1 Timothy – Page 2 – Three Minute Bible

February 21, 2026February 24, 2026

1 Timothy 1:16b – The Work of Believing

… believe in him and receive eternal life.

Summary: Believing in Jesus takes work. Not the kind of work that can save us, but the kind that it takes to resist jumping back into sin.

Once again, Paul includes the Gospel in its essential form. His “trustworthy saying” stated it this way:

February 20, 2026February 21, 2026

1 Timothy 1:16 – What God Can Do

Picture of an old yardstick labeled "GOODNESS" (Grok)

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

Summary: Paul’s conversion and life for Christ is an example for all of us.

Why would God put up with you or me or anyone else, for that matter? Why would he be patient with people who disrespect him, even when they are trying to do what is right?

February 19, 2026February 21, 2026

1 Timothy 1:15b – The Worst of Sinners

Cartoon drawing of a small boy sitting in the corner wearing a dunce cap that reads "Worst of sinners." (Grok)

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

Summary: Paul’s “saying” is simple, but that doesn’t mean it is easy to say.

I have a confession to make — I’ve been reading this passage wrong my whole life.

In our last meditation, we just discussed why a saying is “a saying.” It is for a reason. When you and I say it ourselves, we are affirming the truth of the saying.

February 18, 2026February 21, 2026

1 Timothy 1:15a – Unchanging

Picture of a stone block with the words, "A TRUSTWORTHY SAYING" carved in it (Grok)

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance…

Summary: In this verse, Paul introduces us to the concept of a “trustworthy saying.” Before examining the saying itself, it is helpful to consider the concept of a “saying” and think about why that would be important.

Paul has a problem: Like the rest of us, he is limited to being in one place at a time. Unlike most of us, however, he needs to be everywhere all at once.

February 17, 2026February 18, 2026

1 Timothy 1:14b – A Gem Called Jesus

A large beautiful gem with a cross in the center (Grok)

… 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.”

February 16, 2026February 17, 2026

1 Timothy 1:14a – Liquid Grace

An alabaster jar of sparkling liquid being poured out (Grok)

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.

February 14, 2026February 16, 2026

1 Timothy 1:13b – Man’s Plan, God’s Mercy

… 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).

February 13, 2026February 15, 2026

1 Timothy 1:13a – A Single Blast of Light

Man looking worried as he enters an office full of people. (Grok)

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?

February 12, 2026February 13, 2026