Thoughts on the readings for May 22nd (Joshua 8, Isaiah 12,1 Timothy 1, 2, 3)

The personal letter of Paul to his son in the faith, Timothy, is written from Rome during the Apostle Paul’s first imprisonment (during his house arrest of two years) between 61-63 AD. The standard greeting of the Greeks “charis” – “grace”; and of the Hebrews, “shalom” – “peace”, or “wholeness”; begin the letter. Verses 3-11 warn against false teachers. The Apostle starts with genealogies because the false teachers were asserting to their hearers the importance which they placed on their own lineage. Law is a necessity for humans are, by weakness and choice, sinners. From verses 12-17 the Apostle Paul states the first of five faithful sayings, written in the pastoral letters of 1 and 2 Timothy; and Titus. The first of these sayings is that “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners”. Paul acknowledges that he is one of the foremost in this category; because he persecuted believers. In verses 18-20 Timothy is entrusted with the “charge” – Greek “deposit” ie solemn responsibility – to oppose false teachers and their teachings. In chapter 2:1-6 Timothy is told to pray for all people so that believers may be allowed to worship God in peace. Paul states that God is the Father alone. He further adds that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of the Father, whose offering of himself brings believers to God. From verses 8-15 there are explanations about the right way to worship God. These include sincere prayer from dedicated believers; modesty in all aspects of appearance – avoiding drawing attention to oneself in the wearing of jewellery and in the wearing of immodest clothing. The Apostle says that in the meetings of believers that sisters acknowledge their God appointed roles by the wearing of a head covering and by allowing the men to teach. Nonetheless the sisters bearing of children is fulfilling (if by circumstances they are able) a God given role. A sister, Mary, gave birth to our Saviour. In chapter 3:1 the Apostle gives the second faithful saying, “those aspiring to guiding believers have chosen a noble path”. Verses 2-7 speak of the qualifications for an overseer (bishop), or guide of believers. Verses 8-13 outline the requirements for deacons (assistant guides for believers). Verses 14-16 talk about God and contain the great truth of the gospel that Jesus Christ is the pillar and foundation of the temple of faithful believers. Christ has revealed to all believers the character and traits of our Sovereign Father. Pivotal to understanding the gospel is a grasp of the doctrine of God manifestation.God was revealed in Christ who has revealed the character and attributes of his Father. Having done that, the Father then welcomes His Son to join Him in heaven. It seems that the Apostle Paul’s thoughts may be based on Daniel 6:19-26. Read aloud, pause and ponder.