1 and 2 Timothy and Titus—To Guard the Deposit (Preaching the Word | PtW)

by R. Kent Hughes; Bryan Chapell

Publisher:

Crossway

, 2000

Overview

There are substantial reasons to be energized by the prospect of studying the Pastoral letters of Paul. Between them they teach the proper ordering of the church (1 Timothy), present a developed challenge to all who call themselves disciples of Christ (2 Timothy), and suggest God’s plan and priorities for mature ministry (Titus)—all so that the Lord may be most glorified. Authors R. Kent Hughes and Bryan Chapell skillfully guide the reader through these New Testament gems with clear and insightful commentary.

Whether you are corporately or privately concerned about the church's--or every Christian's--role and responsibility to communicate the truth of the gospel in this diverse and pluralistic society, the Pastorals offer great perspective. They remind us that, like Timothy, we are to guard what has been entrusted to our care. To fight the good fight. And to keep preaching the Word.

A well-ordered church, a clearly called and mature leadership with its priorities straight, and a body of believers committed to living a godly life in Christ are key to people being saved and coming to the knowledge of the truth. Through the apostle's words and the commentators' insights here, we gain an understanding of what God requires of those who would lead in the local church, as well as those who would be led. Embracing grace, loving godliness, and sharing Christ were not just charges to the early believers, and are not solely the responsibility of pastors, deacons, and elders in the church. They are exhortations for any of us who call ourselves disciples of Christ today.

Contents

Top Highlights

“There is such balanced wisdom for Timothy (and for all who would be men and women of God) in these four imperatives. He is to flee sin. At the same time he is to follow or pursue holiness. While doing these he also fights the good fight of the faith, fastened with all he has to eternal life.” (Page 155)

“The overarching purpose of the book is to teach the proper ordering and conduct of the church, as Paul so clearly states it to Timothy: ‘Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth’ (3:14, 15).” (Pages 16–17)

“Correction (showing your people where they are wrong) and rebuke (telling them to stop)⁹ require that you not be a people pleaser or popularity seeker—and certainly not a flatterer.” (Page 246)

“But when it comes to spiritual matters, we hesitate. Discipline sounds so much like legalism. But such thinking is mistaken. Legalism is self-centered, but discipline is God-centered. The legalistic heart says, ‘I will do this thing to gain merit with God.’ The disciplined heart says, ‘I will do this thing because I love God and want to please him.’ Paul knew this difference well, and he never gave an inch to legalists, even while challenging Christians to ‘train yourself to be godly.’” (Page 108)

“This divine desire informed and drove Paul to engage in a worldwide mission. It is not our responsibility or capability to solve the puzzle of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. It is our task to preach the gospel universally—to every tongue and people regardless of class or rank. It is our mission to proclaim what God wants us to proclaim. Lifesaving was Paul’s business—and it is ours.” (Page 61)

Product Details

• Title: 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: To Guard the Deposit
• Authors: R. Kent Hughes and Bryan Chapell
• Publisher: Crossway Books
• Publication Date: 2000
• Pages: 415