There were two main problems in the early churches just as there are today: false teaching and a lack of love. Paul deals with both issues in the first five verses of chapter 1. Paul goes on to describe the sins and how God’s marvelous grace can save the worst sinner. In chapter 2, Paul writes about prayer and appearance. In chapter 3, Paul writes about the requirements for elders and deacons in the church. These are the two positions prominent in the local church. Chapters 4, 5, and 6 are basically to encourage Timothy and to give him additional instruction.
Theme and key verse:
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 1 Timothy 1:5