Paul open his letter to Timothy by asserting his authority as an Apostle commissioned by Jesus Himself, perhaps to not only to encourage Timothy but to confer some of his authority to a young Timothy. It may also have been to affirm to the church in Ephesus that Timothy has Paul's full confidence. He urges Timothy to remain in Ephesus to teach the church to stop spreading false doctrine and wasting time occupying themselves with myths and endless genealogies. Instead, he is to focus on the goal of their instruction, that is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

As Paul encourages Timothy in how to lead the church at Ephesus, he reflects back on his former life as a persecutor of the church before Jesus apprehended him on the road to Damascus. He breaks out in praise as he remembers how merciful God was to forgive him, the worst of sinners, and put him into His service. In light of God's incredible mercy and patience, Paul charges Timothy to fight the good fight by holding firmly to faith and a good conscience.

Paul addresses some controversy in the church at Ephesus by instructing Timothy to rein in the heresies some women were spreading. The very early seeds of Gnosticism were beginning to take root. Paul was not forbidding women to lead or teach but for the women at that time to stop spreading myths and pagan mystery religions.

Paul makes it clear that it is worthy aspiration if someone desires to be a leader in the church. It is the Holy Spirit who selects leaders to watch over the church and help it grow. God also desires leaders to have good character, not to be sinless, but to be growing in grace and maturity. The good character of a good leader is built little by little over time. The church needs people of good character to step up to leadership.

There are two offices of leadership described in the New Testament. The leadership positions are elder and deacon. Both positions have high character requirements, with eldership a bit more stringent. The requirement for leadership in God's church are less about talents and skills and more on character and love for His people. If you want to lead for God, learn to invest in the people He puts in your life. Be the kind of person you would want to follow. And finally, you can't lead anyone if you don't know how to be led yourself.

God wants you to enjoy the good things in life with thankfulness. Paul warned Timothy to teach against the false doctrines going around that taught to abstain from things God has given us to enjoy. He was urged to not allow falsehoods about God to linger. A godly life requires spiritual exercise motivated by an accurate knowledge of your eternal future,

Paul exhorts Timothy to be an example to the church he was leading in his speech, conduct, love, faithfulness and purity. His congregation would have a hard time looking down on him if they need to look up to his example. By conscientiously striving under grace to set an example, Timothy would cause both himself and his hearers to grow and prosper spiritually. What about your life is worth imitating by others?

Paul gives Timothy principles for meeting the needs of the poor. First, believers need to take care of their own family members before seeking help from the church. The church needs to focus on those members who do not have family to help them, who are unable to help themselves and who have a good reputation. The church should be generous but also smart!

In this world, we are flooded with the message that material things will bring happiness. The Bible strongly refutes this belief. True happiness is found in pursuing an eternal value system. Without God's perspective on material things, we cannot fully enjoy the things we do obtain. One of the best ways to avoid the trap of materialism is to be a generous giver.