Paul starts this letter to Timothy with a statement of great affection: "...to Timothy, my true son in the faith." And he jumps right in with instructions on the importance of dealing with false teachings. But I also like the way this chapter ends, Paul reminding Timothy that he has a responsibility.
- Cling to your faith
- Keep your conscience clear
I appreciate so much the fact that my pastor is in an accountability group with other local pastors led by a retired pastor. Each time they meet they ask the hard questions: Are you spending time in prayer and study? Are you struggling with lustful thoughts? And because the group has been together for quite awhile they know each other's weaknesses and will ask each other how they are doing and they pray for and with each other.
1 Timothy 1
ReplyDelete5 My goal in giving you this order is for love to flow from a pure heart, from a clear conscience, and from a sincere faith.
6-11
11a Moses’ Teachings were intended to be used in agreement with the Good News that contains the glory of the blessed God.
12-17
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord that he has trusted me and has appointed me to do his work with the strength he has given me.
13b However, I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in my unbelief.
14-15 Our Lord was very kind to me. Through his kindness he brought me to faith and gave me the love that Christ Jesus shows people. This is a statement that can be trusted and deserves complete acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the foremost sinner.
16 However, I was treated with mercy so that Christ Jesus could use me, the foremost sinner, to demonstrate his patience. This patience serves as an example for those who would believe in him and live forever.
17 Worship and glory belong forever to the eternal king, the immortal, invisible, and only God. Amen.