Worship Through the Word (Sermon Notes for 3/26/2017)

“Healthy Hellos (An Introduction to 1^st Timothy)”

1^st Timothy 1:1-2 (Page 991)

Context: The Apostle Paul wrote three pastoral letters (1^st & 2^nd  Timothy and Titus) as his ministry was coming to an end. He wrote this letter to Timothy (Paul’s “true child in the faith”) instructing him to teach those in Ephesus about how believing the gospel leads to practical, Christ-exalting changes both in the individual Christian’s life, as well as the corporate life of the church.  Paul warns Timothy about the danger of false teachers and their false doctrines. He also encourages Timothy with very practical ways to keep the church healthy. Today’s text reminds us that the gospel changed everything about Paul—even the way he said “hello”.    

Central Idea of the Text:  “The Gospel Changes Everything!”

The gospel, and all the healthy doctrine that flows from it, changes everything about the lives of those that believe it.

The Apostle Paul’s spiritual health was so strong, that even in the way he greeted Timothy, he was communicating gospel truths.

Paul communicates gospel truths in his greeting by telling Timothy:

Who God is:                 The Father

                                    Our Savior

                                    Jesus the Son

                                    The Messiah/ Christ

                                    Our Hope

                                    Our Lord

What God does:          gives grace

                                    gives mercy

                                    gives peace

           

Conclusion for us: Today we were reminded about how the gospel changed the lives of both Paul and Timothy. Do you believe the gospel? Has your life been changed by the teaching of the gospel? Do you desire to know more about the doctrines that flow from the gospel? May we at Grace Fellowship desire to know and be changed by the teaching of the gospel and all the doctrines flow from it!