 Timothy
Demas, Crescens, Carpus, Titus,
Luke, John Mark, Alexander

Lessons in Leadership
We are most effective when
we lead in the area of our gifts.
Leaders are to equip and
develop other leaders who will
do the same.
Leaders set the standard for
excellence, morality, productivity, and atmosphere.
The pathway to effective
leadership is uphill with lots of
hurdles along the way.

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1507

book, and charges him to lead with conviction, to preach

the gospel just as he had received it, and to reproduce
other leaders to be as faithful as he has been. This kind of
labor will bring a heavenly crown of reward.

Introduction to Timothy

Leaders must consciously work

to finish well.
Spiritual leaders who finish
well will be rewarded richly.

Leadership Highlights in 2 Timothy

THE LAW OF EMPOWERMENT: God Gives Us What We Need to Lead (1:7, 8)
PAUL AND THE LAW OF EXPLOSIVE GROWTH: To Add Growth,
Lead FollowersTo Multiply, Lead Leaders (2:1)

page 1508
pages 1510, 1511

COURAGE: The Process of Taking a Stand (2:223:17)

page 1512

THE LAW OF PRIORITIES: Timothys Three Priorities (4:18)

page 1513

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1508

Timothy 1:1

Greeting
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ a by the will of
God, according to the promise of life which
is in Christ Jesus,

2 To

Timothy, a beloved son:

The Law of Empowerment:

God Gives Us What
We Need to Lead
2 Timothy 1:7, 8

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father

and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Timothys Faith and Heritage
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing
I remember you in my prayers night and day,
4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of
your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I
call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in
you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois
and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded
is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir
up the gift of God which is in you through the
laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given
us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and
of a sound mind.
Not Ashamed of the Gospel
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but

Gifts: We Are Most

Effective When We
Lead from Our Gifts
2 Timothy 1:57

ur leadership will always be most natural,

most effective, and most influential when we
lead from our gifts and strengths. Then it wont
be forced, feel awkward, seem artificial, or copy
someone else. Effective leadership occurs when
we lead from our own identity. Paul believed
Timothys leadership would grow strong when he
remembered three truths:

1. His secure heritage (v. 5)

Paul reminded Timothy of the spiritual foundation his family gave him.
2. His spiritual gift (v. 6)
Paul reminded Timothy to stir up the gifts inside him and lead from those gifts.
3. His solid conviction (v. 7)
Paul reminded Timothy that God didnt give
him fear, but the tools to do the job.

55-2 Timothy.indd 1508

od always gives us what we need to lead.

Paul reminded Timothy that God didnt give
him the timidity he felt; that came either from
Timothys own baggage or from the pit of hell itself. Instead, God equipped him with love, power,
and a sound mind. All leaders need these three
fundamental tools:

Love: The relational ingredient that enables us to

attract and connect with others.
Power: The courage and competence to get the
job done.
Sound mind: The perspective and wisdom to
grasp a vision and take the right steps.
Because God has so equipped us, He instructs
us to not be ashamed . . . but share . . . in the
sufferings (2 Tim. 1:8). God gave Timothy (and
us!) everything needed to accomplish the job. He
empowers us before He ever expects from us. He
gives before He demands. We receive His competence before we receive His commands.

share with me in the sufferings for the gospel

according to the power of God, 9 who has saved
us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ
Jesus before time began, 10 but has now been
revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus
Christ, who has abolished death and brought life
and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 to
which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle,
and a teacher of the Gentiles. a 12 For this reason
I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not
ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and
am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have
committed to Him until that Day.
Be Loyal to the Faith
13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which
you have heard from me, in faith and love which
are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was
1:1 aNU-Text and M-Text read Christ Jesus.
omits of the Gentiles.

