"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone"
Paul spent all of the first chapter telling Timothy about the Source, Strength, and Focus of Minstry (Christ and His Call To Sinners). He also spent the time warning him about the danger of ministry (False Teachers and Yourself). Here he starts chapter 2 with practical advice of how "To Do" ministry. And what does he say first....
He says PRAY! He doesn't just say pray, he URGES Timothy to passionately pray for all men. As shepherd of the flock the first thing he wants him to remember is to pray at all time for "all men". Paul urges Timothy to intercede before the throne of God daily for those within his church and those outside he desires to reach. He encourages him to continually lift up thanksgiving to our Lord. He desires that all types of supplication and prayers be offered up that he might see the faithfulness of the Lord.
This really struck me. There are a 1000 important things that Paul could have started his instructions to Timothy with (Word Study, Counseling, Discipleship, Worship, etc), but the first thing he says is "PRAY!" It made me think, he could of told Timothy "to do" anything first, but in essence he said "Let God Do" and then join alongside.
I think Paul is saying that power of ministry comes from God, not man. In no way does a believer more unleash the power of God then through prayer. Paul is saying, ssk the Lord and watch, He will do great things.
I have to admit this was convicting. No doubt the life of a Pastor like Timothy needs to be filled with continual prayer, but I don't think this urging is any less true for every believer. The source of our strength and the strength for ministry lies not in ourselves, but God. When we pray, we confirm this is true. Men and Women who don't pray ultimately are saying that they can handle ministry all by themselves.
As I asked God to reveal more to me about the truth of this verse, I heard him say just one more thing, "Pray". So I spent the rest of the walk in prayer for family, friends, the school, my students and anything else that crossed my mind. I too like Timothy hope to unleash the power in my life and the lives of those around me.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
1 Tim 19b-20
"Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme."
Then following the charge, comes the warning.
But if you don't......"some have shipwrecked their faith".
I spent a lot of time dwelling on this shipwrecked metaphor trying to bring it to life. What picture does Paul want Timothy to see here? What picture should I see? What type of shipwreck is this?
I want to be clear, this is not the type of possible shipwreck discussed in James 1:2-6. This is not a trial of life that comes along. We all know that life in and of itself for a believer is filled with endless trials. There are enough icebergs, shallow sand bars, and pirate ships that continually stand in our path. We know people who have been faced with trials that literally feel as if their faith has been shipwrecked. Despite that pain, hopefully the beleiver grows from the experience.
The shipwreck Paul is talking about is self imposed. Landmines that we have willfully placed in our own path. Land mines that we have created in life by not keeping the faith and a good conscience. There is no need to list these. Every believer could list these and probably list the ones they struggle to avoid creating for themself. This is what Paul warns.
When thinking about this a scene from the movie Ghostbusters popped into my head. At the end, they are told that their own thoughts will destroy them. They try to clear their head of thoughts, but Ray thinks of the Staypuft Marshmallow Man. Now real life is not intended to be a comedy, and the results of our thoughts and actions are more serious then that of a movie. But the idea remains, don't destroy yourself. By not keeping the faith and a good conscience, you shipwreck yourself Timothy!
As I thought about the idea of a shipwreck 5 things come came to mind.
1) Loss of Valuable Cargo--Willfully choosing to live a life of disobedience in sin will cause us to lose things. This can range from respect, trust, jobs, or family. A shipwreck always has serious loss of unreemable carge.
2) Loss of Life--My guess is rarely did a 1st century shipwreck happen without loss of life. We know of Paul's shipwreck at the end of Acts and the only way everyone survived in that situation was by the direct working of God. Now, you might not die, but there is a sense that we are destroying something sacred by willfull disobedience.
3) Great Peril--As I thought of this point while walking, suddenly a scene from the movie Jaws popped into my head. Where the old battered sea captain tells of the fate of the crew of the USS Indianapolis. I don't remember it verbatim, but it in essence he says (100 men went into the water, 20 men came out). His story was about shark attack, but the idea stays the same. A shipwrecking of your faith leads to numerous life perils and troubles that follow.
4) Public Spectacle--There is definitely a sense where I think Paul intends to give this meaning the the shipwreck as he lists two such members of the church who have shipwrecked their faith. No doubt, choosing a life of sin can possible lead you to be a public spectacle. I think we all know such people. Those whose sin has caught them and exposed them before all. Often these are people in leadership, especially a Pastor like Timothy faces this if he chooses a life of sin.
