1 Timothy (Written)

Saturday, 18 November 2017

…having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 1Timothy1:19

Paul’s thoughts about faith and conscience are rather consistent, having stated almost the same thing as he did in verse 1:5 –

“Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.”

He unites the two again here in relation to the “good warfare” of the previous verse. One cannot enter into the spiritual battles of Christian life without “having faith and a good conscience.” If one lacks faith in what he is battling, the battle is already lost. Imagine a group of soldiers knowing that their commander is a drunk and is going to lead them to certain death. They have no faith in him, and they have no will to fight. They will be quickly defeated.

Likewise, having a good conscience is necessary in order to fight the good warfare of Christianity. If one has been engaged in the very sins they are supposed to be fighting, his conscience will be defiled, and he will be ineffective in his conduct. If a soldier is treasonous, and assists the enemy, how will he effectively fight the battle in which he is engaged? He will not! Rather, he will be harmful to the side he is on, and destructive to his own person if the battle comes directly to him. Such a person is like those spoken of by James when he says that the demons believe there is one God, but despite believing, they tremble. Their conscience is defiled, and they are set for a bad end.

Paul next gives a real life example that Timothy would be aware of. In doing this, he highlights the failings of others, and the inevitable result of their failings. He begins to describe them by saying, “which some have rejected.” Obviously this is so, because he has already said that Timothy is to “charge some that they teach no other doctrine” (verse 3). He is speaking of those passing on false words instead of sound doctrine. Because of this, he concludes the verse with words which directly reflect their state, “concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck. “

Here he returns to the same metaphor that he used when writing to the same church Timothy is at now. In his letter to the Ephesians, he implored them to hold to proper doctrine. In so doing, he says “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting” (Ephesians 4:14). He equated our life in Christ as a ship on the seas. We are to hold to the fair winds of sound doctrine which will carry us along safely and smoothly. However, when we introduce crazy, nutty, unsound, or theologically bizarro doctrine into our lives, then we are like ships on a sea, tossed to and fro. This is what was occurring at Ephesus, and it is what resulted in those who held to such doctrine as, “concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck.”

Their faith was misguided, having held to the law rather than to Christ, and their consciences were defiled because they were fighting alongside an already defeated foe. With Christ’s completion of the law, salvation and a right walk before God can only be found in Him. Anything else will result in shipwreck. In such a case, there are sad consequences which result. This will be seen in the coming verse.

Life application: How incredibly sad that people get duped into crazy theology. There are those who hold to parts of the Law of Moses as still binding. There are those who add in unbiblical doctrines such as praying to Mary and the saints. There are those who hold to single versions of the Bible as being the only “inspired” and correct translations. On and on it goes. These things are not sound, and they lead to disharmony, dysfunction, and unsound conclusions about what is right and what is wrong. Be wise, be discerning, and test all things. Hold fast to what is good. Don’t suffer shipwreck because of crazy theology.

Lord God, the epistles of the New Testament are given to instruct us in proper church-age doctrine. They argue against bad doctrine, and even heresies, which cropped up even at the earliest times of the church. And yet, how many people feel they can do without reading, studying, and applying these books to their lives. These comprise less reading than most people do on news websites in a couple of days, and yet they never take time to read the most important news of all for happy living. What a crime. Help us to not be so fruitless in our walk before Your presence. Help us to be sound in our theology, right in our doctrine, and well versed in Your word. Amen.

Friday, 17 November 2017

This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 1 Timothy 1:18

There is as much debate about what “charge” Paul is committing to Timothy as there is about a glass being half full or half empty. Commentaries are lengthy, and disagreement is piled upon disagreement. However, there is nothing at all complicated in this. Paul’s words, “This charge I commit to you,” are based upon the “purpose of the commandment in verse 5, and that is then based upon Paul’s words of instruction to Timothy in verse 3 that he “charge some that they teach no other doctrine.” The same word he uses now in this verse was used in verse 5. And verse 3 uses the verb form of this same noun.

After that, Paul then described the purpose of the law in verses 8-11, summing up the thought with the freedom found in the gospel which was committed to his trust. After that, in verses 12-17 he explained the charge, meaning right doctrine as is in accord with the gospel, as it worked through him. Now, he is committing this same charge to Timothy. The scholars at Cambridge sum up the entire thought as, “This is my charge to teach the old simple truths, with a heart and life that retain still the old penitent gratitude and devotion; I trust to you this life and work, as a precious jewel; so precious that to guard and keep it you must be never off duty, always Christ’s faithful soldier and servant.”

