God Cherishes You Blog

We have been studying the Apostle Paul’s ‘prison letters,’ consisting of the book of Ephesians (see Immersing Yourself in Spiritual Growth and Insights into the Mystery of Christ), the book of Philippians (Joy is Found in Suffering as Well), and the book of Colossians (Distinguishing What is Godly from Oppositional Self-Serving Lies).

            Now, we are going to shift to what is considered Paul’s ‘pastoral letters’ – the books of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. But before we make that shift, I want to render a very brief description of a the last ‘prison letter,’ which is the very short book of Philemon.

            Philemon hosted a church in his home, thought to be in city of Colossae. Paul was believed to have visited him there, and he encouraged him as a ‘co-worker’ in Christ. Philemon was also a slave owner. One of his slaves, Onesimus, who, after having committed some disobedience, ran away from his owner, and met up with Paul in Rome, whether purposely or not, is unknown.

            The apostle wrote to Philemon in approximately 60 – 62 A.D., and the letter was to be delivered by Onesimus himself, as plea to free his slave. Paul begins by exhorting his co-worker:

I always thank my God, when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. Phn. 1 – 7. NLT

            Paul is laying the groundwork for Philemon to see his riches in Christ, and he is recognizing his co-worker’s Christian walk – setting him up for hearing Paul’s request for grace, regarding Onesimus. He tells Philemon that is request is righteous (Phn. 8, 9. NLT).

            Furthermore, Paul informs him that he has made a convert out of Onesimus. In addition, Paul asks Philemon to return his slave to him, to help him in his ministry during his arrest in Rome. But he wants Philemon to do it willingly, appealing again to his Christian grace. (Phn. 10 -14. NLT).

            Lastly, Paul appeals to Philemon to consider that now that Onesimus is free in Christ, that he should also set the slave free from his bondage:

Yes, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord’s sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ. Phn. 20 NLT

            What we can take away from this brief treatise, is that Paul was reminding Philemon of the power of the Gospel, to bring reconciliation, and he is showing him how it needs be meted out in righteous grace…

            Now let us turn back to our original intent – the examination of Paul’s first ‘pastoral letter,’ the book of 1 Timothy.       

            The time is approximately 64 A.D. Paul was released from what would be his first Roman imprisonment. Unfazed, he continued his ministry and is believed to have taken it as far as Spain. During that journey, he revisited the church of Ephesus. There, he appointed his 14-year disciple and ministerial co-worker, as overseer of the church.

            Paul traveled on to Macedonia, where it is believed that he was re-arrested. From there, he wrote a letter to Timothy (known as the book of 1 Timothy), to instruct him in how to be an effective leader in church, and to encourage him in his own walk with God.

            It is called a ‘pastoral’ letter because it is all about shepherding the church. It is relevant to us, because all of God’s children are charged with being walking, talking, and acting ambassadors of the church of Christ.

            Apparently, the church in Ephesus was infiltrated with false teachers, because Paul addresses this at the outset of his letter:

When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussions of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God.

The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 1 Tim. 1:3 – 5. NLT

            The apostle then contrasts how Timothy should position himself against the false teachers’ attempts to promote Mosaic Law, in their effort to teach that the Gospel cannot stand on its own. Paul does this by teaching Timothy the correct utilization of the law:

…the law is good when used correctly. For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy… 1 Tim. 1:8, 9. NLT

            The law was meant to show unbelievers their sin, and to point the way to their salvation. The Gospel is purposed to be guidepost for the followers of Christ, for facilitating a righteous lifestyle.

            Paul holds up his own conversion – from being a persecutor of the church, to becoming a church planter and an evangelizer for Christ, all to fortify Timothy’s faith in the transformative power of the Gospel:

…I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that comes from Christ Jesus.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience, even with the worst of sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Tim. 1:13 – 16. NLT

            There is no one the Gospel cannot transform if they are willing…

            Next, Paul leads Timothy into the way of facilitating that transformation – first for himself, and then for others:

Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you…Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. 1 Tim. 18, 19. NLT

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.

For there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity – the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. 1 Tim. 1 – 6. NLT

            God wants you to live a peaceful life. That’s why He tells you to pray for your governing leaders (even if you didn’t vote for them), that they would exercise godly wisdom in the dissemination of their governance.

            Our Creator also wants everyone to be saved; and the only way to have that happen, is for all to be led into a personal relationship with Christ.

            Paul then lays out the character traits that one should possess and exercise, to be an effective leader for God’s kingdom and in the church:

If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation.

He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.

He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? 1 Tim. 3:1-5. NLT

            What was Paul’s ultimate purpose in conveying these godly behaviors to Timothy?

…you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth. 1 Tim. 3:15 NLT

            And what is that great truth?

…this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory. 1 Tim. 3:16 NLT

            Paul returns to addressing the dangers of false teachers:

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.

They will say that it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain food. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it by the word of God and prayer. 1 Tim. 4:1 – 5. NLT

            The apostle is giving us a Holy Spirit-inspired warning against saddling up to religiosity instead of the word of God. Indeed, many denominational doctrines and man-made traditions

are demonic in nature – used by the devil to sow division in the body of Christ.

            Jehovah tells us to throw these conflicted beliefs by the wayside, and cleave to His ways:

If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and good teaching you have followed…train yourself to be godly. 1 Tim. 4:6, 7. NLT

            Why should we follow suit? Because godly conduct reflects our faith in His word – that same faith that locks us safely into the Kingdom of God, and helps us to resist the worldly mindset:

This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. 1 Tim. 4:10

Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Tim. 4:12 NLT

Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. 1 Tim. 4:16 NLT

            What is Paul ultimately preparing Timothy for? Building new warriors for Christ!

            Contrast that with the nature of false teachers:

Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. 1 Tim. 6:4 – 5. NLT

            Their ‘false agendas’ all attempt to sow seeds of doubt and discontent, because the master of discontent (Satan) hates the church. These agendas are completely antithetical to the purposes of God:

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into this world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 1 Tim. 6:6 – 8. NLT

            Jehovah does not have anything against you enjoying your blessings. He just wants you to remember from whence they came from – realizing that He is the source of the fulfillment of all your needs.

            When you are assured of this, you won’t obsess over the accumulation of anything, because your faith gives you confidence that God is your great provider. And so, He warns us about how obsessing over one’s possessions leads to destruction:

But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Tim. 6:9,10. NLT

            Finally, Paul charges Timothy with living the life of a leader for God, by living out the characteristics of His Son – to bring himself and the souls around him into eternal life:

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.

And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

At the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of lords. He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen. 1 Tim. 6:11 – 16. NLT

            Goodnight and God bless.