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William Hendriksen · Citado em PreceptAustin

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Hendriksen observes: Amid circumstances which to man might seem hopeless, Christ Jesus is pictured as "our Hope," that is, the very foundation for our earnest yearning, our confident expectation, and our patient waiting for the manifestation of salvation in all its fullness. It is he who made this hope possible and actual. It is he who revitalizes it from day to day. The Source as well as the Object of this hope is he. (The Pastoral Epistles) Pulpit Commentary - The object of the Christian's hope is the Savior — our "Lord Jesus Christ, Who is our Hope" (1Ti 1:1) We hope for Him — for His gracious presence revealed in fuller measure now, for the blissful vision of His glorious beauty hereafter (Titus 2:13, 14, 15+). That hope is patient. The husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth (James 5:7); the Christian waits patiently for Christ. It works patience in the soul. He can endure the troubles of life who is blessed with the lively hope of the inheritance reserved in heaven (1Pe 1:3,4+). (Pulpit Commentary) W. H. G. Thomas - No Christian life is complete which does not include in it a forward look of joyous certitude toward a bright future, for hope as a grace is not a mere spirit of what we call hopefulness, or a natural buoyancy of temperament. It is a distinctly Christian virtue, the result of union with God in Christ; and it has for its immediate object the Lord Jesus at His glorious appearing, and for its ultimate, eternal and exhaustless substance the glories of heaven and God as our All in All.

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Hendriksen says: The usual way of distinguishing between grace and mercy is to say that grace pardons while mercy commiserates; grace is God's love toward the guilty, mercy His love toward the wretched or pitiable; grace concerns the state, mercy the condition. To a considerable extent this distinction is correct. The term "mercy" frequently occurs in a context of extending help to those in misery. (The Pastoral Epistles) William

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Hendriksen - Not only must they desist from wrong teaching but also from wrong thinking, for the former is the result of the latter. The individuals in question were occupying their minds with a dangerous fad. (The Pastoral Epistles) Teed adds that the myths and endless genealogies "refers to making up all kinds of stories using made-up fictional characters, or made-up stories about real historical figures and events in an attempt to legitimize their false teaching. One of their favorite themes involved making up stories about the family history of the patriarchs. Their false teaching was a deliberate attempt to draw potential converts away from the truth of Christ’s Gospel. Timothy is told to ignore them." Now in Matthew 13:33–34 Jesus gives us a good example and an accurate explanation regarding how He taught by using parables (short fictitious stories of real life situations that illustrate a moral attitude or a religious principle) Such stories would provide verbal pictures of a point Jesus was trying to help the people to understand. I hope you can now see how parables differ from myths and genealogies. Hiebert says myths "means an invention, a fiction, a falsehood; it denotes something without historical reality. They were fanciful tales such as abound in the rabbinical writings. They were apparently bound up with their fictitious amplifications of the Old Testament genealogies. These genealogies were expanded, the names of wives invented, additional stories woven into them, and given wild allegorical interpretations. Paul calls them “endless” because these inventions led to no certain conclusions. Such things (“which”—literally, “things of this character”) are to be avoided because of what they do and what they fail to do. Their positive effect is to “minister questionings.” Occupation with them furnishes occasion for arguments and disputes. The negative reason for avoiding them is that they do not further “a dispensation of God which is in faith.” They are not practical. By being occupied with them the Gospel is relegated to the rear and the saving purpose of God is not furthered. (See First Timothy- Everyman's Bible Commentary) Warren Wiersbe "Just as God had committed a ministry to Paul's trust (1Ti 1:11), He had given Timothy a special stewardship, and He expected him to be faithful."Godly edifying" in 1Ti 1:4KJV should read "a stewardship of God." The false teachers at Ephesus were ministering their own program, not a stewardship that God had given them. A steward's first responsibility is to be faithful to his master (1 Cor. 4:1-7+). There were false teachers at Ephesus who were trying to make a name for themselves as teachers of the Law but who did not know what they were talking about. They had turned away from the truth of the Word and were listening to fables (myths, 1Ti 1:4) and endless genealogies, raising more questions than they could answer. What a picture of some teachers today! Their "ministries" do not build up Christians or the local church, but instead foster arguments and divisions. (Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament) Lilley characterizes the false teachers as follows "Some tried to dazzle the minds of the people with matters that lay outside the sphere of revelation altogether. Others did indeed handle a Biblical theme, but in their ignorance and presumption were unable to expound it in its true relations and proportions. The one class took up fables and genealogies (v. 4): the other professed to teach the Mosaic law (v. 6)." (1 Timothy 1 Commentary) NET Note - Myths and interminable genealogies. These myths were legendary tales characteristic of the false teachers in Ephesus and Crete. See parallels in 1Ti 4:7; 2Ti 4:4; and Titus 1:14. They were perhaps built by speculation from the patriarchal narratives in the OT; hence the connection with genealogies and with wanting to be teachers of the law (1Ti 1:7). (1 Timothy 1) Rogers on genealogies - genealogy, the tracing of one’s ancestors or family tree. In postexilic Judaism there was a keen interest in family trees, and this played a part in controversies between Jews and Jewish Christians W E Vine on myths and endless genealogies - The pagan Greek historian Polybius uses both these words with reference to the legends surrounding the origin of the founders of states. In the same way the false teachers in Ephesus were representing the value of legendary stories relating to the ancestors of the Jewish people. There are genealogies in the Old Testament which have their own value, being divinely provided, a value, indeed, greater than what is generally realized. But to these were added a number of fabricated lists and speculative genealogical traditions and allegories, the extensive nature of which is indicated by the word “endless.”....Similar dangers exist today from fanciful interpretations and imaginative applications of the historical facts recorded in Scripture, and unfounded deductions from its truths. (Collected Writings of W.E. Vine) One reason Christian workers must stay on the job is that false teachers are busy trying to capture Christians -- Warren Wiersbe Anderson explains endless speculation - The word means, “out-of-the-way researches.” It’s like trying to, track down a needle in a haystack!

