Root Words | 1 Timothy 1:1-2 – Help Wanted, Apply Within

100 years ago on January 20th 1914 an article appeared in a London newspaper announcing Britain’s Sir Ernest Shackleton’s planed Antarctic expedition, it was accompanied by a “Help Wanted” add that read: “Men wanted for hazardous journey, small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success!” Amazingly thousands of men applied for the opportunity to “boldly go where no other had gone before.” Such has been the case countless times when world exploration offers have been made. Yet, there remains an ongoing “Help Wanted” add at the door of every church in the world, placed there by none other than Jesus and only a sparse few of His Church have answered. It might read something like this: “Wanted men and women for a difficult work of helping to build MY church. You will often be misunderstood, even by your coworkers. You will face constant attack from an invisible enemy. You may never see the results of your labors, and your full reward will not come until after your work is completed. Your work may cost you your home, health, ambitions, and even your life. Please apply with in!” Signed, Jesus! That is what Paul’ first letter to his young protégé Timothy is all about. In spite of all the demands, Church history is full of men and women who have filled out the application and gone to work reaching the lost world. Timothy was just such a man who took that sign from the church door and got to work at the age of 16 and as Paul took up pin and parchment he was serving at Ephesus. The six chapters of 1 Timothy follow a very deliberate outline with five specific charges for Timothy about fulfilling the work to which he had applied for. Those specific charges are at the end of each of the 5 sections:

A. 1:1-20 The Church and its message

B. 2:1-3:16 The Church and its members

C. 4:1-16 The Church and its minister

D. 5:1-25 The Church and its ministry to its self

E. 6:1-18 The Church and its ministry to the world