Poisonous Traditions into a Purified Sanctity-1 Timothy 1:1-20
Happy Sunday! I was given the blessing to deliver today’s sermon, which happens to be my very first, on 1 Timothy 1. The title of my message today is, “Poisonous Traditions into a Purified Sanctity.” Let’s read the passage together. The key verse for my message is verse 16, which reads, “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”
Let’s pray: Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you today to worship and study your Word. We thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to fulfill the price of our sin with His death on the cross. Help us to remember that it is only through your Word that we may be filled with peace and grace. Help us to also learn from your servant, Paul, with his letter to Timothy, and how we may reflect and integrate among ourselves the Truth with the Holy Spirit. Fill our minds with your great love and wisdom, and please be with us all who are struggling with our own sins. May your Word today be delivered onto us, in your name, Amen.
The book of Timothy consists of letters written by the Apostle Paul, to his disciple Timothy, to be delivered to the early church of Ephesus. It was critical for Paul to send Timothy to this church for two main reasons: 1) Christianity as a whole was still very new to the world, so protecting and strengthening the existing, established churches would further solidify the belief and spread of Jesus’ Gospel; and 2) to set an example and to provide further teachings for future churches and Christians to come. And in Chapter 1 specifically, Paul addresses the poisonous beliefs and practices that were plaguing the Ephesians, what it means to submit and repent yourself to Jesus Christ, and how even completely broken people can find God’s abounding love and never-ending mercy.
Acts 16:1-5 introduces Timothy and how he began his journey with Paul. Timothy was someone who walked closely with Jesus, as the believers in his region spoke well of him, and Paul even specifically sought him out. He accompanied Paul on many missions to spread the good news of Jesus. Paul sees him like a son, speaking very highly of him in Philippians 2:19-23, which occurs a few years before 1 Timothy 1. This reminds me of my relationship with my dad. Even as a little kid, I wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps as a church leader and creative. I yearned for the day I would give my first sermon, and I practiced public speaking through testimonies to drive out my stage-fright (still a working progress). I loved attending his bible studies and workshops, including the time I blindly followed him into a strong and deep river, nearly drowning during our concluding celebration of finishing one of his workshops. And working and acting on several of his Christian-parody short-films showed me how fun it can be to serve the Lord, even when I was the villain in most of them. It is very healthy and encouraged to seek out a relationship like Paul and Timothy’s, as an eager disciple can greatly benefit from a strong mentor or parent-like figure. This also mirrors the relationship God has with us, his children, as he gives instructions and seeks out those who are hungry to serve Him.
PART I: Daily Poison
Paul begins his letter to Timothy by establishing his authority and sending prayer and blessings to his brother-in-faith, Timothy. Look at verses 1 and 2. Paul states he is in the direct command of God Himself. This derives from the initial encounter with Jesus that radically changed Paul from a slave to violence to a soldier of Christ. We learn this from Acts 9, where Paul, originally named Saul, is confronted by Jesus Himself. Verses 3-6 read []. This one encounter with the Lord completely flipped Paul’s perspective and understanding of what God is truly seeking for His people, and he was thus given authority to preach and establish the early Christian church. Now, Paul is instructing Timothy on how to manage and bring his church in Ephesus closer to what Christ has envisioned.
Let’s read Verses 3-4. Paul is clearly concerned about the Ephesian Church. He is not only sending Timothy over to speak with them, but he urges him to stay there and take command. He speaks of them teaching false doctrines and devoting themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Christianity was a revolutionary belief, and with it being only recently introduced to the people of the region, many felt the need to hold on to old beliefs, traditions, and habits. This mirrors the life of a young Christian today. The idea of Christ is an absolutely revolutionary revelation, yet we are still tempted or even still engage in our old ways of sin. Paul is sending Timothy because the people must be reminded of what is true and what is good, and not what will only poison them to their graves. Similarly, we must engage ourselves with the Word of God consistently, reflecting upon ourselves and being willing to sacrifice that old, poisoned part of us.
