Synopsis of 11 Timothy

Summary of 1 Timothy:
1. Warning against false teaching in the church.
2. Instructions about church administration and worship, with the description of the kind of character that church leaders and helpers should have.
3. Timothy is advised on how to be a good servant of Jesus Christ and about the responsibility that he has towards various groups of believers.

Paul wrote 11 Timothy to give final instructions and encouragement to Timothy, pastor of the church at Ephesus. Paul was virtually alone in prison; only Luke was with him. Paul wrote this letter to pass the torch to the new generation of church leaders. He also asked for visits from his friends and for his books. Key verse: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
Because this is Paul’s last letter, it reveals his heart and his priorities – sound doctrine, steadfast faith, confident endurance, and everlasting love. Paul gives helpful advice to Timothy to remain solidly grounded in Christian service and to endure suffering the difficult days to come. It is easy for us to serve Christ for the wrong reasons; because it is exciting, rewarding, or personally enriching. Without a proper foundation, however, we will find it easy to quit during difficult times. All believers need a strong foundation for their service, because Christian service does not get easier as we grow older. It will become no easier as the time of Christ’s return grows closer.

Summary:
1. Endurance in the face of suffering and opposition.
2. Timothy is warned about the dangers of becoming involved in foolish arguments that do no good, but only ruin the people who listen to them.
3. In all this, Timothy is reminded of the example of Paul’s own life and purpose – his faith, patience, love, endurance and suffering in persecution.