The epistles Paul wrote to Timothy are the instructions for a man who was becoming a leader and teacher. Timothy had been with Paul, and worked with him. That is why Paul calls Timothy his “son” even though there was no family relationship between them. Timothy was Paul’s “son” in the work of the ministry. Paul wrote these letters at the end of his life, not knowing if he would live to see Timothy again; and so he gives Timothy his last advice and instructions.
The first chapter in I Timothy emphasizes the correct attitude of the leader – to edify with the motivation of love. He reminds Timothy that all have sinned, that grace has covered us all and that God desires to have all men be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
In II Timothy is one of the base principals of Bible study – that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God”. The source of the entire Bible is God Himself and it was simply written down by men. How we are to use scripture is also given: “for doctrine [what to believe], for reproof [how to know what we do incorrectly], for correction [how to get back on track]”. And the three together are “instruction in righteousness”. The final result is a man who may be “perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”.
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