LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Monday 13th September 2021
SENT BY CHRIST
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Timothy 1:1–2
The Apostle Paul’s first letter to Timothy is a pastoral letter. He wrote two letters that are in the canon of the New Testament scriptures. The following points stand out from the passage:
1. Paul called himself an Apostle. The English word ‘Apostle’ is borrowed directly from the Greek word, ‘apostolos’; meaning ‘he that is sent’ or ‘messenger’. This is a title of humility that Christ gave to His first disciples. A disciple is a student or trainee; an apostle is a student who has graduated and has been sent out. Paul was very confident in his calling and ministry. He never doubted the mission that the Lord had given him. That sense of certainty helped him to endure the many hardships and persecutions he faced.
2. Paul was an Apostle of Jesus Christ. He was not self-sent. Paul was always careful to mention that he was a messenger of Christ. The message he was sent to preach centered on the Lordship of Jesus. Paul’s message focused on Christ as the hope of the world. Paul did not make himself an Apostle. He was made so by God’s direct action.
3. Paul addressed Timothy as a son in the faith. Timothy is one of Paul’s most well-known disciples and ministry companions. He was a young man whom Paul found on a mission trip to Lystra. Timothy grew to become a pastor of one of the principal churches of the early New Testament Church – the Church in Ephesus. Paul’s letter to Timothy gave practical guidance on how to lead the congregation that Timothy was pastor over.
4. Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father. Paul’s life and ministry focused on making believers understand the nature and extent of God’s grace. It is through grace that we receive mercy from God. Furthermore, it is through God’s mercy that we experience real peace.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I submit myself to you. Teach me your ways. Send me to be a blessing to my generation. In Jesus’ name, Amen!