1 Timothy 1 - If Not For the Grace of God There Go I!

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.

This is the first of what are called the pastoral letters. Rather than being written to a church, this letter is written to a person, in this case Timothy. We know that Paul mentored Timothy, as Timothy followed Paul in his second missionary journey. Timothy matured to the point where Paul left him to pastor the church at Ephesus. Paul needed others to pastor the churches he planted, or he could have not continued his calling to be an apostle. An apostle is someone who is sent as an ambassador of Christ and a messenger of the gospel. They usually plant new churches. 

Click Here to Read an Introduction to the 1 Timothy

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.

Paul continued to mentor Timothy in his leadership of the church in Ephesus. In this case false doctrine had slipped into the church. Paul called on Timothy to confront these false teachers, who were devoting themselves to myths and genealogies. Rather than trusting in the simple gospel of Christ, they were looking for other means to learn God's will for their lives. 

Ancient Jewish writings have been discovered which dig into the most complex genealogies, connecting them with wild speculations about spiritual mysteries. A consuming interest in these kinds of things will crowd out godly edification which is in faith.

Cause disputes rather than godly edification: The eventual fruit of these man-made diversions is evident. Though they may be popular and fascinating in the short term, in the long run they don’t strengthen God’s people in faith. - Guzik

Bottom line is that these speculations don't not do anything to further the central mission of the church, which is to be and make disciples. Dallas Willard said, "We can easily be educated beyond our obedience." 

St. Paul says in 1 Corinthians, "Knowledge puffs up but love builds up!" 1 Corinthians 8:1

The worst part of these false teachers is that they influenced others to move from the basic teaching and practices of Christianity to meaningless talk. It kinds of reminds me of "conspiracy theories" today. People spend tons of time on some master conspiracy, which the world goes to hell. Although these people to be seen as teachers of the Law, they are far from it. 

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.

Another part of the problem is that these teachers distorted the meaning and use of the law. Although the law can never save us it is a reliable guide for the way we should live our lives. The law also convicts those who are not righteous. 

Paul then goes on to give long list of sinful behaviors of those who rebel against God. The problem is that these false teachers spent time on speculations about matters not pertaining to the Christian life, while giving free rein for people to indulge in their sinful nature. In pursuit of the "spirit", they thought would could do whatever they wanted in the "flesh". 

The implication is that in Ephesus, the church existed in a culture marked by these sins listed in verses 9 and 10 and those teaching false doctrine in some way allowed or promoted this sinful lifestyle. - Guzik 

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.

Although Paul pointed out the ways in which these false teachers led the church astray both in their words and actions, he did not purport to be perfect either. Paul had a checkered past, which included violently persecuting the new Christian church. Paul could only rely on the mercy and grace that he was given in Jesus Christ. 

Paul was given a second chance and made the most of it. Paul did not receive God's grace in vain. He didn't use God's grace and a license to sin more. The grace of God was sufficient for him even in his biggest weaknesses. I.e. The thorn in his flesh. 

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 not only calls himself a sinner, but the "worst of sinners". Paul's life and conversion was an evidence of the grace of God. If God could save him, he reasoned, he could save anyone. Paul in effect is saying, "If not for the grace of God there go I!" 

God is patient with all of us not wanting anyone to perish but all to come to a knowledge of the truth.- 1 Peter 3:9

I am sure these words helped give young Timothy confidence. 

With these words, Paul gave Timothy another reason to remain in Ephesus. It is likely that one reason Timothy wanted to leave Ephesus and his ministry there because he felt unworthy or incapable of the work. These words from Paul assured Timothy, “If there is anyone unworthy or disqualified, it should be me. Yet God found a way to use me, and He will use you also as you remain in Ephesus.” - Guzik

The Charge to Timothy Renewed

18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

Paul reaffirms the confidence he has in Timothy to lead one of the most important churches in the first century. Apparently there were prophecies given to Paul or others in the church related to his calling.  Prophecies don't always predict the future, sometimes they predict the present. 

Most importantly Timothy needed to hang to the faith he was given as a young man. Paul also called upon Timothy to listen to his conscience. We know our conscience can be deceiving, so what did Paul mean by this. 

He had to have a good conscience, because his enemies would be attacking him, and if Timothy had not conducted himself rightly, they would have good reason to attack. A good conscience isn’t just a conscience that approves us, but one that approves us because we’ve been doing what is right – it is connected with good conduct.  - Guzik

Two leaders, Hymenaus and Alexander apparently did not heed their conscience and it would lead to their demise. They apparently got involved in some pretty bad stuff because Paul says he, "handed them over to Satan." What does he mean by that?

From other New Testament passages we can surmise that he did this by putting them outside the church, into the world, which is the devil’s domain. The punishment was a removal of protection, not an infliction of evil. - Guzik

We see in this chapter how important it is to be a faithful pastor or leader in the church and the many challenges that go with it. There will always be many dangers both from within and without. Timothy was lucky to have Paul as his mentor.

Who is your mentor or accountablity partner in your faith life? Who asks you the hard questions? Who keeps you from shipwrecking your faith so you don't become like Hymenaeus and Alexander?