With this charge placed in Timothy’s hands, he fondly calls him, “son Timothy.” This is not a term he uses lightly, but rather it is a truth which Paul carried with him always. In 1 Corinthians 4:17, he calls Timothy “my beloved and faithful son.” He then called him a similar term at the opening of this letter as well. After this, Paul then describes one particular reason why he has placed this most important charge in the hands of Timothy. It is an action which is “according to the prophecies previously made concerning you.”

The words here could easily be taken to unintended extremes. In 1 Timothy 4:14, it says, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.” In Timothy’s ordination, the elders who ordained him spoke of the sacred trust which was being placed in his care. 2 Timothy 1:6 then says that Paul was certainly one of those elders. He says, “Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” Paul and the other elders would have made proclamations that he was to faithfully carry out his duties, never straying from that which was committed to him.

Now, looking back on those things, Paul is reminding Timothy of this. There is nothing supernatural about the prophecies which were made upon him. Instead, Paul’s word now reminds him of the importance of the trust which was committed to him. These prophecies were simply observations of Timothy’s life and conduct which brought him to the point of ordination, and which were then proclamations based on that known character that he would excel by staying close to that same gospel-centered life and conduct.

Finally, Paul says concerning these prophecies, “that by them you may wage the good warfare.” Throughout Paul’s writings, there is the constant theme that a battle is raging around Christians. It is a spiritual warfare. In the case of true Christians, they are on the good side of this battle, struggling against the forces of evil. As a highlight of this, and how to protect oneself, and even go on the offensive, Ephesians 6:10-20 gives valuable insights. Timothy was ordained as a minister of this cause. Because of this, he could be considered one of the commanders within the battle. He was to align himself and those under him in the proper battle array, and together they were to press on with the charge forward. This is Paul’s intent concerning these words of admonition and encouragement to his young protege.

Life application: The Bible says that we are in a spiritual battle against the forces of wickedness. If the Bible is true, and it is, then what kind of a leader do you wish to serve under while engaging in this battle? Would you rather follow Commander Commendable, or Lieutenant Less-than-Competent? Each pastor must be evaluated based on one standard alone, and that is adherence to the word of God. Sitting in a church filled with uplifting music followed by a sermon by a pastor who fails to hold close to the word of God is a complete waste of time. If you want uplifting music, listen to it on the radio. Your time in church is not first and foremost for you to feel good. It is intended for you to worship the Creator, and to be properly instructed in the word of God. This is your one life before facing Christ. When you stand before Him, will you say, “I really loved the music at the church I attended,” or would you be more commended for saying, “I spent my time learning Your word, and learning how to apply it to my life.” Don’t spend your time foolishly. Stand approved and commended!

Lord God Almighty, our time at church is the most valuable of time we may spend throughout the week. Are we there to feel good about the music we listen to? Or are we going in order to be properly instructed in Your word? What a sad day when we stand before You and say that we really loved the music at church despite the weak and ineffective sermons we listened to. We may retain just one or two points each week. How good it would be if those points were found in Your word, and not in how we should feel. We can listen to fun music all day. Rather, help us to put You above our temporary emotions and attend where the word is exalted. Amen.

Thursday, 16 November 2017

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17

After contemplating his calling and position in Christ which was so very undeserved, Paul breaks forth into a doxology, recognizing God’s great glory. It is the God who pulled him out of the clutches of Satan, and brought him into His marvelous light, that he now breaks forth in praise to with the words, “Now to the King eternal.”

This is from a commonly used Hebrew phrase – melech ha’olam, or “King of the ages.” Directly translated from the Greek, it also reads, “King of the ages.” It signifies the eternal nature of His rule. Time came into existence at His command and, since that moment, ages have come and gone. During these successive generations, God is on the throne. And as the ages continue on, even for all eternity, He will still be there. Whereas all else is created, He is uncreated. His rule has no beginning and no end.

Paul continues with “immortal.” The word literally means, “incorruptible.” Whereas “King of the ages” defines the scope of the rule of God, this word speaks of His being. He is without beginning and without end. While other rulers come and go, facing their own morality, God is eternal. The position of His rule is without end, and it is He who fills that position endlessly.