1:11 aNU-Text

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1509

committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who

dwells in us.
15 This you know, that all those in Asia
have turned away from me, among whom are
Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant
mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he
often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my
chain; 17 but when he arrived in Rome, he sought
me out very zealously and found me. 18 The Lord
grant to him that he may find mercy from the
Lord in that Dayand you know very well how
many ways he ministered to me a at Ephesus.
Be Strong in Grace
You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace
that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that
you have heard from me among many witnesses,
commit these to faithful men who will be able to
teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure a
hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No
one engaged in warfare entangles himself with
the affairs of this life, that he may please him
who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if
anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned
unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The
hardworking farmer must be first to partake of
the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may a the
Lord give you understanding in all things.
8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of
David, was raised from the dead according to
my gospel, 9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word
of God is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure all
things for the sake of the elect, that they also
may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus
with eternal glory.
11 This is a faithful saying:

12

13

For if we died with Him,

We shall also live with Him.
If we endure,
We shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.
If we are faithless,
He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself.

Approved and Disapproved Workers

14 Remind them of these things, charging them
before the Lord not to strive about words to no
profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to
present yourself approved to God, a worker who
does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing
the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle

55-2 Timothy.indd 1509

Timothy 2:25

babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like
cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,
18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying
that the resurrection is already past; and they
overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the
solid foundation of God stands, having this seal:
The Lord knows those who are His, and, Let
everyone who names the name of Christ a depart
from iniquity.
20 But in a great house there are not only
vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and
clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the
latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified
and useful for the Master, prepared for every
good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those
who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But
avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing
that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the
Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able
to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those
1:18 aTo me is from the Vulgate and a few Greek manuscripts.
2:3 aNU-Text reads You must share. 2:7 aNU-Text reads the
Lord will give you. 2:19 aNU-Text and M-Text read the Lord.

Portraits of a Leader
2 Timothy 2:226

aul was a master at using metaphors to illustrate what a leader should look like. Right after
he encourages Timothy to be strong (2 Tim. 2:1),
he gives him seven snapshots of what he meant:

1. A teacher (v. 2)
A leader is to be reproductive.
2. A soldier (vv. 3, 4)
A leader is to be loyal.
3. An athlete (v. 5)
A leader is to be disciplined.
4. A farmer (vv. 6, 7)
A leader is to be a hard worker.
5. A worker (vv. 1519)
A leader is to be diligent.
6. A vessel (vv. 2022)
A leader is to be pure.
7. A servant (vv. 2326)
A leader is to be submissive.

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21 LAWS
PAUL AND THE L AW OF EXPLOSIVE GROW TH
To Add Growth, Lead FollowersTo Multiply, Lead Leaders
2 Timothy 2:1

LEADERS WHO develop followers grow

their organization only one person at a
time. But leaders who develop leaders
multiply their growth, because for every
leader they develop, they also receive all
of that leaders followers. Add ten followers to your organization, and you have the
power of ten people. Add ten leaders to
your organization, and you have the power
of ten leaders times all the followers and
leaders they influence. Thats the difference
between addition and multiplication. Its
like growing your organization by teams
instead of by individuals.

Paul was a master of explosive growth.

He dedicated himself to people and activities that would impact the world. His strategy remains as effective today as it was two
thousand years ago. To promote explosive
growth . . .
1. Attract and equip people.
Everywhere Paul went, he gathered
listeners and taught them. Paul would
enter a town and begin teachingfor days,
months, and sometimes years. No matter
where he went, he continually equipped as
many people as possible.
2. Find and mentor emerging leaders.
Paul mentored too many leaders to
count. Some of them, such as Silas, came

55-2 Timothy.indd 1510

to him already possessing influence and

leadership skills (Acts 15:22). Others were
homegrown, such as Timothy (1 Tim.
1:2). But no matter their background,
Paul took them with him as he worked,
preached, and led. Then he turned them
loose, giving them responsibility and
authority.
3. Create new organizations.
Paul didnt hoard the leaders he developed. He raised up leaders to multiply and
extend his influence. And he did it with a
strategyhe planted churches. Wherever
he traveled, he left a church with leaders to
carry on the ministry.
4. Engage in the ongoing development of
leaders.
Paul visited the leaders in his churches
to follow up with them, encourage them,
and give them direction. Pauls second
missionary journey began with the following suggestion: Let us now go back
and visit our brethren in every city where
we have preached the word of the Lord,
and see how they are doing (Acts 15:36).
You can achieve a large vision only
through explosive growth. Anything less
will leave you far short of your dreams.
But becoming an explosive-growth leader
requires more than a change in the way you
work; it requires a change in the way you
think.

