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 1 Timothy 1 - Fight Well

        Merry Christmas.  What does Christmas mean?  Well, here’s what this chapter says, “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’ - and I am the worst of them all” (1 Timothy 1:15).  Thank God for Christmas, God’s rescue mission.  His Gift, and Good News.

        We hear in this chapter the loving message of Paul to Timothy.  But it is also God’s loving message to you and me.  This is a letter of instruction from our loving Father to help us to fight well in God’s battles (1:18).

        For some people, a show of godliness is only a means to make money (1:6).  Paul urged Timothy to stand for truth and to stop the false teachers (1:3).  Paul had the authority of God as he was appointed by the command of God.  You see, some people would like to debate spiritual pedigree and various meaningless speculations.  I’ve definitely been guilty of this.  The end of the year and the start of the new year is a great time to set priorities and focus on what God says we should do.  Meaningless speculation makes us feel good about ourselves.  Smart.  Cocky.  Confident.  But good godly teaching is a whole different matter.  Good teaching helps people live a life of faith in God.

        Everyone who has accepted Jesus as God and Saviour has Jesus Christ as High Priest.  We go directly to God in our prayers.  Of course, we still have spiritual teachers (we see that throughout the Old and New Testaments).  But we now have a real, genuine, daily, relationship with God.  Direct relationship.  A Father with His dear children.  The Old Covenant has been completely replaced by the New (Hebrews 8).  I pray that the coming year will be one of spiritual growth for all of us, and the church worldwide.  May God’s grace, mercy, and peace overflow.

        Our focus ought to be God.  Jesus Christ, the Giver of Life and the Holy One who writes His laws on our hearts.  Let’s up our games.  There is so much moral uncertainty in the world today.  Our forefathers knew well that God has standards.  And that we are to be very concerned with how we treat people and with the consequences of our words and actions.  We are to hate evil.  And do what is good.  We have no excuse for not knowing the difference between the two.

        Know Exodus 20 by heart, but more importantly, know Galatians 5 and live it.  Live in Christ’s freedom.  The law shows sin (Romans 3).  We know very well that we are sinners (Romans 1).  But we are now perfect because of the gift of Jesus Christ - new life in Christ.  Merry Christmas!

        May we all be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith (1:5).  In other words may we reflect the new life God Almighty has given us.  We have everything we need in Jesus Christ.

        God is generous and gracious.  He gives us so much grace.  Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.  To save you.  And me.  And God will prepare us well for the good battles that lie ahead in the coming year.

        Thank you, Jesus, for your love for all people.  Thank you for coming to save us.  Please fill us today with faith and love that comes from you.  Amen.

Merry Christmas (a few years back, now our daughter is expecting her fourth son)


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