Tuesday, 23 January 2018
…having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith. 1 Timothy 5:12
Paul’s words here must be considered in their context, or a wholly false reading of what is being conveyed will result. He has said in Romans 8:1 that, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus to those who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” There, an intensified form of the word krima, or judgment, which is found here is used. This verse is not speaking of being condemned and losing salvation as the word may imply to those who hear it.
Rather, this is speaking of a form of judgment for disobedience. It is the condemnation of living in prison which results from living in sin. As Vincent’s Word Studies states, “…they carry about with them in their new, married life a condemnation, a continuous reproach.” If we “walk according to the Spirit” we are living a life of freedom from the bondage of sin. If we fail to conduct our lives according to this walk, then we will suffer the prison of our walk.
And so Paul’s words, “having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith,” speaks of the state of their lives now, not a future condemnation based on a loss of salvation. The widow who committed to a life dedicated to Christ, and who then turns her back on that life, will continuously suffer the reproach of that decision during this life, and it will certainly affect her hope of rewards in the life to come.
Life application: Each of us must determine to follow Christ in our own way. For those who commit to a life of service, and who then walk away from that life, there will be consequences for their rejection of the path they had set their feet upon. Let each of us be circumspect in how we walk before the Lord, remembering our commitments, and adhering to them according to the words we have spoken.
Lord God, help each of us to be people who are faithful to our commitments. For those who have committed to giving, may we be faithful in what we give. For those who have committed to serving, may we serve faithfully. For those who have accepted roles as pastors, missionaries, or evangelists, give us strength and wisdom to adhere to our commitment with zeal. Grant each of us to be faithful to what we have vowed in our hearts. Amen.