The next 3 Letters on our journey through the New Testament, 1&2 Timothy and Titus, are called the Pastoral Letters. Paul wrote all 3 Letters to young Pastors that he had mentored. They are the last Scriptures that Paul wrote before he was martyred in Rome, during the later part of Nero Caesar’s reign, around AD 65.

Mentoring The Next Generation

I think Paul had sense, as he was writing these Letters, that he was not going to be around much longer. He wanted to prepare others to carry on the Lord’s work that he, and the other Apostles, had begun. In 2 Timothy 4:6-8, we read these “swan song” words of Paul:

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Theses 3 Pastoral Letters are filled with instruction regarding “how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth” ( 1 Timothy 3:15). In both 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9, Paul gives extensive character requirements for the leadership positions of overseers (bishops), deacons and elders.

There seems to be a concerted effort by Paul in these 3 Letters to get young Timothy and Titus to steer people in the churches away from minor, divisive issues. For example, he wants Timothy to deal firmly with those who “devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work – which is by faith” (1 Timothy 1:4). Paul wants Timothy to command these people not to teach these false doctrines (1 Timothy 1:3). These false teachings seem to be related to the incorrect applying of the Mosaic Law (1 Tim. 1:7-10).

Paul wants Timothy to focus on the grace of God that’s been revealed in the gospel events of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. When we focus on faith in Jesus, it regenerates human beings inward nature, which enables us to love the Lord and others out of “a pure heart, and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Tim. 1:5). Some have rejected faith in sound doctrine, and have rejected a good conscience, so they have shipwrecked their faith (1 Tim. 1:19-20). Paul urges Timothy to maintain sound doctrine and a good conscience, so that he may fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 1:18-19).

In Later Times………….

In 1 Tim. 4:1-5, Paul prophesies that in later times that there will be a widespread hardening of consciences and hearts against sound doctrine. Human consciences will be so seared, and human minds will be so darkened, that many will follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. In response, Paul urges Timothy and all faithful Pastors, in every generation, to teach sound doctrine (1 Timothy 4:6-16). The Lord gives all faithful Pastors an encouraging promise: “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (2 Timothy 4:16).

The instruction to Timothy is very relevant for us today. It is so easy in a church’s ministry to get focused on secondary issues like predestination or speaking in tongues. Christians have different convictions in these areas. We need to agree to disagree in a loving manner, and not insist we are right. It’s alright to have a conviction in these areas, but it’s wrong to impose them on others. This would be indicative of spiritual pride and immaturity.

QOTD: Are you giving yourself wholly to sound teaching in such a manner, that everyone is seeing your progress (1 Tim. 4:15)?