1 Timothy, chapter 1 reminds me of a recent hike up a local mountain. My son found a beautiful view from a rock ledge. My journey down to him was tricky, with lots of large boulders to maneuver around. When I finally reached him, he pointed to the smooth gentle path along the ridge that he used. We left together on the easy path. The letter is written by “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus”, to “Timothy my true son in the faith”. It is filled with instruction, encouragement and trail markers to help believers avoid obstacles. Paul begins with “Grace, mercy and peace”; three words that I cling to when I am most troubled. Paul urges Timothy to “stay there in Ephesus” to help guard against those teaching “false doctrines”. Paul specifically mentions “endless genealogies”, but most false doctrine begins by adding unnecessary complexity to the simple gospel of grace. It is best to avoid “controversial speculations” when reading God’s Word. We are to live “by faith”. Advanced climbers can explore challenging routes, but when teaching the novice, he stresses that “The goal of this command is love”. Many that follow a false doctrine are sincere, but Paul says, they have no understanding of the Law, and therefore, “they do not know what they are talking about”. In order to have an unobstructed view, we need to see Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law. Paul notes, “the law is good if one uses it properly”. Things can be misconstrued when taken out of context, that is why we must study the whole Bible.
The purpose of the Law is to let us know when we are off course and warn us of dangers ahead. Paul says, the Law is “not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels”. Remember, the word “sin” is an archer’s term for missing the bullseye. Every one of us have missed perfection, but we tend to overlook our own sin. Paul lists a few examples of sin; “murderers… the sexually immoral… slave traders and liars… whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine”. Some will smugly claim they have never murdered anyone, but Jesus raised the bar for everyone that thinks they are above reproach; “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment” (Matt 5:21). Paul does not look down on anyone. In fact, he is amazed that God would choose to use him to minister, “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man”. That means that he turned back and took a new path. His past experience made him a useful guide.
Paul was hated, pursued and persecuted for sharing the story of his personal redemption. “I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief” and yet, “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly”. Paul experienced forgiveness through “the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus”. Paul could preach to the lost and the hopeless because he too had been lost. Paul taught with humility, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst”. He concluded that he was chosen to be a minister of mercy so that “Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example”. He pointed the way out of trouble to “those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life”. The chapter closes with an encouragement to young Timothy to remember the prophecies that were made of him. Paul tells him to “fight the battle well” by “holding on to faith and a good conscience”. Faith that the map is accurate, and God’s promises are true. And good conscience, meaning your actions follow what you say you believe. Paul had other followers before Timothy. He adds a caution, some rejected God’s Word and have “suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith”. The most common cause of death during mountaineering is overconfidence. Friend, there is a smooth and easy path. Is it time to check your security?