5) Permanent Mark--I can't imagine any sea captain who wrecks a ship gets many opportunities to pilot another. Now, our God is perfect in mercy and their is always restoration. Even the brothers mentioned at the end of the verse were given over to Satan in the hope of restoring their place and fellowship in the body. This is always the goal, but the mark/memory always remains.
Paul finishes this warning with an example. Timothy no doubt knows these men and their fate well. This is a very personal example for him. Just as his calling should always encourage him to live a Godly life, the example of these men should always warn him against choosing sin. I see this as a passionate plea by Paul, remember the pain they caused and the regretful punishment I had to give. Please, Please Timothy don't let this happen to you. Please, Please God don't let this happen to me.
Then following the charge, comes the warning.
But if you don't......"some have shipwrecked their faith".
I spent a lot of time dwelling on this shipwrecked metaphor trying to bring it to life. What picture does Paul want Timothy to see here? What picture should I see? What type of shipwreck is this?
I want to be clear, this is not the type of possible shipwreck discussed in James 1:2-6. This is not a trial of life that comes along. We all know that life in and of itself for a believer is filled with endless trials. There are enough icebergs, shallow sand bars, and pirate ships that continually stand in our path. We know people who have been faced with trials that literally feel as if their faith has been shipwrecked. Despite that pain, hopefully the beleiver grows from the experience.
The shipwreck Paul is talking about is self imposed. Landmines that we have willfully placed in our own path. Land mines that we have created in life by not keeping the faith and a good conscience. There is no need to list these. Every believer could list these and probably list the ones they struggle to avoid creating for themself. This is what Paul warns.
When thinking about this a scene from the movie Ghostbusters popped into my head. At the end, they are told that their own thoughts will destroy them. They try to clear their head of thoughts, but Ray thinks of the Staypuft Marshmallow Man. Now real life is not intended to be a comedy, and the results of our thoughts and actions are more serious then that of a movie. But the idea remains, don't destroy yourself. By not keeping the faith and a good conscience, you shipwreck yourself Timothy!
As I thought about the idea of a shipwreck 5 things come came to mind.
1) Loss of Valuable Cargo--Willfully choosing to live a life of disobedience in sin will cause us to lose things. This can range from respect, trust, jobs, or family. A shipwreck always has serious loss of unreemable carge.
2) Loss of Life--My guess is rarely did a 1st century shipwreck happen without loss of life. We know of Paul's shipwreck at the end of Acts and the only way everyone survived in that situation was by the direct working of God. Now, you might not die, but there is a sense that we are destroying something sacred by willfull disobedience.
3) Great Peril--As I thought of this point while walking, suddenly a scene from the movie Jaws popped into my head. Where the old battered sea captain tells of the fate of the crew of the USS Indianapolis. I don't remember it verbatim, but it in essence he says (100 men went into the water, 20 men came out). His story was about shark attack, but the idea stays the same. A shipwrecking of your faith leads to numerous life perils and troubles that follow.
4) Public Spectacle--There is definitely a sense where I think Paul intends to give this meaning the the shipwreck as he lists two such members of the church who have shipwrecked their faith. No doubt, choosing a life of sin can possible lead you to be a public spectacle. I think we all know such people. Those whose sin has caught them and exposed them before all. Often these are people in leadership, especially a Pastor like Timothy faces this if he chooses a life of sin.
5) Permanent Mark--I can't imagine any sea captain who wrecks a ship gets many opportunities to pilot another. Now, our God is perfect in mercy and their is always restoration. Even the brothers mentioned at the end of the verse were given over to Satan in the hope of restoring their place and fellowship in the body. This is always the goal, but the mark/memory always remains.
Paul finishes this warning with an example. Timothy no doubt knows these men and their fate well. This is a very personal example for him. Just as his calling should always encourage him to live a Godly life, the example of these men should always warn him against choosing sin. I see this as a passionate plea by Paul, remember the pain they caused and the regretful punishment I had to give. Please, Please Timothy don't let this happen to you. Please, Please God don't let this happen to me.
1 Tim1:18-19a.
"Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight."
This is one of those verses where you wonder why they chose to split the verse this way. They stop mid thought. It's like a cliffhanger, a to be continued episode of your favorite TV show, and then you cross to the next verse and "ah hah" holding faith and a good conscience. Got it!
I read through this verse a couple of times and just struggled with managing the part about the prophecy. Really couldn't see what I could get out of something so specific to Timothy. So I did what any good bible scholar would do, I took it out. In many ways the verse could be summed up by saying "This charge I entrust to you that you wage a good war holding faith and a good conscience." That makes complete sense to me.