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Hendriksen on conscience - Conscience is man’s moral intuition, his moral self in the act of passing judgment upon his own state, emotions, and thoughts, also upon his own words and actions whether these be viewed as past, present, or future. It is both positive and negative. It both approves and condemns (Rom. 2:14, 15).....It is in the believer that conscience attains its highest goal. For the regenerated individual God’s will, as expressed in his Word, becomes “the Lord of conscience, its Guide and Director” (1 Peter 2:19). The “conscience good” of which the apostle speaks here in 1Ti 1:5 is more than merely a “clear conscience.” Rather, it is the conscience which is guided by God’s special revelation as its norm; pronounces judgments that are accepted, and issues directives that are obeyed (The Pastoral Epistles) To have a good conscience is to be able to look in the face the knowledge which one shares with no one but oneself and not be ashamed. -- William Barclay

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Hendriksen has a great comment on their destination at the "inn of fruitless discussion" - Naturally, they also missed the true, destination, the final goal, namely love. They are like marksmen who miss their target, like travelers who never reach their destination because they have taken the wrong turn and have failed to look for the familiar signs along the road. The path which these people have taken is not even a detour. It is more like a dead-end street beyond which lies a swamp, in their case the swamp of "futile talk," useless reasoning, argumentation that gets nowhere, dry as dust disputation, a wrangling about fanciful tales anent pedigrees! Yes, their vaunted learning has finally landed them in the no-man's land of ceremonious subtleties, in the dreary marsh of ridiculous hair-splitting. And the owner of that quagmire is...Satan, who heads the welcoming-committee (1Ti 5:15)! (The Pastoral Epistles) Warren

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Hendriksen - And why have these men turned aside to futile talk? Because they want to shine! (The Pastoral Epistles) “Ignorance is bold.” --Quoted by Calvin Wanting (thelo) to be teachers of the Law (nomodidaskalos), even though they do not understand (noieo) either (mete) what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions (diabebaioomai) - Lenski's comment - "Pitiful indeed!" Paul gives a scathing indictment against these men as those who did not even know what they were talking about! Their ignorance was not bliss, but a blight on the church! MIT = "hankering to be teachers of legalism, neither understanding what they enunciate, nor those subjects about which they pontificate." Amplified = "They are ambitious to be doctors of the Law (teachers of the Mosaic ritual)." Paul reveals their motive and wanting (desiring) in the present tense indicates this was continually their motive. Their confidence belies their gross ignorance of the Law. They were nothing but a sham. They were like our English word shyster, an unethical, unscrupulous practitioners, especially of law! These men loved to have a following of "admirers." They coveted the honor of being a respected teacher of the Mosaic law. They sought knowledge to puff themselves up by being professional interpreters of the law (cf 1Co 8:1+). And note that the Jewish character of the false teaching is evident from the fact that they wanted to be teachers of the Law. The false teachers announce their errors with assurance. -- Marvin Vincent NET Note 1 Timothy 1 - The Greek reinforces the negation: “understand neither what they are saying nor the things they insist on” R C H

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Hendriksen - And why have these men turned aside to futile talk? Because they want to shine! With relish these would-be law-doctors flourished their highfaluting words, their ponderous phrases. But all this was pure bombast, rant and cant. Whenever they would hear a jaw-breaker, they would be sure to commit it to memory and to use it in spinning their tedious tales; but they themselves did not know the meaning of the latest addition to their vocabulary. Worse even, they failed to understand the very subjects on which they lectured with such cock-sureness (cf. Titus 3:8).(The Pastoral Epistles) Yarbrough on even though they do not understand - The image is almost amusing: here are people presenting themselves as learned expositors of holy writ who, however, are actually clueless. “They do not know” the law but apparently do not know that they do not know. (The Letters to Timothy and Titus ) W E Vine - They failed to apprehend the true bearing of the Law of Moses in relation to the gospel, missing the distinction between the two. To regard the Law as part of the divine revelation was right enough, but to endeavor to teach it as if it was something superior to the gospel, and to imitate the Judaizing teachers, as if salvation was conditional upon the fulfillment of its precepts, rightly brought them under the stern denunciation expressed in this verse. These teachers were not necessarily Judaists themselves, though the evil doctrines they taught were much along the same lines. Ministry of the Scriptures without the personal knowledge of Christ and without the experience of the power of the Holy Spirit, consists entirely of unprofitable and ineffective talking. (Collected Writings of W.E. Vine) Donald Guthrie makes a great point that "The profundities of Christian truth must never become muffled in meaningless subtleties, a fault which those who indulge in allegorical interpretations do not always succeed in avoiding." (See The Pastoral Epistles: An Introduction and Commentary)

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Hendriksen comments that "The law, then, was laid down for lawless and insubordinate, for ungodly and sinful persons, in order that it might shake them to the very depths of their being, might frighten them out of whatever self-complacency remained in them. (The Pastoral Epistles) Barclay on lawless (anomos) - The lawless are those who know the laws of right and wrong, and who break them deliberately and open-eyed. (ED: WOE! BEEN THERE! DONE THAT!) No one can blame a man for breaking a law he does not know exists; but the lawless are those who deliberately violate the laws in order to satisfy their own ambitions and desires. (See 1 Timothy 1 Commentary) Hiebert on lawless and rebellious (unruly) - “The lawless” refuse to recognize law, while the “unruly” refuse to be subject to law. They mean to act as they please, thus putting self before God. They are characterized by disobedience. (See First Timothy- Everyman's Bible Commentary) Barclay on rebellious (anupotaktos) - They are the unruly and the insubordinate. These are those who refuse to accept and to obey any authority. They are like soldiers who mutinously disobey the word of command. They are either too proud or too unbridled to accept any control. (Ibid)

