To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer
4or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.
- P52
5The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. - P52
8We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.
9We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,
10for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine
11that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
- P53
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, writes to Timothy, his son in the faith. Paulurges him to stay in Ephesus to command certain people not to teach falsedoctrines or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. - P53
The goalof this command is love, which comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. - P53
Paul begins his letter to Timothy by instructing him to stay in Ephesus and address the challenges the church is facing. These challenges stem from false teachers and their doctrines, which contradict the gospel and cause division rather than advancing God’s work. Paul urges Timothy to take action, speaking as someone who has received God’s command to faithfully carry His good news of salvation and hope. - P54
Paul’s letter aims to remind Timothy of this service and hope that they share, and to encourage him to guard the truth of the gospel. - P54
We who acknowledge God as our Savior and look to Christ as our hope have also been entrusted with the gospel. We, too, are tasked with holding firm to it and helping others grow strong in it. - P54
A false understanding of the Law leads to meaningless talk within thechurch and clouds the truth of the gospel. Unlike the true apostles ofChrist, these so-called teachers of the Law failed to grasp its core lovingGod and loving one‘s neighbor. They misunderstood its purpose as well, claiming the Law is the way to salvation. - P54
These false teachers‘ lack of under-standing of the gospel, salvation, and the Law resulted in their inability tohave a right relationship with God The Law is not the basis for salvation. Rather, it reveals sin and restrains it. - P54
Those who have been made righteousin Christ have been given a new nature on which sin no longer exercisescontrol, and which therefore no longer needs to be under the Law. - P54
One of my regular tasks as a missionary is writing and sending prayerletters. Since I started writing these letters, I have been able to relate moredeeplyto the letters of the apostle Paul and the heart behind them. Paulwrote many letters to both churches and individuals, praying for his readers, answering their questions, addressing issues, and teaching them what tobelieve and what to confront. In all of Paul‘s letters, we see his genuine loveand concern for his readers. - P55
Although the content of my letters differs from Paul‘s, when I write, Istrive to share my heart with my family, friends, churches, and anyonewho is reading. I share how God is working in my life and in the missionfield where I serve, and I ask for the readers‘ prayers. I also thank and blessthem for joining me in this mission that is not only mine but-primari-ly-God‘s. - P55
As I was reading the opening verses of Paul‘s first epistle to Timothy, I wasdeeply touched by the strong connection between Paul and Timothy inthe gospel. United by one Christ, one gospel, and one faith, Paul sincerelyhopes that Timothy, his "true son in the faith" (1 Tim. 1:2), will be just aszealous in guarding the truth and nurturing the church. Paul‘s words radiateconfidence in the gospel, which he has received from Christ Himself. Onthis foundation, he exhorts Timothy. His exhortation extends to all of uswho read this epistle. - P55
Through Paul‘s words, the Holy Spirit invites us tojoin in this divine mission, which we, too, have been entrusted with. - P55
Lord, thank you for entrusting me with Your gospel. - P55
Help me grow in my knowledge and love of Your truth so that I may help others grow as well. Protect Your people from the lies that seek to make us turn away from following You. In Your name, amen. - P55
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