Timothy was one of Paul’s young converts and one of his closest companions. Timothy had been sent to the church at Ephesus to counter the false teaching there. Paul gave Timothy practical advice about the ministry. Apparently Timothy struggled with a timid and reserved nature and allowed others to look down on his youth. I heard a pastor say once that every Christian should have in his life a “Paul” (someone to look up to and imitate), a “Timothy”(someone to disciple), and a “Barnabas”(someone to encourage us and to hold us to account).

Paul has already urged Timothy to command certain men not to teach false doctrines or devote themselves to myths. What myths do we devote ourselves to today - fictions, fables, false traditions, lies? Following such teaching results in controversies rather than bringing about unity by following the truth. How much energy is expended when believers attempt to defend the competing factions of myths? The pure truth has no factions, therefore no controversies.

1 Timothy 1:18-20
Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

How can people shipwreck their faith? What does “handed over to Satan” mean? Paul had already addressed this very thing regarding this discipline in 1 Corinthians 5. This person is to be handed over to Satan, removed from the fellowship of believers, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved.

Paul makes it clear that we are to pray for our leaders, even when we don't want to pray for them.

1 Timothy 2:9-12
I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.

In the culture of the day, for women to dress this way (with braided hair. gold, pearls, expensive clothes) was disrespectful. Some also placed undue emphasis on the outward appearance. Women were not usually taught scripture in those times. Many of those who were learning of Jesus’ teachings were trying to teach others without being properly trained and were speaking in human wisdom and not led by the Holy Spirit wisdom.

1 Timothy 2:15
But women will be saved through childbearing - if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

This verse is a problematic verse with a plethora of possible explanations. It sounds as if a woman's salvation depends on giving birth.  Looking at the context in which this verse is written, Paul may be saying that he thinks it best for women to have as their top priority to manage a household well and raise their children in a godly way, rather than be spiritual leaders in a church, which they may not be properly trained to do.

Paul specifically states the requirements of the leaders of the churches (elders and deacons) for positions of authority. He certainly sets up a high standard, not only for the leaders but for their families as well. He mentions "not indulging in too much wine". Later he tells Timothy to "use a little wine because of your stomach"

Deacons "must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience."
A lesson for all of us today - when we know a deep truth we must not compromise. If we compromise or water it down we can't have a clear conscience.

Paul also warns what happens when we abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits. “…consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.”  What happens when something is seared? Nerves are killed and have no feeling.  We sear our consciences when we allow untruths to permeate our acts of worship. There will come a time when truth will not be seen and only the myths remain and are understood and are celebrated.  God's truth and commandments will be ignored in favor of the traditions of men.

Paul again warns "Have nothing to do with godless myths..." Myths would be an invention, something made up that may sound godly.

1 Timothy 4:12
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

I remember one of our Sunday school second graders (now a college graduate) reciting this verse. He still sets an example!

In the next few verses Paul mentions a firm foundation. Jesus is the foundation. We build on our faith in Him. (1 Corinthians 3:11)

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

What a great way to end 1Timothy!