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Hendriksen adds "That which is “profane” can be trodden. It is, as our English word implies, “in front of the temple,” that is, “outside the temple” (pro = before or in front of; fane = temple, sanctuary). A profane person is one who does not refrain or hesitate to trample on that which is holy." (The Pastoral Epistles) Bebelos - 5v - godless person(1), profane(1), worldly(3). - 1 Tim. 1:9; 1 Tim. 4:7; 1 Tim. 6:20; 2 Tim. 2:16; Heb. 12:16 = "that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal." (He did not regard his birthright as sacred, but as something to be sold in order to supply a common need.) 1 Timothy 1:10 and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, BGT 1 Timothy 1:10 πόρνοις ἀρσενοκοίταις ἀνδραποδισταῖς ψεύσταις ἐπιόρκοις, καὶ εἴ τι ἕτερον τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ ἀντίκειται Amplified [For] impure and immoral persons, those who abuse themselves with men, kidnapers, liars, perjurers—and whatever else is opposed to wholesome teaching and sound doctrine Barclay fornicators, homosexuals, slave-dealers and kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and all those who are guilty of anything which is the reverse of sound teaching, BBE 1 Timothy 1:10 For those who go after loose women, for those with unnatural desires, for those who take men prisoners, who make false statements and false oaths, and those who do any other things against the right teaching, CSB 1 Timothy 1:10 for the sexually immoral and homosexuals, for kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching ERV 1 Timothy 1:10 for fornicators, for abusers of themselves with men, for menstealers, for liars, for false swearers, and if there be any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine; ESV 1 Timothy 1:10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, GWN 1 Timothy 1:10 Laws are intended for people involved in sexual sins, for homosexuals, for kidnappers, for liars, for those who lie when they take an oath, and for whatever else is against accurate teachings. KJV 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; NKJ 1 Timothy 1:10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, MIT 1 Timothy 1:10 sexually immoral people, homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, those who break their oath—and those who practice whatever else is contrary to wholesome teaching NAB 1 Timothy 1:10 the unchaste, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is opposed to sound teaching, NET 1 Timothy 1:10 sexually immoral people, practicing homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, perjurers– in fact, for any who live contrary to sound teaching. NIV 1 Timothy 1:10 for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers--and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine NJB 1 Timothy 1:10 for the promiscuous, homosexuals, kidnappers, for liars and for perjurers -- and for everything else that is contrary to the sound teaching NLT 1 Timothy 1:10 The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching NLT (non-revised) These laws are for people who are sexually immoral, for homosexuals and slave traders, for liars and oath breakers, and for those who do anything else that contradicts the right teaching NRS 1 Timothy 1:10 fornicators, sodomites, slave traders, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching Phillips who are sexually uncontrolled or perverted, or who traffic in the bodies of others. It is against liars and perjurers—in fact it is against any and every action which contradicts the wholesome teaching REB and fornicators, perverts, kidnappers, liars, perjurers—in fact all whose behaviour flouts the sound teaching Wuest for whoremongers, for sodomites, for slave dealers and kidnapers, for liars, for perjurers, and if, as is the case, there is anything of a different nature which is opposed to sound teaching, (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) YLT 1 Timothy 1:10 whoremongers, sodomites, men-stealers, liars, perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that to sound doctrine is adverse, immoral men: Mk 7:21-22 1Co 6:9-10 Ga 5:19-21 Eph 5:3-6 Heb 13:4 homosexuals: Ge 19:5 Lev 18:22 20:13 Ro 1:26 Jude 1:7 kidnappers: Ge 37:27 40:15 Ex 21:16 De 24:7 Rev 18:13 liars: John 8:44 Rev 21:8,27 Rev 22:15 perjurers: Ex 20:7 Eze 17:16-19 Ho 4:1,2 10:4 Zec 5:4 8:17 Mal 3:5 Mt 5:33-37 whatever else is contrary to sound teaching: 1Ti 6:3 2Ti 1:13 2Ti 4:3 Titus 1:9 Titus 2:1 1 Timothy 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Ephesians 5:5+ For this you know with certainty, that no immoral (pornos) or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. John 8:44 “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Exodus 20:7 “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain. CONCLUSION OF THE VICE LIST And immoral men (pornos) and homosexuals (arsenokoites) and kidnappers (andrapodistes) and liars (pseustes) and perjurers (epiorkos) and whatever else is contrary (antikeimai - present tense) to sound (hugiaino ~ "hygienic") teaching (didaskalia) - Paul lists 5 more reasons for which the law was given and as noted above these vices correspond roughly to the Ten Commandments. Ephesus became known for homosexuality in last half of the first century! Kidnappers reminds one of the horrible last days of the whore of Babylon in which there are cargoes of "slaves and human lives" (Rev 18:13+). Liars and perjurers break the commandment in Ex 20:16+. As Paul often does (cf Ro 13:9+, Gal 5:21+), he adds a "catch all" phrase, which includes any and all kinds of sins which one might name. All sins stand opposed to sound teaching. Sound (hugiaino ~ "hygienic") teaching is health giving doctrine that produces a "healthy" mind and the fruit of a healthy mind is holy behavior. Conversely unhealthy doctrine spreads like gangrene (2Ti 2:17+) In sum, Paul's list gives us a guide for identifying the unjustified person, for as Jesus said "by their fruits you shall know them." (Mt 7:16, 20+). Similar "vice lists" - 1Co 5:11; 1Co 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-20; Ro 1:28-31; Ro 13:13; Col. 3:5; Ep 5:5; 1Ti 6:4-5, 2Ti 3:2-4, Titus 3:3. Total depravity - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org NET Note 1 Timothy 1 - on immoral men - On this term BDAG 135 s.v. ἀρσενοκοίτης states, “a male who engages in sexual activity w. a pers. of his own sex, pederast 1 Cor 6:9 … of one who assumes the dominant role in same-sex activity, opp. μαλακός … 1 Ti 1:10; Pol 5:3. Cp. Ro 1:27.” L&N 88.280 states, “a male partner in homosexual intercourse—‘homosexual.’ … It is possible that ἀρσενοκοίτης in certain contexts refers to the active male partner in homosexual intercourse in contrast with μαλακός, the passive male partner” (cf. 1 Cor 6:9). Since there is a distinction in contemporary usage between sexual orientation and actual behavior, the qualification “practicing” was supplied in the translation, following the emphasis in BDAG. Barclay on the sins of immorality in the ancient world - It is difficult for us to realize the state of the ancient world in matters of sexual morality. It was riddled with unnatural vice. One of the extraordinary things was the actual connection of immorality and religion. The Temple of Aphrodite, goddess of love, at Corinth had attached to it a thousand priestesses who were sacred prostitutes and who at evening came down to the city streets and plied their trade. It is said that Solon was the first law-maker in Athens to legalize prostitution and that with the profits of the public brothels he instituted a new temple was built to Aphrodite, the goddess of love....It has often been said and said truly that chastity was the one completely new virtue which Christianity brought into this world. It was no easy thing in the early days to endeavour to live according to the Christian ethic in a world like that. (Ibid) Bob

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Hendriksen - Paul acknowledges his gratitude to Christ for three closely related benefits: a. for having imparted strength to him (he calls Christ his Enabler or Qualifier), b. for having judged him to be trustworthy or reliable, and c. for having "appointed" - this combines destination and duty (cf. N.T.C. on 1Th 5:9) - him to the "ministry" (of the apostleship), a service rendered to the Lord in the spirit of love and personal devotion (for that is the meaning of the word diakonia; see Eph. 4:12; Col. 4:17; Heb. 1:14; on 1Th 3:2. For the technical sense see on 1Ti 3:10). Of course, these three ideas blend into one. It may be paraphrased as follows, "I thank him, Christ Jesus our Lord, my Strength-Imparter (cf. 2 Cor. 12:9; Phil. 4:13; 2 Tim. 4:17), who in His sovereign mercy considered me trustworthy - looking not at what I was in myself but at what His grace was doing within me (cf. 1Co 4:7; Ep 2:8), and accordingly for His own purpose appointed me to the ministry of the apostolic office." The enabling, the favorable judging, and the appointing were simultaneous. They all occurred when Paul was converted on the way to Damascus. See his own vivid accounts in Acts 9:15, 16; Acts 22:1-21; Acts 26:16-18; cf. Acts 13:1-4; 1Th. 2:4. (The Pastoral Epistles) Not Ashamed (Faithful) Philip Henry, calling one day upon a tanner, found him so absorbed in tanning a hide, that he did not notice his pastor's approach until he tapped him on the shoulder. The man in confusion said, "Sir, I am ashamed you found me thus." "Nay," replied Philip Henry. "May the Lord Jesus, when He comes, find me discharging with the same faithfulness, the duties of my calling." A Missionary's Equipment. By J. Hudson Taylor Missionary to China. A life yielded to God and controlled by His Spirit A restful trust in God for the supply of all needs A sympathetic spirit A willingness to take a lowly place Tact in dealing with people Adaptability toward circumstances Zeal in service Steadfastness in discouragement Love for communion with God and for the study of His word Some experience and blessing in the Lord's work at home A healthy body and vigorous mind Oswald Chambers - The Base 1 Timothy 1:12 The Real Thanks of the Worker And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord . . . Everything that God has created is like an orchestra praising Him. “All Thy works shall praise Thee.” In the ear of God everything He created makes exquisite music, and man joined in the paean of praise until he fell, then there came in the frantic discord of sin. The realisation of Redemption brings man by way of the minor note of repentance back into tune with praise again. The angels are only too glad to hear that note, because it blends man into harmony again (see Luke 15:10). Praising God is the ultimate end and aim of all we go through. “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me.” What does it matter whether you are well or ill! whether you have money or none! It is all a matter of indifference, but one thing is not a matter of indifference, and that is that we are pleasing to the ears of God. Paul had got back again by way of repentance into tune with God (cf. 1 Timothy 1:13), and now he has his base as a worker in thanksgiving to Christ Jesus; his whole life has been brought into perfect relation to God. The Realised Test of the Worker who hath enabled me . . . The test of the worker is that he knows he has been enabled by the Lord Jesus, therefore he works and learns to do it better all the time. The realisation that my Lord has enabled me to be a worker keeps me strong enough never to be weak. Conscious obtrusive weakness is natural unthankful strength; it means I refuse to be made strong by Him. When I say I am too weak it means I am too strong; and when ever I say “I can’t” it means “I won’t.” When Jesus Christ enables me, I am omnipotently strong all the time. Paul talks in paradoxes, “for when I am weak, then am I strong.” The Recognised Truth by the Worker for that He counted me faithful . . . To recognise that my Lord counts us faithful removes the last snare of idealising natural pluck. If we have the idea that we must face the difficulties with pluck, we have never recognised the truth that He has counted us faithful; it is His work in me He is counting worthy, not my work for Him. The truth is we have nothing to fear and nothing to overcome because He is all in all and we are more than conquerors through Him. The recognition of this truth is not flattering to the worker’s sense of heroics, but it is amazingly