48 sermon' topics for church growth

However, most Christian traditions continue to regard Paul as the author of 1 Timothy, based on the above arguments.

The addressee of 1 Timothy is Timothy, a young pastor and companion of the apostle Paul. Timothy was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother, making him a unique figure in the early Christian community. He was a close disciple of Paul, and their relationship was very close, as is evident from Paul’s address to him as a “true son” in the faith (1 Timothy 1:2).

1 Timothy was most likely written around 62-64 CE. This time period corresponds to the period when the apostle Paul was imprisoned in Rome. The exact dates of the writing of the epistles can sometimes be a subject of debate among biblical scholars, but most scholars agree that this epistle belongs to this period.

In this letter, Paul gives Timothy instructions on church government, doctrine, and personal life, and warns him of possible threats and heresies that could arise in the church. Thus, the main purpose of the letter is to support and strengthen Timothy in his ministry and to help him lead the congregation in Ephesus.

2. Historical moments

1 Timothy chapter 3 contains important points concerning church government and the qualifications for ministers. Here are the main historical and theological aspects of this chapter:

2.1 Qualifications for Bishops and Deacons: Paul sets forth criteria for the election of bishops (or elders) and deacons. These qualifications emphasize moral integrity, family responsibilities, and ability to teach. This reflects early Christian values and expectations for church leaders.

2.2 Family Relationships: The mention of a bishop being "unmarried" or "the husband of one wife" and of deacons ruling their homes well, speaks of the importance of family relationships in the early church. It also emphasizes the importance of the personal example of ministers.

2.3 Spiritual Qualities: Paul emphasizes spiritual qualities such as sobriety, godliness, peaceability, and teaching ability. These qualities are necessary for effective ministry and leadership of the congregation.

2.4 Church Structure: Chapter 3 demonstrates the development of church structure in early Christianity. The establishment of clear roles for bishops and deacons indicates the need for organization and governance within the congregation.

2.5. The Church as the Pillar and Ground of the Truth: In verse 15, Paul speaks of the church as the "pillar and ground of the truth," which emphasizes the importance of the church in preserving and spreading Christian doctrine.

3.Geographical moments

In 1 Timothy, especially chapter 3, geographical issues are not the main focus of the text, as Paul primarily discusses the qualifications for church leaders and the spiritual aspects of their lives. However, there are several contextual issues that have geographical significance:

3.1 Ephesus: Timothy was appointed by Paul to minister in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3). Ephesus was a major city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and an important center of Christianity in the first century. It was also known for its pagan cult and temple of Artemis, which posed special challenges for the Christian community.

3.2 Roman Empire: The letter is written in the context of the Roman Empire, where Christianity began to spread. The geographical setting of the Roman Empire influenced the lives and ministries of the early Christians, including issues of persecution, cultural influence, and missionary activity.

3.3 Diversity of Congregations: Ephesus, like other cities in the Roman Empire, had a variety of ethnic and cultural groups. This diversity may have influenced the composition and dynamics of the local church, as well as the demands on ministers to effectively lead a congregation in such a context.

While the geographical details are not central to this chapter, they help us understand the context in which Paul wrote this letter and the challenges Timothy faced in his ministry.

4. Cultural moments

In 1 Timothy, especially chapter 3, Paul discusses the qualifications and characteristics that bishops (or elders) and deacons should have. These qualifications were formulated in the context of the cultural and social conditions of the time. Here are some key cultural points to note:

4.1 Authority and Respect: Respect for authority was an important aspect in Greco-Roman society. Paul emphasizes that church ministers must be above reproach and respected by believers and non-believers. This was important for the church to have a positive influence on society.

4.2 Family Values: Paul emphasizes the family qualities of ministers. For example, he says that a bishop should be “the husband of one wife” and rule his own household well (1 Timothy 3:2-5). In the culture of his time, the family played a central role, and the virtuous behavior of ministers in the family was an important indicator of their ability to lead the church community.

4.3 Moral Standards: The ancient world had different moral standards, and Christianity offered high standards of behavior. Paul lists qualities such as sobriety, chastity, kindness, and lack of passion for money. These characteristics were important so that ministers could be role models in a society where moral standards could be low.

4.4 The Role of Women: 1 Timothy 3:11 mentions “women,” which could refer to both deacons’ wives and women ministers. This shows the role of women in the early church and their involvement in ministry, which was quite progressive for the time.

4.5 Education and Knowledge of Scripture: Since the early church was faced with various teachings and errors, it was important for ministers to have a good knowledge of Scripture and be able to resist false teachings. This highlights the need for education and spiritual maturity in the context of the early Christian community.

