October 31, 2023 - 1 Timothy 1

There is a popular philosophy and methodology in Christian missions that purportedly is drawn from the teachings and ministry of Paul. It is said that Paul saw many new churches started and, as the individual churches came into existence, even in their embryonic states, he moved on to other places, started more churches, and “entrusted the churches to the Holy Spirit.” Well, he certainly entrusted them to the Holy Spirit but he also knew that the Holy Spirit matures those churches and keeps them through the ministries and care of God’s ministers. And, so, Paul writes to Timothy, “As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith” (1:3-4). That is, Paul did not merely “entrust the new churches to the Holy Spirit,” he also watched over them, instructed them through his letters, and sent his representatives, like Timothy, to watch over the churches.

Paul was greatly concerned that the new churches remain faithful and, in considering the dangers they faced, he wrote to Timothy about the false doctrine and the ungodly lifestyles all around. He noted, also, his own ungodly past. But here’s the good news: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (1:15). That is good news, indeed!

Chief of sinners though I be,

Jesus shed his blood for me,

died that I might live on high,

lives that I might never die.

As the branch is to the vine,

I am his and he is mine!

Oh, the height of Jesus’ love,

higher than the heav’ns above,

deeper than the depths of sea,

lasting as eternity,

love that found me— wondrous thought—

found me when I sought him not. -- William McComb (1871)