Scripture References: 1 Timothy 1:1-2; 1 Timothy 3:14-15; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Philippians 2:19-23; 1 Timothy 5:1-2; Ephesians 3:14-15; Numbers 6:22-27
Sermon Notes:
Intro: We continue our study in 1 Timothy, asking: How should we be and build the church? Paul wrote this letter to guide Timothy on how to conduct oneself in the "household of God" (1 Tim 3:15) – God's church, His house. Today, we focus on the greeting (1 Tim 1:1-2), meeting Paul and Timothy, and the core idea that church done God's way involves deep, loving family relationships.
Key Points:
- Paul: Apostle by God's Command: Paul, a man on mission, derived authority not from himself or the church, but from God. His effectiveness stemmed from a profound encounter with Christ's mercy and grace, transforming him from persecutor to preacher (1 Tim 1:12-17). God worked in him before working through him.
- Timothy: Paul's True Child: Timothy, Paul's recipient, is relatable – perhaps timid, needing encouragement, but faithful. Paul saw him as a "true child in the faith," legitimizing him despite his mixed heritage.
- A Father-Son Bond: Paul and Timothy shared a deep relationship forged through shared mission: Timothy's conversion under Paul, extensive travel, enduring hardship together (like imprisonment), and co-laboring for the gospel. Paul deeply loved and trusted Timothy (Phil 2:19-23).
- The Church as Family: This relationship models God's design: The church is His household, His family (Eph 3:14-15). We are called to relate as fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters (1 Tim 5:1-2), not just members or attendees.
- The Risk & Necessity of Closeness: Building deep family relationships is essential but involves risk. Past hurts (from biological families or church families) can make us want to keep distance. However, avoiding closeness doesn't truly protect us from pain and keeps us from God's design.
Conclusion: God intends His church to function as a family, marked by deep, loving, committed relationships like Paul and Timothy's. This requires vulnerability and risk, as closeness brings potential for pain. But distancing ourselves prevents us from experiencing the church as God designed it and doesn't truly avoid hurt. We must press into His model.
Call to Action:
- Recognize the church as God's family.
- Acknowledge any fear or hurt holding you back from deep relationships within the church.
- Choose to push past fear and engage, treating others as family (fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters).
- For those pioneering faith without a prior family model: Receive the Father's encouragement.
- Receive God's fatherly blessing (Num 6): His desire to bless, keep, and be gracious to you as His beloved child. Let His view of you reshape your identity.
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