- Published: December 31, 2021
- Updated: December 31, 2021
- Level: College Admission
- Language: English
- Downloads: 19
22 March, Chapter of 1st Timothy The Book of 1st Timothy is the first of what are known as the “ Pastoral Epistles,” written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy, whom he describes as his “ true child in the faith.” (1 Tim 1: 2) Paul left Timothy at Ephesus to teach sound doctrine to the church he had planted there, while he went on to Macedonia. (1 Tim 1: 3) In this, the first of two letters to Timothy, Paul provides instruction to Timothy in order that he may “ fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience.” (1 Tim 1: 19) Chapter 1 begins with Paul identifying himself and stating his authority: “ Paul, an apostleI of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God.” (1 Tim 1: 1) This epistle is the only oneII in which he describes himself as an apostle according to the commandment of God; quite possibly because his next comments were directed at doctrinal issues related to the Mosaic Law, with its emphasis on commandments. At issue are the men who are straying from the gospel of salvation by faith in Christ Jesus. Paul’s treatment of doctrinal issues related to the law are more fully expounded in Romans and Galatians (and assuming he is the author, the book of Hebrews), but he uses a short discussion of the Law as a springboard to shift the discussion to its proper place, salvation by faith. “ Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. And yet for this reason I found mercy, in order that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience, as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.” (1 Tim 1: 15-16) In other words, if Paul can find salvation in Christ, he who persecuted and killed believers, anyone can. Starting in verse 4, Paul explains the goal of pastoral care: “…furthering the administration of God which is by faith. But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1 Tim 1: 4-5) The mission of preaching and teaching the Gospel of Salvation is given to all Christians, so this passage speaks to all believers. Romans 6 provides the doctrine that a Christian cannot continue in sinIII and a pure heart is one that is free from sin. A good conscience is one in which the Holy Spirit is free to communicate, the opposite of those whose conscience has been “ seared.” (1 Tim 4: 2) A sincere faith is one that is characterized by love, best described in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7. This doctrine is foundational. A believer with an impure heart, a seared conscience or insincere faith cannot emulate Christ’s example. This doctrine is especially clear for those who would teach, placed as it was at the beginning of the Pastoral Epistles, yet the application is clearly to all Christians. Christians are to be light and salt to the world, a presence that can be seen and “ tasted.” It is the pure heart, good conscience and sincere faith acting always in love that causes an unbelieving world to look on the life of a Christian and say to themselves “ I want whatever it is that they have.” The Law exists for the “ lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching.” (1 Tim 1: 9-10) Spiritual rebirth in Christ and obedience to His Spirit will create a pure heart, clear conscience and a sincere faith: Nothing else. Work Cited New American Standard Bible. The Lockman Foundation. 1995, Print. End Notes:
