SCRIPTURE: 1 TIMOTHY 1
INTRODUCTION:
Timothy was born in Lystra who head a Greek father and a Jewish mother. His mother Eunice and grandmother Lois taught him scripture from childhood. He accompanied Paul in his second missionary journey and helped him in his work. When Paul wrote this letter, Timothy was a teacher and leader at the church of Ephesus. Because he was young, Paul wrote this letter to help and encourage him. He warned him about false teachers and advised him to be a man of God.
First and Second Timothy are called pastoral letter because they deal with the and duties of the pastors and church leaders. It is a ministerial letter that stressed on preaching the truth. Paul gave counsel on how to minister to various kinds of people in the church.
BIBLE VERSES:
“Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.” ( 1 Timothy 1:6-7)
“Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 1:13-14
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:15-16)
WARNINGS AGAINST FALSE TEACHERS OF THE LAW (vs. 3-11)
False teachers were present in the Ephesian church. Paul warned Timothy not to allow them to teach myths and endless genealogies. Instead, they should focus on God’s work, which is by faith that comes from a pure heart and a good conscience.
THE LORD’S GRACE TO PAUL (vs. 12-20)
God had appointed Paul to His service despite of being a blasphemer, a persecutor and a violent man. He was shown mercy with grace poured abundantly on him. Christ came to this world to display his unlimited patience so that those who would believe in him shall receive eternal life. He urged Timothy to fight the good fight, hold on the faith with a good conscience.
Paul mentioned two men who might be giving Timothy trouble – Hymenaeus and Alexander. He said that he had turned them over to Satan, meaning Paul had stopped them from the fellowship of the church
THOUGHTS:
- Timothy was influenced by godly relatives. His mother Eunice and grandmother Lois were Jewish believers who helped shaped his life and promote his spiritual growth. If you are an parent, remind yourself to demonstrate a profound effect to your family member in a Christian home.
- God had entrusted Timothy of a special stewardship to pass on the truth of the Word. Every believer is entrusted with a ministry to spread the good news of salvation to mankind.
- Paul listed the three motivating forces in his life: GRACE, FAITH and LOVE. The grace of God enables him to serve God. His faith for Christ empowered him. And His love for Christ constrained him to labor for lost sinners.
- Paul called himself the most of sinners. He had scoffed at the teaching of Jesus. He hated, hunted and murdered God’s people in the past. But God forgave him and used him mightily. So, no matter how shameful your past, God can forgive and use you.
- Timothy was in a “big city church” with older believers facing many difficult problems. He wanted to resign but Paul advised him to stay on and finish the task. He reminded Timothy of his position before God. He was entrusted to pass on the treasure of gospel to the next generation and God would see him through to victory.