When I do look at the verse this way, you see a real simplicity. Sometimes I make Christianity so complicated. Sometimes I get stuck looking at all of the bars I have to jump over. I get discouraged when I get into these ruts. Downright depression ridden at times when I see myself knocking down these "self created spiritual hurdles". The ones I think I need to clear to live a truly spiritual life.
Paul encourages Timothy to do two things to wage the good war. Just 2 THINGS! Hold the Faith and Keep a Good Conscience. This reminded me of when Christ was asked about the greatest commandment and he simply said "Love the Lord, Love your Neighbor (paraphrase)". Here in essence Paul is restating that same point. Hold the Faith (Love the Lord) Keep a Good Conscience (Honor God in Your Actions to All). The beauty about our God and our faith is that it does not burden us with laws, but encourages us to live a new, beautiful, renewed life of loving the Lord and loving others. This is what I want to embrace.
After thinking through this, I realized I couldn't really leave out a whole section of this Scripture so I went back to the part about Timothy's prophecy. I realized that if I was trying to look a this passage through Timothy's lense, this part would have been the most meaningful to Timothy. I don't know what the prophecies contained, but that doesn't really matter. I looked again at this part and I realized that this was Timothy's "HOW". This was how he was going to going to accomplish this simple yet daunting charge given by Paul. By hanging on to the calling that God has given him.
Only some of us as believers can say we have been prophesized over, but I think all of us can lay hold to a calling that God has laid upon our hearts and our lives. Paul is saying, when this charge to wage the good war seems hard, remember your calling. Remember what you were and how God called you out of the darkness of your previous life. Remember the great calling of opportunity given to you to be in service in the army of the Lord. Waging the Good War. Remember the great position you have been given as a child of God, prince of this world, royal priest, a member of a holy nation. When you remember this, fight for what is good. Then do just two things, "Keep the Faith and a Good Conscience."
This is one of those verses where you wonder why they chose to split the verse this way. They stop mid thought. It's like a cliffhanger, a to be continued episode of your favorite TV show, and then you cross to the next verse and "ah hah" holding faith and a good conscience. Got it!
I read through this verse a couple of times and just struggled with managing the part about the prophecy. Really couldn't see what I could get out of something so specific to Timothy. So I did what any good bible scholar would do, I took it out. In many ways the verse could be summed up by saying "This charge I entrust to you that you wage a good war holding faith and a good conscience." That makes complete sense to me.
When I do look at the verse this way, you see a real simplicity. Sometimes I make Christianity so complicated. Sometimes I get stuck looking at all of the bars I have to jump over. I get discouraged when I get into these ruts. Downright depression ridden at times when I see myself knocking down these "self created spiritual hurdles". The ones I think I need to clear to live a truly spiritual life.
Paul encourages Timothy to do two things to wage the good war. Just 2 THINGS! Hold the Faith and Keep a Good Conscience. This reminded me of when Christ was asked about the greatest commandment and he simply said "Love the Lord, Love your Neighbor (paraphrase)". Here in essence Paul is restating that same point. Hold the Faith (Love the Lord) Keep a Good Conscience (Honor God in Your Actions to All). The beauty about our God and our faith is that it does not burden us with laws, but encourages us to live a new, beautiful, renewed life of loving the Lord and loving others. This is what I want to embrace.
After thinking through this, I realized I couldn't really leave out a whole section of this Scripture so I went back to the part about Timothy's prophecy. I realized that if I was trying to look a this passage through Timothy's lense, this part would have been the most meaningful to Timothy. I don't know what the prophecies contained, but that doesn't really matter. I looked again at this part and I realized that this was Timothy's "HOW". This was how he was going to going to accomplish this simple yet daunting charge given by Paul. By hanging on to the calling that God has given him.
Only some of us as believers can say we have been prophesized over, but I think all of us can lay hold to a calling that God has laid upon our hearts and our lives. Paul is saying, when this charge to wage the good war seems hard, remember your calling. Remember what you were and how God called you out of the darkness of your previous life. Remember the great calling of opportunity given to you to be in service in the army of the Lord. Waging the Good War. Remember the great position you have been given as a child of God, prince of this world, royal priest, a member of a holy nation. When you remember this, fight for what is good. Then do just two things, "Keep the Faith and a Good Conscience."
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
1 Tim 1:17
"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever, Amen."
