It is very likely that Paul was at Colosse
visiting Philemon when he wrote this first letter to
young Timothy. The letter is one of encouragement to
Timothy. He was facing many difficult problems in the
church. Evidently Timothy wanted to resign, and Paul’s
first encouragement was for him to stay and finish the
task. Almost every Christian worker I know today, at one
time or another, has been tempted by the devil to quit.
It is always, without exception, too soon to quit. When
troubles, trials, and tribulations fall upon you and the
devil seems to have the upper hand, remember that God
never wants you to quit. He wants you to keep on
pressing toward the goal He has set before you, and He
has promised to give you help and strength to accomplish
that goal. Paul gives that same encouragement to Timothy
throughout this first epistle to him.

In chapters 2 and 3 Paul discusses the public
ministry of the church and the different roles of church
members. In chapter 2 the emphasis is placed on prayer.
In verses 1-8 Paul tells Timothy the importance of
prayer in the local church. He explains that prayer is a
vital part of any local church. The strength of a local
church is in direct proportion to its constant communion
with God through prayer. Paul exhorts us to pray.

In chapter 3 Paul writes to Timothy concerning
the New Testament pastor, listing his personal
qualifications (verses 2,3); family qualifications
(verses 4,5); and church qualifications (verses 6,7).
Then, in verses 8-13, we find the standards for the New
Testament deacons. If our churches today would follow
these simple instructions, they would do away with many
of the problems facing them. We all too often attempt to
run things our own way, without the leadership of the
Holy Spirit. When this happens, our plans are doomed
because, without the leadership of the Holy Spirit,
nothing of lasting Value can be accomplished–either
individually or on a church basis. It is time our
churches came back to God and the leading of His Holy
Spirit so that He can do the work He so greatly desires
to do through Christians.