generation next session #6 - 1 timothy 3

1 Timothy 3Godly order in a non –

Godly environment

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

The answer can possibly be found by looking at

some background relating to Ephesus

53 – 57AD

59 – 62AD

• 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)

• What do we know about Ephesus from scripture?

Information from scriptureActs 19 Apollos had preached there before Paul – converts received

John’s baptism of repentance – baptised in Holy SpiritPaul 3 months in synagague – refused to believePaul 2 years in hall of Tyrannus – seemed that all Jews and Greeks in Asia had heard the messageExtraordinary miracles in the city; displays of powerPublic burning of sorcery scrolls (high value) – word spread and grew in powerArtemis – massive riot

Ephesians Need for unity in the congregationMessy church – need for Godly order in general ways of living as well as in Christian householdsNeed to be strong in the Lord and His mighty power – spiritual warfare

1 Timothy False doctrine, myhts and endless genealogiesMeaningless talkSome have shipwrecked their faithAnger and disputing in churchWomen immodestly dressedLack of respect for the older men; improper recognition of widowsLove of wealth

Revelation Hard work, perseverance of the church; endured hardships and not grown weary BUT lost first love; hate the works of Nicolaitans

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!

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

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?

How does all this apply to us?

In a relationship with God there is

NO Plan B!!!

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