“The War for Ephesus”
The books of 1&2 Timothy offer a young leader more than just instruction on the affairs of running a ministry. The pages of these two books contain the out pouring of a general’s heart toward not just some guy who would step into his place but an upcoming warrior and leader in the spiritual battle that waged in what was becoming a central church in God’s Kingdom at that time. The apostle Paul was urgently charging this young man Timothy to not only know and remember sound doctrine but to live it with emotion, passion, discipline Godly power. Why? Why Ephesus? And why did Paul choose Timothy? Did Paul know that this was to become one of the seven churches mentioned as an example for the world in John’s book of Revelation?
The book of Acts 18:18 through chapter 20 describe the victories and challenges Paul faced in Ephesus. From the twelve disciples of John the Baptist who first converted and were filled with the Holy Spirit to the book burning party where thousands of books on idolatry and sorcery were burned in public, Paul experienced first hand the power of God’s saving hand. It was at Ephesus he saw some of his most powerfully anointed ministry. He cast out demons there many were healed just from receiving aprons or handkerchiefs that had touched Paul’s body. It was here that the sons of Sceva tried to imitate Paul’s anointing and cast out a demon which overpowered them and sent them running bruised and naked.
Ephesus was also where Paul was opposed and those who were there hardened themselves against him and spoke evil of his ministry opposing him the entire time. This is where they shouted “Great is the goddess Diana of the Ephesians” as they rioted and plotted against him. His ministry was so profound at Ephesus that the tradesmen who made idols and false were concerned for their prosperity. And here we see Timothy being discipled by Paul and groomed for his upcoming ministry. Before I bring us back to the books of Timothy I want you to note that in the end of Acts 20 Paul mention that the overseers of this city should “take heed” because savage wolves would come and not spare this flock. Then at Paul’s departure there were many tears shed and much embracing as the love between this apostle and the church he had just fought would separate.
Timothy himself was mentioned by Paul in his epistles to the Romans and Corinth. But in 1 Cor. 4:17 Paul refers to Timothy as his “beloved son” I mentioned Paul’s investment into the church at Ephesus and now I mention his love for Timothy because I believe it is paramount to fully understanding this two letters that we know how much Paul had invested into both the church and the man who was now to oversee it. Yes, Paul did say that he loved many people in his letters. Timothy however was like a son to Paul perhaps there was a bond formed between them around both being half breeds. (Timothy a Jewish/Greek and Paul Jewish/Roman) The important thing is that we understand how Paul was emotionally invested into the man Timothy and the church at Ephesus.
The letters to Timothy were full of content. They addressed issues including knowing and staying true to sound doctrine, staying focused, how to choose men that God could build His church on, walking in the fruits of the spirit, staying faithful, keeping pure and so on. I want to focus on the “how” and “why” rather than the “what” of these epistles. The how Paul addressed Timothy was as a fatherly and militant disciple maker. The why because Paul seemed to be divinely in tune to the spiritual warfare aspect of what was happening in Ephesus.
In Ephesians 6 we know the famous analogy of God’s armor. Paul writes the church and tells them “we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, spiritual wickedness in high places.” In 1 Co. 15:32 Paul says he fought with beasts at Ephesus. Now in Timothy 1&2 he writes this young leader and addresses him as a soldier! Using statements like; “This charge I commit you young Timothy….that by them you wage a good warfare.” Let’s look at a few of the things Paul urged Timothy toward practicing that we can take seriously today as well:
… 1 Tim 1:3 – Charge others that they teach no other doctrine
… 1 Tim 1:18 - This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare.
… 1 Tim 2:1 - Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.
… 1 Tim 3: 14-15 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
… Endure sound doctrine
… Preach the word, be instant in and out of season
… Don’t neglect the gift inside you.
… Study to show yourself approved.
… Let no man despise your youth.
… Reject unsound doctrines
… Be an example to the believers in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith and purity.
… Hold fast the pattern of sound words…
… Endure hardship as a good soldier
Then Paul tells Timothy that he himself has fought a good fight and finished his course. That he has kept the faith and is looking forward to his crown! Demas has forsaken me having loved this present world …and watch out for Alexander the coppersmith as he did me much harm. In this warning I get the picture of Paul trying in the depth of his heart to warn and equip young Timothy with everything he can think of.
Did the master discipler succeed in his writings to Timothy in equipping him to see the battle for God’s Kingdom won in Ephesus? I think so. Did Timothy hold true to the doctrine that Paul so desperately tried to impart? We see some of that answer in Rev.2. I hope and pray that the essence of Paul’s shows through today that we are in a real battle for the souls of men and the enemy wants nothing more than seduce us away from the basics of sound doctrine, and the power the Holy Spirit, to hold true to the call of the great commission, making disciples with a heart to impart love, faith, endurance and Godly wisdom to the next generations.
