1st and 2nd Timothy

INTRODUCTION The sylvan epistles be the letters that capital of Minnesota wrote to timothy and Titus in the New Testa ment. These harbors include 1 and 2 timothy and Titus. The title untaught comes from the instructional genius of the letters themselves. Timothy was an assistant to capital of Minnesota during his ministry. He was taught the scriptures as a child by his m new(prenominal) who was named Eunice. Both Timothy and his mother were probably converted during capital of Minnesotas runner missionary Journey. There is also evidence supporting that Paul led Timothy to the passe-partout because he c altogethers Timothy his son in the faith. 1 Timothy was highly recommended by the Christians in Lystra and Iconium at a young age. Titus was also a minister who accompanied Paul on at least(prenominal) angiotensin converting enzyme of his missionary trips. During Pauls ministry in Crete, he raised new churches that Titus would vex form influence over. These letters are prim arily instructions for the general functions indoors the church. Collectively they provide guidelines for completely forms of leadinghip within the local church frame. Paul touches on the subjects of women, elders, deacons, and overseers in relationship to fountainity and function.Before discussing the restrictions and responsibilities of all(prenominal) of these, Ill briefly provide the historical setting for the pastoral epistles as well as the divers(prenominal) views of Pauls Authorship. Historical Setting These three letters were written after Paul was first impris wholenessd in Rome at the conclusion of Acts. The order and dates of Pauls ministry between the run of his first imprisonment and his game imprisonment are non kn take in. It is comm only if accepted that he wrote the mint of the pastoral epistles between A. D 60 and his death around A. D 67 to 68.Most believe that he began authorship his first letter to Timothy within a year of being released from prison in Rome around A. D. 63. Paul informs Timothy that he left him in Ephesus so that he could go into Macedonia. Theres no evidence that he went anywhere else so he probably began writing the pastoral epistles there. Pauline Authorship Pauls authorship of the pastoral epistles has been challenged by critics on quaternion grounds. The first is the Historical Argument. This argues that the letters do non fit into the history of the book of Acts. The Second is the ecclesiastic Argument.This claims that the organization of the local church as taught in these letters is to advanced for Pauls lifetime. The the triad base argument is the Doctrinal Argument. This claims that the specious tutoring attacked in the letters is Gnostic heresy that took place during the second century. This argument also contends that the authors theological outlook is unlike than the outlook expressed by Paul in his other writings. The last argument is the Linguistic/stylistic Argument. This argues that the authors style, linguistics, and vocabulary differs from the writing in Pauls other letters. Each of these arguments wear recognizable flaws.Apart from those, the external evidence for Pauls authorship is signifi senst. primaeval church fathers such as Inatius, Polycarp, and Irenaeus concerned them as written by Paul. The evidence both internally and externally appears to supports the Pauline authorship of the rustic Epistles. NATURE OF LEADERSHIP IN SCRIPTURE Servant lead rescuer completely turned the table when there was no servant to wash feet as was custom. low normal circumstances, a servant was evaluate to wash the dirty road-worn feet of guests. In John 131-17 the Nazarene provides his disciples with an excellent example of leadershiphip. the Nazarene humbled himself to a position of servitude and wash his disciples feet. He says in 14-15, Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash hotshot anothers feet. The most effective lead ers are those people who are servants to others. Servant leadership is a leadership style that has gained a giant amount of popularity in recent years. 2 Jesus modeled it perfect tensely in this example. Jesus got on his knees and washed the dirt of His disciples feet even though this act of kindheartedness was customarily views as custom fit only for servants.Philippians 25-11 says, Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very personality God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human careness. Christ was the ultimate example of servanthood. In his book The Leadership Genius of Jesus, William Beausay says, Servant leadership was the core of Jesus style. We see it reflected in the actions of his followers. His disciples were not amenable little robots. They often asked him for help.They needed guidance and clearly felt comfortable approaching hi m for personal support. (Beausay 23)3 Jesus He, being God, humbled himself to the rank of death on a human-made cross and showed us a perfect example of want it means to be a servant leader. All the pain He endured was for our sake. Paul, the author of the pastor epistles, understood this importance in leadership and sufferd in a way that showed servant leadership qualities. Not only did Paul write to train and instruct the early church, but he preached the gospel fair play boldly and was persecuted for his devotion.Ultimately, he was much than likely killed for his faithfulness to God. It is from this perspective that Paul instructs the early church leaders in the pastoral epistles. Responsibility To Teach Paul makes it clear in Ephesians 411-12 that God has say some as evangelists, pastors, and teachers. He writes that the purpose of this is for the building up of the body of Christ. He also writes in 1 Timothy 413, Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Sc ripture, to preaching and to teaching. To devote virtuosoself is to dig up everything for that one cause. It doesnt take much research to see that our society does not like right nor do we tend to enjoy accepting blame for our mistakes. In many cases to accept account capability and and accountability is considered foolish. Paul thought it all-important(prenominal) that our church leaders devote themselves to such things. I, for one, believe that all of us are called to the ministry of proclaiming the Gospel. It is our responsibility as Christ followers to share the truth about who Jesus is with those around us.Certainly the presence of God can be experienced through nature and other opthalmic stimuli, but something can be missing without a clear re deportation of the truth. 