An Introduction (1 Timothy 1:1-2)

Does is matter how a church is structured? A quick survey of the hundreds of churches in Hillsdale county will reveal a variety of church structures. Some are heavily structured, and some have very little structure. Does it matter what a church does? Again, a quick survey of the hundreds of churches in Hillsdale county will reveal a variety of actions by the churches. Does it matter what a church believes as long as they believe in Jesus? A quick survey of the hundreds of churches in Hillsdale county will reveal an amazing diversity of beliefs and doctrine. So, does it really matter? Or is it really just up to each individual church to decide for themselves? From the very first time I interviewed here, I made it very clear that these things do matter. In fact, they are of supreme importance to God. Fidelity to God’s Word demonstrates that God cares deeply about the structure, actions, and beliefs of His church. So we, as his church, ought to care and know what structure, actions, and beliefs God expects of us. 

For this reason, the next book of the Bible that we will walk through together is the book of 1 Timothy. When we are done with 1 Timothy, we will turn to 2 Timothy. These books (along with Titus) are known as the pastoral epistles. Although they might be better named the church epistles. Because they present to the church what God expects regarding the structure, actions, and beliefs of the church. 

As we work through these Letters, we will discover that God cares about the structure, actions, and beliefs of the church, because the church is the visible picture of Christ and His Kingdom. Christ is in heaven, and his physical Kingdom has not yet become a reality. The only way the world and we as believers can physically see Christ and His Kingdom is through the church. So, it is important that the church accurately reflect Christ and His Kingdom. 

As we begin each book, there are some important things of which we must remind ourselves. We are looking at the very words of God. Therefore, it is vital that we interpret these words correctly. One thing we have been striving together for over the past few years is an understanding of how to properly interpret the Word of God. Now we spent a little over a year walking through the Gospel of Mark. So, it has been a little while since we have looked at these foundational principles. 

We must first remember that this book is written as a book. So, everything in the book must be interpreted in its context: in the paragraph, section, book, and testament. Second, it cannot mean for us, what it did not mean to its original hearers. Meaning does not change. But if we do not understand the context of the original hearers, we will not rightly understand the book. Applications change, meaning does not. So, we will spend some time today looking at the author and the original hearers. Third, the structure of the book gives insight into the purpose of the book. Typically, Paul follows a very distinct two-part structure. However, in this book, the structure follows more of a manual style, consisting of four to five parts. Each part relating to the structure, beliefs, and actions of the church. 

Today may feel a little more academic than what we normally feel on Sunday. However, it is vital that we lay the proper foundation today, so that we can gather all that God intends for us to gather from this book. And when we are finished with this book, we should have a clear grasp of what God expects from Cambria Baptist Church in regards to its structure, actions, and beliefs. 

This book begins with a two-verse salutation. In this salutation, We discover many of the foundational principles we need to cover in order to lay a proper foundation to understand the book. ...