In this section of 1 Timothy, Paul gets personally caught up in the controversy, which he has been addressing. He speaks of the false teachers, and contrasts their substitute message with the “gospel of the glory of the blessed God” (1:11). This leaves him in wonder at the mercy of God. He gets swept up into praise to God, who saves sinners. If Jesus is bigger, then two things should happen that you see in this text. One, you will exalt Jesus, two you will contend for the faith. You will contend because you see how important, how central the cross is for people. If you embrace the true Gospel, then you should be filled with praise, and you should contend for the faith.
While we don’t find everything about the church in 1 Timothy we do find some of the essential aspects of it. So welcome to 1 Timothy. We need this book because God speaks to us through his word, and we gladly submit. We need it because the church matters to God and should matter to us. And we need it because we need hope.
Though as a church we have moved to a different location our mission and our message has not changed. We see that message here in Galatians 2:1-14. Paul explains that there is only one gospel, and those who believe it should care for the poor and fellowship with all types of believers. Our acceptance of the gospel is intended to bring a new way of life, not just morally but socially. Our relationships should change as we dwell on the gospel of Christ. The proper response to God’s grace, is to show grace and welcome to others. There is only one gospel, and that one gospel creates one new people. Therefore, Know the gospel, display gospel compassion, and work in the gospel in your heart, so that your conduct reflects it.
As we finish our study, I would like to consider these final chapters, while trying to also reflect on the book of Kings as a whole. I have tried to magnify one dominant theme in the study: We need a better king! Even the best of kings proved to fall short.Our King has come, living the life we could not live; dying the death we should have died; rising from the dead, defeating our ultimate enemies. And our King is coming again, and we will be with Him forever. Right now, we are in between the times. Let us not lose heart, as we wait for the day in which King Jesus returns to establish his eternal, shalom-filled kingdom. We need a better King, and praise God, we have One!
