Bible Phrasing: 1 Timothy 1 (Entire Chapter)
Chapter 1 of Paul's first letter to Timothy is a remarkable example of a spiritual leader's plea to his apprentice.
1) First, Paul's main plea is reiterated throughout the chapter, namely, the plea for Timothy to charge certain persons from making a shipwreck of their faith by teaching or devoting themselves to errant doctrines.
2) Twice Paul calls Timothy his child, a sign of great affection, but also of authority. Paul not only loves Timothy but also expects him to obey the plea to charge.
3) The confrontation Paul has in mind is not a loveless charge. The thesis of 1 Timothy 1 is in verse 5, which gives the ultimate motivation underlying the charge: love. Paul wants Timothy to exhibit a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith.
4) Without the middle of these expressions--a good conscience--people have made a shipwreck of their faith (verse 19).
5) Another theme is opposition. Prior to his conversion, Paul was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. After he came to Christ by faith, he declares that he is the foremost of sinners. This is quite the opposite of Hymaneus and Alexander, who are allegedly professing to be Christians, but who are guilty of blasphemy (verse 20).
6) Finally, the gospel (verse 15) is the center of Paul's ministry. He entrusts the gospel to Timothy, whom he is training, molding, and shaping to become a faithful steward and ardent defender.
1) First, Paul's main plea is reiterated throughout the chapter, namely, the plea for Timothy to charge certain persons from making a shipwreck of their faith by teaching or devoting themselves to errant doctrines.
2) Twice Paul calls Timothy his child, a sign of great affection, but also of authority. Paul not only loves Timothy but also expects him to obey the plea to charge.
3) The confrontation Paul has in mind is not a loveless charge. The thesis of 1 Timothy 1 is in verse 5, which gives the ultimate motivation underlying the charge: love. Paul wants Timothy to exhibit a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith.
4) Without the middle of these expressions--a good conscience--people have made a shipwreck of their faith (verse 19).
5) Another theme is opposition. Prior to his conversion, Paul was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. After he came to Christ by faith, he declares that he is the foremost of sinners. This is quite the opposite of Hymaneus and Alexander, who are allegedly professing to be Christians, but who are guilty of blasphemy (verse 20).
6) Finally, the gospel (verse 15) is the center of Paul's ministry. He entrusts the gospel to Timothy, whom he is training, molding, and shaping to become a faithful steward and ardent defender.
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