Verses 1-7, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.”
Paul is urging Timothy to stay in Ephesus (even though he may not want to) so that he can charge others to teach no other doctrine than what was delivered to them, and to not give heed to fables and genealogies. Good doctrine should edify believers, not cause arguments and divisions in the body. Bad teaching can distract believers and get them focused on things that are not even important. Genealogies are useless from the standpoint that it does not matter where you come from, a concept taught by Jesus Himself. Not even the members of His own earthly family were esteemed more highly. Only those who do the will of God will one day be exalted. Mark 3:31-35, “Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, 'Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You.' But He answered them, saying, 'Who is My mother, or My brothers?' And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, 'Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.' ”
The commandments of God should have the effect of changing the heart...the most important command being to love. This is an inward transformation that should occur, not an outward display just for show. You cannot love another if you have bitterness in your heart, no matter how you act on the outside. If your heart is not pure and yet your conscience is somehow clear of the guilt of any wrongdoing, then you cannot begin to love God or His people. Besides that, you prove that your faith is not sincere...no matter what you say. The Pharisees were experts at using the law to polish their outward appearance while missing the spiritual implications of the law. Jesus said to them in Matthew 23:27, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”
Many today are engaging in dialogue about the scriptures, which wouldn't be bad if they concluded with one right interpretation given by the Holy Spirit; but they often walk away accepting many different opinions about its meaning. This is idle talk because it gets you nowhere. Often full of conceit and their own philosophies (sensual wisdom), they try to teach others to follow their lead, causing them to turn aside from the right path. Colossians 2:8-10, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Two men mentioned in this chapter had suffered the shipwrecking or destruction of their faith. We can only assume that these men were too far gone to be corrected, which required Paul to discipline them by turning them over to Satan for the destruction of their flesh also. Not afraid to use their names, Paul calls these men out to warn others who are heading down the same path of destruction.
Verses 8-11, “But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.” The law is not for the righteous to perfect themselves through works or to place unnecessary burdens on people, but rather to correct ungodly behavior. Matthew 23:2-4, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” Sound doctrine will correct ungodly conduct, but if you alter the doctrine, you cannot expect the same result. If the truth has been committed to your trust...be faithful to keep it just as it was delivered.
Verses 12-17, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Paul understands the grace of God in that he was formerly (by his own admission) a blasphemer of God, a persecutor of God's people, and an insolent/unruly man. He doesn't boast of his former life, but uses it as an example of God's willingness to forgive even the most wicked of sinners. And through Paul, the love and longsuffering nature of God can be revealed to other sinners for the purpose of salvation. But notice how Paul quickly takes the attention off himself and directs them back to God for praise which is due...“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” We also need to share our testimonies of what God has done in our lives, without glorifying our past sin; and by pointing the listener to the One who is worthy of all praise. Revelation 12 talks about people overcoming Satan by the blood of the Lamb and the word their testimony. Whether we share the gospel or our testimony, it should all point to Him!
Comments
Post a Comment