1 Timothy

1.1-20

The name Timothy means "One Who Honors God." Along with Titus, 1st and 2nd Timothy are the three books known as the Pastoral Epistles because they were written by Paul to two of his closest friends who were responsible for the church at Ephesus (Timothy) and the churches on the island of Crete (Titus). The warmth and love of a parent is seen expressed through the chapters that follow, as well as the pride of knowing these instructions will be well heeded. As you read them, also receive from them the instructions for - how to conduct yourself in the house of God, public worship, the selection and qualification of church leaders, the pastor's personal life and public ministry, how to confront sin in the church, the role of women, the care of widows, how to handle money, and other practical topics. In this opening chapter, Paul goes straight to it, with an address of who needs the law, why, a reproof of false doctrine (3-11), and delivering the true doctrine (12-17). Prayerfully consider these words as you read them and ask God what He will reveal to you in them today.

CHAPTER 1

Instructions in Doctrine and Living

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, our hope,
2 To Timothy, my genuine child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 As I exhorted you when going to Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may command certain ones not to teach a different doctrine,
4 nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the stewardship from God which is by faith.
5 But the goal of our command is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and an unhypocritical faith.
6 For some, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion,
7 wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.
8 But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully,
9 knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and godless, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,
10 for sexually immoral persons, for homosexuals, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching,
11 according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.
12 I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He regarded me faithful, putting me into service,
13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;
14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
15 It is a trustworthy saying and deserving full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost.
16 Yet for this reason I was shown mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Christ Jesus might demonstrate all His patience as an example for those who are going to believe upon Him for eternal life.
17 Now to the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
18 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may fight the good fight,
19 keeping faith and a good conscience, which some, having rejected, suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.
20 Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.