The literary context of 1 Timothy includes several key aspects that help us understand its content and purpose. Here are the key points:

5.1 Authorship and Addressee: The letter is written by the apostle Paul, who is writing to his disciple Timothy. Timothy was a young leader of the church in Ephesus, and Paul left him there so that he could instruct the believers and deal with the problems that arose.

5.2. The purposes of the letter: One of the main purposes of the letter is to instruct Timothy in matters of church management and the fight against false teachings that began to spread in Ephesus. Paul wants to strengthen Timothy in his ministry and give him practical advice on how to organize church life.

5.3 Themes and Structure: The message covers a number of topics including:

• The Importance of Sound Doctrine (Chapter 1).

• Prayer and Worship (Chapter 2).

• Requirements for bishops and deacons (chapter 3).

• Warnings against false teachers (chapter 4).

• Practical advice on various aspects of church life, including caring for widows, elders, and ministers (chapters 5-6).

5.4 The Context of the Early Church: The time of writing (c. 62-65 CE) coincides with the growth of Christianity and the emergence of various teachings and sects. This creates the need for Paul to give clear instructions on how the church should function.

5.5 Style and Language: The letter is written in the style typical of ancient letters, using formal addresses and exhortations. Paul uses both personal examples and theological arguments to get his points across to Timothy.

5.6 Social Context: Ephesus had a variety of religious practices, including the cult of Artemis, which created competition for Christian teaching. This highlights the importance of clear and purposeful guidance for believers.

Thus, the literary context of 1 Timothy includes Paul's authorship, his instructions to Timothy on church governance, combating false teachings, and practical recommendations for community life in the early Christian context.

6. Genre

The First Epistle to Timothy belongs to the genre of pastoral epistles (or pastoral letters). These letters, written by Paul, are addressed to his disciples and church ministers, and their purpose is to instruct and guide them in matters of church government and spiritual life.

Here are some key characteristics of the genre:

6.1. Instruction and Guidance: Pastoral letters provide practical advice and direction for pastors and church leaders on how to manage a congregation, conduct worship services, and deal with problems.

6.2 Theological Teachings: These letters also touch on important theological topics such as the nature of the church, the role of ministers, and combating false teachings.

6.3. Personal appeal: Letters are personal in nature, where the author shares his experiences, feelings and advice, which creates a more intimate connection between the author and the addressee.

6.4. Structure: The letter has a clear structure, including an introduction, main topics and a conclusion, which is typical for the format of ancient letters.

Thus, 1 Timothy can be characterized as a pastoral letter, containing instructions on matters of leadership, doctrine, and the practical life of the church.

Here is a rough outline of 1 Timothy that may help in your study:

Introduction (1:1-2)

1. Greetings from Paul

2. Pointing to Timothy as a true son in the faith

Main themes of the message

I. Instruction concerning false teachers (1:3-11)

1. The Call to Leave Ephesus

2. Warning about false teachers and their teachings

3. The meaning of the law and the correct understanding of its purpose

II. Paul's Personal Testimony (1:12-17)

1. Thanksgiving for mercy and forgiveness

2. Paul's example of transformation as a testimony of God's grace

III. Directions for Service (1:18-20)

1. Prophetic instruction to Timothy

2. Examples of those who rejected faith

IV. On Prayer and Worship (2:1-15)

1. A call to prayer for all people

2. Instructions on the role of women in the church and their behavior

V. Conditions for Bishops and Deacons (3:1-13)

1. Criteria for the appointment of bishops

2. Criteria for the appointment of deacons

3. The importance of good reputation and family responsibilities

VI. The Purpose and Nature of the Church (3:14-16)

1. Description of the Church as the Pillar and Ground of Truth

2. Confession of the mystery of piety

VII. Warnings of Future Apostasies (4:1-5)

1. Prophecy about the apostasy of some from the faith

2. Instruction on the correct understanding of food and marriage

VIII. Instructions to Timothy (4:6-16)

1. Instructions for ministry and personal life

2. A Call for Constancy in Study and Practice

IX. Instructions about the rich and the poor (6:1-10)

1. Attitude towards slaves and masters

2. Warning about the love of money

X. Conclusion (6:11-21)

1. Call to righteous living

2. Final Instructions and Blessing

This outline can be used to study the text in depth, highlight key themes, and understand the context of Paul's letter to Timothy.

Our passage is located in the V and VI sections, which are central to this letter. They explain the necessary qualifications of ministers, as well as the role and purpose of the church in the light of Christian doctrine.

The recommendations presented in our passage provide church leaders with practical and actionable advice on appointing new leaders. These recommendations help keep Christianity in the safe hands of local leaders, ensuring its vitality, doctrinal purity, and the attraction of new followers.