5/14/2007 3:21:09 PM

Leaders Who Gather Followers vs.

Leaders Who Develop Leaders
Consider seven major differences between leaders who gather followers and
leaders who develop other leaders:
1. Leaders who gather followers need to
be needed; leaders who develop leaders
want to be succeeded.
Many who desire to lead followers do
so because followers stroke their egos. They
feel indispensable. But leaders who develop
leaders work to make themselves dispensable. They dont want a following, but a
legacy.
2. Leaders who gather followers focus on
peoples weaknesses; leaders who develop
leaders focus on their strengths.
Ineffective leaders focus on their followers weaknesses, sometimes out of misunderstanding the way development and
encouragement work, other times because
of insecuritythey want to keep their followers off-balance. But strong leaders focus
on their peoples strengths because they
know that is the key to developing people.
3. Leaders who gather followers focus on
the bottom 20 percent; leaders who develop leaders focus on the top 20 percent.
Explosive-growth leaders focus on the
best in their leaders; they also focus on the
best potential leaders. In contrast, leaders
of followers usually give their attention to
the loudest and most difficult people, the
ones who take and take, giving nothing in
return.
4. Leaders who gather followers treat
everyone the same; leaders who develop
leaders treat people as individuals.
When Paul went on his missionary
journeys, he didnt try to take everybody

55-2 Timothy.indd 1511

with him. Nor did he give everyone an

equal chance to oversee the churches he
started. He treated each person he encountered according to his gifts, calling, and
willingness to grow.
5. Leaders who gather followers spend their
time; leaders who develop leaders invest
their time.
Everywhere Paul went, he took companions. He considered the time he spent
with them an investment. And if he didnt
see a returnas in the case of John Mark
(Acts 13:13)Paul felt reluctant to keep investing in them (15:3740). Think of your
work with emerging leaders as an opportunity to invest in them.
6. Leaders who gather followers ask for
little commitment; leaders who develop
leaders ask for great commitment.
Following a leader takes commitment.
But its nothing compared to the commitment of a follower who is asked to lead
others. As you ask people to step up to
leadership, dont treat your request lightly.
Let them know to what you are asking
them to commit. Acquaint them with the
sacrifice and the service that come with
leadership.
7. Leaders who gather followers impact this
generation; leaders who develop leaders
impact future generations.
People who lead followers impact only
the individuals whose lives they touch personally. But people who develop and lead
leaders extend their reach.
It takes a good leader to gather a group of
followers and lead them to achieve a worthy goal. But it takes a great leader to lead
other leadersand thats the only kind of
leader who can take an organization to the
highest level and achieve explosive growth.

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 Timothy 2:26

1512

Courage: The Process of Taking a Stand

2 Timothy 2:223:17

aul knew how important it was to encourage Timothy, for the young leader would have to take a stand in
many tough situations. So he charged him to take courage and do what was right in difficult times.
Courage is the first essential quality for effective leadership. Leaders initiate and take a stand even when
no one else travels with them. Paul prepares Timothy for this act with his words:

1. There is something to prevent (2:22, 23).

Leaders must flee temptations, such as pleasure and power, that ruin their personal lives.
2. There are some things to pursue (2:22).
Leaders must chase after qualities that will build their character and integrity.
3. There are some things to portray (2:2426).
Leaders must model right attitudes so that others will want to submit to God.
4. There are some things to perceive (3:19).
Leaders must read the times and take responsibility to hold firm to what is right.
5. There is something to pronounce (3:1017).
Leaders must hold forth Gods Word and use it as a standard for training.

