John Carter – February 11, 2016 – Writings
An Introduction to 1 Timothy

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An Introduction to 1 Timothy

Musica Theologica Bible Translation

1:1-2      From: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus- by the command of God, who is our savior and Christ Jesus who is our hope.

To: Timothy, my true child in the faith.

Grace, Mercy, and Peace from God, the Father, and Christ Jesus the lord

Do you want to be close to God? To be close to God requires that you think correctly about him. It is a contradiction between your thoughts and your actions to want to encounter God without actually knowing him better. Psalm 65:4 says “Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!”[1] To be near to God requires our heart and mind. Not one or the other. This idea will be unpacked throughout the next few weeks

In this study Titus we will be quickly introduced to Paul, the Author of this letter, and Timothy, the recipient. Then we will see how Paul’s view of Timothy and God should change our actions today.

Paul was a man appointed by God to take a message of hope and salvation to those who were not Jew (gentiles). Timothy, a man younger than Paul, was closely mentored by Paul. We will come back to this, but for now we should know that Paul and Timothy have lived a lot of life together.

When Paul introduces himself as a messenger sent with a message (an apostle) he notes that he has been appointed to this position by God, the Father, and Christ Jesus the Lord. But he does so in a way that reveals a lot about what Paul thinks about God and Jesus. First Paul refers to God as the savior of both Timothy and Paul. Then he refers to Jesus as their hope too! Because God saved Paul and Timothy from eternal death through the death of his son on the cross, Paul and Timothy have placed their hope in Christ Jesus for a future but certain eternal life.[2] Psalm 65:5 expresses these words about our saving God. “By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation.”[3] Psalm 65 then goes on to express facts and information that can be analyzed. The reason why the writer of Psalm 65 knows he is drawing near to God is because he knows things about who this God is. The reason why Paul can find satisfaction in God is because he knows about who God is. He is our savior. He is our hope. If God is not your savior and if Jesus is not your hope then I ask that you reach out to me or another Christian and ask more about this. Closeness to God requires knowledge about God.

Paul not only knew about God and followed him. He was also appointed by God to go and tell people about this message of salvation and hope. Paul did this for many years. Over the years Paul began working with a younger man named Timothy. During that time Paul and Timothy experienced a lot of life together. So much so that instead of Timothy just being a helpful co-worker, Timothy became like a true son to Paul. Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”[4] There are some people we call family that is closer than our own family. Some relationships transcend bloodlines. That is how it was for Paul and Timothy.

So what does this all mean for us today? First, if you want to draw closer to God, then you must pursue knowing him better. Don’t just call him your Savior and your Hope. Actually take time to study what this means. Appreciate the beauty of these truths. Second, as you walk through the Christian life allow yourself to become deeply invested in the well-being of other believers. Don’t let the call to make disciples be easy. Let the call grow into relationships with others where you personally desire for them to have Grace, Mercy, and Peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

[1] English Standard Version

[2] 1 Peter 1:13

[3] English Standard Version

[4] English Standard Version