We begin with a quotation from Carl Henry - "the gospel is NEWS - big news, good news, true news" (God, Revelation and Authority, Volume I, 28). Big news Why is the gospel big news? It's for "every person in every nation in each succeeding generation." It's for the whole world. It's big news because …
Category: 1 Timothy
The truth will set you free.
Jesus says to us, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). What is the truth that sets us free? There is the truth concerning ourselves: We are sinners. We need to be saved. There is the truth concernimg our Saviour: Jesus saves sinners. He saves us. The truth …
Set free
Jeremiah 32:26-34:22; 1 Timothy 1:1-20; Psalm 119:41-48 The slaves were to be set free (Jeremiah 34:8-9). The setting free of slaves is a form of imagery which is used in Scripture to declare the wonder of God’s saving grace. We do not deserve to be set free, yet, in grace and mercy, the Lord saves …
The Mystery Of Godliness
"I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God ... the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh..." (1 Timothy 3:15-16). We read, in 1 Timothy 3:16, of our deeply-held convictions concerning our Saviour, Jesus Christ: "God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen …
When things are difficult, keep on praying.
Jeremiah 35:1-37:21; 1 Timothy 2:1-15; Psalm 119:49-56 Life was not easy for the prophet Jeremiah. The king and his attendants did not pay “any attention to the words the Lord had spoken through Jeremiah the prophet” (Jeremiah 37:1-2). We must pray for “kings and all those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). They have so much …
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Redeemed by the Lord, let’s live for his glory.
The Kingdom Of God: 1-2 Timothy and Titus We begin with some great verses from Titus - "Jesus Christ ... gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds" (Titus 2:13-14); "He saved us, not because of deeds …
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More than a moral teacher
How are we to get to know Jesus Christ? Are we to look at his moral teaching - and look no further than that? Looking at Jesus' moral teaching will take us so far - but does it really take us to the heart of the good news concerning God's love for us? If we …
Jesus loves sinners. Jesus saves sinners.
"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). What a wonderful verse this is! This is good news. Jesus loves sinners. Jesus saves sinners. The love of Christ reaches our hearts, and it changes our lives. Can our lives ever be the same again, once we have realized the truth of …
The good news for sinners: our Saviour is greater than our sin.
"Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless (or unsearchable) riches of Christ" (Ephesians 3:8). This post continues on from an earlier post, which contrasts Paul and Jesus. You may find it helpful to read that post before reading this one. …
Continue reading The good news for sinners: our Saviour is greater than our sin.
May God help us to be faithful and fearless preachers of His Word.
Jeremiah 46:1-47:7; 1 Timothy 6:3-21; Psalm 119:73-80 The judgment of God is upon those who set themselves against Him. This is the message which emerges from Jeremiah’s preaching regarding Egypt. The Lord sets Himself against those who teach false doctrine which “does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to …
Continue reading May God help us to be faithful and fearless preachers of His Word.
1 Timothy
In this letter, there is much instruction regarding Christian living. This instruction is grounded in Christ, His incarnation and His atonement: "He was made visible in the flesh... " (3:16); "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1:15). Our Christian living is motivated by more than His first coming. It is, also, motivated …
There is a green hill
"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). From the cross, Jesus cried out to God, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). We look at the cross of Christ, and we ask, "Why?" When we sing the hymn, "There is a green hill", we confess that …
Let us keep on choosing God’s way, not the world’s way.
Jeremiah 46:1-47:7; 1 Timothy 6:3-21; Psalm 119:73-80 The judgment of God is upon those who set themselves against Him. This is the message which emerges from Jeremiah’s preaching regarding Egypt. The Lord sets Himself against those who teach false doctrine which “does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to …
Continue reading Let us keep on choosing God’s way, not the world’s way.
Do not go to Egypt.
Jeremiah 40:7-42:22; 1 Timothy 4:1-16; Proverbs 25:11-20 “Do not go to Egypt” (Jeremiah 42:19) - Here is a Word from the Lord which is more than geographical directions. It is a Word concerning our walk with God. In Scripture, “Egypt” is not simply a particular geographical location. “Egypt” is symbolic of a proud, unbelieving hardness …
Our God is greater than our problems.
Jeremiah 38:1-40:6; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Psalm 119:57-64 The difficulties faced by Jeremiah were great - “bound in chains” (Jeremiah 40:1). They were not insurmountable - “the commander ... let him go” (Jeremiah 40:5). The Psalmist says, “Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget Your law” (Psalm 119:61). Whatever difficulties we may …
When things are difficult, keep on praying.
Jeremiah 35:1-37:21; 1 Timothy 2:1-15; Psalm 119:49-56 Life was not easy for the prophet Jeremiah. The king and his attendants did not pay “any attention to the words the Lord had spoken through Jeremiah the prophet” (Jeremiah 37:1-2). We must pray for “kings and all those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). They have so much …
Continue reading When things are difficult, keep on praying.