4 Knowing the truth is simply irreplaceable. 5 Just as God expects us to put forth this effort, Paul expected Timothy and Titus to abide by this principle and to teach it to their local congregations. We sh ould take seriously the responsibility to give up truth in our teaching and witnessing. CHURCH LEADERSHIP Deacons Deacons provide a ministry in the church that is associated with portion of some kind. This service varies among theological and denominational customs.The word deacon comes from the Greek word diakonos, meaning servant. another(prenominal) uses of the word are diakonia, which means service and diakoneo, which means to serve. 6 Broadened, it has come to mean any kind of service. Specifically we can find in scripture where these phrases were used applied to general service and weird service. Paul addresses the qualifications of deacons in 1 Timothy 38-13 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain,but toy withing to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.These men must also first be tested so(prenominal) let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignifie d, not venomed gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and bang-up managers of their children and their take in households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and dandy confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. He says first that deacons must be men of dignity. This stresses the importance of deacons to be men worthy of reward.This does not mean that they lead with a strong hand and enforce others to respect them. Instead, they are to live lives that bring honor to God. Thus, gaining them respect from others. Paul also says that deacons are not to be double-tongued. This means that they are to be self-controlled in speech. Any form of Gossip or slander should not be a part of his nature. Instead, he should speak out for righteous causes while being boring to anger. They also must not be deceitful. Deacons should not be addicted to much wine nor should the repose the position for what they can get out of it.Paul may have written this because of the pagan influence in first century world. He knew that every single deacon would be under the careful collect of non-Christians. It would be possible for a deacon to hurt his family and lose his witness if he was bondage to different excesses. Next, Paul writes that these men should hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. This means that they should hold a certain reverence for the soul purpose of service and honoring God. The Christian faith truly is mysterious. sometimes people have to walk into situations where there are no clear certainties.Deacons must be convinced(p) and do with a genuine character. 7 Those wishing to be deacons must also be tested to see if they are beyond reproach. Just as Athletes wishing to be on Olympic teams have to prove themselves as disciplined competitors, so Paul believed that a person must have prove a spectral maturity before serving as a deacon. 8 Attai ning any spiritual maturity only comes from seeking to be more like Christ. Next, Paul writes that deacons are to be husbands of one wife, and good managers of the children and households.Though this verse is one of the most controversial of deacon qualifications, at least three things are clear. First, he must acknowledge and embrace the biblical emphasis on marriage and view of the home. Second, the deacon is to be devoted to only one wife. Third, there is a theme behind the passage that should actuate the deacon of the absolute rejection of divorce. 9 Overall, Pauls experience with young and growing churches taught him that deacons must be people with a strong spiritual character. Elders and Overseers Elders and Overseers share many of the same qualifications as deacons.Paul also lists their qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 It is a trustworthy statement if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable,hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity. but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how leave he take care of the church of God? and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the reprimand incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Though Elders and Overseers are two distinct words, they calculate to be used for the same exercise throughout scripture (Acts 2017,28). Elder may be reserved for someone who deserves the respect that someone of an older age would attain. Overseer may lean more towards the function of the person in that position.The qualifications that are mentioned here vary only sligh tly. Paul makes it a point to warn them to be free from the love of money. This may give evidence that elders were held responsible for financial matters within the church. In all matters they are to serve as unto the Lord. 10 Paul also says that elders and overseers are to be able to teach. This provides evidence that they were held responsible for teaching theology as well as doctrine in the church. Paul makes it a point to mention that elders and overseers are not to be new converts. New Christians can fall quickly to temptation and become prideful.They often hold on to their pride, while a more mature Christian has come to understand the importance of humility. Older leaders are more likely to have a servants mindset ingrained in their character. 