glorifying to the work of Christ. He counts us worthy because He has done everything for us. It is a shameful thing for Christians to talk about “getting the victory”; by this time the Victor ought to have got us so completely that it is His victory all the time, not ours. The overcoming referred to in the Book of the Revelation is not the personal overcoming of difficulties but the overcoming of the very life of God in us while we stand resolutely true to Him. The Responsible Trust of the Worker . . . putting me into the ministry. The ministry is, the “glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.” If I am going to be loyal to that trust, it will mean I must never allow any impertinent sensitiveness to hinder my keeping the trust. My trust is the glorious gospel for myself and through me to others, and it is realised in two ways: in the perfect certainty that God has redeemed the world, and in the imperative necessity of working on that basis with everyone with whom I come in contact (cf. Colossians 1:28-29). (Approved Unto God) Thankful For A Place In Service I Timothy 1:12 "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry" When I graduated from college I remember one of my classmates being thrilled that he was called to pastor a church. He had a place of service and rejoiced in it. I assume, knowing the classmate, that he also thanked God for the place of service just as Paul was doing in our text. Paul thanks God for three aspects of His Service. FIRST—THE ENABLING FOR SERVICE "Hath enabled me." God never calls a person without enabling him or her. If you lack the enabling, you are not in His calling. As an example, if you think God has called you to the field of music and you haven't the slightest ability in any area of music, forget it. God is not calling you. God enables by experience, ability, and desire. Some are in the ministry because they were impressed with the glamour (to them) of the position. That is not the basis for assuming a call. Some like to use the pulpit to 'bully' people and tell them their shortcomings. They can holler and stomp and wave their arms in public speaking, but that is no call to the ministry. There is more to the ministry than that and those that are called are enabled. Paul thanks God for his enabling. All are not enabled the same for all are not called to the same task. Do not complain about your enabling or lack thereof for that is being critical of God. Thank God for your enabling and use it to serve Him. SECOND—THE ESTEEM FOR SERVICE "Counted me faithful." This is something to really be thankful for. If God says you are faithful, you are faithful. Covet to be esteemed by God and when He approves thank Him for it. Faithfulness is so essential to serving the Lord. You may be of service to man and not be faithful, but God will not use you if you are not faithful. "It is required in steward, that a man be found faithful" (I Corinthians 4:2). And faithfulness begins in small matters first. (Luke 16:10). If you are not serving the Lord in the capacity that you would like maybe the problem is your lack of faithfulness. THIRD—THE ENTRUSTING FOR SERVICE "Having put me into the ministry." We need to thank God for our placement rather than complain about it. The word "ministry" involves in its meaning, 'labor.' God will put you in a place to labor for Him. Wherever God places you, it is to labor, to work. It may not be a famous place, rather it may be a lowly place. But labor faithfully there and thank God for the place of service. Everyone is not put into the ministry, some are put elsewhere. God decides and enables, not man. But wherever God puts you thank Him for it and serve earnestly and faithfully. "Many be called but few chosen" (Matthew 20:16; 22:14). Many go out for football but only a few make the team. Paul made the team, and thanked God for it. Don't fuss about your position. Thank Him that you made the tea (Sermon Starters) Thank (grace) (5485) charis [see also note above on charis] is used sometimes (as in 1Ti 1:12) as a verbal thank offering to God, an attitude of gratitude, response to generosity or beneficence, thanks (similar uses of charis meaning thanks = Lk 17:9, 1Cor 15.57; 2Co 9.15, 2Ti 1:3, Heb 12:28, Ro 6:17; Ro 7:25; 1Cor 10:30). The word charis, first means favor, and then that which is the effect of grace, whether the spiritual condition resulting (Ro 5:2, 7), a special gift of grace (1Pe 1:10, 13) or as in this passage thanks for a favor or benefit received. Strengthened (1743) endunamoo from en = in + dunamoo = strengthen) in simple terms means to put power in (like a car needs gas for power) and thus to make strong or vigorous, to strengthen (active voice) or to be (passive voice) strengthened, enabled or empowered. It most often refers to spiritual or moral strengthening Acts 9:22; Ro 4:20; Eph. 6:10; Phil. 4:13; 1Ti 1:12; 2Ti 2:1; 2Ti 4:17 Ephesians 6:10+ Finally, be strong (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 2 Timothy 2:1+ You therefore, my son, be strong (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 4:17+ But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. Considered (regarded) (2233) hegeomai from ago = to lead, carry, bring) has two basic meanings in the NT. One is to lead as one would do in a supervisory capacity as when describing men in any leading position - ruler, leader, governor (Acts 7:10+) and stands opposite of a diakonos or servant in (Lk 22:26+). In the apocryphal writings hegeomai was used of military commanders. It was also used to describe leaders of religious bodies, both pagan and Christian (latter in Heb 13:7, 17, 24, "leading men" in Acts 15:22+, "chief speaker" in Acts 14:12+). In secular Greek hegeomai was used to describe the pagan god Hermes as "the leader of the word." The other sense (used here in 1Ti 1:12) is to think, deem, consider, regard, especially making a decision after weighing the facts or circumstances (Acts 26:2; 2Cor 9:5; Phil 2:3; Phil 3:8; Heb 10:29; Jas 1:2) Faithful (4103) pistos from peitho = to persuade - induce one by words to believe, have confidence) is something or someone who is worthy of faith or keeps promises and is applied to God, humans, His Word, etc Pistos means dependable (worthy of reliance or trust), trustworthy, steadfast, unswerving. Pistos is one who shows Himself faithful in the discharge of a duty or the administration of a trust (Mt 24:45). Hence, trustworthy (2Ti 2:2). Of things that can be relied upon (2Ti 2:11). Service (1248) diakonia is probably derived