1 Timothy 1

October 16, 2023

“The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” (1 Timothy 1:5 NLT). Paul’s teaching did not have a goal of increased knowledge, but of increased love. Knowledge is good, but without love, it is nothing (1 Cor.

October 16, 2022

PAUL’S PURPOSE FOR INSTRUCTING BELIEVERS: LOVE Paul’s teaching did not have a goal of increased knowledge, but of increased love. Knowledge is good, but without love, it is nothing (1 Cor. 13:2). The believers in Ephesus loved knowledge so much that their discussions often dissolved into meaningless and endless debates over disputable matters. Paul encouraged

October 16, 2019

THE LAW IS GOOD WHEN USED CORRECTLY Paul taught Timothy the importance of guarding the gospel against those who would misuse the law, claiming its necessity for salvation. Human effort at law-keeping does not save, only believing the gospel saves. Those that teach law-keeping as a means of salvation are not using the law “correctly.”

October 16, 2018

PAUL’S PURPOSE FOR INSTRUCTING BELIEVERS
Paul’s teaching did not have a goal of increased knowledge, but of increased love. Knowledge is good, but without love, it is nothing (1 Cor. 13:2). The believers in Ephesus loved knowledge so much that their discussions often dissolved into meaningless and endless debates over disputable matters. Paul encouraged Timothy not to scratch their itch for such things, but to focus on instruction that affected the heart, the conscience and built up a genuine faith. In this way, love would be the ultimate outcome.

We can learn from Paul’s purpose for instruction. Our preaching and teaching must have as its aim that believers examine their hearts, repent of sin to clear their conscience and grow in their faith, so that it is proven genuine. This kind of instruction leads to believers who are filled with love.

We preach unto repentance and life change, not only increased knowledge, but increased love.

October 16, 2017

The apostle Paul was thankful to the Lord Jesus for changing him from a persecutor to a preacher. He spoke of the Lord’s enablement–– that it was the Lord who empowered him to preach. He spoke of his calling–– that it was the Lord who “counted” him worthy. In other words, Paul wasn’t really worthy. He wasn’t really “faithful.” But the Lord counted his confession of faith as righteousness. The Lord’s faithfulness was accounted unto Paul, so that it became Paul’s faithfulness. Finally, the Lord “put” Paul into ministry. The Lord had a specific purpose and place for Paul. And Paul was pleased and thankful to fulfill it.

I join the apostle Paul in thankfulness on this Monday morning. I am thankful to Jesus that he enables me, counts me faithful and that he put me into the ministry.

Want to join me and Paul in some Monday morning thankfulness today?

October 16, 2014

Paul taught Timothy the importance of guarding the gospel against those who would misuse the law, claiming its necessity for salvation. Human effort at law-keeping does not save, only believing the gospel saves. Those that teach law-keeping as a means of salvation are not using the law “correctly.” Yet, the law is not useless when used rightly. In fact, there are at least three right uses of the Law: 
The Law is to… (3 “R”s – Gal. 3:19-26) 
1. Restrain our sinful behavior (Like a guard rail).
2. Reflect our guilt (Like a mirror).
3. Reveal God’s righteous way (Like a teacher).
The law is useful when “used correctly,” but only faith in Christ saves.