1 Timothy 1 – 3
Verse 1:4 really caught my eye for an interesting reason:
Tell them to turn away from fables and endless genealogies. These activities just cause more arguments and confusion. Instead, they should concern themselves with welcoming in and bringing about the reign of God, which is all about faith.
I immediately focused on this because of the word “fables”. When you read this with “endless genealogies” I immediately think to the stories of in Genesis, Numbers and Chronicles where there are some very huge God stories that are difficult to believe and a ton of genealogies. Doing a quick version check the KJV uses “fables” and the NIV uses “myths” . The point is for new believers who have not experienced God, think about how much easier it is to believe in miracles when you experience them.
To expose God to a new believer with stories of Moses and the Red Sea will cause more “arguments” than connection. Also, after 40 years the “endless genealogies” still cause confusion for me. So focus on Jesus and what He has done for YOU!! Verse 1:7 talks about how many believers drift into legalism of the law and forget the grace and forgiveness of Jesus. Key is don’t lose sight of grace and the salvation God offered through the blood of Jesus.
Verse 1:15 says it all:
Here’s a statement worthy of trust: Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King, came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them all.
That is what this book can be boiled down to, simple!!
Verses 3:2 & 3 starts the qualifications and disqualifications for those who lead the church:
2 Here are the qualifications to look for in an overseer: a spotless reputation, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, sensible, respectable, welcoming to strangers (allowing them into his home), and gifted to teach. 3 Disqualify any drunk or violent man. Look for a gentle man; no belligerent fellow can follow this calling. And he should be free from money lust.
Key point here is finding the right leaders. This may seem meaningless to most, but is very critical in order to ensure a unified message and ability to stay on mission. You get someone who compromises their character, suddenly that may creep into the church and cause many to fail. This is why it’s critical for the overall mission to maintain integrity so it does not fail. I have seen churches fall and the damage done to its members is devastating on an eternal level!!