2015 Sermon Series
The Pastoral Epistles: 1 Timothy
Pastor Tim Potter leads an in-depth study of Paul's first epistle to Timothy.
1 Timothy Introduction, Part 2
- May 3, 2015
The Personal and Corporate Integrity of the Church.
Carbon fiber is ten times as strong as steel and one third the weight. Because of these properties, the airplane industry is using it to make more lightweight, durable jets. Likewise, the church is much stronger and can move forward with much less burden when it is well-taught and holds to proper doctrine. The Christian life can be hard, but it would be much more difficult if we didn't preach a proper Gospel.
1 Timothy 1:1
- June 7, 2015
Sound Doctrine Settles Hearts.
Paul wrote the book of 1 Timothy as a mentor to his tutor. Pastor Timothy oversaw the largest of the first-century churches. This letter was a tool in Timothy's continued discipleship by Paul. No church is strengthened without disciple-making. It is a work of the church that every member must be involved in, not just the pastors.
1 Timothy 1:1, Part 2
- June 14, 2015
The Deepest Joy Springs from Understanding Christ's Deity.
The church in Ephesus had been unsettled by the false teaching of unbelievers in their midst. Even young pastor Timothy was anxious. Paul knew the flock at Ephesus well from teaching in their houses for over three years. His heart was that no soul would be left behind, and he wrote to settle the Ephesian believers. They needed to be encouraged and settled, so they could then learn proper structure and function in the church, then go on to make spiritual progress. Paul was an example to Timothy in discipleship and pastoral ministry.
1 Timothy 1:2
- June 21, 2015
Spiritual Fathers — Spiritual Sons
Paul wrote the book of 1 Timothy to encourage the believers at Ephesus, then instruct them about the structure of the church so they could make spiritual progress. First he had to encourage their leader, his "true son in the faith," Pastor Timothy. Paul was Timothy's spiritual father. He had mentored Timothy in personal growth and in ministry. What fruits did Paul desire to see in his spiritual son -- and what should we pray to see in our spiritual children?
1 Timothy 1:3-11, Part 1
- July 12, 2015
Pursuing Ministry Nobility Rather than Religious Pragmatism
1 Timothy 1:3-11 begins the body of Paul's letter to his mentor Timothy. Paul wrote to assure and strengthen Ephesian believers who were unsettled and scared by unbelief. Fearful people need to be encouraged, instructed, and emboldened to take action. Paul urged Timothy to take action against unbelief and help his flock become protectors of the church.
1 Timothy 1:3-11, Part 2
- July 19, 2015
Pursuing Ministry Nobility Rather than Religious Pragmatism.
We don't want one family member left behind at special events. The family picture should not be missing anyone! Similarly, we don't want anyone left behind in a church. We seek to protect each member so all can enjoy spiritual unity and progress.
1 Timothy 1:12-17
- August 9, 2015
The Protective Value of a Genuine Testimony.
Every believer has been born again of a supernatural cause. Paul gives his testimony in the first chapter of his letter to Timothy to remind him that spiritual new birth is what keeps the church revived, refreshed, and protected. A healthy church is one that sees people being saved, discipled, and serving. This is the natural progression that God uses to build His church. One person who walks with the Lord can have a spiritual influence so great that only the Lord knows its true extent.
1 Timothy 1:12-17, Part 2
- August 16, 2015
The Protective Value of a Genuine Testimony.
New birth is the best defense against unbelief. A simple salvation testimony and evidence of a changed life shows that Jesus is enough. No rule or creative idea can change a person's life. Legalism and pragmatism simply do not agree with the Gospel.
1 Timothy 1:18-20
- August 23, 2015
Your Personal Role in the Spiritual Protection of Our Church Family.
1 Timothy 1 is all about ministry balance. Paul emphasizes three things necessary for Timothy's ministry and every local church:
- teaching sound doctrine,
- maintaining an evangelistic heart, and
- defending the faith.
Every member must take responsibility for all three. A congregation that only teaches sound doctrine or only evangelizes will know success for a while, but a flock where each saint embraces the challenge of learning to defend the body of faith entrusted to them will know the eternal blessing of God.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
- September 6, 2015
Prayer for the Lost in Authority.
In 1 Timothy 2, Paul moves from philosophy to practical instruction for Timothy and the Ephesian churches. What would you say is the most important thing for a new church? Paul says the number-one priority for the church is prayer, with a primarily evangelistic focus. Our responsibility to the state is to pray for the salvation of our leaders.
