CHRIST THE CENTRE OF THE BIBLE. 1 & 2 Timothy.
1 & 2 TIMOTHY - Christ`s Life within gives Strength for Ministry.
Timothy, son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother, was converted by Paul on his first missionary journey, at Lystra. On the second missionary journey, he became the Apostle`s companion, and from then on was his constant helper, loving, loved and utterly trusted.
Although Timothy was only a young man Paul repeatedly sent him on important missions, as to encourage the Macedonian believers in the midst of persecution, and to represent the Apostle`s authority in the face of disaffection at Corinth.
We also see that Timothy is comforting and supporting Paul during his imprisonment at Rome. After the Apostle`s liberation they together visited Asia, and there Paul entrusted to Timothy the oversight of the believers at Ephesus.
`Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our saviour and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope. To Timothy, my true son in the faith:...as I urged you when I went to Macedonia - remain in Ephesus...` (1 Tim. 1: 1 & 3)
Paul instructed Timothy to deal severely with false teachers.
`..that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, not give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which comes by faith.` (1 Tim. 1: 3 & 4)
To combat these errors Paul puts forward the glorious gospel of the blessed God.
`This is a faithful saying and worth of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.....` (1 Tim. 1: 15)
`God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.` (1Tim. 3: 16)
Timothy must safeguard against other doctrines - don`t mix fables and legends with the Gospel. Paul warns Timothy to hold faith and a good conscience because these save men from spiritual shipwreck.
Timothy is charged to `fight the good warfare,` and that it is the grace of Christ that is his strength, as it was with Paul.
`And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.` (1 Tim. 1: 14)
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