1 Timothy 1

1. What is happening? (historical background)

From verse 3 we see that Paul is writing from Macedonia to Timothy he left to continue the work in Ephesus.  Paul wants to leave Timothy some more instructions regarding the care of the church there.

2. What do we learn about God?  (theology)

Theology’s Purpose–The purpose of fruitful teaching about God is to lead one to genuine faith in God, and be filled with a pure love without hidden motivations of self-gain v5. Timothy was dealing with false teachers whose teaching only caused confusion rather promoting than faith and pure love.

The Law–God’s purpose in giving the law was to convict sinners of their sin and to reveal their guilt v8-11.  It is apparent that Timothy was dealing with people who are misusing the law for other wrong purposes rather than pointing people to the “glorious gospel”.

God’s Mercy–While the law was given to convict sinners, God has great patience even with the worst of sinners.  Even the worst of sinners can see Paul’s example and receive eternal life when they turn to Christ in faith v16.

3. How does the passage point to Jesus?

The love and faith that true teaching imparts is the very love of Christ such as the love Paul himself received v14. Jesus Christ uses Paul has a great example of God’s mercy for the worst of sinners–Jesus is the one who saves them v15-16.  False teachers may use the material of God’s word to foster doubts and blaspheme God. When dealing with false teachings about the law, or other points of confusion, one must cling to Christ in faith v19.

4. Application:

When receiving any sort of teaching or instruction, I will judge the content whether or not its final purpose leads me to faith in God and pure love.  When teaching the law, I will not use it to coerce men to a certain desired reaction, but rather use it only to convict men of their guilt so as to turn them to Christ, where mercy is abundant to forgive and secure life eternal.  I will not partake of discussions that foster confusion, but rather choose to cling to Christ, whom I already know to be God’s final answer for the hope of mankind.