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Objective

In this lesson, we’ll understand how Paul teaches Timothy and Titus about sound doctrine, church order, and faithful ministry for the sake of Christ’s church.

Key Verse

1 Timothy 6:12: Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Introduction

The books of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus are different from Paul’s other letters in important ways. Rather than writing to entire churches, Paul writes to individuals—specifically to two young pastors he had trained for ministry. While these letters focus more on practical ministry issues than on deep theological doctrine, Paul still weaves essential truths about Christ throughout his instructions.

Even though Paul originally wrote these letters to pastors, the truths he teaches apply to every believer. Whether you serve in church leadership or simply want to grow in your faith, these letters will help you understand what God desires for His people.

Paul understood the vital importance of training others for ministry. There is always more work to be done than one person can handle, which is why Paul consistently ministered with companions and invested his life in training young men to serve Christ faithfully.

Timothy and Titus were two such young men whom Paul trained to be pastors. These letters are known as the pastoral epistles because they give us crucial teaching about how the church should be led by godly men who shepherd God’s people with wisdom and love.

Timothy had traveled with Paul on his missionary journeys and was raised in a godly home where his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice had nurtured his faith from childhood. God called Timothy into ministry at an early age, and Paul became his mentor and spiritual father.

2 Timothy 1:5-6: I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

We know less about Titus’s background, but he too proved himself to be a faithful companion and fellow worker with Paul in the ministry.

In this lesson, we’ll focus on three great themes that flow through the pastoral epistles:

• Sound doctrine that protects the church from error
• Order in the church that reflects God’s design
• Faithfulness in ministry that honors Christ

As we explore these themes together, you will see how Paul consistently points Timothy and Titus to Christ as the center of all ministry. Jesus is the one who equips leaders and sustains His church through every challenge.

Sound Doctrine

Paul wants Timothy and Titus to understand that a pastor must hold firmly to biblical truth. This is perhaps the most important responsibility Paul emphasizes throughout these letters. In a world filled with false teaching and spiritual confusion, church leaders must be anchored in God’s Word.

1 Timothy 1:3-4: As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.

2 Timothy 2:15-16: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

Paul warns Titus about the same dangers, urging him to deal firmly with those who cause division through false teaching:

Titus 3:9-11: But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Though the pastoral epistles focus primarily on practical ministry matters, Paul also teaches essential doctrinal truths. He wants to ensure that Timothy and Titus remember the foundational truths they must teach and defend against error.

For example, Paul reminds Timothy about the heart of the gospel message—salvation through Christ alone:

1 Timothy 2:4-6: who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

Paul also provides Timothy with what may be an early Christian hymn that summarizes the mystery of Christ’s incarnation and work:

1 Timothy 3:16: Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

In 2 Timothy, Paul reminds Timothy about the foundational truths of salvation and his calling to ministry despite suffering:

2 Timothy 1:8-12: Paul encourages Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel but to join him in suffering for it. He explains that God has saved us not because of our works but according to His purpose and grace given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. Paul declares his confidence that Christ is able to guard what has been entrusted to him until the final day.

Paul emphasizes that this is what sound doctrine looks like—holding fast to the truth that has been faithfully taught:

2 Timothy 1:13: What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.

Paul also reminds Titus of the essential message of God’s grace revealed in the gospel:

Titus 2:11-14: For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Similarly, in Titus 3:4-7, Paul beautifully explains how God saved us through His mercy, not our righteous deeds, through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit whom He poured out generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.

Paul emphasizes that these gospel truths are what Titus should be teaching consistently:

Titus 2:15: These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

Titus 3:8: This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

A pastor’s responsibility is to teach sound doctrine to his congregation, as this is the only way to prevent false teaching from taking root in the church. This requires faithful study and careful instruction:

1 Timothy 4:6: If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

Paul charges Timothy with the solemn responsibility to preach God’s Word faithfully, regardless of whether people want to hear it:

2 Timothy 4:1-4: Paul gives Timothy a charge in the presence of God and Christ Jesus to preach the Word in season and out of season, correcting, rebuking, and encouraging with patience and careful instruction. He warns that a time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but will gather teachers who tell them what they want to hear, turning away from truth to myths.

Church leaders should also train other faithful people to carry on the ministry of teaching:

2 Timothy 2:2: And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

Sound doctrine keeps the church anchored in Christ, who is the truth we proclaim and the foundation of all our teaching. (Notebook Moment: Think about Paul’s warnings against false teaching. How can you discern sound doctrine in your own life? What truths about Christ do you need to hold firmly today?)

Order in the Church

Paul also teaches Timothy and Titus that the church must be properly organized and structured. Just as we saw in 1 and 2 Corinthians, where Paul addressed problems with disorder and confusion in the church, here he provides clear instruction about establishing proper church order.

Titus 1:5: The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

There is a proper structure for the church that reflects God’s design. There are leaders whom God has appointed, and pastors have the responsibility to lead their churches well under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

Paul establishes clear guidelines for how church leaders should be chosen and what qualifications they must meet. It’s important to understand that Paul focuses on principles rather than specific titles. Different church traditions use different terms—elder, bishop, pastor, overseer—but all of these refer to the same basic role of a “shepherd” who has the responsibility to care for his flock.

