1 Timothy 1

This week we will turn our attention to the book of 1 Timothy. Please read the following chapters; Monday -- 1, Tuesday -- 2, Wednesday -- 3, Thursday -- 4, and Friday -- 5.

This is one Paul's letters called the Pastoral Epistles. This letter is written to Timothy, one of Paul's "sons in the faith". Timothy is a young pastor under Paul's leadership, and the letter is intended for his instruction and training.

This first chapter follows this format; Greeting (1:1-2) Timothy's Standing Order: Stay and Fight (1:3-20) Opposing False Teachers (1:3-5) The False Teachers (1:6-7) The Law (1:8-10) The Authorized Doctrine (1:10-11) The Testimony of a Faithful Teacher (1:12-17) Timothy, Fight the Good Fight (1:18-20). It is fascinating for me to eavesdrop on the old apostle giving marching orders to his disciple.

Paul instructs Timothy to take a stand against false teachings in Ephesus. Timothy is to be a faithful soldier of the Gospel. This was not a pleasant or easy call - we should not b surprised when we are called to contend for our faith that it will not be easy or popular.

Paul gives timothy a clear word on the purpose of the Law - it is useful now for instructing sinner, "Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately. This means understanding that the law is laid down not for the innocent but for the lawless and disobedient, for the godless and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their father or mother, for murderers, fornicators, sodomites, slave traders, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me." 1 Timothy 1:8-11 NRSV.

The personal nature of this letter allows us to eavesdrop on Paul's heart. Don't miss the humanity and personality of the letter. Paul closes this portion with another call to Timothy to persevere, "I am giving you these instructions, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies made earlier about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight," 1 Timothy 1:18 NRSV.

Are we fighting the good fight of faith today friend? Are we holding fast to the message of the Gospel, or are we negotiating away the pure call of God, diluting the faith as we hope to conform to the world. I heard one of our young college students on local television this past Annual Conference say something like this, "We need to change our message to fit the culture we find ourslves in..." I was in my motel room and I said to the walls "No, no, no, no!" We do not change the message. The message is just fine, and it changes us. We may change the presentation, and the way we bring the unchanged message to a new generation, but WE DO NOT CHANGE THE GOSPEL!! We fight the good fight, we remain true to God, we offer them Christ!