1 Timothy 1:5 I. Taking the declaration of the text in its simplicity, and looking out over the Christian world, we are disposed, simply enough, perhaps, on our part, to say what a pity it is that people do not oftener ask themselves amidst all their conscientious observance of Christianity, and all... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Timothy 1:9 The Law our Schoolmaster. There are some points in which we feel practically that we are not under the law, but dead to it; that the law is not made for us; but do we think, therefore, that we may surrender, rob and burn, or do we not feel that such a notion would be little short of... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Timothy 1:11 We have here I. A recommendation of the Gospel; and this we see lies in two things, in its having such an Author; it is "the Gospel of the blessed God"; and, secondly, in its being in itself of such a nature or character; it is "the glorious Gospel." Here are two points that lie muc... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Timothy 1:12 In the text we have I. A humiliating and painful recollection. Men should diligently study the true uses of the past. The past is rightly used (1) when it deepens our sense of personal guilt; (2) when it illustrates the greatness of Divine mercy; (3) when it inspires with courage in... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Timothy 1:13 I. Christianity is not a mere magical charm, nor a universal quack medicine: it is a Divine method and plan of salvation. There are different things to be saved from, and by different methods Christ saves us; and coming to Him and learning meekness is humbly submitting to His way. His... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Timothy 1:15 Your Own Salvation. I. What was the particular sin from which St. Paul had to be saved, the salvation from which made him a new creature in Christ Jesus, that old things passed away, and all things became new? It was not a sin of morals, in the general sense of the word; it was a sin... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Timothy 1:18 There are some respects in which the idea of warfare applies to the life of all, and there are other respects in which we are called to make our life a warfare of our own free and deliberate choice. I. Take, for example, the period of infancy and childhood, and here we have emphatic... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Timothy 1:18 Not the least interesting feature of St. Paul's first epistle to Timothy is the Apostle's solicitude, here and there incidentally manifesting itself, for his youthful disciple's own steadfastness in the midst of the dangers from which he is set to guard others. It is the natural langu... [ Continue Reading ]
1 Timothy 1:19 Shipwreck of Faith. I. Observe, there are two things which St. Paul tells Timothy, he must hold fast, "faith" and "a good conscience." By faith he means the articles of Christian doctrine, especially belief in the Lord Jesus Christ; and by a good conscience I suppose him to mean puri... [ Continue Reading ]