Greetings from Paul
1 This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope.
2 I am writing to Timothy, my true son in the faith.
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.
Warnings against False Teachings
3 When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. 4 Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations,[a] which don’t help people live a life of faith in God.[b]
5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 6 But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. 7 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.
8 We know that the law is good when used correctly. 9 For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. 10 The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders,[c] liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching 11 that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God.
Paul’s Gratitude for God’s Mercy
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, 13 even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. 14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.
15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.
Timothy’s Responsibility
18 Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. 19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. 20 Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God.
Footnotes:
a. 1 Timothy 1:4 Greek in myths and endless genealogies, which cause speculation.
b. 1 Timothy 1:4 Greek a stewardship of God in faith.
c. 1 Timothy 1:10 Or kidnappers.
4 comments:
interesting how things have changed so much since the days that Timothy walked the earth and yet how things are still exactly the same. sometimes i think "its hard to be a Christian and to have Faith." but, think how hard it must have been to be one of the early ones. when christianity wasnt a major religion, when there was so much worship of legends, myth, etc. these guys are a great example of being bold in our faith.
father - today is an amazing day. you have blessed us with a gift. each day, whether it is full of ups or downs, you give us strength, comfort, joy. you provide for us in ways unseen. you bless us with so much that at times we forget as it becomes mundane. father, let us soak up every day you provide us and by our actions, go out and proclaim you King. Amen.
Hope everyone is doing well!
Sorry i have not been regular lately guys. I did keep up with the reading until this week, but was vacationing with my wife last week and did not post.
I like Timothy, and am enthused to get back at it.
Lord, help me to see my sin as clearly as Paul exposes his. In your son who died for me. Amen jmb
1 Tim 1
timmcd6-I echo your words. Quite a prayer.
15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
I wonder how many people see Christians, us or others, and not see that we were once sinners, and miss Christ's mercy. I think that's why its our job to consistently be humble, trustworthy, and forthcoming about our relationship with Christ so that others won't think that we have always been as we are now. The life we are living now, should be living is justified by faith.
Father, let me stay close to you today despite the many busy-ness things I need to do. Help me to share my love for You with one person today, and stay in constant prayer. Help me remember to pray for those who frustrate me and those who love me.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
crb
Smae verse for me crb. I would even take it a little further and say, share with them that we are still sinners and that without Christ's mercy we are nothing. I think that is the hardest part for me. People think when you are a Christian that sin goes away. Who knows, it may be worse! I sure know satan wants us to dwell on the sin and not the forgiveness for sure.
My prayer is from verse 12
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given all of us strength to do his work. He considered us all trustworthy and appointed us to serve him.
Amen
cas
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