Here Paul is finishing off this previous thought to Timothy with a Doxology. Sometimes it can be so difficult to engaget Doloxology like statements. Today, I was trying to help myself by thinking of the emotion that Paul would have had when he wrote. So today I actually tried to think about saying this in different voices. First, I did chant it in a very Gregorian style a couple of times. Regretfully, this is often how we view these in a very traditional systematic manner. I chuckled more then anything as I did this walking down the street. Secondly, I tried to say it in an attitude of prayer, trying to find a sincerity in the verse. After this, my mind wandered to Tom Hanks in saving Private Ryan. For some reason, I pictured him saying it just before he blew up the bridge at the end of the movie. Funny enough, I think it would have been a great ending line for him.
I tried to think of this verse in terms of all that Paul said and I found myself repeating again and again, "King of Ages, immortal, invisble, the only God.". After a while, the verses seemed to make a little more sense with Paul's context. Paul, had in a very simple way gone about laying out the redemptive plan of God. Overflowing mercy, His purpose to save sinners, his redemption for the worst, his faithful appointing to service, and His daily strengthening. This is the work of the eternal God. It has been his plan throughout the ages and He carefully worked it out for His "honor and glory".
Here Paul is finishing off this previous thought to Timothy with a Doxology. Sometimes it can be so difficult to engaget Doloxology like statements. Today, I was trying to help myself by thinking of the emotion that Paul would have had when he wrote. So today I actually tried to think about saying this in different voices. First, I did chant it in a very Gregorian style a couple of times. Regretfully, this is often how we view these in a very traditional systematic manner. I chuckled more then anything as I did this walking down the street. Secondly, I tried to say it in an attitude of prayer, trying to find a sincerity in the verse. After this, my mind wandered to Tom Hanks in saving Private Ryan. For some reason, I pictured him saying it just before he blew up the bridge at the end of the movie. Funny enough, I think it would have been a great ending line for him.
I tried to think of this verse in terms of all that Paul said and I found myself repeating again and again, "King of Ages, immortal, invisble, the only God.". After a while, the verses seemed to make a little more sense with Paul's context. Paul, had in a very simple way gone about laying out the redemptive plan of God. Overflowing mercy, His purpose to save sinners, his redemption for the worst, his faithful appointing to service, and His daily strengthening. This is the work of the eternal God. It has been his plan throughout the ages and He carefully worked it out for His "honor and glory".
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
1 Timothy 1:16
"But for that very 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 on him and receive eternal life."
I would have to say I have not had a better day of walking then today. I was sad to see it end as I arrived at school for my classes.
Today I was hit with several things, but one gigantic thought that carried me through my time of meditation. We have been put on display as the work of the great artist, Christ. This Scripture tells us that Paul was an example to display the patience of Christ so that the genius of the artist might be revealed to those he is preparing for eternity. We are his works of art. We sit on display testifying to his goodness. Now the display of Paul no doubt was a Masterpeice. If we think of it in terms of a gallery, his redemption would be a centerpeice display. But here Paul also wants Timothy to know that he also is on display. As a shepherd of God's flock, he also is a central display before man of the work of God. Christ is glorified in him and his redemption and ministry is daily a testimony to the artist, Christ himself.
In fact we all are on display and are a display. Many of us are given different places in the gallery, but in some sense the work of Christ is on display in all of us. The world and the angels watch in amazement and glorify him at his handywork. This led me to a handful of thoughts.
1) We are ridiculously beatiful.
2) We are an unfinished work.
3) We are meant to stand out. We are meant to be a topic of discussion amongst men and angels. No painter paints a painting the same monotone color as the wall it is displayed on. Even if he did, it would still stand out, yet the conversation around it would not be so flattering. We might be wise to consider this as we think of the type of display we are before a watching world. Paul confirms this thought throughout Scripture.
4) Don't get a big head about this. In an Art Gallery, the artist always get the credit. Not the painting! This Scripture makes it clear that the display of Paul is a glorification of Christ, not Paul.
I would have to say I have not had a better day of walking then today. I was sad to see it end as I arrived at school for my classes.
Today I was hit with several things, but one gigantic thought that carried me through my time of meditation. We have been put on display as the work of the great artist, Christ. This Scripture tells us that Paul was an example to display the patience of Christ so that the genius of the artist might be revealed to those he is preparing for eternity. We are his works of art. We sit on display testifying to his goodness. Now the display of Paul no doubt was a Masterpeice. If we think of it in terms of a gallery, his redemption would be a centerpeice display. But here Paul also wants Timothy to know that he also is on display. As a shepherd of God's flock, he also is a central display before man of the work of God. Christ is glorified in him and his redemption and ministry is daily a testimony to the artist, Christ himself.
