1 Timothy 3:14–4:16

Dr. Bill Mounce

Please Log in to Attend this Lecture

Please log into your free account so you can attend this lecture.

Lesson

This paragraph is the heart of the letter, putting everything that Paul has been discussing into perspective and giving it context. The church is precious, and we should protect the gospel because of the truths it teaches.

Outline

Heart of the letter

Four images to describe the church

1. “Household of God”

2. “Church of the living God”

3. That building has pillars

4. That building has buttresses

Description of the truth, the gospel (3:16)

Stanza 1 — Marvel at Christ’s work

Marvel at the Incarnation

Resurrection — “Vindicated by the Spirit”

Ascension — “seen by angels” (universal proclamation)

Second stanza — Marvel at the Result of Christ’s work

Proclaimed

Believed

Result of widespread faith

This is why we take seriously the charge to leadership

1 Timothy 4:1-5

1 Timothy 4:6-10

4:6-7 — What does it take to be a “good servant of Christ Jesus”?

Teaching the right things

“Trained”

Not easy, so Paul motivates — 4:8

Motivation: Reminds Timothy what is at stake — 4:9-10

“Savior of all men”

1 Timothy 4:11-16

4:11

4:12

1. Don’t let people look down on you

2. Live in such a way that you are a positive example

4:13

Devoted to a biblically based ministry

Order is significant

All three are necessary

4:14 — Encouragement

Ends with a series of personal admonitions (15–16)