Gospel Light Christian Church Thru-The-Bible Series (25.2)

The First Epistle of Paul to Timothy

1 Timothy 1:1-20 - Read this Bible passage once through before referring to the notes below.

Introduction

v1-2   It was necessary for Paul to define clearly at the outset of this epistle the source of his own authority before committing extensive powers in the Church to Timothy, his own son in the faith.  Note that Paul was not merely called to be an apostle, but it was more than that.  He says here that his apostleship was a divine commandment.  And he described our Lord as our hope.  Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Christian’s hope.

Grace, mercy and peace, this phrase occurs only in the Pastoral Epistles (1Tim 1:2, 2Tim 1:2, Tit 1:4), indicating what was on Paul’s mind as he approached death.  In all other apostolic writings, the benediction is grace and peace.  But here in the Pastoral Epistles mercy is added, because ministers need more grace and mercy to deal with sinners. 

Teaching sound doctrine

v3-7    Paul asks Timothy to remain in Ephesus as Pastor of the Church there, in order to charge the false teachers not to teach other doctrines. A minister has a duty guard his flock against heretical doctrines.  He has to identify the false teachers and to charge them not to teach other doctrines.  If these false teachers are from within the minister’s own church, he has the responsibility to remove them, even to ex-communicate them.  The main point here is that ministers are to preach no other doctrines than that of the only true and living God. 

Members are charged not to engage in activities that caused disputes rather than godly edification in faith. The reason for this command was because some had already strayed, having turned aside to idle talk while others, desiring to be teachers of the law, did not actually understand what they said nor the things they affirmed.

Heresies always come about when men begin to depart from teaching the old truths about salvation, but instead seek to add “new truths or revelations” that in fact cannot save.

I deliver unto you that which I also received is the spirit of sound teaching. This commandment to Timothy was to be ministered out of a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith. 

v8-11   The law was not made for the righteous, but for all sorts of sinners and anything else that is contrary to sound doctrine.  Paul asserts that the Law is good if used lawfully.  The lawful use of the Law is as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ (Gal 3:24).  It shows us our sinfulness, and drives us to the Saviour. 

The Law can be put to unlawful use, such as by making it the occasion of endless vain talking or strivings, or by attempting to seek holiness or justification by obedience to its precepts. 

Paul speaks here also about his role as trustee of the Gospel.  Here learn that every preacher of the Gospel is a trustee of the truth.  The Gospel is not just about our personal salvation; it is also about our role as trustee of the Gospel.  It is not ours to keep, but as true and faithful trustees, we are committed to act in accordance with what is stated in the trust deed, which in our case is to share it with others as per the Great Commission.  Notice that the Gospel is described here as the glorious Gospel of the blessed God. 

Thanksgiving for the Lord's grace and mercy 

v12-14  Paul was thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ for enabling him and putting him into the ministry.  Hence learn that it is the Lord that enables us, counting us faithful when he put us into a ministry.   In Paul’s case, he had even more reasons to be thankful to the Lord, considering his background as a blasphemer, a persecutor and an insolent man.  Yet he obtained mercy and abundant divine love, because he did it ignorantly in unbelief. 

The worst sins of man can be forgiven if he accepts the Gospel call to repentance, but if he wilfully rejects the Gospel, then there is no hope left for him.

The divine mercy shown to Paul is a pattern for others

v15-17  The Lord Jesus Christ came to save sinners, of whom Paul said he himself was the chief of sinners.  But he received mercy that the Lord might demonstrate His longsuffering to others who believe on Him for everlasting life.  The divine wisdom in his own salvation did not escape Paul, who in gratitude gave perpetual honour and glory to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God.

Timothy's responsibilities 

v18-20   The charge that Paul committed to Timothy was to wage a good warfare and to have faith and a good conscience. This is spiritual warfare. 

Some like Hymenaeus and Alexander have already suffered shipwreck in their faith; they held that the resurrection was already past (2Tim 2:18). Paul said he delivered such to Satan that they might learn not to blaspheme. This refers to their excommunication from the Church, and possibly inflicting of bodily disease. 

This is not an irrevocable sentence, for its remission depended upon the return of the offenders to faith and repentance, for that is the meaning of that they may learn not to blaspheme. The design was the recovery of the offenders, but we are not told of the outcome in this case.