Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: 1 Timothy 1-2 and Psalm 3

Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy, who was ministering to the Church in Ephesus, to encourage him to stand firm in the face of false teaching. This false teaching was harmful to the Christians because it distracted them with “myths and endless genealogies … controversial speculations … meaningless talk” brought to them by people who “do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.” (v.3-7) Their ministry produced no good fruit, only confusion and distraction.

By contrast, the true Gospel of Jesus Christ produces great fruit in the lives of those who receive it. It leads them to turn away from the sorts of depravity described in v.9-10, to receive the mercy and grace of God (1:13-14) and to be saved through their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (1:14). It leads to reconciliation between people and God (2:3-6). Paul holds himself up as a prime example of this salvation. He, who had been “a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man” (1:13) and “the worst of sinners”, had been saved by believing in Christ Jesus and receiving His eternal life by faith (1:16).

So, in v.17 Paul bursts into praise to the One who has saved him from sin and death:

¹⁷ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

But let’s consider that this is not only praise. It is also a mission statement. It is a statement of the aim of our lives as believers – to bring honour and glory to Jesus, our eternal, immortal, invisible King and God, through the way we live our lives. The true gospel produces transformation and holiness in the lives of believers. It leads to lives of love, which come from pure hearts, good consciences and sincere faith (1:5). This is the Gospel we have received. This is the Gospel we are called to live out to the honour and glory of our King!

Life application: How can you live out the mission of bringing honour and glory to your King today? What one small behaviour can you ask the Lord Jesus to empower you to change, so that He receives more glory than ever through you today?