Dave’s Monday Blast – October 3, 2022

We have been walking through the New Testament on Tuesday mornings with our Men of INTENTION ministry; currently we are in 1 Timothy.  Between 64 and 67 A.D. Paul penned his three Pastoral Epistles; two to Timothy and one to Titus. When Paul wrote these letters he was no longer writing to his fellow missionaries, but to pastors. Timothy was in Ephesus and Titus was on the Island of Crete. Paul writes to encourage these Pastor/Leaders and to further equip them for their eternal work under some very challenging circumstances.

As I prepare to teach through any given passage or book of Scripture I find myself reading it stem-to-stern several times asking the Spirit of God to reveal the big picture purpose for the writing, and what many refer to as the big take away!

Here are my three primary purpose passages and my take away for each: 

1. 1 Timothy 1:3-5 “As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (Command)

I am to devote my reasonable service (Romans 12:1-3) not to conforming controversies, but to teaching the Truth in love; coming from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith.

2. 1 Timothy 1:15 – 16 “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst. But for that reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life.” (Promise)

I, like Paul, am the worst of sinners; Jesus Christ came to save me so I might display His unlimited grace, mercy and love. His work in me is to be an example for others so that they will believe in Him and receive His gift of eternal life.

3. 1 Timothy 6:11 “But you, man of God flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.” (Application)

There are many competing distractions in this world. Paul reminds us to Flee from them, Pursue Jesus, and Be transformed into His nature. (Romans 12:1 – 3)