Daily Devotional in I Timothy 1

Daily Nugget:
This epistle was written by Paul to Timothy. The preacher considered Timothy a spiritual son (vs. 2). Like any father, spiritual or parental, Paul wanted to give the younger man some good advice. His advice included:

• That the young man stays in Ephesus (vs. 3). The elder could see the need in that city for a good, strong man of God. Paul knew he could trust Timothy for the task.
• That Timothy would encourage the Ephesian Christians to stick to the doctrines Paul had taught them earlier (vs. 3). Often when a good preacher starts a church and teaches proper doctrine there are those that later come teaching contrary teachings.
  
  Apparently, that was a danger the church was facing. Paul knew trustworthy Timothy could help stamp out teachings that were not Scriptural, and those that could also weaken a growing church.
• That Timothy would refute some false teachings (“fables”), that were already doing some damage in the ministry (vs. 4).
• That Timothy would also show the people that the tradition of knowing your lineage was not relevant in the new church dispensation. In the Old Testament, to be a priest it was important to prove that one was from the tribe of Levi. Knowing one’s past forefathers was not as important as the spiritual condition of one’s heart (vs. 4). 

We are not only saved to lead others to the Lord, but also to disciple as many as we can. Usually, being left to one’s own devices will not produce as much spiritual fruit as will being nurtured by another more spiritually-mature Christian. Once love and trust build between a spiritual mentor and a younger-in-the-Lord disciple, the spiritual father desires the best for the disciple. Paul was honored to have young Timothy as a spiritual charge. We also can be a spiritual mentor and influence in another Christian’s life.

Today’s Thought: “Christians should reproduce in like kind.” — Barbara Brinkworth

Today’s Reading: I Timothy 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
5 ¶ Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
12 ¶ And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
18 ¶ This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. (KJV)