1 Timothy 1 - Truth Matters!

Click Here to Read or Listen to 1 Timothy 1

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Timothy was a disciple of Paul. Paul had mentored him, shared his life with him, and Paul had appointed him to be a pastor over the church at Ephesus. 

Paul could consider Timothy a true son in the faith because he probably led him and his mother to faith in Jesus on Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 14:8-20 and 16:1). This also expressed Paul’s confidence in Timothy’s integrity and faithfulness to the truth.

Timothy Charged to Oppose False Teachers

3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

Since Paul had trusted Timothy to be the pastor of this influential church, he wanted Timothy to address the issue of false teachers. Part of being a pastor is making sure that the gospel being preached is pure and not related to myths, legends, or especially works righteousness. 

Paul left the Ephesian Christians with a particular set of teachings (which he had received from Jesus and the Old Testament). He was concerned that Timothy did everything he could to make sure the Ephesians continue in that doctrine. This was the first reason why it was important that Timothy remain in Ephesus.

Paul did this because doctrine is important to God and should be important to His people. Today, what one believes – that is, their doctrine – is remarkably unimportant to most people. This spirit of the modern age has also heavily influenced modern Christians. We live in a day where Pilate’s question What is truth? (John 18:38) is answered, “Whatever it means to you.” Yet truth is important to God and should be to His people.

8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

Paul gives some really good teaching on the purpose of the Law. (I.e. The Torah/Pentateuch/Ten Commandments). The Law is good in that it restrains evil. Though the Law can never transform a human heart, and we cannot be saved by it, it does keep order and evil at bay in society. There were some who, after discovering God's grace, said the Law was not needed anymore. This is the sound doctrine Paul is referring to. It is unsound doctrine to say, "Since we are saved by grace the Law doesn't apply to us anymore!"

The Lord’s Grace to Paul

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 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. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

It is not as though Paul is downplaying the importance of grace in sound doctrine either, which is why he points out the grace he was given by the Lord. Paul calls him the chief among sinners in that he was a blasphemer and violently persecuted Christians. But God poured out his grace on Paul despite all of this. 

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 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. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Paul pulls no punches in pointing out that he is the worst of sinners, which made God's grace all the more powerful for him. Why? Because he knew he didn't deserve anything but judgment from God. God's patience was tested with Paul, but Christ showed God's love for him anyways. 

"God is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." Psalm 145:8 

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9