who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant

them repentance, so that they may know the
truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses
and escape the snare of the devil, having been
taken captive by him to do his will.
Perilous Times and Perilous Men
But know this, that in the last days perilous
times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of
themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud,
blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers,
without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure
rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of
godliness but denying its power. And from such
people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those
who creep into households and make captives of
gullible women loaded down with sins, led away
by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able
to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as
Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these
also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will
progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

The Man of God and the Word of God

10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine,
manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering,

55-2 Timothy.indd 1512

love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions,

which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium,
at Lystrawhat persecutions I endured. And
out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and
all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will
suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and
being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the
things which you have learned and been assured
of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
15 and that from childhood you have known
the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make
you wise for salvation through faith which is in
Christ Jesus.

The Law of Sacrifice:

Timothy Must
Give Up to Go Up
2 Timothy 3:1017

aul called Timothy to surrender many of the

comforts he could have enjoyed as a pastor.
Paul teaches us how to handle sacrifices by addressing our example as a leader (2 Tim. 3:1013),
our experience as a leader (3:14, 15), and our
equipping as a leader (3:16, 17).

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1513

The Word of God:

An Equipping Tool
2 Timothy 3:16, 17

he Scripture is a thorough equipping tool,

providing doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction, so that everyone may be equipped for
every good work (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). Using Scripture,
the leader is to lay the foundation, provide direction, confront others when they err, correct their
behavior, and help them progress again.

16 All

Scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Preach the Word
I charge you therefore before God and the
Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living
and the dead at a His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and
out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with
all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time
will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine, but according to their own desires,

The Law of Priorities:

Timothys Three Priorities
2 Timothy 4:18

auls last written communication reveals a

sense of urgency. He wastes no words; every
one of them counts. More than any other passage, this text tells us what is most important to
Paul, the leader. He challenges Timothy with three
priorities:

1. Preach the Word (vv. 1, 2).

Timothy must keep the message alive, teaching urgently, persistently, and with conviction.
2. Do the work (vv. 35).
Timothy was to do the work of an evangelist,
fulfilling his call, reaching his potential.
3. Run the race (vv. 68).
Timothy was to emulate Paul, who finished his
course and won the prize.

Timothy 4:17

because they have itching ears, they will heap up

for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their
ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to
fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure
afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill
your ministry.
Pauls Valedictory
6 For I am already being poured out as a
drink offering, and the time of my departure is
at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have
finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally,
there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will
give to me on that Day, and not to me only but
also to all who have loved His appearing.

The Law of Legacy

2 Timothy 4:68

auls deathbed was no place of sorrow. He

had planted churches, mentored leaders, established doctrine, and written epistles. The only
thing left was his homecoming. Paul saw life as a
race to be won, a battle to be fought, and a trust to
be kept (2 Tim. 4:7). His crown awaited him.

The Abandoned Apostle

9 Be diligent to come to me quickly; 10 for
Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica
Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. 11 Only
Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with
you, for he is useful to me for ministry. 12 And
Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 Bring the
cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you
comeand the books, especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much
harm. May the Lord repay him according to his
works. 15 You also must beware of him, for he
has greatly resisted our words.
16 At my first defense no one stood with
me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged
against them.
The Lord Is Faithful
17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached
fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might
4:1 aNU-Text omits therefore and reads and by for at.

55-2 Timothy.indd 1513

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 Timothy 4:18

1514

hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of

the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from
every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and
ever. Amen!

Mentoring: Paul and

Timothy Both Fulfill the Call

Come Before Winter

19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household
of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth,
but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.
21 Do your utmost to come before winter.
Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus,
Claudia, and all the brethren.

rom many of the leaders in whom Paul invested, he also needed an investment in return. He acknowledges he needs Timothy (2 Tim.
4:9), Mark (4:11), and the books of Carpus (4:13).
Paul poured his life into every one of them and
received from every one of them.

Farewell
22 The Lord Jesus Christ a be with your spirit.
Grace be with you. Amen.

55-2 Timothy.indd 1514

2 Timothy 4:921

4:22 aNU-Text omits Jesus Christ.

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