from dioko = to pursue, "to be a follower of a person, to attach one's self to him:" - note on origin is from Vincent.) means the rendering or assistance or help by performing certain duties, often of a humble or menial nature serve, including such mundane activities as waiting on tables or caring for household needs—activities without apparent dignity. Diakonia is related to diakonos, a servant, not in his relation (like doulos) but more in regard to his activity. The term covers both slaves and hired servants. The basic idea has to do with humble, submissive, personal service, not simply with an office or a particular function. Diakonia - 1Ti 1:12, 2Ti 4:5, 2Ti 4:11. God's Delight When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them. — Matthew 9:36 Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 A Scottish preacher spoke of evangelism as a fellowship of reconciled, forgiven sinners who don’t simply preach but live out their faith. They also offer to others the same reconciliation and forgiveness they have received from God. The apostle Paul expressed the same conviction: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15). Once a blasphemer and persecutor of Christians, Paul believed that God’s mercy was shown to him, the worst of sinners, as an example to other sinners who would later believe on Christ (1Ti 1:16). Whenever we testify that God has forgiven us and provided eternal life through faith in Christ, we’re declaring that God is a saving God. Yet, when we observe destructive lifestyles among people, it’s easy to write them off. Instead, we should look at them as Christ does. “When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them” (Matthew 9:36). Love is giving for the world's needs, Love is sharing as the Lord leads, Love is caring when the world cries, Love is compassion with Christlike eyes. —Brandt To love sinners is to be like Jesus. Not Good Enough Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. — Isaiah 1:18 Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 A friend told me recently of a young mother who was trying to explain her father’s death to her 4-year-old. The girl wondered where Grandpa was. “I’m sure he’s in heaven,” the mother answered, “because he was very good.” The girl replied sadly, “I guess I won’t be in heaven.” “Why not?” her mother asked in surprise. “’Cause I’m not very good.” The story saddened me, as I’m saddened when I hear of others who believe they must be very good to get into heaven, especially since we all know deep down in our hearts that we’re not very good at all. Perhaps like this little girl you’re thinking about your sins and asking, “What must I do to get to heaven?” The answer has already been given: Jesus, by His death, has paid in full the price of your sins, no matter how sordid, tawdry, or shameful they may be. Your salvation is free. God promises, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isa. 1:18). John Donne writes: Or wash thee in Christ’s blood, which hath this might, That being red, it dyes red souls to white. The perfect righteousness of Christ Is free to everyone, But we by faith must take that gift And trust God’s precious Son. —D. De Haan No one is good enough to save himself; no one is so bad that God cannot save him. Tell Your Story Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim Your greatness. — Psalm 145:6NLT Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Timothy 1:12-20 Michael Dinsmore, a former prisoner and relatively new Christian, was asked to give his testimony in a prison. After he spoke, some inmates came to him and said, “This is the most exciting meeting we’ve ever been to!” Michael was amazed that God could use his simple story. In 1 Timothy, after Paul had charged Timothy to stay the course preaching the gospel (1:1-11), he shared his personal testimony to encourage the young man (vv.12-16). He told about God’s mercy in his own life. Paul said that he had mocked the Lord, but He changed him. In His mercy, God not only counted him faithful and gave him a job to do, but He also enabled him to do His work (v.12). Paul considered himself the worst of sinners, but God saved him (v.15). The Lord is able! That is what Paul wanted Timothy to see, and what we need to see too. Through Paul’s testimony, we see God’s mercy. If God could use someone like Paul, He can use us. If God could save the worst of sinners, then no one is beyond His reach. Father, thank You for the salvation You offer and that no one, including me, is beyond the reach of Your mercy, grace, and transforming power. Help me share my story with others so that people can see Your love. No one is beyond the reach of God’s love. My Real Face I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.1 Timothy 1:12 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Timothy 1:12–17 For years, feelings of unworthiness and shame over my less-than-godly past had an adverse impact on every aspect of my life. What if others discovered the extent of my blemished reputation? Though God helped me muster up courage to invite a ministry leader to lunch, I strived to seem perfect. I scrubbed my house spotless, whipped up a three-course meal, and donned my best jeans and blouse. I rushed to turn off the front-yard sprinklers. Twisting the leaking nozzle, I screamed when a gush of water drenched me. With towel-dried hair and smeared makeup, I changed into dry sweat pants and a T-shirt . . . just in time to hear the doorbell. Frustrated, I confessed my morning’s antics and motives. My new friend shared her own battles with fear and insecurity stemming from guilt over past failings. After we prayed, she welcomed me to her team of God’s imperfect servants. The apostle Paul accepted his new life in Christ, refusing to deny his past or let it stop him from serving the Lord (1 Timothy 1:12–14). Because Paul knew Jesus’s work on the cross saved and changed him—the worst of sinners—he praised God and encouraged others to honor and obey Him (vv. 15–17). Lord, thanks for eliminating our shame and insecurities as You use us to serve You, no matter what our life looked like before You saved us. God accepts us as we are, and changes us as we serve Him in love. 1 Timothy 1:13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; BGT 1 Timothy 1:13 τὸ πρότερον ὄντα βλάσφημον καὶ διώκτην καὶ ὑβριστήν, ἀλλὰ ἠλεήθην, ὅτι ἀγνοῶν ἐποίησα ἐν ἀπιστίᾳ· Amplified Though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and was shamefully and outrageously and aggressively insulting [to