The Faith God Expects
I Timothy
By J. A. Gillmartin

What kind of faith does Paul hope for in Christ’s disciples in his first epistle to Timothy?

Genuine Christian character is exemplified by consistent and conscientious  behavior.

I. ‑A Sincere (or Unfeigned) Faith! “The goal of our instruction (commandment) is love from ...” (1:5):

    A. “A pure heart”

    B. “A good conscience” and

    C. “A sincere faith.”

II. ‑A Militant Faith! [1:18-19] “By (these words) you may fight the good fight ...” by:

    A. ‑“Keeping (or holding on to) faith” and

    B. “[Having] a good conscience.”

III. An Enduring Faith! [4:1]

The Holy Spirit has revealed that a time is coming and now is that some in the church will fall away, abandoning the faith...due to:

    A. Evil spirits,

    B. ‑Doctrines of demons (false teachings).

    C. ‑Paul implies Timothy and all disciples are to go the other way, the way of perseverance [cf. 6:11].

IV. An Honest (or unhypocritical) Faith! “In pointing out these things ... [be] a good servant ... constantly nourished on the words of faith and [on the words] of sound doctrine ...” (4:6). The challenge is to be honest in:

    A. Feeding others—faithful preaching.

    B. Feeding self—faithful practice.

V. An Imitated Faith! “Show yourself an example to those who believe, in ...” (4:12):

    A. speech,

    B. conduct,

    C. love,

    D. faith,

     E. purity.

Application: What is the victory that overcomes in today’s harsh reality?

—”Our  faith  is the victory that overcomes the world” (1 John 5:4).

—”Without  faith  it  is impossible to please God” (Heb. 11:6). . .

—”Faith  comes from hearing, and hearings from the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).

Challenge: In I Timothy 6:11 Paul exhorts us to “fight the good fight “  and to pursue:

    A. righteousness

    B. godliness

    C. faith

    D. love

     E. perseverance

    F .gentleness.

J. A. Gillmartin

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