Meaningful 'Takes' from First Timothy

Meaningful takes from First Timothy.

 So, where were we … what were we studying before our Christmas-themed Morning Briefings?  We were looking over Timothy’s shoulder as he read the letter Paul had written him—a letter of encouragement, affirmation, and instruction in leadership. 

Yesterday morning, I reread 1 Timothy, and pulled out some pivotal verses for us to remember and consider afresh, but first, a prayer: ‘O God, please help us focus on the import of Paul’s mission to communicate truth—to believers, young in their Christian faith, to Timothy, who was leading the church at Ephesus which Paul loved so much, and to us, 2000 years later, (though Paul could not have known it then).  God, help us to grab a hold of at least one of these truths to meditate upon this day, that we might be sharpened, challenged or renewed by it.  In Jesus’ most unique name, Amen.’

Paul wrote:

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 1.15

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen 1.17 It is right to give him thanks and praise.

I urge, then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone. 2.1 Do you pray for others? And do you thank God for them as well?

For there is one God, one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.2.5-6 Paul states our central Christian doctrine, making no room for any kind of false teaching, or that which would add something (or someone) to what Jesus did for us—Jesus is the way to God.  Period. We remember that Jesus said of himself, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father but through me.’ John 14.6

Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:  He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. 3.16 There it is—the Gospel in a nutshell!

For physical training is of value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.4.8

This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.4.9-10 No matter what befalls us in life, God is trustworthy, which is the very reason the psalmist wrote, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118.8

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 4.12   This is our theme verse for Fellowship of Christian Athletes; but it is a great word to all of us – we are to set an example for others in what we say, in our lives, in how we love, in our faith, and in our personal purity. 

Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.4.13

Watch your life and doctrine closely.  Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.4.16 Pay attention to what you are believing, most especially with regard to your Christian faith. Question anyone who does not want to be questioned!  Seek out the scriptures for yourself—know what you believe, and be careful that it is the truth.

Keep yourself pure.5.22b Consecration – the decision to dedicate yourself to living an uncontaminated life.

Solid nuggets from the first five chapters of First Timothy… Thank you, God, for inspiring Paul to write as he did.  Thank you for speaking to us from this letter; these indeed are meaningful ‘takes’.