Next Paul states, “invisible.” The word used is a compound adjective signifying “not seen.” It is closely associated with the Greek word for “faith.” In other words, He is (figuratively) spiritual reality as perceived through God’s inbirthings of faith” (HELPS Word Studies). The reason this word is highlighted here (and elsewhere) as an attribute, is to continue to demonstrate His incorruptible nature. Whereas the idols of the nations wear down, are destroyed, are stolen, etc., such is not the case with the invisible God.

After these descriptive words, Paul continues His praise with, “to God who alone is wise.” Some manuscripts leave out “wise,” thus saying, “the only God.” Which is correct is debated, but with or without the descriptor, the intent is that God alone is above all else. Though there are other invisible created things, such as angels, principalities, and powers, God is the sovereign ruler over them. They are not “gods,” but are subject to Him.

It is to him that Paul ascribes, “honor and glory.” To Him alone all worship, praise, and veneration is to be given. He alone bears the eternal glory as He rules from His position of honor. Thus these things rightly and wholly belong to only Him. And this is, as Paul next says, “forever and ever.” This is another Hebrew phrase. It literally states, “to the ages of ages.” It is a superlative expression meaning “to all eternity.” There will be no time that another may receive His honor and glory. Rather, for as long as eternity lasts, which is forever, this is to be ascribed to Him.

Paul then finishes with “Amen.” It is the traditional ending to any such doxology, signifying “So be it.” This is how it is, and this is how it ever shall be. There is finality in the expression. God is God, and He was, is, and ever shall be. By faith, such an expression is made, and it confirms in the one making it that what has been said is agreed to in heart and soul.

Life application: God is invisible, and thus our Christian walk is one of faith. Christ has returned to the Father and left us with His unseen Spirit as our Comforter and Helper. During this dispensation, we are to live by faith, not expecting, nor receiving, a physical manifestation of God’s presence. This is what the Bible expects of us. Someday our faith will be sight as we stand in the presence of Christ Jesus. Until then, let us be steadfast in our faith, not wavering in conviction, and not waffling in our doctrine.

Lord God, Your word says that we live by faith and not by sight. But it also indicates that our faith will be rewarded. If we have sight, then faith is excluded. A hope which is seen is no hope at all, but rather is substance. Help us to not expect signs, sights, and visions, but instead help us to be people who study Your word and receive its truths by faith. In this, You will surely be pleased with us now, and You will be ready to reward us on that great Day when we stand before You. Amen.

Wednesday, 15 November 2017

However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 1 Timothy 1:16

Paul, after having claimed that he was the chief of sinners, now proceeds to give a reason for his selection despite that unhappy claim to fame. “However” is stated to set the tone of this new thought. “I was the chief of sinners, however…” This is immediately explained by, “for this reason I obtained mercy.” He points out that the very fact that he was the chief of sinners is why he was selected! God, infinitely wise, looked at Paul’s heart and knew that he would feel as he does, and He knew that Paul would use his state before Christ as an example of comfort and reassurance to any and all who felt as he did.

Never waiving in his assurance of salvation, he continues with, “that in me first Christ Jesus might show all longsuffering.” Anyone who thought, “I cannot be saved, my sin is too great,” only needs to come to Paul’s words here to see that such is not the case. Instead of being too great of a sinner to be forgiven, Paul clearly shows that such a notion is wholly unrealistic. “Look at me, and be assured that Christ will forgive you as well!” is his adamant cry to the one burdened by his past life.

The longsuffering of Christ towards those who would otherwise be objects of His wrath is highlighted in Paul, making him “a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.” This is the reason for Paul’s calling, supernatural as it may be. He was the chief of sinners, but God literally manifested Himself to him in order to make him an example, a pattern, for those who would bear the weight of their own sin. Despite their desire to believe, even when it seemed futile, they simply couldn’t accept that God would be willing to forgive them. But because of Paul’s calling, they too can be reassured that their own salvation, because of faith in Christ, was not impossible. Instead, it is rather both possible and assured.

The final words, “for everlasting life,” are a resounding note of eternal salvation. There is no hint here, or anywhere else in Paul’s writing of anything but Once-Saved-Always-Saved. Everlasting life means exactly what it says, and it is based on belief. One leads to the other, and the deal is done. How sad that so many curse this doctrine of assured salvation. They have failed to properly and accurately see that God’s grace is a gift. A gift with conditions is no gift at all. Paul, unflinching in his salvation, and unflinching in the eternal nature of it, asks us to likewise be assured of these things. The Lord has set him as the pattern, and we are to look to it with confidence.

