Good morning,
This week we will look at 1 Timothy 1.
Timothy was a young preacher, lead to Christ by Paul. Paul is now writing to Timothy words of encouragement, challenge, and a charge on how to best minister to the church at Ephesus.
We will look at an introduction to 1 Timothy, the warning against false teachers, the Lord’s grace to Paul, and the purpose of Paul’s instruction to Timothy.
The purpose of Paul’s instructions to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:18-20)
“This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.”
Paul now charges Timothy, his son in the faith, be diligent to the word of God (prophecies), be faithful, and have a good conscience. Why? To be able to stand firm against those who would pervert the faith. Paul was beset by enemies who tried to discredit him and his ministry.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:10-13)
Every single day we are in a spiritual fight. Satan does not want us to succeed. He wants to thwart our witness for Christ. He wants us to stumble in our walk with the Lord. He uses discouragement, pride, and self-righteousness as some of his weapons.
God wants us to continue to minister for Him. Witness, disciple, and encourage others in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Will we follow Paul’s charge to Timothy or Satan’s call to the wicked?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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