The books of 1&2 Timothy offer a young leader more than just instruction on the affairs of running a ministry. The pages of these two books contain the out pouring of a general’s heart toward not just some guy who would step into his place but an upcoming warrior and leader in the spiritual battle that waged in what was becoming a central church in God’s Kingdom at that time. The apostle Paul was urgently charging this young man Timothy to not only know and remember sound doctrine but to live it with emotion, passion, discipline Godly power. Why? Why Ephesus? And why did Paul choose Timothy? Did Paul know that this was to become one of the seven churches mentioned as an example for the world in John’s book of Revelation?
The book of Acts 18:18 through chapter 20 describe the victories and challenges Paul faced in Ephesus. From the twelve disciples of John the Baptist who first converted and were filled with the Holy Spirit to the book burning party where thousands of books on idolatry and sorcery were burned in public, Paul experienced first hand the power of God’s saving hand. It was at Ephesus he saw some of his most powerfully anointed ministry. He cast out demons there many were healed just from receiving aprons or handkerchiefs that had touched Paul’s body. It was here that the sons of Sceva tried to imitate Paul’s anointing and cast out a demon which overpowered them and sent them running bruised and naked.
Ephesus was also where Paul was opposed and those who were there hardened themselves against him and spoke evil of his ministry opposing him the entire time. This is where they shouted “Great is the goddess Diana of the Ephesians” as they rioted and plotted against him. His ministry was so profound at Ephesus that the tradesmen who made idols and false were concerned for their prosperity. And here we see Timothy being discipled by Paul and groomed for his upcoming ministry. Before I bring us back to the books of Timothy I want you to note that in the end of Acts 20 Paul mention that the overseers of this city should “take heed” because savage wolves would come and not spare this flock. Then at Paul’s departure there were many tears shed and much embracing as the love between this apostle and the church he had just fought would separate.
Timothy himself was mentioned by Paul in his epistles to the Romans and Corinth. But in 1 Cor. 4:17 Paul refers to Timothy as his “beloved son” I mentioned Paul’s investment into the church at Ephesus and now I mention his love for Timothy because I believe it is paramount to fully understanding this two letters that we know how much Paul had invested into both the church and the man who was now to oversee it. Yes, Paul did say that he loved many people in his letters. Timothy however was like a son to Paul perhaps there was a bond formed between them around both being half breeds. (Timothy a Jewish/Greek and Paul Jewish/Roman) The important thing is that we understand how Paul was emotionally invested into the man Timothy and the church at Ephesus.
The letters to Timothy were full of content. They addressed issues including knowing and staying true to sound doctrine, staying focused, how to choose men that God could build His church on, walking in the fruits of the spirit, staying faithful, keeping pure and so on. I want to focus on the “how” and “why” rather than the “what” of these epistles. The how Paul addressed Timothy was as a fatherly and militant disciple maker. The why because Paul seemed to be divinely in tune to the spiritual warfare aspect of what was happening in Ephesus.
In Ephesians 6 we know the famous analogy of God’s armor. Paul writes the church and tells them “we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, spiritual wickedness in high places.” In 1 Co. 15:32 Paul says he fought with beasts at Ephesus. Now in Timothy 1&2 he writes this young leader and addresses him as a soldier! Using statements like; “This charge I commit you young Timothy….that by them you wage a good warfare.” Let’s look at a few of the things Paul urged Timothy toward practicing that we can take seriously today as well:
… 1 Tim 1:3 – Charge others that they teach no other doctrine
… 1 Tim 1:18 - This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare.
… 1 Tim 2:1 - Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.
… 1 Tim 3: 14-15 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
… Endure sound doctrine
… Preach the word, be instant in and out of season
… Don’t neglect the gift inside you.
… Study to show yourself approved.
… Let no man despise your youth.
… Reject unsound doctrines
… Be an example to the believers in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith and purity.
… Hold fast the pattern of sound words…
… Endure hardship as a good soldier
Then Paul tells Timothy that he himself has fought a good fight and finished his course. That he has kept the faith and is looking forward to his crown! Demas has forsaken me having loved this present world …and watch out for Alexander the coppersmith as he did me much harm. In this warning I get the picture of Paul trying in the depth of his heart to warn and equip young Timothy with everything he can think of.
Did the master discipler succeed in his writings to Timothy in equipping him to see the battle for God’s Kingdom won in Ephesus? I think so. Did Timothy hold true to the doctrine that Paul so desperately tried to impart? We see some of that answer in Rev.2. I hope and pray that the essence of Paul’s shows through today that we are in a real battle for the souls of men and the enemy wants nothing more than seduce us away from the basics of sound doctrine, and the power the Holy Spirit, to hold true to the call of the great commission, making disciples with a heart to impart love, faith, endurance and Godly wisdom to the next generations.
RSS Feed