Bible Diary - 1 Timothy 1:8-20
February 21, 2008
Paul is writing Timothy to warn against false teacher, but he digresses here to talk about the purpose of the moral law that is based on the Ten Commandments. For those who follow Christ, the law is a reminder of God’s ground rules of life, but for the bad guys and gals, the “lawless and rebellious people,” it is very bad news. Just in case his readers aren’t sure who these people are, Paul supplies a helpful short snapshot of how they are acting.
1:8 But we know that the law is good if someone uses it legitimately, 1:9 realizing that law is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 1:10 sexually immoral people, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers – in fact, for any who live contrary to sound teaching. 1:11 This accords with the glorious gospel of the blessed God that was entrusted to me.
1:12 I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry, 1:13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, 1:14 and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus. 1:15 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of them! 1:16 But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. 1:17 Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.
1:18 I put this charge before you, Timothy my child, in keeping with the prophecies once spoken about you, in order that with such encouragement you may fight the good fight. 1:19 To do this you must hold firmly to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck in regard to the faith. 1:20 Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
His reflection on the dark side of the law over, Paul returns in verses 12-17 to the good news of the gospel, starting by telling how he was personally called to follow and trust Jesus, even though he was a “blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man.” He knows from experience that Jesus Christ is patient toward “those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.” I need to remember that there are those around me who have no use for Christ but are really on God’s list of those who he knows will turn to him. They are the hidden (for now) elect. Who knows who or what God will use to seal the deal and bring them into the fold? I might even be involved in some cases.
As so often happens with Paul, an exposition of the gospel often ends with an outburst of doxology, verse 17 being an example.
Timothy (like all of us) needs words of encouragement to “fight the good fight.” Timothy is in a fight for truth, and his greatest need is to be aware of the bright line that separates the true faith from false teaching. That’s my challenge, too, because many within the church teach a “tolerance” that muddies up that bright line.
Dave, still seeking understanding.
-sdg-
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