1 Timothy 1:1-20
Hold on to your sincere faith
The apostle Paul was responsible for leading Timothy to faith in Jesus and, in this way, is Timothy’s spiritual father. Like any good father, Paul is concerned about Timothy and wants the very best for him. He describes Timothy, to whom this letter is written, as his ‘true son in the faith’ (v.2).
Timothy has also become a leader, pastor and teacher. Paul gives him instructions on leadership and how to deal with problems in the church. These are of great relevance to all of us today.
God’s work is by faith (v.4): ‘The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith’ (v.5). Love and faith should always go together.
Paul lists various sins that are to be avoided at all costs (vv.8–11). Among these is slave trading (v.10). Slavery is the opposite of freedom and trafficking people is an abomination.
Paul goes on to give his own testimony in which faith, love and freedom are intertwined. He was ‘once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man’ (v.13). He describes himself as ‘the worst of sinners’ (v.16).
I find it fascinating to see the progression in the way in which the apostle Paul describes himself:
Much earlier, he described himself as ‘the least of the apostles’ who does not ‘even deserve to be called an apostle’ (1 Corinthians 15:9).
Later on, he says, ‘I am less than the least of all God’s people’ (Ephesians 3:8).
Now, he describes himself as ‘the worst of sinners’ (1 Timothy 1:16).
It seems that the more he has grown in his relationship with the Lord and the closer he has come to the light of Christ, the more he sees his own unworthiness. I think it is often true that as we go on in the Christian life, our conviction of sin increases and our appreciation of God’s forgiveness, love and mercy grows.
True guilt is not an unhealthy emotion – provided it is followed by repentance and forgiveness. The Scottish theologian P.T. Forsyth (1848–1921) once said, ‘Our churches are full of the nicest, kindest people who have never known the despair of guilt or the breathless wonder of forgiveness.’
Jesus Christ sets us free: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst’ (v.15). Salvation means freedom; it came about as a result of grace. Do not wallow in your past. Rather celebrate your present freedom and the grace that brought it about: ‘Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus’ (v.14, MSG).
Christian love flows out of God’s love for you, which is poured into your heart by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). Yet it is far more than an emotion. Christian love is not the victim of your emotions but the servant of your will. Arguably, love is 10% emotion, 20% understanding, 70% will.
Paul became an example for others who would believe in Jesus Christ and receive eternal life (1 Timothy 1:16). ‘To believe on him’ is the act of faith.
This initial act of faith needs to be followed by a life of faith. Thus, Paul urges Timothy to ‘fight the good fight, holding on to faith’ (vv.18–19). He warns of others who have ‘shipwrecked their faith’ (v.19). This advice is a reminder of the importance for all of us to ‘pursue a Paul’ and ‘train a Timothy’.
Lord, thank you that although Paul was the ‘worst of sinners’, you set him free to live a life of love. Thank you that you can also do it for me and for everyone who puts their faith in Jesus.
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