20060114
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    Today begins our study of 1 Timothy. This letter is part of a collection of letters from Paul to two of the men whom he trained as pastors (1&2 Timothy and Titus). This letter is among my favorite books of the bible (Romans, Ephesians, 1&2 Timothy) because it is a clear profession of the faith of a faithful pastor to one of his pupils, communicating clearly the Gospel and the living of a Christian life.
    1 Timothy is one of the most commentated books of the New Testament, so there are a variety of resources available for studying this book. I personally recommend the People’s Bible Commentary that includes 1&2 Timothy and Titus. Here is the link also to the BibleGateway.com commentary. Additional commentaries can be found online via this Google search, although I cannot vouch for their quality or theology.
    1 Timothy 1 is a heartwarming introduction of a Christian father to a Christian son. Such a relationship is a rare thing, cherished by both the father and the son, much the same way that our relationship with God as those saved by Grace is cherished by both our God and by us. In these cherished words, Paul seeks to encourage Timothy as he ministers to the contentious congregation at Ephesus, a work for which he was called by divine call to perform.
    This passage applies to us in that it illustrates the relationship of Christians with one another, in this case the relationships of parent, adopted or real, and child, teacher and student, friend and friend. From this, we should take the great encouragement that Paul offers to Timothy, and consider how we can apply such encouragement to our own relationships.
    Further, Paul warns Timothy about those who would place adherence to the law above our salvation by Grace, for the law is a harsh judge by which no salvation can be attained beyond obeying ever part of it, but thanks be to our Father that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, that we do not have to labor under the law, but under a salvation given to us by His sacrifice.
DLH
