Day 3: 1 Timothy 1:12–20 — Paul’s Testimony and Charge to Timothy
Reading: Paul’s personal testimony and instructions to Timothy
Study Questions:
1. Observation: How does Paul describe his own transformation and calling?
Paul recognises that it took the grace and mercy of God to rescue him from his sins. Indeed, he sees himself as the worst of sinners because of what he did to blaspheme God, even though he did it out of ignorance. He highlights his transformation as living proof of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, able to turn the worst of sinners into one trusted to be faithful in carrying out the service of the Master.
2. Interpretation: What does Paul mean by “fighting the good fight” and having “faith and a good conscience”?
The context indicates that the good fight is about preserving the faith in the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is about holding that and that alone as the prize worth maintaining, which is a struggle against the many factors and forces that oppose that. This, then, leads into a perspective on the faith and good conscience that the fight is conducted with integrity – total commitment to God who gives us the grace and mercy to operate in total fidelity to the Lord Jesus Christ and the good news that He has come to save people from their sins.
3. Application: How does Paul’s example of God’s mercy encourage you in your own spiritual journey?
I am hugely encouraged to remember that I am saved by the work of God, I am maintained by the work of God, and I’ll prosper by the work of God. I am hugely encouraged that the gospel of Jesus Christ, which says He is the Lord, also rescues me and then equips me to carry on in this journey as He upholds and restores me to carry out His work. I am hugely encouraged to know that is relying on this truth of what He has done and is doing in me that allows me to ease off putting an expectation on me to do anything to earn anything from God, whilst at the same time appreciating that all that God has done for me is to ensure I’ll carry on with His work for His glory.
4. Reflection: What “good fight” is God calling you to fight in your current circumstances?
The fight for purity, the fight for integrity, the fight for the primacy of the Kingdom of God in all things, the fight against apathy, the fight against mediocrity, the fight against deception, the fight for the wonder, majesty and magnificence of the true gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, the fight for what true discipleship is,, the fight for the respect, honour and devotion to the Word of God, the fight for the submission to the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of life, the fight for the shalom experienced in Christ as we learn to love Him, learn to live for Him and learn to see His ways.
Questions for Day 4: 1 Timothy 2:1–15 — Instructions for Worship and Community Life
1. Observation: What priorities does Paul establish for corporate worship and prayer?
2. Interpretation: How do Paul’s instructions reflect the values of the early Christian community?
3. Application: How might these principles shape your approach to worship and prayer?
4. Reflection: What changes could you make to better contribute to your faith community’s worship?
You can only give what you’ve got, so let’s get the Word In to get the Word Out!
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
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