When a person believes in the person of Jesus and His ministry here on earth, with its culmination of CALVARY and His RESSURECTION, he also recognizes that in keeping of the law is not a priority, but GRACE becomes the motivation.
There is little doubt in my mind that I could have fulfilled my duties as a young pastor more superbly than I did. However, I believe that God placed me in situations that were most beneficial in the “long run”. There is little likelihood that any of us would benefit through re-hashing.
The Apostle Paul, in writing to Timothy who had already assumed major responsibility in the church at Ephesus, has learned of some significant problems that needed attention. Several reasons exist as to why he addresses him as his “his true child in the faith”. He could have been saved through Paul’s ministry, or he might well have been “disciplined” under his tutelage. Obviously there was a close relationship.
Most exciting in this Book is the intimacy that both men had acquired, each for the other, to be capable of the instruction concerning the church. Bickering had developed and it is described as “fruitless discussion”. That has become a major problem, all too often. The thoughts presented are to acquire “love from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith”. (1 Timothy 1:1-6)
As noted, there was an endeavor to mix Law and Grace. When a person believes in the person of Jesus and His ministry here on earth, with its culmination of CALVARY and His RESSURECTION, he also recognizes that in keeping of the law is not a priority, but GRACE becomes the motivation. While there are appropriate adaptations that overlap because of clear cut immoral, unholy and profane activity which are contrary to sound teaching, objection to participation in them is in opposition to holiness, righteousness, etc… The Apostle makes a clear distinction in the 11th verse… “according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.”
We live in an age when people are endeavoring to mix and mesh false doctrine with that presented by Jesus Christ and continued through the Disciples and the Church. It is not surprising, inasmuch as it was predicted by our Savior and repeated as “sound doctrine”. We are in need of a fresh Word from God! We are not in need of a new message the Word of God is clear, but few read it and less adhere to its message.
My request: Let us be a part of a needed REVIVAL AMONGST THE BRETHREN! Ask God to ignite your life and mine through a fresh obedience to HIM!
ETCetera 