Repentance – faith: where do we begin? What about beginning with “Christ crucified” – with Jesus, the Saviour of sinners?
"I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus" (Acts 20:21). What are we to say about "repentance" and "faith"? Where are we to begin? Are we to begin with repentance? or Are we to begin with faith? Let's begin with …
We are sinners. We’re called to be servants. Jesus is our Saviour.
"I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ" (Galatians 1:11-12). We read the words of Paul - and we look beyond him to Jesus …
Continue reading We are sinners. We’re called to be servants. Jesus is our Saviour.
The before and the after
"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, …
Sin And Salvation
I was reading Psalm 58. It speaks about sin. As I read these dark words, words that show us up for what we really are: sinners, I thought about something else: salvation. Thank God: His Word shows us more than our sin. It show us that we can be saved by the grace of God. …
No condemnation…
"Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). Here, Paul speaks to us about "faith", and he, also, speaks to us about "our Lord Jesus Christ." What does it mean to have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ? "Faith" and "our Lord Jesus Christ": it is important that …
Holy, Holy, Holy…
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty” (Isaiah 6:3); “Your sins are forgiven” (Isaiah 6:7). “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I am the worst of them” (1 Timothy 1:15). — In Jesus Christ, crucified for us, we see awesome holiness and amazing love. Awesome holiness: Jesus is the sinless Son of God. …
Praying Through God’s Word: 1 Timothy
1 Timothy 1:1-2:15“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance” (1 Timothy 1:15). Help us, Lord, to receive this Gospel truth – and to have this Gospel testimony: “I received mercy … the grace of our Lord overflowed for me” (1 Thessalonians 1:13-14). Help us to …
The Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord
"You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High" (Luke 1:31-32) - What a special person Jesus is! He's the Son of God - and he's our Saviour! "And there were shepherds living out in …
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That’s just ancient history …
‘That’s just ancient history': this is what many people say about the Bible story. Is that all there is to it? or Is there something more? The Bible story challenges worldly people to think again - to question their assumption that everything can be explained without God. Could it be that the world’s ‘answers’ are …
When we witness for our Lord …
"In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). It's not about how important we are. It's about how wonderful Jesus is. We are to …
Links to Rev George Philip’s notes on 1 and 2 Timothy
1 Timothy2 Timothy
One Year Bible: Days 274-304
Day 274 Jeremiah 2:31-4:9; Philippians 2:12-30; Psalm 115:12-18 The Lord calls us back from our backsliding: “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding” (Jeremiah 3:22). The returning people say, “Yes, we will come to You, for You are the Lord our God ... surely in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel” …
Don’t let Satan rob you of God’s blessing.
Jeremiah 43:1-45:5; 1 Timothy 5:1-6:2; Psalm 119:65-72 Concerning Egypt, God says, “I will punish you in this place” (Jeremiah 44:29). There can be no blessing when we live in direct contradiction to His Word. What we must never forget is the existence and activity of Satan (1 Timothy 5:15). He is always there, seeking to …
Why does God love us?
"The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. 8 But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and …
Links to Rev James Philip’s notes on 1 and 2 Timothy
1 Timothy 2 Timothy
Journey through the New Testament: 1 & 2 Timothy
1 Timothy ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’ (1:15). To each of us, God says, ‘Watch your life and doctrine closely’ (4:16). What we believe is important. How we live is also important. If our faith is real, it will lead to a change in our way of life. There is a …
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In today’s world, there’s plenty of bad news – but there’s, also, Good News …
In today's world, there's plenty of bad news - but there's, also, Good News (Mark 13:10). In Mark 13:7, we read about the end - "the end is not yet." In Mark 13:8, we read about a beginning - "These are the beginning of sorrows." Beyond "the beginning of sorrows", there is "the end." The …
Continue reading In today’s world, there’s plenty of bad news – but there’s, also, Good News …
Mercy And Strength – From The Lord
"God is my stronghold, my merciful God!" (Psalm 59:9,17). God has shown mercy to us. He has forgiven our sins. He gives us the strength that we need to live as His faithful servants. This is the testimony of the Psalmist. It's also the testimony of the Apostle Paul: "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord …
Paul, a humble man, who worshipped and served the Lord
1 Timothy 1:12-17 The Lord saved Saul of Tarsus. The Lord changed him. Saul - "blasphemer, persecutor, arrogant man" (1 Timothy 1:13) - became Paul, a humble man, who worshipped and served the Lord. * humble - "worst of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:16) * worshipper - "Unto the King ... " (1 Timothy 1:17) …
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“Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).
Do we stop believing this just because it comes to us from a long time ago?No! We keep on saying, “Praise the Lord! It’s true!”We keep on singing the song of our Saviour.
1 Timothy
1 TIMOTHY1:1-2:15 - ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’. Paul has something special to say about this statement. This is what he says – ‘Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance’ (1:15). This is Paul’s message, the message of the Gospel: ‘Christ Jesus gave Himself as a ransom for all’ …
