Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Summary: Paul points us to the idea that Jesus needed faith, too.
In addition to God’s grace, or perhaps part of it, is the “faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:14b – A Gem Called Jesus”
The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly …
Summary: Grace is an interesting word. It can mean everything or nothing, depending on how we look at it.
Paul’s letters to Timothy are different than his other letters. He writes to Titus in a similar way, but the personal references do not seem as personal as they are with Timothy. He writes to the churches about the same topics, but his letter to Timothy seems to assume a deeper shared understanding of the Gospel.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:14a – Liquid Grace”
… I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
Summary: Paul’s confession of his actions before meeting Jesus Christ is a helpful reference point for us.
When God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, he chose Moses to lead them. In the story, Moses is not some superhero who comes out of nowhere. He has what is called a “back story.” He was born in Egypt during a time of persecution (Exodus 1:8-14). He survives a royal edict to kill all male children (Exodus 1:22). He has an older sister, Miriam, and an older brother, Aaron (Numbers 26:59).
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:13b – Man’s Plan, God’s Mercy”
Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man …
Summary: The change in Paul that occurred on the road to Damascus is not all that different than what we commonly call a “wake up call.”
How does a person go from seeing himself as a virtuous defender of “All That Is Right” one day, and the next, find themselves believing that their whole life has been a horrible mistake?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:13a – A Single Blast of Light”
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord [for] … appointing me to his service.
Summary: Paul’s appointment to the Lord’s service opens the door to an important conversation about the use of the word “martyr.”
When Paul was confronted by Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, he was appointed to the Lord’s service.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:12d – All That Matters”
[I thank Christ Jesus our Lord,] … that he considered me trustworthy…
Summary: Wondering why God considered Paul trustworthy leads us down an interesting and fruitful rabbit-trail.
What if Paul had not been trustworthy? How would God know?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:12c – Uncompromising”
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength…
Summary: Language is like a bridge made out of puzzle pieces. It only works if the pieces are put together correctly.
Believe it or not, there is a ton of stuff to talk about in this short passage. Let’s begin with the question, “The strength to do what?”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:12b – Plugged in to Jesus”
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord…
Summary: We don’t always know how dark it is until someone turns on the light.
With these six words, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord,” Paul is about to launch into a self-portrait of his own shortcomings and the power of Christ to forgive and restore us to his kingdom.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:12a – Twice Owned”
… which he entrusted to me.
Summary: Paul didn’t have an instruction book on how to share the Gospel. He just did it.
Question: What was entrusted to Paul?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:11b – Remembering Rowan”
[…the sound doctrine] that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God…
Summary: Paul’s definition of sound doctrine depends on an understanding of the Gospel.
Paul began this passage talking about using the law “properly” (1 Timothy 1:8). This inspired a frenzy of meditations dealing with judging, law, covenants, and Paul’s examples of what the law is used for.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:11a – Good News!”