In fact we all are on display and are a display. Many of us are given different places in the gallery, but in some sense the work of Christ is on display in all of us. The world and the angels watch in amazement and glorify him at his handywork. This led me to a handful of thoughts.
1) We are ridiculously beatiful.
2) We are an unfinished work.
3) We are meant to stand out. We are meant to be a topic of discussion amongst men and angels. No painter paints a painting the same monotone color as the wall it is displayed on. Even if he did, it would still stand out, yet the conversation around it would not be so flattering. We might be wise to consider this as we think of the type of display we are before a watching world. Paul confirms this thought throughout Scripture.
4) Don't get a big head about this. In an Art Gallery, the artist always get the credit. Not the painting! This Scripture makes it clear that the display of Paul is a glorification of Christ, not Paul.
Monday, January 24, 2011
1 Timothy 1:15
"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst."
This is a verse I had memorized before I opened this Scripture to start memorizing for the day. Here Paul makes his "boastful" statement of Christ's mission and his position as Christ's most unredeemable case.
Again, as I thought through this I had to keep thinking, but why say this to Timothy. Timothy knows Paul's background. If not from multiple personal hearings, then at least from the testimony of his godly Grandmother and Mother. He doesn't need a refersher.
With the preceding verses, I think Paul is shaping a picture here of the great work of God that Timothy has been called into as a young shepherd over this flock. God's passion for his people is great and no one is out of his reach.
We start with a simple statement that Christ came into the world to save sinners. It couldn't be more straightforward. I know Paul wants Timothy to remember this daily. Not just as he is passionately working to win new souls to Christ, but as he is daily dealing with the at times "stinky" flock. The suffereing of Christ was for the purpose of saving sinners. Paul wants to make sure this is understood emphatically. If Timothy's Lord saw this as so high a calling, it is never to be underestimated by Timothy.
Paul then goes to state his place in the as the most unreedemable of sinners. My inner skeptic kind of cringes when people make general statements of being the best or worst, but it is hard to argue that there are many outwardly "worse" sins then actively trying to kill Christians. Even so, I tend to see such a statment as a boast and I think it was ( 2 Cor 11:30). At the same time I think in the statement there is a sense of extreme thankfulness of Christ reaching down so far, to the depths of the worst. This is what I think he wants Timothy to remember. When you think someone is out of reach, reach harder. No one is too low that the hand of Christ still can't grab. You are that hand Timothy. You are called to all men Timothy. Do not be a judge of who constitutes "the redeemable".
That was an incredible personal lesson. There is only one judge who chooses men. He chose them with his own blood. We are called to all men. No one we encounter is to far away or to "great" a sinner that the hand of our Lord can't reach them. We are that hand. That is our calling to work alongside the God of the universe who came to save sinners. Even the worst.
Let us attempt to be at peace with all men so that we might win some.
This is a verse I had memorized before I opened this Scripture to start memorizing for the day. Here Paul makes his "boastful" statement of Christ's mission and his position as Christ's most unredeemable case.
Again, as I thought through this I had to keep thinking, but why say this to Timothy. Timothy knows Paul's background. If not from multiple personal hearings, then at least from the testimony of his godly Grandmother and Mother. He doesn't need a refersher.
With the preceding verses, I think Paul is shaping a picture here of the great work of God that Timothy has been called into as a young shepherd over this flock. God's passion for his people is great and no one is out of his reach.
We start with a simple statement that Christ came into the world to save sinners. It couldn't be more straightforward. I know Paul wants Timothy to remember this daily. Not just as he is passionately working to win new souls to Christ, but as he is daily dealing with the at times "stinky" flock. The suffereing of Christ was for the purpose of saving sinners. Paul wants to make sure this is understood emphatically. If Timothy's Lord saw this as so high a calling, it is never to be underestimated by Timothy.
Paul then goes to state his place in the as the most unreedemable of sinners. My inner skeptic kind of cringes when people make general statements of being the best or worst, but it is hard to argue that there are many outwardly "worse" sins then actively trying to kill Christians. Even so, I tend to see such a statment as a boast and I think it was ( 2 Cor 11:30). At the same time I think in the statement there is a sense of extreme thankfulness of Christ reaching down so far, to the depths of the worst. This is what I think he wants Timothy to remember. When you think someone is out of reach, reach harder. No one is too low that the hand of Christ still can't grab. You are that hand Timothy. You are called to all men Timothy. Do not be a judge of who constitutes "the redeemable".