1 {Qualities of leaders and their assistants} It is rightly said: it is commendable when a person strives to be a leader.

2 But the leader must be a man who is beyond reproach: the husband of one wife, self-controlled, prudent, respectable, hospitable, a good teacher,

3 not prone to drunkenness, not a fighter, but gentle in dealing with people, not quarrelsome and not having a love of money.

4 He must manage his family well and have obedient and respectful children.

5 For if anyone cannot manage his own family, how can he care for the church of God?

6 A leader should not be chosen from among the new converts, for such a person may become proud and then he will be condemned just as the devil was condemned.

7 He must be well spoken of by unbelievers, lest he be reproached and fall into the trap of the devil.

8 The same applies to deacons. They must be respectable men, sincere, not given to wine, and unselfish.

9 They must hold with a clear conscience to the mysteries of the faith now revealed.

10 These people should first be examined, and if nothing incriminating is found against them, they can carry out the ministry of deacons.

11 The wives of deacons must also be respectable, not gossiping, self-controlled, and trusted in everything.

12 A deacon must be the husband of one wife, and must rule his own children and household well.

13 For those who do their ministry well gain a position of honor and can speak with great confidence about their faith in Jesus Christ.

14 I hope to come to you soon and I am writing this to you for this reason,

15 so that if I am delayed, you will know how you should behave in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the support and foundation of the truth.

16 The mystery of our faith is certainly great: God was manifested in the body, was justified by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed on in the world, and was exalted in glory.

(1 Tim.3:1-16)

I Qualities of Managers and Their Assistants

A believer is called to service

B Faith changes all areas of a person's life (work, family, church)

C His faith must be passed on to his children.

II One of the main evaluation criteria is time

A The leader should not be a new convert.

B Must be in good standing and not in church

C Must be checked before being placed into service

D It is also necessary for the family to support the ministry of the leader.

E To make a decision, you need to look at how the minister manages the family and children

III The Church belongs to God and must proclaim the Truth

A God was revealed in a human body

B He acted righteously

C He was also visible to the spiritual world.

D He was proclaimed among the nations

E They received him by faith

F He was lifted up in glory

Christianity has an amazing power of moral transformation of a person, we can talk about his new birth. If we look at the requirements for a minister, then without internal rebirth and life with God, a person cannot demonstrate this level of holiness and correct behavior in the family, at work and in the church.

If you have not yet prayed the prayer of repentance, simply say, “Lord, I ask You to forgive me for my life without You, I ask You to forgive my sins in the name of Jesus Christ, come into my mind and heart, take control of my life and let me live for You.”

Your future life in the local church, your service and the change of your character in the process of this service will be an integral part of your faith. People do not see our words and proclamations, they see our lives, and this is the loudest proclamation of the Gospel.

I wish you a Merry Christmas!

May the Lord bless you in your search for Truth.

With respect, prayers for you and God's love

Rustam Kodash Nasyrov

Feast of Circumcision

The Law – What is it for? The circumcision of the Lord is the complete submission of God to the demands of the law.

The purpose of preaching is to better understand the meaning of the law for our lives.

21 And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, the name which the angel had given him before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord,

23 As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be holy to the Lord,

24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, two turtledoves or two young pigeons.

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. He was a just and devout man, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

26 It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord's Christ.

27 And he came by inspiration into the temple. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him the custom of the law,

28 He took him in his arms, blessed God, and said,

29 Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, O Lord, according to thy word,

30 For my eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,

32 a light to lighten the Gentiles, and glory to Your people Israel.

33 Joseph and his mother were amazed at these things which were said about him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that will be spoken against.

35 And a sword will pierce through your own soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

36 And there was Anna a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity,

37 a widow of about eighty-four years of age, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers day and night.

38 And she came at that time and glorified the Lord and spoke about Him to all who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.

39 And when they had done all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

(Luke 2:21-39)

A person living in conditions of instability and constant changeability of the external situation needs to rely on something constant and stable. A person cannot be in conditions of constantly changing external coordinates of bad – good, because of this he is in constant stress. To get rid of this situation, we need to turn to the example of the Holy Scripture in order to update our own guidelines and return to the correct perception of the external situation. Why is this important for you and me?

1. Law and legality are the foundation of life in society in any state. Even on the islands in the Pacific Ocean and in the Amazon jungle, the tribes living there have established traditions of social life and way of life. For normal life and development of society, generally accepted external norms of behavior are necessary.

2. As a result of the fall, man lost communication with God and became the bearer of a sinful nature. Without external restrictions, he becomes a bloodthirsty killer. William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" describes a situation where a group of teenagers found themselves on a desert island, and without external restrictions, they become mad killers, and this often happens in our real lives.

