Tag: 1st Timothy 1-3

The King Eternal!

Saturday December 6th, 2014

The passage for today is Paul’s letter to Timothy chapters 1-3.  Timothy was a young pastor, mentored by Paul, who was a pastor at the church in Ephesus.  Paul wrote to encourage him and instruct him in basic pastoral leadership.

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life.  Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:15-17

” I urge then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men–the testimony given in its proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:1-5

“Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:  He appeared in a body; was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” 1st Timothy 3:16

Paul stood in awe of Jesus Christ, the “King Eternal”!  Paul knew Jesus Christ as “God our Savior” and the only mediator between God the Father and mankind.  Jesus came in a human body, was crucified and raised from the dead.  He is now preached among all nations and is believed on in the world.  He was taken up in glory and will come again!  This is the Gospel Paul preached!

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The King Eternal!

Scripture reading for December 6th: 1st Timothy 1-3

Timothy was a young pastor who was mentored by Paul.  Paul wrote to encourage him and instruct him in basic pastoral leadership.  Here are some powerful verses from this personal letter to a young preacher.

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life.  Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:15-17

Paul reminded Timothy about the purpose of Christ’s ministry here on earth.  He came to seek and save sinners!  And even preachers are sinners–some of the worst!  For God’s grace we must always be thankful and humbly serve by example those who God gives us to minister to.  We are to do all for the glory and honor of our King!  Worship must be foundational for our ministry!

” I urge then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men–the testimony given in its proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:1-5

Prayer is of first importance in pastoral ministry.  God is pleased when we come to Him with everything in a spirit of thanksgiving.  No one can be saved without it and Jesus Christ is the only mediator for all men!

“Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:  He appeared in a body; was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” 1st Timothy 3:16

The mystery of godliness is revealed through through Christ’s incarnation, sacrificial death, and resurrection from the dead!   God has commanded that His Gospel be preached among the nations so all might believe!  To Him be glory forever!  Amen!

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Christ Came to Save Sinners!

Scripture reading for December 7th: 1st Timothy 1-3

Young ministers usually have lots of zeal for Christ and the work of the ministry.  Many go to several years of Bible training and graduate to go into the ministry.  Others may grow in maturity by serving in the church or in a ministry family.  Often, they have lots of head knowledge, but the real training is yet to come.  Older and wiser men and women in the faith wisely instruct and model ministry for them.  They help them to stay on track and keep them from being swallowed up by the culture or satanic oppression that attacks frequently.  The pastoral epistles of Timothy and Titus are aimed at young ministers and we all get to listen in!

Timothy was Paul’s true son in the faith!  (1st Timothy 1:2)  Timothy is named as co-author of six of Paul’s letters, as well as being the subject of two of them.  Timothy was a young man whose mother was a Jewess and father was  a Greek.  He was a traveling companion of Paul’s and had a pastor’s heart.  Paul wrote this letter to his son in the faith from prison in Rome to instruct him in proper pastoral leadership which requires courage and faith.

Paul began by warning Timothy to deal with certain men who were teaching false doctrine.  They were teaching myths and genealogies and were stirring up controversies.  (1st Timothy 1:3-7)  Some had wandered away from the faith and were involved in meaningless talk.  They must be dealt with by church leadership.  Some were reintroducing the law and mixing it with grace.  Paul emphasized the purpose of the law to Timothy.  The law was to be used to bring conviction on lawbreakers and drive them to Christ for grace.  The glorious gospel promoted freedom from the law through faith in Christ.

Paul shared with Timothy God’s incredible mercy toward his own life.  Paul had been a blasphemer and persecutor of Christians, even putting some to death!  God knew that Paul was acting in ignorance and revealed Christ and His mercy to him.  He then appointed Paul to the privilege of preaching the gospel.  “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance:  Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst!” (1st Timothy 1:15)  What  incredible truth for each minister to acknowledge–saved by His grace, our serving is a privilege!

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Sunday Rest and Reflection: 1Timothy 1-3

Dear Friends,

Greetings on another day of rest!  We need to begin a new week with God’s people in worship of our great King!  We can rest in His love and celebrate His victory!  It is a command of Scripture to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together for regular worship, prayer, and sharing of community.  May your day be one of worship, rest and soul refreshing!

Today we must also continue reading if we are to finish our trek through the Bible.  The passage for today is Paul’s letter to Timothy.  Timothy is a young pastor, mentored by Paul, who was then pastoring the church at Ephesus.  Paul wrote to him to encourage him and instruct him in basic pastoral leadership.  Here are some of my favorite verses from our reading today.

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life.  Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:15-17

” I urge then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men–the testimony given in its proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:1-5

“Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:  He appeared in a body; was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” 1st Timothy 3:16

May the Lord bless you and keep you this day and each day this coming week!

In His Love, Pastor John

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