A Buttress & Pillar of Truth
I find, as one might expect, there is not one book of all Sacred Scripture I do not enjoy and find profitable for the soul of a Christian and the Church of Jesus Christ. Indeed, this is an understood and affirmed statement of fact because the Bible is God-breathed, 2 Timothy 3:16.
Still, there are seasons in which books, sections, and verses in Scripture prove to be especially valuable and timely. Those Scriptures where the soul draws timely comfort, joy, peace, and wisdom because of the circumstances divinely appointed according to the wise, good, and perfect counsel of God. I am attempting to communicate: God intends to use particular circumstances to sanctify His Church for the purpose of His glory. The instrument of sanctification is the Word of God, however, more specifically, the book of 1 Timothy.
“God intends to use particular circumstances to sanctify His Church for the purpose of His glory”
For many years, I have longed for our church to have the opportunity to journey through this Pauline epistle. I believe now is the time for this. Paul's letter to the young pastor of the church of Ephesus includes a number of valuable truths:
The Attributes of God.
To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. — 1 Timothy 1:17
The Proper Use of the Law. Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. — 1 Timothy 1:8–11
The Tragedy of Humanity's Fall into Sin.
For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. — 1 Timothy 2:13–14
The Mystery of the Incarnation.
Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. — 1 Timothy 3:16
The Mercy of Regeneration
Though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. — 1 Timothy 1:13–14
Christ's Coming Kingdom & Eternal Reign
I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. — 1 Timothy 6:13–16
All of these will benefit our fellowship as we seek to fill inches with God's glory. From theology, liturgy, polity, community, and ministry, the book of 1 Timothy is not only a guide to pastors, but an instruction manual to the Church. Within this letter, my prayer is the exposition proves to strengthen our understanding that the Church is the pillar and buttress of truth.
Soli Deo Gloria,