Him], nevertheless, I obtained mercy because I had acted out of ignorance in unbelief. Barclay although I was formerly an insulter, a persecutor and a man of insolent and brutal violence. But I received mercy from him, because it was in ignorance that I acted thus, in the days when I did not believe. BBE 1 Timothy 1:13 Though I had said violent words against God, and done cruel acts, causing great trouble: but I was given mercy, because I did it without knowledge, not having faith; CSB 1 Timothy 1:13 one who was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief. ERV 1 Timothy 1:13 though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief; ESV 1 Timothy 1:13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, GWN 1 Timothy 1:13 In the past I cursed him, persecuted him, and acted arrogantly toward him. However, I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in my unbelief. KJV 1 Timothy 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. NKJ 1 Timothy 1:13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. MIT 1 Timothy 1:13 In an earlier stage of my life, I was a blasphemer, a persecutor, an arrogant man, but I was accorded mercy because what I did was done in ignorance resultant from unbelief. NAB 1 Timothy 1:13 I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and an arrogant man, but I have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief. NET 1 Timothy 1:13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, NIV 1 Timothy 1:13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. NJB 1 Timothy 1:13 even though I used to be a blasphemer and a persecutor and contemptuous. Mercy, however, was shown me, because while I lacked faith I acted in ignorance; NLT 1 Timothy 1:13 even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. NLT (non-revised) even though I used to scoff at the name of Christ. I hunted down his people, harming them in every way I could. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. NRS 1 Timothy 1:13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, Phillips despite the fact that I had previously blasphemed his name, persecuted his Church and insulted him. I believe he was merciful to me because what I did was done in the ignorance of a man without faith. REB although in the past I had met him with abuse and persecution and outrage. But because I acted in the ignorance of unbelief I was dealt with mercifully; Wuest though I was the very one who heretofore was a reviler and a persecutor and an insolent, destructive person. But I was shown mercy because, being ignorant, I acted in unbelief. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) YLT 1 Timothy 1:13 who before was speaking evil, and persecuting, and insulting, but I found kindness, because, being ignorant, I did it in unbelief, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor: Ac 8:3 Acts 9:1,5,13 Acts 22:4 Acts 26:9-11 1Co 15:9 Ga 1:13 Php 3:6 Yet I was shown mercy: 1Ti 1:16 Ho 2:23 Ro 5:20,21 Ro 11:30,31 Heb 4:16 1Pe 2:10 because I acted ignorantly in unbelief: Nu 15:30 Lu 12:47 Lk 23:34 Jn 9:39-41 Ac 3:17 Acts 26:9 Heb 6:4-8 Heb 10:26-29 2Pe 2:21,22 1 Timothy 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Acts 8:3+ But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison. Acts 9:1; 5; 13+ Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, (9:5) And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting,...(9:13) But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem; Acts 22:4+ “I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons, Acts 26:9-11+ “So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 “And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 “And as I punished them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to blaspheme; and being furiously enraged at them, I kept pursuing them even to foreign cities. 1 Corinthians 15:9+ For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. Galatians 1:13+ For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it; Philippians 3:6+ as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. Numbers 15:30+ ‘But the person who does anything defiantly, whether he is native or an alien, that one is blaspheming the LORD; and that person shall be cut off from among his people. Luke 12:47+ “And that slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes, Luke 23:34+ But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. John 9:39-41 And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” 40 Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, “We are not blind too, are we?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains. Acts 3:17+ “And now, brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also. WHAT PAUL WAS BEFORE Even though I was formerly (proteros) a blasphemer (blasphemos) and a persecutor (dioktes) and a violent aggressor (hubristes - "bully") - Don't miss the opening words even though which illustrates the principle that where Paul's sin abounded, God's grace abounded even more. (Ro 5:20+) When the jeweler shows off the precious diamond, he places it against a black velvet cloth, so that the beauty and luster is accentuated. In the same way, Paul now (even though) describes his dark past to highlight the beauty of the abundant grace that was bestowed on him. A blasphemer (blasphemos) is one who slanders God and here presumably refers to his denying the deity of Jesus and even attempting to force others to deny Christ. Paul's pre-conversion "curriculum vitae" should make any sinner (regardless of their sin) hopeful that they too can be rescued from darkness and transferred to the kingdom of light (Col 1:12-13+) as was Saul/Paul. Recall Saul/Paul was even a willing witness to the martyrdom of Stephen in Acts 7:58+ and Acts 8:1+. But Saul/Paul did not stop there but "began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison." (Acts 8:3+). And in Acts 9:1-2+ Luke describes that "Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem." Barclay on violent aggressor (hubristes) - It indicates a kind of arrogant sadism; it describes the man who is out to inflict pain for the sheer joy of inflicting it. The corresponding abstract noun is hubris which Aristotle defines: “Hubris means to hurt and to grieve people, in such a way that shame comes to the man who is hurt and grieved, and that not that the person who inflicts the hurt and injury may gain anything else in addition to what he already possesses, but simply that he may find delight in his own cruelty and in the suffering of the other person.” A. T.