For me, I devoted myself to the myth that I should fear people and to live in agony for what has not yet come. This anxiety crippled me year after year, yet I still devoted my mind to the idea that people will judge me unfairly, no matter what I did. I also held immense fear over my loved ones, desperate to never feel the sting of death again. This was a clear contradiction to what Paul is proclaiming here: I was promoting controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work by faith. Like the Ephesians, although I believed, I did not have full faith in God’s Sovereignty, nor did I fully submit to the idea that we should only fear God alone, for it is God who will be the only judge when the time comes. This anxiety turned me sharply away from advancing God’s work and even led to me to attempt to take my own life.
Paul then says in verse 5 that he brings these commands out of love. And it is for Timothy as well as other members of the church to reciprocate this action. What does this mean? If we look at many of the things Jesus did in the Gospels, including rebuking false teachers and doctrines, it was always out of love. Look at Mark 7:1-9. The pharisees had their hearts completely set on old, Jewish traditions, instead of paying attention to what was most important, and who was directly in front of them. Yet Jesus gives this command out of love, as it is only through Him and the mercy of our Lord that grant us a good conscience and a sincere faith. Verses 6-7 expand on this by stating that some of the Ephesians do not understand the goal of love, and have instead, like the pharisees, speak out of their own concerns over their old traditions. Returning to my testimony over my anxiety, it was not until I experienced God’s full grace and mercy that I finally appreciated my life for the first time. When I nearly died last year from a tachycardiac event, I witness the doorways into Heaven. Upon seeing them close and returning back to consciousness did I finally see that God absolutely has a purpose for me here, and there will never be a reason to fear others, as long as I am under God’s command. God spared me so that I may complete the work He has for me, and to truly understand what it means to live under His love and grace.
Let’s look at verses 8-11. Paul is establishing how critical the law is when followed accordingly. He then provides a list of the many kinds of people and sins that the law is specifically written for. If we do not practice any of the sins that Paul clearly lists, are we then free from the law? In verse 9, Paul says “that the law is made not for the righteous.” But if we are believers, does that make us righteous? Romans 3:23 says. And Psalm 53:2-3 reads. It is true, even as a steadfast believer, we will all still fall short. So even if you are not a slave trader, irreligious, or sexually immoral, the law must still be studied, observed, and practiced every day. If you find yourself trapped in one of these listed sins, or the endless amounts of other sins not listed here, cry out and surrender yourself completely to Jesus. With God, redemption and fundamental change can happen at any point in your life, so why not submit and commit entirely now with God?
PART II: God’s Transforming Power
From verses 12-17, Paul is making bold and revealing statements about how he was once a slave to sin and a false teacher. He begins in verse 12, which reads. Paul is first thanking God for saving him and anointing him with strength as a servant. We must first receive grace before being able to truly cast away our sins. Paul received probably the mightiest gift of grace from God by Jesus revealing himself directly to him. It was not until this moment of grace and mercy did Paul decide to follow Jesus with his whole heart. And we see in 1 Timothy and other letters how Paul confesses and mourns over his past life of disbelief and anger.
Jesus Himself has always approached sin first with grace and love. Look at John 8:1-11. The leaders of the Temple and Pharisees were outright bent on condemning this woman to a torturous death. Jesus does two things here: 1) He addresses the pharisees hypocritical actions and stops their merciless actions when even they themselves deserve to be stoned; and 2) by showing grace to the adulterous woman, He also then asks her to “go now and leave your life of sin.” Jesus sets a clear example of how we must address broken people. We should never revert to our own thoughts of what is “just” or “fair,” but always remember God’s love and mercy He has shown us throughout our lives. And although he saves the adulterous woman from condemnation, he also commands her to abandon her acts of sin. Look at verses 13-14, like the adulterous woman, Paul was shown mercy. It was through the Lord’s abundant love that Paul was able to maintain such faith and love in Christ Jesus.
Let’s read verses 15-17. This is one of the most profound statements Paul has made in his letters. Paul does not only admit that he is the worst of sinners, but he states this twice. Paul is making the point that even for him, a grand missionary and leader of the early Christian Church, he is still a sinner and falls short in the eyes of God. It is also for him that he follows the law, and he is stating that no matter where you are in your walk with Christ, the law must be upheld and maintained. But most importantly is God’s power of salvation. Paul here is emphasizing how transformative it is to fully receive God’s grace, no matter how dark your past may be or how fallen you think you are.
