I want this to be the focus this week as we tackle 1 Timothy 1:3-17. We must dive into the Word and see the importance of this amazing, God glorifying Gospel. Paul had one singled-minded mission/goal. His life's purpose was to glorify God by sharing the gospel with as many people as possible. He understood the gospel could stand on its own. He understood that man's additions or subtractions to the gospel would do nothing but harm. Paul, of course, spent time relating to people and contexualizing (1 Corinthians 9:22), but his gospel message never changed.
I pray that this quick study will be encouraging. I pray that you will see Paul's desire to see the truth preached. We must take heed of his warnings to Timothy. We must recognize the importance of truth gospel-centered doctrine. We must better understand the life-transforming power offered by Christ. In doing this we will bring more glory and Praise to our Father and Lord.
Watered Down Gospel = No Gospel at All
(1 Timothy 1:3-7 ESV)
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, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.
Paul is warning Timothy here of those that may desire to teach a watered down or a false gospel. These "teachers" were focused on man and not God. Thees folks are not interested in a God-honoring message. They are infatuated with a self-honoring message that leaves them getting all the credit and glory.
Teaching is an important aspect of a Christian's life and maturity. Strong teaching of the Word is a key ingredient in the lives of the lost as well as believers. Think about your life. Who has helped shape your Christian walk? Who can you point to as a mentor or shepherd in your journey? I would argue that for most of us, the people that come to mind are teachers--youth pastors, church pastors, or your life group leaders. Biblical teachers have always and will always play a huge role in the shaping of the church and its believers. This is why Paul was warning Timothy. If teachers help shape the church and its members than we must make sure that those teachers are teaching and preaching Truth.
The Law Does Not Save
(1 Timothy 1:8-11 ESV)
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 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, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
We must not neglect the truth that the Law was given to man from God. This means that the Law is intrinsically good. Who is the Law for? The Law is for us--sinners. The Law opens our eyes to the fact that we are sinners. Left to ourselves we are unable to uphold or keep the Law. This is truly an impossible task.
On the surface these truths are a bit depressing, but we must look deeper. What does this mean for us? This means we need a Savior. This means we need someone to conquer what we are incapable of conquering. This means we need someone who will take the wrath that we deserve. This is what Jesus did, willingly I might add. This is the truth found in the Word. This is the truth Paul is pleading with Timothy to preach.
We are sinners and left alone we are destined for hell but God our Lord paved a way for us to be saved. Our Savior laid down His life to glorify the Father and save us. He saves us from the Law, He saves us from the chains of sin and death. He saves us to Himself!
The Apprehender was Apprehended
(1 Timothy 1:12-16 ESV)
I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
These verses are wonderful illustrations of Christ's transforming power. Take some time to think about Paul's transformation. This is the same guy that held the coats of those stoning Stephen (Acts 7). This is the same guy that ravaged the church. His mission was to stop the spread of the gospel at all costs. He had no desire to follow Christ, but what happened? Christ literally knocked him to the ground and saved him (Acts 9).
This is what Paul is pointing out in verses 12-16. Paul calls himself the foremost sinner--the worst of the worst. Paul's life illustrates the mercy and grace offered and provided by God. Paul is screaming, "God saved me, the worst of the worst!" Why would God do this? Why save a man like Paul who was actively working against the church? Paul answers this question in verse 16.
God didn't save Paul because He needed him on His--God's--team. God saved Paul to "demonstrate His extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life." What does this mean for you and me? What does this mean for friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family? This means God can save anyone. We pray and share the gospel knowing with full confidence God continues to save "the worst of them."
God-Centered Glorification
(1 Timothy 1:17 ESV)
To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
I love the way Paul closes out verse 17. Paul finishes his testimony in this letter by illustrating the patience, mercy, and grace of God. He could have taken the credit. He could have focused on himself and the things he was doing for the gospel, but instead he gave credit to the only deserving recipient--God.
Paul understood that apart from God and His saving grace he was destined for an eternity in hell. Paul understood that he needed a Savior. It was because of this understanding that Paul was saturated with the gospel. Paul made it his mission to encourage and disciple people like Timothy to share in this calling.
Paul was the vehicle God used to grow the church. This is why Paul spent so much time praising God. We praise God because He is the only one that deserves our words, actions, hearts, and our minds. God deserves this "forever and ever. Amen."