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Hendriksen points out "Simple and great, like a granite rock, stands the word reliable (pistos TRUSTWORTY), at the head of the sentence, without any connecting particle."

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Hendriksen - It is the "mandate" or "instruction" that Timothy stay on at Ephesus in order that he may teach certain individuals not to make misuse of the law but to use it lawfully, unto conversion to Christ, the sinners' Savior. Steven Cole minces no words in describing what Paul's charge to Timothy means to us today as believers in Jesus Christ - The lesson for us is this: The ministry is not an optional choice for the more dedicated. God doesn’t call for volunteers. The ministry is a sacred trust from God to each individual which each person must obey and for which that person must give an account. If God has called you to Himself, then He has called you to serve. His particular orders to you as to how and where He wants you to serve must be seen as a sacred deposit entrusted to you by the commander-in-chief. You’re under orders. And you do your ministry to please Him, not for strokes from others or for self-gratification. (Faithful Christian Service) in accordance with the prophecies (propheteia) previously made (proago) concerning you - In accordance with means in harmony with or in keeping with the prophecies spoken over Timothy. This statement would refer to his previous ordination. This was clearly evidence that God had called Timothy to the ministry (see story of John Knox's call). That by them refers to the prophecies and these previously uttered truths would (or at least should) serve to encourage and strengthen his resolve for the good works in Ephesus. Why? Because predictive prophecies by God's Spirit always come to pass and this would be truth Timothy could count on to fortify him for the spiritual warfare he would encounter with the false teachers in Ephesus. W E Vine on prophecies - Prophetic utterances were among the gifts ministered by the Holy Spirit in the churches in apostolic times until the Scriptures were completed. What was uttered in those times came by immediate revelation from God. See, e.g., Acts 11:27, 28; 13:1, 2; 21:8–11; 1 Corinthians 14.....The prophecies referred to were designed not only to lead the way to Timothy, but to provide abiding strength in his experiences and activities. How often special dealings of God with us upon certain occasions in our past circumstances, afford strength and confidence to us in our spiritual conflicts and difficulties! Paul presumably alludes to these prophecies again commanding Timothy "Do not neglect (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance (propheteia) with the laying on of hands by the presbytery." (1Ti 4:14+, cf 2Ti 1:6+) Hiebert on the prophecies - The reference doubtless takes us into the assembly of the believers where the Holy Spirit, speaking through His prophets, singled out Timothy for special duty. These prophecies, previous to his ordination, marked him out for his office and sanctioned the laying on of hands. Thus in Acts 13:2-4+ the Spirit’s message, marking out Barnabas and Saul, came before they were publicly set aside for the work. So doubtless it was also in the case of Timothy. (First Timothy- Everyman's Bible Commentary) Duane Litfin - These prophecies were Timothy's call and fitness for service in Ephesus. They reinforce Paul's conviction that Timothy was a fit soldier to conduct the battle against error in the Ephesian church. Timothy was to remember these prophecies and be inspired by them in the struggle. (See Bible Knowledge Commentary) R C H

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Hendriksen says: A Christian must be both a good soldier and a good sailor. Now a good sailor does not thrust away or discard the rudder of the ship. The good conscience--one that obeys the dictates of the Word as applied to the heart by the Holy Spirit--is the rudder, guiding the believer's vessel into the safe harbor of everlasting rest.

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Hendriksen - The apostle is earnestly desirous that the discipline--the divine pedagogy--imposed may have a salutary effect on Hymenaeus and Alexander. He is hoping and praying that by means of this dire affliction these false teachers may come to see themselves as grievous sinners and may be brought to genuine repentance, so that they will no longer rail at the truth and thereby revile its Author. William Kelly makes the point that "Even Satan’s power in dealing with the outer man, and perhaps in the infliction of anguish of mind, may be used under the hand of God to bring down the haughty spirit and make past blasphemy to be seen in all its offensive pride and opposition to God” (Commentary) ILLUSTRATION - Steven