Paul outlines the qualifications for elders, who are to provide spiritual oversight and leadership:

1 Timothy 3:1-7: Paul explains that anyone who aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. The overseer must be above reproach in every area of life—faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and able to teach. He must not be given to drunkenness or violence but should be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. Paul warns against appointing recent converts who might become conceited. The overseer must also have a good reputation with outsiders to avoid falling into disgrace.

Paul gives similar instructions to Titus about the qualifications for elders:

Titus 1:6-13: An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, with believing children who are not wild or disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, love what is good, be self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. Most importantly, he must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Elders are spiritual leaders who guard and teach the flock of God:

Acts 20:28: Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

1 Peter 5:1-3: To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Deacons serve the practical needs of the church and help with administration. This role was first established in Acts 6 when the apostles appointed seven men to handle the daily distribution of food so that the apostles could focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word.

Deacons must also meet high standards of character:

1 Timothy 3:8-13: Paul explains that deacons must be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience and be tested before serving. Deacons must be faithful to their wives and manage their children and households well. Those who serve well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

The main difference between elders and deacons is that elders are specifically called to be shepherds who minister and apply God’s Word to the church body:

1 Timothy 3:2: Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…

The key qualification that describes both elders and deacons is that they must be “blameless.” This doesn’t mean they are perfect, but it does mean their lives and reputations are consistently godly and above reproach.

The church congregation is to respect and follow the spiritual authority that God has placed over them:

1 Thessalonians 5:12: Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.

Paul also teaches that older Christians have a responsibility to teach and model godliness for younger believers. He gives specific instructions for different groups within the church:

Titus 2:1-8: Paul instructs Titus to teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Older men should be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. Older women should be reverent, not slanderers or addicted to wine, but teachers of what is good. They should train younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, busy at home, kind, and subject to their husbands. Young men should be encouraged to be self-controlled, with Titus setting an example of good deeds and showing integrity and seriousness in his teaching.

This order in the church reflects Christ’s headship over His people. He is the Chief Shepherd who appoints under-shepherds to care for His flock. (Notebook Moment: Look at the qualifications for elders and deacons. Why do you think God emphasizes character over skills? How can you pray for and support your church leaders today?)

Faithfulness in Ministry

Paul teaches Timothy and Titus to remain faithful in their ministry despite the many challenges they will face. He warns them about false teachers, worldly temptations, and difficult times ahead.

2 Timothy 3:1-5: Paul warns that terrible times will come in the last days when people will be lovers of themselves and money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of good, treacherous, rash, conceited, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. They will have a form of godliness but deny its power.

To help them persevere through these challenges, Paul encourages them to think like soldiers, athletes, and farmers—all of whom must demonstrate dedication and endurance to achieve their goals:

2 Timothy 2:3-6: Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.

Faithfulness in ministry means guarding the gospel message and passing it on to others:

2 Timothy 1:14: Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Paul reminds Timothy to stir up the spiritual gifts God has given him and not to be ashamed of the gospel:

2 Timothy 1:6-7: For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

In his final letter, Paul writes as if knowing his earthly ministry is nearly complete, urging Timothy to continue the work faithfully:

2 Timothy 4:6-8: For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

For Titus, Paul emphasizes that good works should be the natural evidence of genuine faith:

Titus 3:1-2: Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Faithfulness in ministry reflects Christ’s own endurance and dedication. Our Savior remained faithful to the very end, completing the work the Father gave Him to do. (Notebook Moment: Reflect on fighting the good fight like Paul. What challenges make ministry hard for you? How can you fan into flame your gifts for Christ’s service?)

Conclusion

The pastoral epistles reveal God’s heart for His church—that it should be grounded in sound doctrine, properly ordered, and characterized by faithful service. Paul mentored Timothy and Titus to lead well, always pointing them to Christ as their source of strength and example.

The theme that unites all of Paul’s instruction is faithfulness to the end. This is the calling of every believer, whether in formal ministry or in the ordinary responsibilities of Christian life. Paul himself modeled this kind of persevering faithfulness, just as he wrote to the Philippians about pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called him heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Our ultimate example, however, is Jesus Christ Himself. John tells us that “having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end” (John 13:1). Jesus demonstrated perfect faithfulness throughout His earthly ministry, remaining obedient to the Father’s will even unto death on the cross. He is the great Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep and who continues to care for His church through the leaders He appoints.

2 Timothy 3:16-17: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

In a world filled with false teaching and spiritual confusion, the church stands as a pillar of truth when it is grounded in God’s Word. Proper order ensures that God’s people are cared for and nurtured in their faith. Faithful ministry reflects the character of Christ and advances His kingdom in the world.

All of this centers on Jesus, the Chief Shepherd who calls leaders to follow His example and equips believers for every good work. Whether you serve in leadership or support those who do, let these letters inspire you to remain faithful to Christ. He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Trust Him, follow His example of love that endures to the end, and press on in faithful service for His glory.

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