Paul’s Greeting to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:1–2)
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Because this is Paul’s standard greeting in his letters, we might be tempted to blow right by it so we can get to the heart of the message. WRONG!!! Why? Look at what Paul is wishing for Timothy: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Now think about it; how much grace, mercy, and peace do you have in your life right now? None? And how many people around you are praying for you to have grace, mercy, and peace?
Think about it. Here’s Paul still imprisoned in Rome, perhaps chained to a Roman soldier, writing or dictating this letter to a young man who is as precious to him as a son. Perhaps the Roman guard stops Paul as he’s dictating and asks, “Sir, you always say that when you’re writing. What’s the point?” Such a question allows Paul to begin explaining to his guard that grace, mercy, and peace do not come from outward circumstances but from knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Only in eternity will we learn how many Roman soldiers have been converted because of Paul’s witness.
And what about Timothy? As Timothy is reading this letter, he looks out the window at the streets of Ephesus. Street vendors are crying their wares, local merchants have awnings set up where they are selling things, and people of all walks of life throng the streets. The sights, the sounds, and even the smells might be almost overwhelming. Perhaps Timothy has already been having one of those days that occur so frequently in ministry. Two elders are having a disagreement and demand Timothy should settle the matter. Some of the ladies in the church are fuming about restrictions on hair styles and clothing, and Timothy must convince them that dressing appropriately does not mean looking like a frump. And then there’s the escaped slave who stumbled in this morning, her back bleeding from wounds inflicted by a cruel mistress. Timothy is struggling to find a safe place for this young lady while he investigates her situation further. If anybody needs grace, mercy, and peace, it’s Timothy!
Faithfulness under Persecution (Matthew 10:16–25)
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as did my forefathers, as I constantly remember you night and day in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.
5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
Evidently, Timothy might have written to Paul, sharing his fears about his situation. Only a few short years ago, the local merchants selling silver shrines and other trinkets to pilgrims visiting the temple of Diana rioted, nearly causing the Romans to come in and enforce strict measures on the city. Just this morning, Timothy has heard of more threats from those same power brokers. Little wonder then if Timothy is worried and fearful.
8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began. 10 And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher.
12 For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.
In addition to the mentions of grace, mercy, and peace, there are two key verses in this short segment that are well worth memorizing. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” (Other versions say “and a strong mind.”) God is neither the Author of confusion nor of fear, and He wants us to be brave as well. We are not depending on our own resources but on God’s power, God’s love, and God’s thoughts rather than our own. I cannot count the number of times I have had to recite this verse to myself as I have encountered frightening or threatening circumstances.
The second key verse is the second part of verse 12. “…for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.” God can guard our hearts and minds far better than we can, and God can keep us in His love. Isaiah 26:3-4 tells us that “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You. 4 Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal.” Psalm 32:7 tells us, “7 You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.”
Timothy would know all of these verses, for his mother taught them to him as a child. Now in Ephesus, Timothy knows two things: he knows Paul is praying for him night and day, and he knows that God will keep him and protect him until he has fulfilled God’s will for his life. Although we might not have prayer partners praying for us as forcefully as Paul did, we can still trust that the same God who inspired both Timothy and Paul and who kept them through all their trials continues to care for us. So, in the spirit of Paul, may you enjoy God’s grace, mercy, and peace today!
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, thank You for Your grace, mercy, and peace. Help us to trust You for guidance and protection. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
Leave a Reply