1 Timothy - Standing Firm in the True Gospel
Scripture References
Acts 16 ↗ - 20; 1 Timothy 1 ↗ - 6; 2 Timothy 1 ↗ - 4; Titus; Psalm 51:10 ↗ ; John 15 ↗ ; 1 John 4:8 ↗ ; Acts 23:1 ↗ ; Romans 11:32-33 ↗ ; 2 Corinthians 13:5 ↗ ; 2 Peter 1:10-11 ↗

Introduction
• 1 Timothy is one of the three Pastoral Epistles (1-2 Timothy, Titus).
• Written by Paul shortly after his first Roman imprisonment (c. AD 62) to his “true son in the faith,” Timothy, who had been left in Ephesus to confront false teachers and organize the church.

• Ephesus, an influential commercial port, had already been warned (Acts 20:29-30 ↗ ) that “savage wolves” would enter; Paul now equips Timothy to guard the flock.

Key Points
1.Historical sweep
•Paul’s missionary timeline: Derby/Lystra (Timothy met, Acts 16 ↗ ), extended stay in Ephesus (Acts 19 ↗ ), first Roman imprisonment (Acts 28 ↗ ), release, writing of 1 Timothy.

2.Macro-outline of 1 Timothy

• Ch 1 Gospel’s worthiness; Timothy’s task; Paul’s testimony.
• Ch 2-3 Corporate worship, roles of men & women; qualifications for elders and deacons.
• Ch 4-6 Sound doctrine, ministry to varied age-groups, stewardship, eternal perspective.

3.Recurrent charge to Timothy
•“Stay in Ephesus…command certain people not to teach false doctrine” (1:3).
•Parangelia: a coming-alongside, stirring Timothy to restate Paul’s original instructions.

4.Marks of true ministry (1:5)
• Love springing from a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith.
• KAT test (Knowledge, Agreement, Trust) for every doctrine.

5.Use of the Law (1:8-11)
•Law is for the lawless; it exposes sin and drives to Christ, not to self-righteousness.
6.Paul’s testimony (1:12-17) - embodiment of grace
•Former blasphemer, persecutor, violent man; now exhibit of Christ’s “immense patience.”
7.Naming error publicly (1:19-20)
•Hymenaeus & Alexander “shipwrecked” the faith; handed over to Satan as a warning.
8.Warning: modern parallels
•Word-of-Faith teachers, cults (JW, LDS, Seventh-day Adventism’s extra-biblical authority), Islam’s denial of the Son, etc.
9.Practical apologetics
•Know the real Jesus; test every “angel of light”; hold to Scripture alone.
Theological / Exegetical Points
1 Timothy 3:14-16 ↗

“Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:


He appeared in the flesh,

was vindicated by the Spirit,

was seen by angels,

preached among the nations,

was believed on in the world,

was taken up in glory.”
1 Timothy 1:1-2 ↗

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
To Timothy my true son in the faith:

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 Timothy 1:15-17 ↗

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Psalm 51:10 ↗

“Create in me a pure heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Acts 23:1 ↗

“Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.”
2 Peter 1:10-11 ↗

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Romans 11:32-33 ↗

“For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!”

Interaction & Group Responses
• Group asked, “What is the gospel?”—collective answer affirmed: “God sent His Son to die for our sins.”
• Visual slide: wolf in sheep’s clothing emphasized vigilance; audible “amen” from several members.

• Pastor prompted spontaneous recitation of KAT acronym; everyone echoed each component.

Practical Applications
1.Guard the flock: test every teaching by Scripture; name error when necessary.
2.Maintain a pure heart and good conscience; daily self-examination (2 Cor 13:5).
3.Engage false teachers with truth, not endless debate; keep the focus on Christ’s finished work.
4.Live out faith-in-action moments (e.g., stopping to pray with strangers, serving neighbors).
5.Approach the Halloween season as light-bearers—pray over neighborhoods, protect children, proclaim Christ.
Prayer / Intercession Items
• Protection of the church from “wolves” and from deceptive doctrines.
• Renewal of courage for timid servants like Timothy.

• Mercy, grace, and peace upon pastors and elders carrying large spiritual targets.

• Salvation of those ensnared in cults, false gospels, or occult practices during Halloween.