Dealing with False Teachers
(1 Timothy 1:1-17)

Message Slides

For the bulletin in PDF form, click here.

Introduction: Salutation and Greeting (1:1-2)

• Paul the Apostle - passing on faithful ministry • God our Savior - not Artemis or Caesar
• Timothy - the next generation of ministry

Problem: The False Teachers' Perversion of the Law (1:3-7)
False teachers are full of confidence, arrogance, and error.
• False teachers focus on fantasies rather than faith (1:3-5).
• False teachers use the Scripture but do not use it correctly (1:6-7).

Solution: The Proper Use of the Law (1:8-11)

The function of the law is to convict sinners, not guide saints.
• The proper use of the law is not to guide believers (1:8-9a).
• The proper use of the law is to convict sinners of sin (1:9b-10). • The proper use of the law is compatible with the gospel (1:11).

Priority: The Centrality of Grace for the Ministry of Paul (1:12-17)
The grace of God manifest in Christ Jesus is the epicenter of the gospel. • The grace of God allows us to serve Him with gratitude (1:12).
• The abundant grace of God flows to sinful people (1:13-14).
• The gospel truth is that Christ Jesus came to save sinners (1:15-16). • The grace of the gospel leads to the praise of God (1:17).

God has designed the church to be a stronghold of truth and champion of the grace of God in the gospel.

Here is wisdom for the local church in every generation and in every place. Let no one say that scripture is out of date. Calvin, when dedicating his commentary to the Duke of Somerset in 1556 called this letter
"highly relevant to our times". All these years later, we can make the same claim. Truly, “the Bible speaks today”. John R. W. Stott, Theologian & Pastor

Home Church Questions

Read 1 Timothy 1:1-17.
In Ephesus the dominant culture of the day supported the idea that your
loyalty should be to either Artemis (False Religion promising flourishing) or Caesar (False Authority promising security). Where does our culture suggest our loyalty should be placed?
What is the content of false teaching in this passage?
When have you encountered false teaching in the church?
What are the consequences of false teaching in this passage?
What criteria do you use when you hear people teaching the Bible?
Why is “grace” so important for the gospel?
Why is “grace” so important for sanctification? • How should we use the law today?

Mission Prayer Focus: The Java Banyumasan of Indonesia
Of the approximately 9.35 million the majority identify as Muslim. Only about 20% actively practice their faith, and many blend it with animistic beliefs, including spirit worship and seeking help from shamans. While they have access to the vital ministry resources, only 2.5% are Christian adherents, and just 1.18% are evangelicals. Pray for the Java Banyumasan to recognize the truth. Ask God to send workers to share the gospel and disciple new believers, leading to a movement of multiplying disciples among them.

Finances
Weekly Budget 35,297
Giving For 04/13 26,858
Giving For 04/20 37,121
YTD Budget 1,482,480
Giving 1,452,017
OVER/(UNDER) (30,463)

Fellowship on the Lawn - Gather Together as One United Faith Family
Sunday, May 4, at 4:00 p.m. here at Fellowship. We have completely revamped our church-wide gathering to make it a very family-orientated event. We will have a live band, a DJ, a time of organized games for families
with prizes, food trucks, and Kona Ice. There will also be Baggo, Pickle Ball and even more for the adults.
This is a “Can’t Miss Event”. We hope to see you there!

New to Fellowship?
We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift.

VBS 2025 | June 23-27 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join us in ancient Egypt! You’ll explore Pharaoh’s palace, experience thrilling “real-life” dramas, play high-energy games, sample tasty snacks, and hear unforgettable music. Plus, you’ll meet lots of new friends! VBS is for children currently in kindergarten through fourth grade - invite a friend for free! Register by June 6, at fellowshipconway.org/register. The cost is $5 per child.

Senior Sunday | May 18
Seniors 2025, complete a simple form for Senior Sunday at fellowshipconway.org/register and send five pictures to Michael Mercer at mmercer@fellowshipconway.org today, April 27, to be included in a slideshow to be shown during both worship services.

Baby Dedication
Fellowship loves partnering with parents as they dedicate their children to the Lord. Sunday, May 11th, during both services, we will have a time for parents to dedicate their children and be prayed over by Ken. If you would like to have your children dedicated, email Lisa at lgerdes@fellowshipconway.org. Please include what service you would like.

Invest in the Next Generation
We are continuing our three-year journey through the Bible this summer and we need you to help us do that. The summer sessions begins Sunday, June 1 with positions available beginning in the nursery all the way up through fourth grade. Be a part of laying a foundation of faith for our kids. Contact Heather today at
hfulmer@fellowshipconway.org or sign up at fellowshipconway.org/register.

Luncheon for Widows
Ladies of Fellowship, if you are a widow, Ambra Austin would like to honor you with a lunch on May 15, at 12 noon. This will be a time of fun, fellowship, and feasting! Please RSVP by May 1st to Ambra at 501-730-6795.

Imperishable: a 4-Week Study of 1 Peter
Join us for Imperishable, Wednesday nights at Fellowship beginning May 28, at 6 p.m. led by Heather Harrison. Text Shanna at 501-336-0332 to reserve childcare. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register.

1 Timothy: God's Design for the Church - Dealing With False Teachers (1 Timothy 1:1-17)