That was an incredible personal lesson. There is only one judge who chooses men. He chose them with his own blood. We are called to all men. No one we encounter is to far away or to "great" a sinner that the hand of our Lord can't reach them. We are that hand. That is our calling to work alongside the God of the universe who came to save sinners. Even the worst.
Let us attempt to be at peace with all men so that we might win some.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
1 Timothy 1:14
"The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus."
This morning before I went out I read through verses 12-17 several times to make sure I was memorizing the verses in context. Verses 12-17 is one composed thought of Paul's and I wanted to make sure I was not isolating these verses without understanding the general thought process of Paul. I know this is one of the great dangers of verse memorization.
As I read through this I struggled with just seeing this as a dialogue of Paul explaining his conversion experience. Then I had to remember that this is a letter to Timothy, for the benefit of Timothy. This is not a Op-Ed peice in the New Yorker where he is writing a general to who it may concern article. This is for Timothy to relate to and written so he could gather strength from it. I think I often get lost in Scripture for this reason. I need to remind myself that Paul is making a point for a specific purpose, not just writing an autobiography.
This takes us to verse 14 and "the grace of our Lord overflowed to me". The moment I looked at this and walked out my door this just about knocked me down. I don't know why I have never really taken any time on this verse in all of my readings. Paul is talking about his salvation from his horrible way of life, but he is also teaching Timothy about God's grace. It overflows! It overflowed to me to allow me to lead a faithful life and more importantly Timothy it overflows to you.
I don't think Paul is simply saying that in our conversion experience God's grace overflows, but that it overflows daily. I walked with my head down (you must do that here as the sidewalk is cracked with the roots of trees) and as I did I simply pictured this fountain raining down from heaven all over me. It was covering me with this grace. It was bursting forth and could not be contained. And the most beautfiul thing is that it never stopped. The fountain throughout my walk never shut off. I prayed to God that he would continually let me see this overflowing of grace that daily never ceases for me his child. That this grace would allow me to overcome every obstacle, struggle, and temptation I encountered and that my children and wife would also bathe in this grace daily. This fountain covered every pain and regret and was the source of every victory.
I think Paul wanted Timothy to know that as well. There is an abundant amount of grace overflowing for you Timothy just as it did for me. Know that you are never alone, know that there is always abundant provision.
At first, as I encountered this overflow I was filled with a sense of guilt as I felt like the always disobedient, underserving servant. Part way through my walk I realized that I was missing the whole point. This fountain of grace falling on me has nothing to do with my worthiness. It is solely rooted in the second part of this verse "from the faith and love that is in Jesus Christ". Again, it is about HIM! I still had not learned that from verse 12-13. This unstoppable fire hose of grace has nothing to do with my merit. I didn't turn it on and I can't turn it off as a child of God. He made the decision to let the grace flow freely and there isn't a sense that he is ever going to turn the spicket off.
The second part of the verse confirms that he is perfectly faithful and perfectly loving, but maybe even more it confirms that He is perfectly faithful and perfectly loving to his children. This is to be always remembered by Timothy and should always be remembered by me.
This morning before I went out I read through verses 12-17 several times to make sure I was memorizing the verses in context. Verses 12-17 is one composed thought of Paul's and I wanted to make sure I was not isolating these verses without understanding the general thought process of Paul. I know this is one of the great dangers of verse memorization.
As I read through this I struggled with just seeing this as a dialogue of Paul explaining his conversion experience. Then I had to remember that this is a letter to Timothy, for the benefit of Timothy. This is not a Op-Ed peice in the New Yorker where he is writing a general to who it may concern article. This is for Timothy to relate to and written so he could gather strength from it. I think I often get lost in Scripture for this reason. I need to remind myself that Paul is making a point for a specific purpose, not just writing an autobiography.
This takes us to verse 14 and "the grace of our Lord overflowed to me". The moment I looked at this and walked out my door this just about knocked me down. I don't know why I have never really taken any time on this verse in all of my readings. Paul is talking about his salvation from his horrible way of life, but he is also teaching Timothy about God's grace. It overflows! It overflowed to me to allow me to lead a faithful life and more importantly Timothy it overflows to you.
I don't think Paul is simply saying that in our conversion experience God's grace overflows, but that it overflows daily. I walked with my head down (you must do that here as the sidewalk is cracked with the roots of trees) and as I did I simply pictured this fountain raining down from heaven all over me. It was covering me with this grace. It was bursting forth and could not be contained. And the most beautfiul thing is that it never stopped. The fountain throughout my walk never shut off. I prayed to God that he would continually let me see this overflowing of grace that daily never ceases for me his child. That this grace would allow me to overcome every obstacle, struggle, and temptation I encountered and that my children and wife would also bathe in this grace daily. This fountain covered every pain and regret and was the source of every victory.
