UNROLL
A young man seen from behind stands on the stone quay of Ephesus at dawn, watching one small merchant ship with a single square sail head out to sea.

The Book of

1 Timothy 1

Paul has sailed on and left a young friend in a great city to stand for the truth. He starts with his own story of mercy.

20 verses≈ 3 min2 peopleBSB

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In this chapter

Where we are

  1. 1Sound teachingFalse teachers and the grace of ChristChapter 1
  2. 2–3God's householdPrayer, worship and its leaders
  3. 4A good servantTrain yourself for godliness
  4. 5–6:2The church familyWidows, elders and slaves
  5. 6:3–21True richesContentment and the good fight

Paul’s Greeting to Timothy

From PaulTo Timothy, my true child in the faith

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Timothy 1:1–2

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In this chapter

AsiaMacedoniaEphesus

Stylised map · locations approximate

On the map

Stay on at Ephesus

Paul had gone on to Macedonia and asked Timothy to stay behind in Ephesus, the great harbor city of Asia where Paul had once taught for about three years. This journey probably comes after the events of Acts, once Paul was free again. Timothy is left to “instruct certain men not to teach false doctrines.”

Correcting False Teachers

As I urged you on my departure to Macedonia, you should stay on at Ephesus to instruct certain men not to teach false doctrines or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.

The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith.

1 Timothy 1:5

Some have strayed from these ways and turned aside to empty talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert.

Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately.

We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching that agrees with the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.

Question

Quick question

Some in Ephesus wanted to be teachers of the law, but their teaching led to speculation and empty talk.

What does Paul say is the goal of his instruction?

God’s Grace to Paul

Paul

This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.

1 Timothy 1:15

But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

A night sky thick with stars above dark hills and a still sea, the first faint light on the eastern horizon.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, and invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Mercy for the worst

Formerly“a blasphemer, apersecutor”Shown mercy“I was shown mercy”Graceoverflowedwith faith and lovePut to work“appointed me toservice”An example“His perfect patience”For all whobelieve“for eternal life”

Whiteboard

Paul tells his story as a before and after. The man who once hurt Christ’s people was shown mercy, filled with grace and given work to do. And God meant his story for others. If Christ could save Paul, no one who comes to Him is too far gone.

Pray

Mercy for sinners

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.” Thank God that His mercy reached you too. Then bring to Him someone you think is far from Him, and ask Him to show that person the same perfect patience He showed to Paul.

The broken timbers of a small single-masted wooden ship lie on a rocky shore at grey dawn, the sea calm again beyond.

Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith.

0:16

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

holding on to faith and a good conscience

1 Timothy 1:19

Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

Reflect

Fight the good fight

Paul tells Timothy to “fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience,” and warns that some have shipwrecked their faith by letting go. What helps you hold on: Scripture, prayer, friends who tell you the truth? Is there anything you are quietly letting slip that you need to take hold of again?

You’ve experienced

1 Timothy 1

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A verse to carry with you

This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.

1 Timothy 1:15

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