Paul's
first epistle to Timothy has the usual opening salutation of other letters but
''mercy'' is added to the more common prayer for grace and peace as a
benediction on the recipient. Paul urged the young preacher to remain at
Ephesus in ministry to the church there. Timothy was somewhat reluctant t do
Pail's bidding at that time. The city was full of pagan influences dominated by
the great temple of Diana and Timothy was to order certain teachers at Ephesus
to cease preaching a doctrine different from what Paul had shared there. The
Greek indicates that it was not another of the same kind. No such thing exists.
Its religious myths and endless Jewish genealogies gave rise to mere
speculations and promoted controversies. The new teaching failed to minister
adequately the treasure of God contained in the gospel. It was a crooked rather
than a straight message.
Paul
was as concerned about keeping territories he had conquered for Christ as he
was conquering in other areas. Also, the new doctrine at Ephesus caused both
preachers and audience to turn aside and miss the mark. The shooting aim of its
promoters and philosophical speculations that get people nowhere. Proudly proclaiming
that they were true to the law of Moses, these teachers understood little of
what they attempted to explain to others.
People
who argue about doctrine are mainly unbelievers who use this tactic to keep
from having to face the truth about their own spiritual condition; while others
are Christians who engage in these discussions merely for the sake of argument.
In
resisting the Judaizers, the apostle is not opposed to including elements of
the Law, as long as it is done correctively, in preaching the gospel. The
slaying of God's son took away the sins of the world once and for all, hence he
cannot condone the use of animal sacrifices for sins. The act forever abolished
the ritual of the Law, including circumcision. However, Paul recognized that certain
of the Law's moral aspects still serve a useful purpose.
A
growing problem in American society today is physical abuse among family
members. In some states, often those with high unemployment, reported incidents
of child abuse are up to 50% in a year. Many a times, these problems are among
churched families, as children from supposedly Christian homes are sometimes
abused. Some Christian couples are also guilty of beating one another.
Therefore, the Church have a responsibility to speak out against physical
abuse, and teach or preach about the damage, both physical and emotional abuse
that parents inflict on each other and their children.
Furthermore,
the apostle says fornication, kidnapping, lying and perjury are sins. He
however concluded that any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine is
wrong. In his worship, Paul remembers what his conduct was like before his
conversion. He was a blasphemer, speaking injurious words against both God and
man; a persecutor who casts people whether male or female into prison or the
testimony of Christ; with these memories, he characterized himself as being a
violent man, though God forgave all freely but Paul never forgot what he did.
Through
the years, Paul has seriously pondered the reasons behind his change from the
past to the present position. The Law afforded sacrifices for sins of ignorance while making no allowances for
those of a willful, presumptuous nature. However, the Lord did not simply
forgive Paul because he did not fully realize his wrong in opposing the gospel.
The apostle also says the love, mercy and grace of God were involved along with
his faith. He recognizes it as an amazing abundant grace that saved him. Also,
the Lord delivered Paul from sin to specifically use him as an example of His
power to save. He became a model to encourage others who afterwards considered
believing in Jesus. His conversion demonstrated more than that of anyone else
that Jesus came into the world to save sinners; That is the core truth of the gospel.
Timothy
needed Paul to reassure him that he was still in the will of God; and we
occasionally need that same affirmation today and this can be achieved through
the word of God; encouragements from a trusted friend who knows our
circumstances and assures us of God's love and care; and through spiritual
manifestation.
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