1 Timothy 1:1-11

First, I know there is much more to this passage than what I write. Lord, please give me wisdom and clarity as I read and write about this passage and the ones to come. I am a sinner in need of much grace! Help me to see and meditate the on the truths and to apply them. Amen!

The greeting: Paul's refers to "God our Savior". Paul frequently uses this in his greetings. By saying this phrase he introduces his main theme, salvation. He also adds the phrase; "Christ Jesus our hope." Timothy was at this time being faced with false teachings that presented an askew (out of line or crooked) view of the gospel. Paul uses these phrases to set the tone of his letter to Timothy. He wants him to stay focused on the real truth. We have been saved and Christ is going to return, which is our hope!

Timothy was obviously a man whom Paul respected and trusted. "A true child in the faith," shows that Timothy was truly devoted to serve the Lord. Paul's blessing; "Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord." Is such a great reminder of what God FREELY gives us and that is love is always with us, no matter our circumstance!

Reflecting on God's love is something I have been doing a lot of lately. It is free and does not have to be earned. It "withers the weed of sin"- Macheam (sp?) It allows us to live in obedience. It is greater than any sin or anything we will face. It is steadfast! It sent His only Son to die for me, to abate His Holy wrath. I loved and don't fully understand what Dave Harvey said this weekend..."Christ got what we deserved, we got what Christ deserved." Wow! Why? God's love is truly amazing!!!

3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

This is a charge to Timothy to FIGHT the false teachers of the day. Various leaders, elders, pastors, were engaging in different doctrines that strayed from the one true doctrine and it was dividing and poisoning the Church. Paul is encouraging Timothy to stand up to these men and share with them the truth. All of this is the same for us even today, we need to take stand against false doctrines/worldliness that maybe infiltrating the Church. Verse 5 is a strong charge for all believers. A true believer is pure in heart and is sincere. But also brings correction and takes a stand against things that are not, in a loving and humble way. As in 1 Peter we are to be sober-minded. My prayer would be and I ask that God would bless us with discernment to battle these false teachings and in turn devote ourselves to godliness and present clearly the true gospel!

6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. Paul's seems to be referring to the priest and rabbi's. Men who were more concerned about what people thought of them then the truth. They had no basis of their assertions. They said what the people wanted to hear. It was "easier" to follow. They also didn't see the burden and responsibility it was to be an upright teacher, who was responsible for teaching others. The world is full of this and unfortunately many Churches can be as well. We must submit to God and His perfect word, not the weak assumptions of man.

8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

The law reveals sin and sinners for what they are and points us towards the gospel, we need a saviour! God has blessed has blessed us with the freedom to say no to lawlessness. We need to live as we are, clothed in righteousness, and not stray away from the gospel and sound doctrine. May we take a strong stand against the devils lies and false, worthless teachings of the world. May we not be enticed by something that is not rooted in the gospel!

What a blessing it is to be able to trust the leaders in our churches and to know that what they are preaching is sound. These men serve us more than we know. They humbly encourage us to study and to interpret scripture with scripture. They understand their responsibility and take it to heart to be sound and sober minded. We are extremely blessed!