MDB 71: I Tim 1

What would it be like to receive a letter from your mentor? Would you open it eager to hear what advice he would give? Would you open it worry that he might be a bit critical of your pathway? What emotions would you have?

I can't help but wonder what Timothy thought when the scroll or papyrus came from Paul containing this letter. And how I wish I could have seen his face when he read the words, "To Timothy, my true child in the faith" (1:2). Did his heart leap with joy at the affection of his mentor, his spiritual father? 

I have a dear friend, an older brother in the faith and in pastoral ministry, who periodically sends me notes. My heart leaps when he signs them, "Your friend." To know that you are not alone in ministry, in the Christian life, is a huge encouragement.

Even more encouraging were Paul's reminders. Timothy had been left at Ephesus to do a difficult task: to "charge persons not to teach any different doctrine" (1:3). It is never easy to do this--to have to tell people what they are doing and teaching is wrong. And yet, Paul reminds Timothy, first, of the glorious Gospel which he professed: in Jesus, God rescues sinners like Paul and Timothy (1:12-17). In fact, persecutors, blasphemers, and confused wanderers all can be rescued because the Gospel works and God alone is the great King.

But the second reminder was also encouraging--because Timothy had been set apart for the ministry with wonderful prophecies, encouragements to continue to preach the word faithfully and "wage the good warfare" (1:18-19). Remember the Gospel, Timothy, and remember the prophecies about you; such were Paul's encouragements for Timothy as he engaged in a difficult ministry.