3. External law and a set of rules are not only a limitation on the absolute freedom of the sinful nature of man, but they are also a source of our security and compliance with the law supports the stable development of society and the security of its individual members.

Thus, it can be argued that maintaining and observing the rule of law is the basis for the security of life in any society.

Why did God, who came into this world 2023 years ago as a Jewish baby, completely submit himself to the requirements of the law of that time, which was in force in Jewish society, and undergo the procedure of circumcision?

Some might argue that these were the requirements of the time, and that any Jewish boy born went through all the legally required procedures.

But today we know for sure that it was the Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Spiritual Son of God, who was born. This is indicated by our chronology, which begins with His Nativity, and the presence of such a day as Sunday in our calendar, and the fact that Christianity is today the most widespread religion with approximately 2.5 billion followers. Why did He, the Supreme Lawgiver and sinless Person, need to go through all the procedures of the law established for man?

It is no coincidence that this holiday is celebrated next to the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. And we can recall the words of Jesus Christ when John tried to prevent Him from baptizing: "Suffer it now, so it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness!"

So, let us consider the historical context of the Gospel of Luke, which describes the events we are considering, in order to see with our own eyes that God not only sets requirements and standards for man, but He also completely subordinates Himself to them.

The Gospel of Luke does not name its author. However, Luke 1:1–4 and Acts 1:1–3 clearly indicate that the same author wrote both books, addressing them to “the most honorable Theophilus,” perhaps a Roman official. According to early Church tradition, these two books were written by Luke, a physician and close associate of the apostle Paul (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11). This makes Luke the only pagan known to have written a book of Scripture.

The Gospel of Luke was most likely written between 58 and 65 AD.

As with the other two synoptic Gospels, Matthew and Mark, the purpose of this book is to reveal the Lord Jesus Christ and all that He “began to do and teach…from the beginning until the day He…was taken up into heaven” (Acts 1:1–2). Luke’s Gospel is unique in that it is a “continuous account” (Luke 1:3), in keeping with Luke’s medical mindset – often revealing details that are omitted in the other Gospels. Luke’s account of the life of the Great Physician highlights His ministry and dedication to Gentiles, Samaritans, women, children, tax collectors, sinners, and others considered outcasts in Israel.

We see a historically important moment. The God for whom the temple was built and whose resting place it is, comes to it, but in the form of a baby. We often expect the action and presence of God, but more often than not, we do not notice Him.

The events described take place on Mount Moriah, where Abraham sacrificed Isaac and on which the city was later built.

The family of Jesus Christ fulfills all the requirements of the law of that time for a newborn Jew. God comes into people's lives, but He does not violate the law He established, but obediently fulfills it.

The book of the Gospel of Luke is written in the genre of biography, maximally tied to the chronology of events.

Book plan:

I. Prologue to the Gospel and the Purposes of Writing It (1:1-4)

II. The Birth and Years of Maturation of John the Baptist and Jesus (1:5 – 2:52)

A. Announcements of their birth (1:5-56)

B. The Birth and Childhood of John and Jesus (1:57 – 2:52)

III. Preparation for the Ministry of Jesus Christ (3:1 – 4:13)

A. The Ministry of John the Baptist (3:1-20)

B. The Baptism of Jesus (3:21-22)

B. The Genealogy of Jesus (3:23-38)

D. The Temptation of Jesus (4:1-13)

IV. Jesus' Ministry in Galilee (4:14 – 9:50)

A. The Beginning of Jesus' Ministry (4:14-30)

B. Jesus' Authority Authenticated (4:31 – 6:16)

B. Sermon on the Plain (6:17-49)

D. Jesus' Ministry in Capernaum and the Surrounding Cities (Chapters 7-8)

D. Jesus gives instructions to His disciples (9:1-50)

V. Jesus goes to Jerusalem (9:51 – 19:27)

A. Rejection of Jesus Christ along most of this path (9:51 – 11:54)

B. Jesus' Instructions to His Followers in Light of the Rejection of His Truth (12:1 – 19:27)

VI. Jesus' Ministry in Jerusalem (19:28 – 21:38)

A. His Entry into Jerusalem as the Messiah (19:28-44)

B. Jesus in the Temple (19:45 – 21:38)

VII. The Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Chapters 22-24)

A. The Death and Burial of Jesus (Chapters 22-23)

B. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ and His Appearances (Chapter 24)

The second section speaks of the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus, of the miraculous circumstances of the announcement of their birth and of their birth.

Our passage is key in this section to understanding the need to keep the law and follow it with the utmost precision.