Life application: Let us be assured that there is no thing that we have done which will keep us from being saved if we hand it over to Jesus. And, let us then be assured that there is nothing that can keep us from continuing on in that salvation. Faith – it saves you. Have faith in that.

Lord God, Your word says that we are saved by grace through faith. When we completely blow it after that point, Your word says that as children of adoption we may be disciplined, but we will never lose our position in Your family. Help us to be people of faith, accepting Your word as true, and standing fast on its promises. When our hearts overwhelm us because of our sin, help us to remember again that nothing can separate us from Your love which is found in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, 14 November 2017

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15

The words Paul opens with here are only found in the Pastoral Epistles, “This is a faithful saying.” Literally, the Greek states, “Faithful is the word.” He will use this same formula five times in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. There is also a similar saying used by Jesus in Revelation 21:5 & 22:6. It is a way of emphasizing what is connected to it; and it is rather similar to that which is found in the Old Testament, and in the sayings of the gospels, where a word is repeated for emphasis. For example, Jesus says “verily, verily,” (literally “amen, amen”) many times in the gospels. In this same manner, Paul is making a statement of profound emphasis.

In it, he then adds, “and worthy of all acceptance.” This is only used here and then again in 1 Timothy 4:9. It is a phrase which indicates the exclusion of all doubt. It is to be accepted at face value. Understanding the emphatic and absolutely sure nature of what will be said, he then states what is on his mind – “that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”

Here we have an implicit reference to the eternal nature of Christ. For Him to “come into the world” indicates that He was there before the world existed. He was in the position of glory in the eternal state, but stepped out of that in order to join with us in the stream of time. This is certainly the thought on Paul’s mind. That God Himself was willing to enter into this existence, become a part of it, and save those who were otherwise set to perish. The idea ties naturally back to the words “worthy of all acceptance.” In order for sinners to be saved, they need a Savior. Further, being saved implies “from” something. If there was no harm coming to sinners, then they would not need to be saved.

Further, as this is worthy of “all” acceptance, then it must apply to all sinners. If not, then it would not be an absolute statement. But because it is, Christ is fully capable of saving all sinners. And as all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), then Christ came to potentially save all. He did not come just for Jews, but for all – Jew and Gentile alike. All are destined for separation from God, but Christ is the means of rectifying that state. The purpose of Christ coming was not to take us to heaven, but to save us from hell. Heaven is merely a benefit of our salvation.

But Paul’s thought does not end with this. As a note of the immensity of what Christ has done, he adds on (when referring to the word “sinners), “of whom I am chief.” Albert Barnes noes that this “means that he occupied the first rank among sinners. There were none who surpassed him. This does not mean that he had been the greatest of sinners in all respects, but that in some respects he had been so great a sinner, that on the whole there were none who had surpassed him.”

In Ephesians 3:8, Paul calls himself “the least of all the saints.” His conduct in persecuting Christians, and thus Christ Himself (see Acts 9:4), led him to realize that he was indeed the first of all sinners. The reason for this is that he was schooled in the law. He was an Israelite, and he was a Pharisee as well. In his studies, he should have recognized Christ for who He is, and yet it took a supernatural appearance of the Lord to open his spiritually blind eyes. Surely no one could be more sinful than the man who used God’s own law to pursue God’s own Son!

But in understanding Paul’s words, each and every Christian should be able to empathize with Paul and even to argue as to whether he or she is not truly the chief among the sinful people of the world. Our sin, no matter how large or how small, necessitated the crucifixion of Christ. All are guilty of the act, and all must acknowledge this in their hearts. “Lord, I am chief of the sinners.” If we fail to understand this, then when we look at other sinners, we may find them less deserving of God’s mercy than we were. May this never be!

Life application: Love sent Christ Jesus into the world. Our sin nailed Him to the cross. His perfection brought Him forth from the grave. We are the recipients of that which is wholly undeserved. Let us remember this, and then let us share this marvelous truth with all. May we never hold back the gospel because we feel someone else is undeserving. Christ didn’t hold it back from us, and we were certainly undeserving.

Lord God, not one person deserves the grace of salvation through Jesus Christ. We are mere beggars in need of the Bread of Life, and You gave it to us. Should we then presume that another is not worthy of hearing the same message? Help us to never hold back that which we were so graciously granted. Keep our hearts soft, even towards the worst offenders, because they often become the most stalwart of your faithful. Praises to You for each person You have so lovingly redeemed. Amen.