1 Timothy 6:17-21 | Grace of the Church
Blair Robinson | May 18, 2025
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:17-21
Driving Question. Where is true life found? Main Idea. By His grace, true life is found by hoping in God and guarding His gospel. 1. By hoping in God, not earthly wealth (17–19) Two warnings of wealth. i. (17) Danger of haughtiness. ii. (17) Danger of false hope. Helpful and hopeful reminder. "but [set your hope] on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy." Matt 6:19–21 Jn 10:10 Application. [Two indications that you’re trusting in Christ and storing up treasure]: i. Thankful to God and rightly enjoy what he provides (17). ii. Be rich in good works, generous and ready to share (18). 2. By holding-fast God’s gospel, not man's knowledge (20–21) Paul gives three final pleads to Timothy to have a faithful pastorate. i. A careful ministry (20) ii. A blameless ministry (20) iii. A graceful ministry (21) Application: i. Do you treasure God’s Word as a sacred trust, or treat it as common? ii. Are you proactively guarding your heart and your church from error? iii. Are you more influenced by podcasts, pundits, and platforms than by Scripture? iv. Where might your heart be drifting from the simplicity and sufficiency of Jesus? Three Takeaways from 1 Timothy. 1. The Church exists to protect sound doctrine. Know the signs of false teachers (1:3–7; 4:1–3; 6:4–5, 21) Prayer keeps the church gospel centered (2:1–7) Proper roles rooted in creation (2:8–15) Faithful qualified officers (3:1–13) Teaching right doctrine (1:3–7, 10–11; 4:1–6, 11–16; 6:3–5, 20–21) Faithful living that bears Christ’s name (1:3–5; 3:1–16; 4:6, 12–16; 6:3, 6–12) Rich doctrine is found only in Jesus Christ (1:1–2; 3:16, 6:21) 2. The Church is a household with structure. Christ is the head of the church (1:1–2; 3:14–15) Prayer and the Word guide worship (2:1–7; 4:13–16) Led by Elders (also called overseers) (3:1–7) Served by Deacons (3:8–13) The Congregation is a family (3:14–15; 5:1–2) Caring for widows (5:3–16) Supporting elders (5:17–18) Accountable to each other (doctrine, relationships, actions, care) 3. The Gospel is for the nations. Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1:15) Prayer (2:1–7) The glorious gospel itself (3:16) The gospel forms the church in missional context (cf Acts 18:19–21; 19:1–10; 20:17–38)