One of three “pastoral” letters written by the apostle Paul, aimed at Timothy around A. D. 67, this letter focuses on church organization and culture. Timothy, the spiritual son of Paul, was the appointed leader of the churches in Ephesus.
Timothy was born in the Asiatic district of Lycaonia to a Greek father and a Jewish mother. A resident of Lystra, where Paul served the gospel of Jesus Christ which led to Timothy being saved through faith in Jesus Christ. He would soon after join Paul on his missionary journey to Jerusalem, during which Timothy was circumcised to reinforce his position among the Jews.
“1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, 2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Timothy 1:1-2)
Paul starts his letter with his typical introduction including his hope for grace and peace from God upon his readers, in this case his fellow missionary of many years, Timothy.
“3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.” (1 Timothy 1:3-4)
Paul calls on Timothy to remain in Ephesus to oversea the church they, accompanied by Silas planted there around A.D. 52 during Paul’s second missionary journey through the region.
The apostle commands his appointed evangelist to stay on course with the teaching of the only one true gospel, and to be on the lookout for false teaching of Jewish fables also known as the “Talmud,” verbal stories pertaining to Jewish law, history, philosophy and customs. Essentially, Timothy’s focus and that of the Christian church should be on Jesus Christ and the law of love rather than the law of Moses.
“5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.” (1 Timothy 1:5-7)
Paul singles out love is the main focus of teaching for Timothy and other church leaders in Ephesus and beyond instead of foolish, non-biblical fables. The apostle illustrates the basis of christian teaching which include a pure heart, good conscience and sincere faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul also addresses false teachers, those who allowed themselves to stray from the law of love instead migrating back to that which cannot be fulfilled, the law of Moses which was replaced, by God’s grace by the law of Christ.
“8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.” (1 Timothy 1:8-11)
Paul calls the law good for those who use it intelligently, not as a way for the righteous but instead a condemnation of evil ways among the wicked. The apostle lists many sins that were common among the Gentiles, pointing out that all led to damnation and hell since they opposed the law. By God’s grace and mercy, those in Christ would be forgiven and, through the Holy Spirit, inspired to work out their salvation as they walk in Jesus’ footsteps along the narrow path to heaven. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
