1 Timothy 2 Overview

1 Timothy 2, Argument, Outline, Summary Doctrines, Applications

1. Paul’s philosophy of ministry
2. Pray for others; godly women
3. Overseers, deacons, and conduct in the church
4. Departure from the faith; train for godliness
5. Respectfully challenge; widows; elders
6. Slaves and masters, godliness, money

Chapter title: Pray for leaders; godly women

Argument of Chapter two

Paul, in chapter 2, instructs Timothy about three topics. First, that the men pray and give God thanks in the church assembly and why this prayer is important—it pleases God (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Second, this prayer is important so that believers can live in a way that furthers the message of salvation through Christ Jesus, the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:4-8). The third topic is how women are to act in the church assembly and the home. If men are the leaders and teachers in church, what do the women do? Paul writes that women are to adorn themselves with godliness, quietly receive instruction, and fulfill the role of wife and mother (1 Timothy 2:9-15).

Outline

1. 1 Timothy 2:1-3. Paul instructs Timothy that the men (2:8) should pray, especially when the church is assembled, for all people (generic man, ανθρωπος anthropos), kings, and those in authority so that believers are free to live in a way that furthers the message of salvation through Christ Jesus, and this pleases God. Doctrines include prayer, authority, divine institutions, biblical principles for society in nations, godliness.
2. 1 Timothy 2:4-8. This message of salvation, which governs Paul’s apostolic ministry to the Gentiles, is that Christ Jesus, the Savior, is the mediator between God and mankind, and since God desires all men (people ανθρωπος anthropos) to be saved—to believe in him—and then to know God’s truth, men (male ανηρ aner) are to pray. Doctrines include Christology, God’s will, mediator, unlimited atonement, reconciliation, sin barrier, salvation (kinds, tenses, unity), spiritual gifts, knowledge of God’s word, ministry, equipping of the saints, prayer, relationships among believers, mental attitude sins, sins of the tongue.
3. 1 Timothy 2:9-15. The women also have a vital role in church and the home: they are to adorn themselves with godliness, quietly receive instruction, and fulfill the role of wife and mother. Furthermore, a woman finds her dignity and God’s fulfillment through motherhood if they continue in the Christian life. Doctrines include inner beauty, good works, godliness, spiritual life definitions, creation, fall, role of women in authority and teaching, role of women in the home.

Main truths to remember from 1 Timothy 2

1. Pray for all people, even for political leaders. It is important so we may live godly lives that represent God.
2. God wants people to be saved and learn God’s word.
3. Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and mankind.
4. A woman’s good works are more important than jewels and fancy clothes.
5. Women learn in church under the teacher’s authority.
6. A woman’s role and fulfillment is wife and mother rather than as pastor and teacher.

1 Timothy 2, Summary Doctrines, Applications

1. Prayer is to be a way of life. Besides request, pray should include thanks to God (1 Timothy 2:1).
2. Pray for all people, for national leaders, and for all in authority in various positions in life. The purpose is that believers may live right within society, and so be good witnesses (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
3. Believers, through living a godly and dignified life, become channels for witness to everlasting salvation and exposure to biblical doctrine (1 Timothy 2:2-4).
4. God wants all people to gain everlasting salvation and after that to learn God’s truth, Bible doctrine (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
5. Jesus Christ is the one and only mediator between God and man. As mediator he gave himself in man’s place to reconcile all to God, with specific benefit to those who believe the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5-6).
6. Paul was appointed to proclaim that Jesus is the mediator so that men and women may gain everlasting life. His primary ministry was to Gentiles. Prayer supports Paul’s ministry (1 Timothy 2:7-8). We also have this privilege to proclaim everlasting salvation according to other Scripture.
7. God has roles or emphases for both men and women. To the men he gives spiritual leadership for church that includes prayer and Bible teaching (1 Timothy 2:8). To the women he gives the roll of godly inner beauty, to be teachable, and the role of wife and mother (1 Timothy 2:9-16).
8. Paul specifically says that God created both Adam and Eve, an historical event (1 Timothy 2:13).
9. Paul also clearly says that Adam and Eve fell by sin. This is the fall of mankind, also an historical event (1 Timothy 2:14).