GREETINGS
As in most of the letters of the first century, Paul opens by
introducing himself. He probably identifies himself as an apostle to
stress that this is not just a personal letter but one intended to
further the cause of Christ at God's direction, or commandment. One
record of God's commandm... [ Continue Reading ]
CHARGING OTHERS TO TEACH NO OTHER DOCTRINE
The word "urged" carries the idea of pleading or begging, according to
Spain. It is an encouraging word that leaves the person with a sense
of dignity. Timothy needed to stay in Ephesus while Paul went on to
Macedonia because some urgently needed to be ins... [ Continue Reading ]
SOUND TEACHING WILL PRODUCE THREE DESIRED RESULTS.
First, there will be love, in the sense of a desire for the ultimate
good of others. This will come from a cleansed heart, not outward
ceremonial cleansings.
Second, there will be a good conscience that is well trained in God's
will.
Third, there... [ Continue Reading ]
UNDERSTANDING THE PURPOSE OF THE LAW
Paul was not saying that the law was not from God or that it did not
fulfill a very important part of his purpose. It was the law that
taught man he was a sinner. The law was holy but man could not live up
to the perfection it demanded (Romans 7:7-12). Further, t... [ Continue Reading ]
THANKING GOD FOR HIS GRACIOUS GIFT No one understood the impact of sin
on his life like the apostle Paul did (Romans 7:24-25). Grateful for
the salvation afforded him through Christ and the opportunity to tell
others about it, the apostle burst into praise. The word "enabled"
suggests a giving of st... [ Continue Reading ]
RENEWING THE CHARGE TO A YOUNG PREACHER
Next, the inspired apostle renews the charge he gave Timothy in verse
3. Paul wrote to this young man he loved as a son and committed to
him, as one gives money to a bank, the preaching of the truth in the
face of many opponents. We do not know what the proph... [ Continue Reading ]