I think Paul wanted Timothy to know that as well. There is an abundant amount of grace overflowing for you Timothy just as it did for me. Know that you are never alone, know that there is always abundant provision.
At first, as I encountered this overflow I was filled with a sense of guilt as I felt like the always disobedient, underserving servant. Part way through my walk I realized that I was missing the whole point. This fountain of grace falling on me has nothing to do with my worthiness. It is solely rooted in the second part of this verse "from the faith and love that is in Jesus Christ". Again, it is about HIM! I still had not learned that from verse 12-13. This unstoppable fire hose of grace has nothing to do with my merit. I didn't turn it on and I can't turn it off as a child of God. He made the decision to let the grace flow freely and there isn't a sense that he is ever going to turn the spicket off.
The second part of the verse confirms that he is perfectly faithful and perfectly loving, but maybe even more it confirms that He is perfectly faithful and perfectly loving to his children. This is to be always remembered by Timothy and should always be remembered by me.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
1 Timothy 1:12-13
"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even thought I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief."
As I set out with my two verses in my head this morning, I didn't think much of them. At first they simply seemed to me another acknowledgement of Paul's sinful past and God's grace to him, but then I started to spend a good deal of time wondering "Why is Paul saying this to Timothy". Paul is not just waxing nostalgic here, he is trying to say something to Timothy. I then realized this statement, while about Paul, wasn't so much for Paul as it was for Timothy. Paul wanted to remind Timothy that God in his great mercy appoints us to his service.
God's appointment to service is not out of our merit (as Paul describes his situation before his call), but out of his good pleasure and mercy. Out of his good pleasure and calling, Timothy has been given this position of leadership.
At first, verse 12 tripped me up a bit as it seems to say that because of Paul's faithfulness, he was given his position of service to God. Yet verse 13 cleared this up for me as Paul is clear that he was in no way deserving of his call and it was only because of God's grace in his condition of ignorance and unbelief. (Paul sees them as the same)
The faithfulness he refers to in verse 12 I think relates to the strengthening God gives as Timothy continues faithfully in his appointed service. Timothy can be guaranteed that the faithful servant will be strengthened as God continues to appoint him to his service. Paul is encouraging Timothy of the abundant strength available for the monumental task set before this young minister as he follows through with his calling.
This was encouraging to me as I realized that my application is that this strength is available to all faithful believers as they pursue God's calling in their life. As we seek to enjoy him daily and seek his glory he will strenghten us for the often monumental tasks set before us.
In these verses, I also think Paul is reminding Timothy why he is in this position. Again it is not because of him. Timothy does not have to rely on or live up to any strengths he has to accomplish this task. God has set him here. Timothy is not here because of Timothy, but because of God. Timothy does not need to worry about his youthfulness or his limitations because it is not about him! Like Paul, before his appointing, there is nothing in Timothy that "qualifies" him for this task other then the calling of God. Paul is saying look at my credentials, be encouraged human credentials are not required here only a faithful heart. There is nothing that allows him to carry out the task other then the daily promise of the daily strength provided for the faithful servant.
Let me remember this God, I never have to live up to the thought of "I was" or "I have" or "I can". It's not about what I bring to the table or expectations I need to live up to as I come to the task. It's not about my strenghts or worthiness. I don't need to live up to any expectations I set on myself or those other set for me. The believer need not bind himself to his own expectations of what he should accomplish. The believer comes empty handeded. Trusting daily strength will be given by him who created the task and whom the task is dedicated.
I find myself so often in life thinking myself an expert in an area or educated to say the least. This is of little importance in your calling. You choose the weak and despised things of the world. You choose the persecutor, You choose the young. You choose me and yet it is only about You. Let me think more of you and less of me daily as I try to live out my great calling.
As I walked, I praised God that for a time he has led me to place where the flowers bloom in Mid-January and the bitterness of cold never prevails!
As I set out with my two verses in my head this morning, I didn't think much of them. At first they simply seemed to me another acknowledgement of Paul's sinful past and God's grace to him, but then I started to spend a good deal of time wondering "Why is Paul saying this to Timothy". Paul is not just waxing nostalgic here, he is trying to say something to Timothy. I then realized this statement, while about Paul, wasn't so much for Paul as it was for Timothy. Paul wanted to remind Timothy that God in his great mercy appoints us to his service.
God's appointment to service is not out of our merit (as Paul describes his situation before his call), but out of his good pleasure and mercy. Out of his good pleasure and calling, Timothy has been given this position of leadership.
