Paul & Timothy in 1 Corintians 4

Paul informs the Corinthian church that he is sending Timothy to remind them of Paul’s “way of life.”

Timothy’s ministry is still a partnership, based upon teamwork and modeling, but he is now being sent out alone.

Paul is gradually giving Timothy more and more independence and authority.

Timothy times twenty-nine

The name Timothy appears in the Bible 29 times.

In Acts 16-20, Timothy appears seven times. In every case, his is part of a group.

There is no need to be a Lone Ranger in service to Christ. Timothy’s early service was completely as a member of a team.

We Meet Timothy

According to the Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary Volume 2: New Testament, we first meet Timothy in Acts 16:1-3, part of Paul’s second missionary journey.

It is believed that Timothy first came to faith as a result of Paul’s preaching on his first missionary journey, just two years before Paul recruits him.

Hymenaeus and Alexander

Christians must be evervigilant.

Hymenaeus and Alexander were sincere believers whose faith ws “shipwrecked.”

Paul “handed them over to Satan” to teach them a lesson.

It is vital that believers not engage in sinful actions which require this level of intervention.

But many of us do, in fact, require a strong level of correction.

Avoid Pointless Arguments

Part of keeping our faith strong is avoiding pointless arguments.

This is not the same thing as avoiding thoughtful conversation. But debate is futile in the arena of science vs. religion.

So don’t bother.

Characteristics of Jesus

Image via Wikipedia

1. God gives life
   
2. Testified before Pontius Pilate
   
3. Will reappear on earth
   
4. Blessed
   
5. Sovereign
   
6. Top King
   
7. Top Lord
   
8. Immortal
   
9. Surrounded in unapproachable light
   
10. Never seen by humans
    
11. Honored
    
12. Eternal ruler
    

Love of Money

Image by TW Collins via Flickr

In verses 6-12, Paul teaches the following:

1. Goal: godliness with contentment
   
2. Implied: a person can experience godliness without contentment!
   
3. Existence: we enter and leave the world with nothing of value
   
4. Needs: food and clothing
   
5. Wants: everything else
   
6. Danger: love of everything else
   
7. Consequence: ruin and destruction
   
8. Alternative: pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness
   
9. Word picture: fight the good fight of faith
   
10. Result: eternal life
    

Related articles by Zemanta

• What does the Bible say about the prosperity gospel? (searching4god.blogspot.com)

We Are Family

Image by The Library of Congress via Flickr

In verses 1-2, Paul directs Timothy (and the members of his church) not to distinguish among the various gender and age groups represented, but to treat one another respectfully, as brothers and sisters and parents.

Keep Up the Good Work

In verses 13-16, Paul encourages Timothy to use his gift to continue teaching and sharing Scripture.

He also tells Timothy not to neglect his gift. This implies that it’s possible to neglect spiritual gifts.

What gift do I neglect? What gift do you neglect, dear Reader?

Timothy’s Curriculum

Paul suggests that Timothy base his teaching upon the content of verses 1-5.

Who picks your curriculum, dear Reader? How do you decide what to study and learn?