God Gives Strength

Timothy is a preacher or teacher charged with the resposibility of safeguarding the gospel of Jesus Christ at Ephesus. As we mentioned last week Gnosticism and a new word "ascetisim" were rampant. The three letters known as the pastoral letters are addressed to Timothy, but they are written for the entire congregation. This lesson is too encourage strength, and steadfastness in the gospel Jesus Christ has given Christians. Paul is the writer of these letters, he uses his own life as a witness to the power of God.


Passage 1 Timothy 1:12-20:

12And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.


These first two verses is Paul telling how the gospel of Jesus, has changed his life. He tells of the different things he was guilty of doing before his tranformation. Many of them carried a sentence of death, in the old testament. Paul admitted his ignorance and earlier disbelief. He thanked God for his mercy, for forgiving him of his sins.


14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

16Howbeit 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.

17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.


This tells how merciful the Lord was in giving us Jesus Christ. It was far beyond what sinners were worthy of being given. The word being given to us, is something we can trust and believe. God is telling us here, he is the chief of all people, that means everyone. Separation has already been an issue among believers. We always wanted to leave somebody out, just like we do today. Jesus led by example, while he was here on earth. As Christians we are bound to face obstacles too. We are given the ammunition, to overcome these things we face. This last passage tells us who we must be dedicated too. In spite of the fact that we haven't seen him, and he transcends all time. God is our hope for eternal life, and that's the end of story.


18This 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;

19Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

20Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.


This is the apostle Paul, talking directly to Timothy. It has been prophesied that this would take place, long before Timothy came on the scene. False prophets and persecutors of the faith. This letter was written to prepare Timothy, for what was yet to come. Some have already ventured away from has been taught. The analogy of a shipwreck is used to demonstrate running out of water. Water being the fluid which sustains us, what keeps us afloat. The mention of Hymenaeus of Alexander is to show us where blasphemers end up. In a state of disarray, not having destination or direction. Not that they are doomed, but they must change their ways. That's the thing about Christianity, it provides another chance.