Generation Next Session #6 - 1 Timothy 3 with guest speaker Steve Watts

1. 1 Timothy 3
Godly order in a non –
Godly environment

2. Why is most of this
chapter made up of
two lists relating to
church leaders?

3. The answer can possibly
be found by looking at
some background relating
to Ephesus

4. 53 – 57AD
59 – 62AD

5. • Main visit to Ephesus around 53
– 56AD
• This letter written somewhere
after 62AD but before 65AD
when Paul imprisoned for the last
time (Nero was emperor – Rome
burned 64AD)

6. • What do we know
about Ephesus from
scripture?

7. Information from scripture
Acts 19 Apollos had preached there before Paul – converts received
John’s baptism of repentance – baptised in Holy Spirit
Paul 3 months in synagague – refused to believe
Paul 2 years in hall of Tyrannus – seemed that all Jews and
Greeks in Asia had heard the message
Extraordinary miracles in the city; displays of power
Public burning of sorcery scrolls (high value) – word spread and
grew in power
Artemis – massive riot
Ephesians Need for unity in the congregation
Messy church – need for Godly order in general ways of living
as well as in Christian households
Need to be strong in the Lord and His mighty power – spiritual
warfare

8. 1 Timothy False doctrine, myhts and endless genealogies
Meaningless talk
Some have shipwrecked their faith
Anger and disputing in church
Women immodestly dressed
Lack of respect for the older men; improper recognition of
widows
Love of wealth
Revelation Hard work, perseverance of the church; endured hardships
and not grown weary BUT lost first love; hate the works of
Nicolaitans

9. Historical information
• Chief commercial city of the province (approx. 300,000 people)
– “highway to Rome” – entry point for Roman governors
• 4th largest city in empire after Rome, Alexandria and Antioch
• Centre of mother goddess (Artemis/Cybele) for western Asia –
fertility cult practices
• Full of wizards, sorcerers, witches, astrologers, diviners –
mystery religions, occult practices - Nicolaitans
Not as easy city for a Christian!

10. What does all this
information have to do
with the lists?
Are the lists important
for us?

11. Overseer Deacon
• Above reproach
• Faithful to his wife
• Temperate
• Self-controlled
• Respectable
• Hospitable
• Able to teach
• Not a drunkard
• Gentle
• Not quarrelsome
• Not a lover of money
• Manages his children well in a respectful
way – children obey him
• Mature believer
• Good reputation
• Worthy of respect
• Sincere
• Not overindulging in wine
• Not pursuing dishonest gain
• Hold to truths of the faith with a clear
conscience
• Tested in their faith
• WOMEN: worthy of respect; not
malicious talkers; temperate;
trustworthy
• Faithful to his wife
• Manage his children and household well
What prompted Paul to produce such a detail list?

12. How does all this
apply to us?

13. In a relationship
with God there is
NO Plan B!!!

14. Do not worship any
other god, for the
LORD, whose name is
Jealous, is a jealous
God. (Ex 34v14)