1 Timothy 1
Overview
Greetings and Purpose (Verses 1-2):
Paul opens his letter affirming his apostolic authority and greeting Timothy as his spiritual son. This sets the stage for the directives and exhortations that follow, reminding us of the weight and authority behind his words. It underscores the mentor-mentee relationship that we should cherish in our spiritual journeys.
Sound Doctrine and the Law (Verses 3-11):
Paul warns Timothy about false teachers and misuse of the law. He clarifies that the law is good when used correctly—essentially as a mirror to reveal sin but not as a means to righteousness. Paul's emphasis on sound doctrine points us toward the correct understanding of grace and law in the life of a believer.
Grace and Paul’s Testimony (Verses 12-20):
Paul gives a personal testimony of how he was transformed by the grace of God from a persecutor of the church to an apostle. He illustrates that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace, setting himself up as a pattern for future believers. He closes the chapter by entrusting Timothy with this gospel message and warning him against shipwrecking his faith.
1 Timothy 1 serves as a foundational chapter for the entire letter, touching on themes that will be developed further. Its balanced treatment of doctrine, grace, and personal experience provides valuable insights for spiritual leadership and Christian living.
Paul opens his letter affirming his apostolic authority and greeting Timothy as his spiritual son. This sets the stage for the directives and exhortations that follow, reminding us of the weight and authority behind his words. It underscores the mentor-mentee relationship that we should cherish in our spiritual journeys.
Sound Doctrine and the Law (Verses 3-11):
Paul warns Timothy about false teachers and misuse of the law. He clarifies that the law is good when used correctly—essentially as a mirror to reveal sin but not as a means to righteousness. Paul's emphasis on sound doctrine points us toward the correct understanding of grace and law in the life of a believer.
Grace and Paul’s Testimony (Verses 12-20):
Paul gives a personal testimony of how he was transformed by the grace of God from a persecutor of the church to an apostle. He illustrates that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace, setting himself up as a pattern for future believers. He closes the chapter by entrusting Timothy with this gospel message and warning him against shipwrecking his faith.
1 Timothy 1 serves as a foundational chapter for the entire letter, touching on themes that will be developed further. Its balanced treatment of doctrine, grace, and personal experience provides valuable insights for spiritual leadership and Christian living.
1 Timothy 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
18 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;
🔑 Devotional
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.
End of 1 Timothy 1
1 Year Plan: Sept 25 - Isa 41, Isa 42, 1 Ti 1 [next day]
2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
18 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;
🔑 Devotional
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.
End of 1 Timothy 1
1 Year Plan: Sept 25 - Isa 41, Isa 42, 1 Ti 1 [next day]
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