Hymenaeus and Alexander

Christians must be evervigilant.

Hymenaeus and Alexander were sincere believers whose faith ws "shipwrecked."

Paul "handed them over to Satan" to teach them a lesson.

It is vital that believers not engage in sinful actions which require this level of intervention.

But many of us do, in fact, require a strong level of correction.

Love of Money

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In verses 6-12, Paul teaches the following:

1. Goal: godliness with contentment
   
2. Implied: a person can experience godliness without contentment!
   
3. Existence: we enter and leave the world with nothing of value
   
4. Needs: food and clothing
   
5. Wants: everything else
   
6. Danger: love of everything else
   
7. Consequence: ruin and destruction
   
8. Alternative: pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness
   
9. Word picture: fight the good fight of faith
   
10. Result: eternal life
    

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3:16

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Jesus

1. came to earth
   
2. was fully human
   
3. pleased God
   
4. was seen by angels
   
5. preached to the nations
   
6. had people put their faith in him
   
7. returned to heaven
   

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Maximization

In verses 1-8, Paul tells Timothy that he wants to see as many people as possible praying for as many people as possible, because God wants as many people as possible "to be saved."

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1 Timothy 1:15-17

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It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.

Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (NASB)

Damaged Goods

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In verses 12-14, Paul thanks Jesus for the privilege of service, despite his terrible past.

Ignorance was forgiven.

In what ways am I ignorant?

I don't want to stay there. It is easier to escape once I understand that even Paul's ignorance was covered over by grace.

A Big "If"

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We know that the Law is good, if it is used in the right way (NIV).

This implies that God's Law can be used in the wrong way, that it can cause great damage.

Outline of 1 Timothy 1

1. Greetings
   
2. The Law
   
   1. False Teachers
      
   2. Its Purpose
      
3. Paul's Gratefulness
   
   1. God Is Paul's Source
      
   2. Jesus Is Paul's King
      
4. Instructions
   
   1. Timothy's Prophetic Ministry
      
   2. Warning Against False Teachers
      

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Responsibility

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Paul makes it clear, in 4:13-16, that faithful service to God includes hard work and an act of volition, not simply of faith.

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