Day 338

Live Life Impacted by the Word

1 Timothy Introduction

Timothy, a young disciple discovered by Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1), enjoyed a unique relationship with the apostle. Referred to by Paul as "a son to me in the things of the Lord," Timothy ministered side by side with Paul as a missionary and later received the challenging assignment of pastoring the church at Ephesus. Paul's first letter to him resembles a manual for building church leadership. But more generally, it is a rich mine of principles for anyone who wishes to have a spiritual impact on the lives of others.

Scripture

December 3—1 Timothy 1-3: Life in the Body of Christ

Observation

Paul, the aged and experienced apostle, writes to young pastor Timothy who is facing a heavy burden of responsibility in the church at Ephesus. The task is challenging: false doctrine must be removed, disorder in public worship corrected and mature leadership developed. The first three chapters of Paul's "leadership manual" to his young understudy encourage Timothy to teach the faith by precept and practice in order to show those in the church how they ought to behave in the household of God (3:15).

Application

"Conscience," said an Indian, "is a three-pointed thing in my heart that turns around when I do something wrong, and the points hurt a lot. But if I keep doing bad, the points eventually wear off, and then it doesn't hurt any more."

Paul had much to say to young Timothy on the subject of the conscience. The goal of his exhortation was that Timothy might have a good conscience (1:5; 3:9) and thereby avoid the shipwreck of his faith (1:9). In fact, Timothy's greatest battles would come with those whose consciences had become seared and senseless (4:2).

What is on your conscience right now? What inner proddings of God are you feeling to right an old wrong, forgive an old grievance, complete an overdue promise? Take it from Timothy, there's no greater feeling of freedom than to face each day with clear conscience!

Prayer

God, thank you that you are always faithful to your promises through our prayer for prayer has the capacity to take us beyond the Word, beyond your promise and into your very presence. We know through your Word that prayer is the force that vitalizes and energizes your Word by increasing our faith in you. If we pray without putting you up on high, our prayer will be without purpose and our guilty conscience will not be alleviated; it will remain for we will not have access to our Savior, Jesus Christ who is the only one making atonement for our sins and remembers our sins no more. Thank you, Jesus for forgiving all our sins wiping away our guilty conscience when we confess. You have indeed set us free. Amen! 

© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020