I & II TIMOTHY

Today is Easter Sunday!  Praise God for Christ's resurrection.  Because He lives, we too will live.  The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the authentication of Christianity!  Praise His holy name!  Today, I read I and II Timothy and have a few thoughts to share this morning: 1) THE END OF THE COMMANDMENT- I Timothy 1:5 says:  "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:"  By end of the commandment, Paul means that this is what the commandments were meant to achieve.  Charity (love), out of a good conscience (no selfish motivations here) and faith unfeigned (faith that is sincere, not faked, not put on or disguised. The real thing!).  When we love like this, we have found what the commandments want to teach us.  Love for God like this, and love for man like this.  (The two great commandments).  Let us love one another! 2) A PREACHER, AN APOSTLE, AND A TEACHER- In I Timothy 2:7, and in II Timothy 1:11, we see Paul calls himself all three titles.  "Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity."  Then in II Tim.  "Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles."  Paul knew that God had called him to be all three.  A preacher, an apostle, and a teacher.  Perhaps God has called you to be one or two of these?  Now apostles are no longer available for office, but we still have preachers and teachers.  Are you one of those?  If so realize that you were "ordained" and 'appointed" to be so.  Let us take these tasks seriously and use them for Christ's sake and to help many others come to Him. 3) PAUL NAMES SOME RASCALS- We wish it were so that all who come to Church or who profess Christ were helpful in the ministry; but, that is not the case.  Some are hurtful to God's people, God's man, and God's church.  They seek to tear down what they did not build and discourage whom God has called to serve.  Paul had these as well, and he names them.  Notice I Timothy 1:20 "Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme."  (We will see these names again!)  Notice now in II Timothy 2:17 "And their word will eat as doth a canker:  of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;"  Here we see that Hymenaeus is mentioned again, along with a new partner in crime... Philetus.  (trouble makers are always looking for companions in crime.)  Now notice II Timothy 4:14 "Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil:  the Lord reward him according to his works."  Here we see that Alexander's name is mentioned again.  Hymenaeus and Alexander and Philetus caused Paul much grief, but he turned them over to Satan, and to the Lord to reward accordingly.  I would not want to be in their shoes..... and neither would you!!  Well, that is all for this Easter Sunday morning.  It is overcast and drizzling, but just what God has for us today.  Have a great day!   Pastor Mike Mutchler