Daily Bread 2010 - 1 Timothy 1
The Lord's Grace to Paul
12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
18Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, 19holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. 20Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
Paul’s first letter to Timothy is a pastoral epistle, with many practical teachings for his son in the faith. Paul first points to the grace that he was afforded. Though he was a blasphemer and persecutor of Christians, God’s grace changed him and brought him to true faith.
He compares this to some teachers in Timothy’s region, who were once in good faith and had now gone on and were teaching false doctrines, among others ideas that the resurrection had already happened. He puts Hymenaeus and Alexander in this category. While only God knows who is saved and who is not, there are certain doctrinal standards that the church must uphold. One of the central ones, of course, is the bodily resurrection, and the promise of resurrection to those who of true faith.
Paul also mentions myths and genealogies, as two other forms of false doctrine that were floating around. These types of meaningless controversies took people away from the clear aim of sound doctrine, which was faith working itself out in love. It is easy to get caught up in all kinds of controversies in the church today as well. But Paul boils down the gospel to this simple proclamation, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the very worst.”
When we accept this basic fact, we are born again and can begin to truly love the way God wants us to love. This was the faith that Timothy accepted and kept, as Paul admonished him to fight the good fight.
Jesus we thank you for your grace that saved us not because of the righteous things we have done, but because of your mercy and grace that you poured out upon us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Having started with faith, help us to fight the good fight steering away from meaningless controversies over matters not essential for the sake of the Gospel. We know there are many who have yet to come to faith, so may our passion be centered around making a clear and bold proclamation to those who have yet to see the light of your glory and grace. In Your name, Amen.
12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
18Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, 19holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. 20Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
Paul’s first letter to Timothy is a pastoral epistle, with many practical teachings for his son in the faith. Paul first points to the grace that he was afforded. Though he was a blasphemer and persecutor of Christians, God’s grace changed him and brought him to true faith.
He compares this to some teachers in Timothy’s region, who were once in good faith and had now gone on and were teaching false doctrines, among others ideas that the resurrection had already happened. He puts Hymenaeus and Alexander in this category. While only God knows who is saved and who is not, there are certain doctrinal standards that the church must uphold. One of the central ones, of course, is the bodily resurrection, and the promise of resurrection to those who of true faith.
Paul also mentions myths and genealogies, as two other forms of false doctrine that were floating around. These types of meaningless controversies took people away from the clear aim of sound doctrine, which was faith working itself out in love. It is easy to get caught up in all kinds of controversies in the church today as well. But Paul boils down the gospel to this simple proclamation, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the very worst.”
When we accept this basic fact, we are born again and can begin to truly love the way God wants us to love. This was the faith that Timothy accepted and kept, as Paul admonished him to fight the good fight.
Jesus we thank you for your grace that saved us not because of the righteous things we have done, but because of your mercy and grace that you poured out upon us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Having started with faith, help us to fight the good fight steering away from meaningless controversies over matters not essential for the sake of the Gospel. We know there are many who have yet to come to faith, so may our passion be centered around making a clear and bold proclamation to those who have yet to see the light of your glory and grace. In Your name, Amen.
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