Devotional on the first epistle to Timothy

1. Devotional on the first epistle to Timothy

2. Why this epistle for preservants? • Paul the experienced and aged apostle writes to the young bishop who is facing a heavy burden of responsibility in the church of Ephesus. • In addition to conduct of the church, Paul talks pointedly about the conduct of the minister. This also relates to the conduct of all servants. This epistle is considered to be the basis for ministry.

3. Chapter 1 • 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.

4. Chapter 1What can we learn? • We are called by God to serve him: “1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ , our hope”. This concept was clearly indicated in Mathew 4:19: “Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” It is a privilege given to us by God. • If we face failures or disappointments in our ministry, we should remember that we are called by Him who can lead us through difficult times . Thus, we should direct our concerns to Him and not lose heart facing difficulties. • He said “God our Savior…our hope”. It is crucial for servants to keep in their minds the image of God as their savior and their hope. Sadly enough some servants forget that they are sinners too and that they need salvation as much as those whom they serve.

5. Lessons for servants: Basiscs • “Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord”. • By the grace of God we were called to serve, not that we deserve to serve Him. So, when you experience success, it is because of His grace not because you are clever. • The more humble you are the more grace, mercy and peace you get as “the humble finds grace”. St. Mary was “full of grace” because of her exemplary humility. Never look down on those you serve no matter how sinful the might be. • We often sin and do not serve God in sincerity and truth. Only through the mercy of God that He allows us to be still included among His servants. • Peace is a gift of God that keeps us sane in the midst of difficulties either in our ministry or in our lives in general. • Be merciful, graceful and gentle to those whom you serve, as there will be no mercy to those who do not show mercy towards others.

6. Lessons for servants (cont.) • Paul’s charge concerning doctrine • He warns Timothy (and consequently all servants) against false (non-orthodox) teachings and teachers. Therefore, servants should know their orthodox doctrine very well.

7. Lessons for servants (cont.) 4. Even though you have to defend your faith, make sure you do that with the aim of “godly edification which is in faith” avoiding endless unproductive disputes. 5. The most important message that servants have to convey to those they serve is “love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith”. The people you serve should see this clearly in your life. • The true servant is the person who loves God and people and does not waste time in idle disputes.

8. Lessons for servants (cont.) • Do not desire to be a teacher as James said in his epistle “ 1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things”. • If you teach be humble, merciful to people, and do not put on people burdens you cannot yourself bear, giving people hope. If you do not know, say I do not know…I will ask and find out…..rather than give wrong teaching.

9. Scripture: Chapter 1 (cont.) • 12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise,[a]be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

10. Lessons for servants (cont.) • Humility: • Paul humbled himself by remembering and reminding Timothy with his past. Despite the fact that he is a great apostle and a miracle worker, he does not deny his past (30 years earlier): “12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man;”. • Every servant should know that it is God who gives him/her the power to serve His name and that they should thank Him for entrusting them with ministry. We are not worthy to serve the Lord but through His mercy he counts us faithful putting us into the ministry despite our sins. This is an example of God’s great mercy. If we remember God’s mercy to us all the time, we will be always zealous in our ministry. God could have selected other people who are more righteous than us to serve him, yet he selected us. This is a great privilege. This is grace.