MERCY, GRACE & TRUTH: 1 TIMOTHY 1
‘Men wanted for hazardous journey to the South Pole. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.’ Earnest Shackleton, 4 Burlington St.
That advert appeared about 100 years ago in London prior to one of his Antarctic expeditions. And he subsequently wrote, “so overwhelming was the response to my appeal that it seemed as though all the men of Great Britain were determined to accompany me.” The thousands of responses were categorised into either “MAD”, “HOPELESS”, & “POSSIBLE”.
If Jesus was advertising for people to serve him, how would the ad go? Maybe something like this:
Men & women wanted for difficult task of helping to build my church. You will often be misunderstood, even by those working with you. You will face constant attack from an unseen enemy. You probably will not see the results of your labour, and your full reward will not be realised until after all your work is completed. The cost may involve your home, your ambitions, your loved ones, and even your life.
In spite of this demanding list, many gladly respond to the call to give their all to Jesus. Helping to build Christ’s church is certainly the greatest challenge to which a man or a woman could give his or her life.
Timothy was one young person who responded to the call to be a pastor. He was one of Paul’s special assistants. Timothy tackled some of the most difficult work in the church at Ephesus that Paul had founded. Paul had led Timothy to faith which had been nurtured by a strong and loving Christian family.
V3f. Paul urges Timothy to keep the Truth pure and free from error, by tackling those who were teaching false doctrines. These included myths and endless genealogies, (V6. meaningless talk) as these promote controversies and end up dividing the Church rather than building it up in faith.
V5. But, maintaining the truth is not to be at the expense of love borne out of a pure heart and a good conscience.
V7ff. These false teachers want to teach the Word, but they don’t know what they are talking about. God’s Word is good, if its used properly. The commandments are not for the righteous, but for the lawbreakers (in order to bring them under conviction of sin).
V11. Sound doctrine is found in the glorious Good News about Jesus, this is true apostolic teaching, taught out of love, and in it there is no controversy.
In summary of this chapter, Paul has defined the problem with the false teachers, he has pointed out what the impact on the church is, and has told Timothy what he can do about it.
Concerning ministry, Paul emphasises that love should be what happens rather than controversy. This love springs from 3 things:
- a) A pure heart: love cannot flow when darkness rules from the core of our lives;
- b) A good conscience: love cannot flow when there is an awareness of moral failure;
- c) A sincere faith: love cannot flow if there is not a basic trust in the living God.
Friends, just as the gospel was entrusted to Paul, so too now, it is entrusted to you and me. As we evaluate our lives on the basis of what we have learned today, let us ask ourselves: is my heart pure? Do I have a good conscience? Is my faith sincere?
V12ff. Paul is grateful for the privilege of being considered a faithful servant, even though he once persecuted the Church. He was given mercy and grace by God (along with faith and love), even though he felt that the way God so graciously dealt with him was so undeserved.
V15f. This leads Paul to the universal truth: Jesus Christ came to this world to rescue sinners, of whom Paul considers himself the worst of all. But Paul’s testimony of how God has dealt with him is the object lesson. Paul shares this for all to see the incredible patience and mercy that God has shown towards him, the worst of sinners. This is an example for everyone who will trust the Lord.
If God can save Paul, he can save anyone. You see, becoming a Christian is not about earning the right to be friends with God. The starting point is God showing patience, mercy, grace and love towards us, while we were still sinners, and in rebellion against God. He made the first move and redeemed us to himself.
Mercy = not receiving punishment we do deserve.
Grace = receiving kindness we do not deserve.
Truth = The Good news of what God has done for us.
MERCY = Masses Exonerated, Righteousness Changes You
GRACE = God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense
TRUTH = Testimony Realised Uplifting The Heart
From verses 12-20, Paul shares part of his own faith story. He does that quite often in his letters. You know, a lot of us are just plain scared to talk about our faith. We are more concerned about how we will come across to others, or that we will be labelled a religious nutter, or perhaps we will say the wrong thing. We don’t have the right words, its a personal thing to talk about what we believe. Sometimes, we are not even sure ourselves, what we truly believe. But because its so personal, we need to share our faith. We need to share with others what is most real to us. In our contacts with people we find that many are searching for a deeper spiritual life, but don’t know where to look. They don’t want a religious salesman. They don’t want clichéd one-liners. They don’t want hype or half truths. It is interesting that when people hear a real faith story they are really fascinated, they want to be involved in it.
So, what do you say?
Think of an experience you have had of God’s presence (the more recent the better), and remember how you responded. Share it with someone else.
So, how do you do it?
Its just like Shackleton’s advert which created so much interest in his expedition to the south pole. So don’t be too concerned if you struggle to find the right words, just do it. You get better the more you practice.