At first, verse 12 tripped me up a bit as it seems to say that because of Paul's faithfulness, he was given his position of service to God. Yet verse 13 cleared this up for me as Paul is clear that he was in no way deserving of his call and it was only because of God's grace in his condition of ignorance and unbelief. (Paul sees them as the same)
The faithfulness he refers to in verse 12 I think relates to the strengthening God gives as Timothy continues faithfully in his appointed service. Timothy can be guaranteed that the faithful servant will be strengthened as God continues to appoint him to his service. Paul is encouraging Timothy of the abundant strength available for the monumental task set before this young minister as he follows through with his calling.
This was encouraging to me as I realized that my application is that this strength is available to all faithful believers as they pursue God's calling in their life. As we seek to enjoy him daily and seek his glory he will strenghten us for the often monumental tasks set before us.
In these verses, I also think Paul is reminding Timothy why he is in this position. Again it is not because of him. Timothy does not have to rely on or live up to any strengths he has to accomplish this task. God has set him here. Timothy is not here because of Timothy, but because of God. Timothy does not need to worry about his youthfulness or his limitations because it is not about him! Like Paul, before his appointing, there is nothing in Timothy that "qualifies" him for this task other then the calling of God. Paul is saying look at my credentials, be encouraged human credentials are not required here only a faithful heart. There is nothing that allows him to carry out the task other then the daily promise of the daily strength provided for the faithful servant.
Let me remember this God, I never have to live up to the thought of "I was" or "I have" or "I can". It's not about what I bring to the table or expectations I need to live up to as I come to the task. It's not about my strenghts or worthiness. I don't need to live up to any expectations I set on myself or those other set for me. The believer need not bind himself to his own expectations of what he should accomplish. The believer comes empty handeded. Trusting daily strength will be given by him who created the task and whom the task is dedicated.
I find myself so often in life thinking myself an expert in an area or educated to say the least. This is of little importance in your calling. You choose the weak and despised things of the world. You choose the persecutor, You choose the young. You choose me and yet it is only about You. Let me think more of you and less of me daily as I try to live out my great calling.
As I walked, I praised God that for a time he has led me to place where the flowers bloom in Mid-January and the bitterness of cold never prevails!
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Reason for This Blog
My wife and I live with our children in Guadalajara, Mexico. We both teach at a Christian School in the city. Early on in our transition, I felt God urging me to memorize my way through 1st Timothy. It took me a while to act on this urge, but this time has recently morphed into a daily walk of meditation and memorization as I go verse by verse through the book.
As I have spent a great deal of time walking and thinking about 1st Timothy already, I have come to think about all of the things that God had to say to the young Timothy through Paul. I read through the book several times and realized that He also had these things to say to me.
Many are familiar with the 1 Timothy 4:12 encouragement "Don't let anyone look down upon you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." While we use this to exhort our youth (which we should) most people believe Timothy was probably in his early 30's when Paul gave him this command.
Now that I find my self a generational counterpart of the young pastor, I wonder if these words won't impact my life as they did his. While we sit worlds apart, I can only imagine Timothy dwelling on every word of Paul as he looked for encouragement, exhortation, and guidance. I hope to find the same in my daily walk.
Keep in mind, this is not a scholarly attempt to disect these verses. I leave the house with only a verse on my lips and a context in my mind. Regretfully, the library stays at home! With that said, if you do choose to read feel free to share insights that might even open these verses up for me more!
Walk along if you like, feel free to add comments or disperse truth as God leads you along your path.
As I have spent a great deal of time walking and thinking about 1st Timothy already, I have come to think about all of the things that God had to say to the young Timothy through Paul. I read through the book several times and realized that He also had these things to say to me.
Many are familiar with the 1 Timothy 4:12 encouragement "Don't let anyone look down upon you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." While we use this to exhort our youth (which we should) most people believe Timothy was probably in his early 30's when Paul gave him this command.
Now that I find my self a generational counterpart of the young pastor, I wonder if these words won't impact my life as they did his. While we sit worlds apart, I can only imagine Timothy dwelling on every word of Paul as he looked for encouragement, exhortation, and guidance. I hope to find the same in my daily walk.
Keep in mind, this is not a scholarly attempt to disect these verses. I leave the house with only a verse on my lips and a context in my mind. Regretfully, the library stays at home! With that said, if you do choose to read feel free to share insights that might even open these verses up for me more!
Walk along if you like, feel free to add comments or disperse truth as God leads you along your path.
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