Verse 16, the key verse of this message summarizes this transformative power while also giving us the Gospel Message: we were shown mercy so that Christ may display his immense patience to us, and if we choose to believe, we will be granted eternal life. How simple it sounds to denounce our sins and live for Christ! Yet for us humans, we will live in this broken body until death, or when Jesus returns during the rapture. The reality is that all of us will continue to sin until that day. So, then, what is the point? If we are stuck in this perpetual cycle, why turn to Jesus? Because even though we will continue to sin, Jesus Christ already paid the price. Through his brutal and agonizing death, each and every one of us are set free from the tolls of sin. We can always place our faith and reliance in Jesus that even when we do sin, we can always, no matter what, when, who, or why, return to Him in surrender, and be forgiven. But it is absolutely critical to understand that we have to submit to God daily with our sins and to come in full repentance. For it was the lack of reflection and full surrender that led the Ephesians astray. Always remember that it is only through Jesus that we are forgiven, and it is only through Him will we ever find true peace, strength, and contentment.
Paul concludes this chapter by emphasizing how important this command is to him and the Church. He urges Timothy to fight strongly against the wills of Satan, so that others may not be handed over to them. Let’s read 18-20. Paul is calling for us to stay strictly on course in our voyage with Jesus, else we get shipwrecked and left forever in eternal misery. He even states two of his followers, Hymenaeus and Alexander, who had a shipwrecked faith. Paul handed them over to Satan so that they may experience what it is like to live without God, in hopes that they may return and not blaspheme against the Lord. Some may see this as cruel treatment from Paul, but Paul is teaching a lesson on what awaits them if they truly defy the Lord. God will in fact leave us to Satan on Judgement Day if we so choose to not follow Him and His teachings. Paul here is actually showing mercy to them, because he is giving them an opportunity to be away from God but still have the chance to return, before they die. Likewise, God shows mercy to the unbelievers, allowing them to practice in their ways of sin, in hopes that they may one day return to Him. But, like Hymenaeus and Alexander, they will ultimately be handed over to Satan for eternal damnation and endless pain. So, it is imperative that we fill our minds with God’s Word and love, stay steadfast on our course in faith, and avoid shipwreck that will lead us to the Devil.
I pray that we may all remember that no matter where you are in your faith, the law must always be held. I urge us all to study the Bible daily, so that we can be reminded of the law and what it means to be holy. Let us walk away from our old traditions of sin, and into the new light of Jesus. And I pray that we may not be led astray on our journeys, so that we are not shipwrecked and left to the devil. Remember God’s love and His ultimate sacrifice.
Bible Study Questions
1 Timothy 1:1-20
Key Verse: 16
“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”
1. Read 1 Timothy 1:3-4. What did the Ephesians hope to gain from “teach[ing] false doctrines… or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies?” What are some examples of false doctrines being spread today, and how would Paul want us to respond?
2. Read 1 Timothy 1:5-7. If the goal of Paul’s command is love, how do we show that to others who indulge themselves in false doctrines and sin? Read Matthew 7:15-20. What does Jesus teach us about false prophets and what awaits them for their consequences?
3. Read 1 Timothy 1:8-11. Why does God choose to direct the making of the Law for the unrighteous? How is God’s Law being twisted today, and how does it relate to past biblical examples of untruthful law and deception (Leviticus 10:1-2; 1 Samuel 13:11-14; Acts 5:1-5)?
4. Read 1 Timothy 1:12-14. What is Paul concluding about the power of Christ Jesus? How did Jesus change the heart of someone who “was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man?”
5. Read 1 Timothy 1:15-20. What does it mean for Paul to declare himself as “the worst of sinners?” How can we share Paul’s humility and responsibility over our worst sins, but still experience Jesus’ “immense patience” and promise to “receive eternal life?” How do we as believers avoid “suffer[ing] shipwreck with regard to the faith,” and not be “handed over to Satan?”
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
2 To Timothy my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Timothy Charged to Oppose False Teachers
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
The Lord’s Grace to Paul
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 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. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
The Charge to Timothy Renewed
18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
