The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Timothy 3:14-16, “I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long;
15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself
in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
16 By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh,
Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the
world, Taken up in glory.”

1 Timothy 4:10-12, “10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on
the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.
11 Prescribe and teach these things.
12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity,
show yourself an example of those who believe.”

Young Timothy was born of a Jewish mother and a Greek father. Converted as a young man (some
say, age 15), he was long the companion of the Apostle Paul. When Paul left Ephesus, he left Timothy
in charge of the work. In his first epistle, therefore, he gave Timothy careful instructions. It is worth noting
that the three epistles, I and II Timothy and Titus, called Pastoral Epistles, are the only writings of Paul
what were not addressed to a congregation.

Not surprising, Paul’s foremost emphasis is the imperative of Sound Doctrine (1:1-20). If there is no
adherence to sound doctrine, there is little-to-no-reason for the ministry overall. Noteworthy, too, is the
fact that Paul speaks of practical godliness. Put another way, we have to be something before we can
do anything in the service of the LORD. Further, we have to become nothing before we can become
anything that glorifies Him.

Imbedded in Paul’s instructions to Timothy is the nature and order of public prayer: for what and how
are we to pray? Prayer is to be open to the LORD’s will for ourselves and for the church. His pleasure,
His desire, His provisions are to be foremost (2:1-8) in our praying. Paul also emphasizes Spiritual
Oversight in each life, in the families, and in the public arena. Paul takes nothing for granted. He includes
the entire scope of the ministry, even the adornment of women (2:9-3:16). Quite a chore, I would say,
for anyone –especially for the teenage boy, Timothy.

Paul concludes his epistle emphasizing the Spiritual Duties of pastors and workers (4:1-6:21). It’s not
easy to be a leader of any Biblical Church. The larger the congregation, the more intense is the
ministry. Thus, Paul’s closing word to Timothy is applicable to all who serve in spiritual leadership:

“O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter
and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge “– 21 which some have
professed and thus gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you” (1 Tim. 6:20-21).

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom