Excellence in Ministry: Finishing Well

In this second volume of a two-part study on 1 Timothy, Pastor Chuck Swindoll guides us through the practical and often grueling challenges of long-term ministry. Covering 1 Timothy chapters 4 through 6, this series serves as a manual for maintaining integrity, navigating interpersonal conflicts, and guarding against the distractions of materialism and false teaching. The goal is clear: to finish the race with honor, having done “what is best” in the work of the Lord.

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1. Ministering Among the Crazies (1 Timothy 4:1–6)

• Overview: Addresses the “latter times” characterized by apostasy and deceptive doctrines. Paul warns Timothy that spiritual warfare often manifests as legalism or the prohibition of things God created to be enjoyed.
• Key Fact: False teaching often comes through “hypocritical liars” whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
• Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:4 – “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude.”

2. The Dos and Don’ts of Ministry (1 Timothy 4:7–16)

• Overview: A checklist for spiritual fitness. Paul encourages Timothy to prioritize godliness over physical training and to set an example despite his relative youth.
• Key Fact: “Godliness” is described as a discipline—something that requires constant practice and “toil” to maintain.
• Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12 – “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.”

3. Respecting and Rebuking the Saints (1 Timothy 5:1–2; 17–25)

• Overview: Instruction on how to handle interpersonal friction and leadership discipline within the church family.
• Key Fact: Correction should be tailored to the individual—appealing to older men as fathers and younger men as brothers with all purity.
• Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:17 – “The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”

4. What about Widows? (1 Timothy 5:3–16)

• Overview: Defines the church’s social responsibility. Paul outlines which widows the church is obligated to support and emphasizes the family’s primary role in caring for their own.
• Key Fact: A believer who fails to provide for their own household is described as having “denied the faith” and being “worse than an unbeliever.”
• Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

5. A Prescription for Pastoral Health (1 Timothy 5:23)

• Overview: A fascinating look at a brief, personal medical aside from Paul to Timothy. It highlights the reality of physical frailty in ministry and the need for common-sense care.
• Key Fact: Timothy likely suffered from recurring stomach ailments due to the stress of leadership or the local water in Ephesus.
• Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:23 – “No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.”

6. Responding Correctly to Authority (1 Timothy 6:1–2)

• Overview: Biblical principles for those in subordinate positions, specifically addressed to “bondslaves” but applicable to modern employee-employer relationships.
• Key Fact: Our work ethic is a direct reflection on the “name of God and our doctrine.”
• Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:1 – “All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against.”

7. Contentment . . . and How to Miss It (1 Timothy 6:3–10)

• Overview: A sobering warning about the “love of money” and the trap of pursuing wealth at the expense of spiritual health.
• Key Fact: Contentment is not found in having everything we want, but in being satisfied with “food and covering.”
• Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6 – “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.”

8. Clear Commandments of Godliness (1 Timothy 6:11–16)

• Overview: Paul’s direct “charge” to the “man of God” to flee from sin and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, and gentleness.
• Key Fact: The Christian life is described as a “fight” (the good fight of faith) that requires active endurance.
• Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:12 – “Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.”

9. A Treasure Worth Guarding (1 Timothy 6:17–21)

• Overview: Instructions for those who are wealthy, encouraging them to be “rich in good works” rather than conceited about their riches.
• Key Fact: The “true treasure” is not currency, but the “life which is life indeed,” found through generosity.
• Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:20 – “O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter.”

10. Let’s Evaluate Your Ministry (1 Timothy 6)

• Overview: A concluding summary of the entire letter, providing a diagnostic for individuals and churches to assess their spiritual health.
• Key Fact: The ultimate mark of a successful ministry is faithfulness to the “entrusted” Word of God.
• Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:21 – Paul’s final benediction: “Grace be with you.”