11 These leaders have a comical usage in that they oversee the affairs of the church body. One of these roles included protecting the church from false doctrine. Some of the false teaching during this time was sparked from Gnosticism and Jewish speculation. There were a sum up of different variations to the gnostic doctrine, but the main emphasis claimed that gnostics acquired a knowledge normal believers did not have.Thus, Gnostics believed their faith was superior to others. It was the responsibility of all the church members to know the truth and speak out against it. That is why it is spankingly important that elders r the truth against different forms of heresy. This type of leadership is a critical factor related to how well the church is doing in reaching the goal of spreading Gods word. 12 Women in leadership Paul makes it clear in the pastoral epistles that women play a mention part in the church. They are vital in the raising and teaching of Children.He writes concerning them so that they will understand proper submission. He writes this in in the second chapter of 1 Timothy Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with tissue hair and gold or p earls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. A woman must quietly sop up instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve.And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. But women will be keep through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint. First, Paul informs the women of the church to present themselves in a modest fashion. Paul, again new that non-christian eyes would be on believers. He did not want women to cause offense to anyone outside the Christian community. 13 Women He says that it is important they make a claim to Godliness. He then says that they should receive instruction submissively.This stresses the importance of male leadership in the church. Paul clearly points out th at women are not to have any type of authority over other men. He reminds Timothy that Adam was created first, and then Eve. Paul stresses that women keep silent because it give a cover and essential reason for the submission of women that is grounded in the creation story. 14 There are three major views when it comes to the role of women in the church. The first is total silence. There are surprisingly a large number of churches who practice this view. Second, is that they not teach Doctrine in the Assembly.Third, They may teach anything allowed by male overseers. The third view is what most churches use right away. 15 WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE CHURCH TODAY? church buildings today should strictly follow the biblical qualifications for deacons, elders, overseers, and women in the church. In light of a churchs peculiar(prenominal) situation, each church must decide what leadership roles will be as they seek to live out the biblical conception of that role. 16 church services t oday should seek to find men who can serve well. Men should be chosen only if they are well qualified and have developed skills in witnessing and other types of ministry.The most important qualities are found in those men who hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, and are committed to serving other people. 17 The ability to work well with others should also be a key quality desired by churches looking at for deacons or elders to serve. In todays world, much of the work by the deacon involves a great deal of patience and understanding. 18 Churchs want to be able to trust that their deacons, and elders will exercise sound judgement in all matters concerning the well being of the assembly. It is clear that women were highly important to Jesus as well as Paul.There is no argument to be made that women are modest to men. Jesus severed social and religious customs to show his high regard for women. 19 Women should undertake to be excellent examples of Godliness in our c hurchs today. This is a very important role within our churchs. While they are not to exercise authority of men, they play a key role in teaching our children what it means to live godly lives. CONCLUSION Paul has outlined particular(prenominal) qualifications for the office of deacon, elder, and overseer as well as restrictions for women in regards to leadership.It is our job to strive for obeying these qualifications and restrictions in our own churches. Paul writes this in the fourth chapter of Ephesians Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a carriage worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.It is Gods desire that we be unified. It his is intention for us to be moving as one unit towards one common goal. We need men who are faithful to serve in the role of deacon, elder and overseer to achieve this goal. BIBLIOGRAPHY Beausay, William II. The Leadership Genius of Jesus (Ancient Wisdom for Modern Business). Nashville, TN Thomas Nelson, Inc. 1197 Brindle, Wayne A. The Pastoral Epistles (Notes and Outlines). Liberty University School of Religion, 1996 Chartier, Jan. Developing Leadership in the Teaching Church. Valley Forge, PA Judson run 1985 Dale, Robert D.Leadership for a Changing Church (Charting the Shape of the River). Nashville, TN Abingdon Press 1998 Foshee, Howard B. The Ministry of the Deacon. Nashville, TN Convention Press 1968 House, H. Wayne, The Role of Women in Ministry Today. Nashville, TN Thomas Nelson Inc, 1990. Howe, E. Margaret. Women & Church Leadership. Grand Rapids, Michigan Zondervan, 1982. Naylor, Robert E. The Baptist Deacon. Nashville, TN Br oadman Press, 1955. Samra, Jim. The Gift of Church. Grand Rapids, Michigan Zondervan 2010. Stendahl, Krister. The Bible and the role of Women. Stockholm Fortress Press, 1966. 1 Wayne A. Brindle, The Pastoral Epistles Notes and Outlines, (Liberty University school of religion, 1996) 2 William Beausay, The Leadership Genius of Jesus, (Nashville, TN Thomas Nelson, Inc. 1197) 3 Ibid 4 Jim Samra, The Gift of Church, (Grand Rapids, Michigan Zondervan 2010) 5 Ibid 6 Howard B Foshee, The Ministry of the Deacon, (Nashville, TN Convention Press 1968) 7 Ibid 8 Ibid 9 Ibid 10 Robert D. Dale, Leadership For a Changing Church, (Nashville, TN Abingdon Press 1998) 11 Ibid 12 Jan Charter, Developing Leadership in the teaching church, (Valley Forge, PA Judson Press 1985) 13 E.Margaret Howe, Women & Church Leadership, (Grand Rapids, Michigan Zondervan, 1982) 14 Krister Stendahl, The Bible and the Role of Women, (Stockholm Fortress Press, 1966) 15 Wayne A. Brindle, The Pastoral Epistles Notes and Outl ines, (Liberty University school of religion, 1996) 16 Robert E. Naylor, The Baptist Deacon, (Nashville, TN Broadman Press, 1955) 17 Howard B Foshee, The Ministry of the Deacon, (Nashville, TN Convention Press 1968) 18 Ibid 19 H. Wayne House, The Role of Women in Ministry Today, (Nashville, TN Thomas Nelson Inc, 1990)