Sharing words that encourage: 1 Timothy 1

What words should you share with someone you are trying to encourage? What are the things that you need reminding of in your daily walk? I find it interesting how some people have a knack for saying just the right thing to calm your soul and put you at ease. And then it is crazy to think about that one individual who has the total opposite effect and always says something that just doesn’t set well…. Uh, that’s being kind, because they usually say something that makes your blood boil and tempts your mouth into becoming a volcanic explosion of wrath. You know what I'm talking about.

This week we begin to read 1 Timothy. As we read we will find how a mature and experienced Paul encourages young and timid Timothy. Take notice of what’s happening here, for this should mark for us areas for growth in us. You may find yourself in the place of Timothy in need of the counsel of Paul. You need strength, boldness, reminders of God’s nature, and insight as to how His nature is at work nurturing change in you. And then there are some who will see this as a primer on how to lead as they take pointers from Paul on how to mentor a young, willing, and potential-filled believer who God is growing. Let’s open it and see what we find.

As you begin to read this letter to Timothy, make sure to observe what is happening, consider exactly what and how Paul is communicating, and then be sure to make application in your own life.

So how exactly does Paul encourage Timothy – well look no further than the opening statements of the letter. These are intro words that sometimes we quickly fly by, but if we slow down a little we will see that he points to the God and some of God’s most personal gifts to those who are following Him. He reminds Timothy of the grace, mercy, and peace that God gives. Who doesn’t need this reminder. I need to be reminded at times that God in his grace has given me Himself and so much more out of grace and not because I deserved it. In the opposite direction I need to be reminded that were it not for His mercy I would be dead because of the sinful lusts in my own heart. And then finally Paul reminds us of peace; peace that only comes from God and from the stability of knowing Jesus.

So, Paul just fires these off and reminds his friend that God is the giver of these good gifts. Gifts that we would be lost without. Gifts that we all too often take for granted. Gifts we cannot live without. These are things we need to be reminded of, and these are huge defining qualities that someone in our lives needs to be reminded about concerning their God. Take time this week to encourage someone about these three gifts that God has given and continue to read this letter and be challenged by Paul’s words of counsel.