What we think of ourselves has an impact on what we do or don’t do. If we carry too high of an opinion, we will be overcome with pride and hinder our usefulness. If we carry too low of an opinion, then it is very likely that we will accomplish little in the work of God. As the Apostle Paul sets forth the introductory comments in his letter to Timothy, the Holy Ghost preserved some very useful information, a glimpse if you will, about what Paul thought of himself.(1 Timothy 1:1) “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;” (KJV)
A Saved Man
The very first word in verse one is “Paul”. We learn a lot from this special name. For a moment, let us travel down the Damascus road in Acts chapter nine. Saul of Tarsus was a very zealous man who endeavored to serve God, and was of great pedigree (Philippians 3:4-7). He was taught at the feet of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3) the Word of God. Yet with all of this man’s knowledge and experience concerning the Jewish religion, he was lost and headed straight for Hell. Holding the coats of those who stoned the great man of the faith named, Stephen, we get a glimpse of how devoted this man was to what he believed.
While on his way to incarcerate Christians he was met by the Lord Jesus on the Damascus road. This is certainly a climatic event in the book of Acts for we find the salvation experience of a man who will probably be known as the world’s greatest missionary. From Acts 13:9 we find that Saul is also referred to as Paul. In a way, you can see the old man – “Saul”, and the new man – “Paul”! At any rate, you discover that Paul was never the same man after the Damascus road experience.
Paul was a SAVED man! There is no doubt about this. Paul KNEW that he was SAVED! It was a reality in his life. Day in and day out, Paul lived his life in light of the fact that his name was written down in the Lamb’s book of life. Every preacher of the gospel must be saved. Not all are though! More than one time I have come across people who preached for a number of years that later got saved. What a shame it would be to go to Hell after preaching God’s Book!
A Sent Man
The next phrase in verse one is “an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour”. In this section I find a SENT man. The term “apostle” literally means “a sent one”. We find that Paul, under inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit, making it known that he was, indeed, an apostle of Jesus Christ. It is one thing to claim to be something. It is quite another thing to actually BE what you CLAIM to be. Paul WAS an Apostle.
The reality of his apostleship permeated every ounce of his being. You cannot read your New Testament without making this assertion. As John the Baptist before him, Paul too was sent from God to a sin cursed world! As both John and Paul, you and I, who are preachers of the gospel, must not forget that we are SENT from God for a specific purpose.
A Secure Man
As Paul ends his remark about the fact that God the Father commanded him to be an apostle, He mentions that Jesus Christ commanded him as well. In reference to Jesus, Paul states that He, Jesus Christ, is our hope. What assurance Paul must have felt as he penned this introductory statement to his young disciple named Timothy.
It is very important to not only KNOW of your security in Christ, but it is equally important to project this security in public. Uncertainty, anxiety, and lack of decisiveness is common in people who are not SECURE in their minds. As pastors develop and train their young “Timothy”, their confidence in this security is contagious and will be caught by these young men.
Hope in Jesus and the confidence that stems from it, is so strong that is anchors the soul through the fiercest of storms. Timothy is going to need this encouraging opening remark. Indeed, Jesus IS our hope as well!
Conclusion
As we conclude the thoughts from 1 Timothy1:1, it is important to reiterate that a pastor must be careful as to what he thinks about himself. The pastor’s mind is a huge battleground. Your opinion of yourself is everything! We must KNOWwe are saved men, sent men, and that we are secure men if we are to persevere in ministry. The apostle gives some wonderful truths as he begins his letter to young Timothy.
Would you consider purchasing…
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The John Phillips New Testament Commentary, 19 Volumes |
By Kregel Publications
Explore the entire New Testament in greater depth. This complete set of New Testament commentaries from the pen of expositor John Phillips will provide pastors, Sunday school teachers, and students of the Bible with doctrinally sound interpretation that emphasizes the practical application of Bible truth. Preachers especially will appreciate these commentaries as they provide a model and resource for sermons and lessons. Working from the familiar King James Version, Dr. Phillips not only provides helpful commentary on the text, but also includes detailed outlines and numerous illustrations and quotations. Anyone wanting to explore the meaning of God’s word in greater detail for personal spiritual growth or as a resource for preaching and teaching will welcome the guidance and insights of this respected series.
A frequent speaker at churches, conferences, and workshops across North America, John Phillips served as assistant director of the Moody Correspondence School as well as director of the Emmaus Correspondence School, one of the world’s largest Bible correspondence ministries. He also taught in the Moody Evening School and on the Moody Broadcasting radio network. He and his wife, Betty, live in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
