October 12 2026

Monday, October 12

A True Son in the Faith

1 Timothy 1:1–2

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. For the past two days, we've introduced Paul's first letter to Timothy. Today we're ready to open the letter itself. Paul begins: “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.” There is a lot packed into those two verses.

First, Paul knew who he was. He says: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ.” Paul didn't appoint himself to that position. Notice his next words: “by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul's authority and calling came from God. And there is an important principle here. Whatever God has called you to do, your greatest responsibility is to be faithful to His calling. God hasn't called all of us to be apostles. He hasn't called all of us to be pastors. But He has called every believer to serve Him. Maybe God has called you to be a faithful husband or wife. A godly parent or grandparent. A Sunday School teacher. A church worker. An encourager. A prayer warrior. Whatever your assignment is, do it faithfully for the Lord.

But then Paul uses a beautiful description of Jesus. He calls Him: “the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope.” I love that. Jesus isn't simply someone who gives us hope. Jesus is our hope. Our hope isn't ultimately in better circumstances. Our hope isn't in who controls governments. Our hope isn't in our bank account. Our hope isn't even in our health. All those things can change. But Jesus Christ never changes. Hebrews 13:8 says: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Then Paul addresses Timothy: “To Timothy, a true son in the faith.” We've already talked about their relationship. Timothy wasn't Paul's biological son. But spiritually, Paul loved him like a son. Think about what that tells us concerning Christian ministry. Ministry is about people. It is about relationships. It is about investing ourselves in the lives of others. Through the years, one of the greatest blessings of ministry isn't simply remembering sermons preached or buildings built or programs conducted. It's remembering people whose lives God allowed us to touch. And perhaps even more importantly, people whom God used to touch our lives.

Then Paul gives Timothy this beautiful greeting: “Grace, mercy, and peace.” Timothy was going to need all three. He needed grace—God's strength for responsibilities he could never fulfill in his own strength. He needed mercy—because like all of us, Timothy wasn't perfect. And he needed peace—because ministry can bring pressures, problems, and difficult decisions. And where would these things come from? “God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” Maybe you need those same three things today. Grace for something you are facing. Mercy because you have failed. Peace because your heart is troubled. The good news is that God has not changed. The same God who provided grace, mercy, and peace for Timothy still provides them for us today.

And don't miss that little phrase from verse 1: “Christ Jesus, our hope.” Whatever you're facing today, don't put your hope in something that can change tomorrow. Put your hope in Jesus. He is still faithful. He is still Lord. And He is still our hope.

Let's pray. Father, thank You that in a changing and troubled world, Your Word never changes. Thank You that You have given us everything we need to know how to live faithfully for You. Lord, we see many things happening around us that concern us, but help us not to live in fear. Help us instead to continue in the things we have learned from Your Word. Give us courage to stand for truth, grace to love people, wisdom to recognize error, and faithfulness to keep serving You until Jesus comes. Speak to our hearts as we study these wonderful letters together. In Jesus' precious name we pray, Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!