I decided to do some reading in 1 Timothy this week, it won't take long to cover the chapter. I tried to pay a lot of attention to the details of what Paul was saying to Timothy who was, at the time, in Ephesus.
Paul greets Timothy with 3 blessings, charis [grace]—God's ongoing forgiveness and enabling, eleos [mercy]—God's sympathy and concern, eirene [peace]—God's tranquility and stability within and among them as individuals and as a Christian community." In Dr. Constable's Bible Study I read this: Timothy had a tendency to be fearful, so the reminder that God is our Father would have encouraged him. However, Paul eliminated the possibility of permissiveness implied in "Father" by using "Lord." Timothy needed to remember that the Lord had called him to serve a God who loved him as a father yet deserved complete obedience as a lord. We share Timothy's need.
I have never received so much insight from the greeting of an epistle prior to reading this commentary.
Right out of the gate in Verse 3 Paul tells Timothy to encourage his people to steer clear of those who teach another doctrine "Strange doctrines" (Gr.heterodidaskalein) is a general term that contrasts their novel teaching with what is edifying. It also suggests that a recognized standard of Christian doctrine existed when Paul wrote.. In a commentary I looked up it was stated that Hymeneaus and Alexander were two of those "wolves", most likely elders within the church, which later Paul states he has "turned over to Satan" (excommunicated). Such a strong statement concerning those that would teach a different gospel. As a part of the Pastoral Epistles, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus have 2 purposes: to defend sound doctrine and maintain sound discipline as pastoral duties.
He also warns again spending time on Myths (thought to be referencing Myths/Stories about Jesus and Geneologies (OT lists of Character and fictitious history in order to teach God's dealings with his people. These things distract from true doctrine and as Paul states it "promotes speculation rather than stewardship from God that is by faith."
From Dr. Constable: "I am personally of the opinion that one of the causes of
weakness in the churches today is the virtual disappearance from our pulpits of sound, steady, Scriptural, expository teaching, and that a widespread return to that desirable practice is essential to the solid building-up of our members in the faith."
1:5 The ultimate aim of a Bible teacher should not be to generate debate and controversy. It should be to cultivate the lives of his or her students so they manifest love in their daily living. This love should spring from a pure heart, a conscience void of shame, and a genuine trust in God.
Then our Charge: Love-from a pure heart, a conscience void of Shame (Good Conscience), and a Genuine Trust in God (Sincere Faith). vs 1:5 Sidenote: Paul's readers would perceive the conscience as
sending internal signals evaluating the rightness or wrongness of behavior (past, present or future) as a member of a group.
It is amazing to me how much meat God has placed in just 5 versus of one book of the New Testament. I often wonder how I could spend enough time in God's word or about Pastors who spend each day/all day diving into God's heart--wouldn't it get tiresome? No Way, God's word is dynamic, active, current, practical, alive and withstanding time.
I was reminded of that again today! Praise Jesus huh. I'm so blessed to be his Child. Hopefully I will finish the rest of 1 Timothy tomorrow...there is so much more!
No comments:
Post a Comment