BaptistWay: An example to follow

• The BaptistWay lesson for Oct. 26 focuses on 1 Timothy 1:1-5, 12-19.

The Apostle Paul’s first letter to his protégé Timothy stands as a testimony to faithful service to Christ and a calling to raise up the next generation to do the same. 

As Paul writes, he is nearing the end of his earthly life and wants to make sure Timothy has a record of his leadership, instruction, passion and loving, grace-filled service. Given the clear kinship Paul and Timothy shared (Acts 16:1-3; Philippians 2:22; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10; 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 6), it’s not surprising Paul desired to share his counsel for the furtherance of the kingdom and the edification of his friend. 

Paul left Timothy serving the Lord in Ephesus. Beginning his letters by blessing his readers with “grace and peace” is a standard Pauline greeting, but this time, he adds another element. Only here and in 2 Timothy 1:2 does Paul add “mercy.” It’s impossible to deduce why Paul added it in these two pastoral letters. Perhaps he knew the rigors of the job demand an added measure of mercy.

Challenges to mercy

Anyone who has led a church—or even attended one—knows it is not immune from difficult people. A pastor’s walk is fraught with opportunity for good and bad; and challenges arise, testing the ability to be grace-filled, merciful or peaceful. 

Knowing this, Paul’s initial command is to ensure Timothy is on alert for those teaching false doctrine (v. 3). Since Paul never specifically identifies what the teachings were, it therefore leaves it an open-ended command against all false doctrines. Some scholars cross-reference the “myths and endless genealogies” (v. 4) to the “Jewish myths” he mentions in Titus 1:14 (for example, the Book of Jubilees); history indicates some Jews were teaching with focus and priority on Old Testament genealogies.

Regardless, all these false doctrines, myths and genealogies stood in opposition to people’s ability to accept, respond to and operate by faith in the gospel of Christ. These controversies, Paul warns, don’t lead to a desired end. His word is clear: Timothy is to be proactive in refuting these lies. 

As shepherd, Timothy’s goal is to see that everything he teaches and preaches his flock will be expressed through—and result in—love, purity, a clear conscience and a sincere faith. Unfortunately, Paul doesn’t give him a loophole for only loving those who are pleasant, are being cooperative or aren’t making sinful, foolish mistakes.

A personal word of reflection

Paul’s soliloquy in verses 12-16 is not only a personal word of reflection, but also a reminder of a common past—apart from Christ, none of us have a shred of hope. Reflecting on his own violent history as a persecutor (Acts 8:3), he celebrates the mercy and grace he received despite his own grievous shortcomings. 

His message is clear: If the grace of Christ can forgive and redeem even me with all of my past mistakes, most assuredly it can do the same for anyone else. Grace brings freedom from the shackles of the past and release from haunting memories of mistakes and poor choices. Grace breaks the bonds of shame. It’s a much-needed word in modern culture, where we’re constantly measured against others. Paul finds his meaning in the call of Christ and invites other Christian leaders to do the same. Here’s how:

• Don’t allow your past to become a barometer of your future.  

• Love Jesus more than you fear people.

• Listen more to the Spirit of God than to the opinions of people.  

• Prize purity of character and doctrine.  

• Worship the one true King.

Paul is so overcome with joy about his salvation and redemption, about his calling and usefulness in the kingdom, he breaks into a doxology of praise (v. 17). True worship can alter the perspective of a leader’s vision, provide hope and encouragement, and connect the hearts of Christian leaders to the One they seek to obey.

False doctrine

Paul explains such deep fervor, such passionate standing, is necessary, because not everyone will welcome sound doctrine. Just as people misled others with false doctrine in the first century, millions still are swept into believing lies today. Many otherwise brilliant people have allowed the limits of their own intellect to determine the possibility and breadth of faith.

A camp for the children of agnostics, atheists, humanists and freethinkers operates in multiple states, including one site in Texas. It exists to provide an educational adventure shaped by “free thought,” featuring science, natural wonder and humanist values. While they claim to promote respect for others with different viewpoints, values and beliefs, they desire to demonstrate atheism and humanism as positive, family-friendly worldviews and reject efforts to seek to explain the world in supernatural terms.

The weeklong experience includes crafts, campfires, and canoe trips, along with class sessions about evolution, the power of debate and skepticism. Camp directors call it “a vacation from Judeo-Christian culture,” and say the camp ends with a competition for campers to “create their own religion that everyone can believe in and that will be good for all, for all time.” Perhaps the saddest part of all: children as young as 8 are eligible to attend—children who should be afforded the opportunity to hear about the love and saving grace of Jesus.

Making disciples

The gospel of Christ was entrusted to all believers and church leaders for the purpose of making more disciples. Paul knows, at times, this commission will take every ounce of strength, every ounce of fight (1:18). He challenges us all to keep the faith and maintain a good conscience, or the consequences could be devastating to our faith (1:19).

It’s been said Christianity is always just one generation away from extinction. Are the examples we’re leaving for the next generation worthy of emulation? Who provided for you a positive example of Christian leadership and service? What changes will you need to make to match his/her impact?