Reading With the People of God #15 PurposeSample

A King’s Arrival and the Call to Order

In Song of Songs 3:6-11, we witness a grand procession—the arrival of the beloved king. This vivid scene reminds us of God’s royal presence entering our lives, a symbol of His authority, beauty, and the purposeful reign He brings. Just as the bride celebrates the coming of her beloved, we are invited to welcome God’s sovereign rule over every area of our lives.

Turning to 1 Timothy 1, Paul begins his first letter to Timothy with a call to sound teaching and faithful leadership. This letter sets the stage for purpose-driven ministry, emphasizing the importance of truth, order, and living out the gospel faithfully. Paul’s words encourage Timothy—and us—to hold fast to the calling God has given, resisting distractions and false teachings so that our lives and communities reflect Christ’s reign.

As you read, the introduction to 1 Timothy will help you grasp the historical and pastoral context of this letter, enriching your understanding of its purpose and application.

I Timothy Introduction

Young Timothy may have been a convert of Paul’s on his first missionary journey with Barnabas and Mark when they brought the good news to Lystra, a city in Anatolia, modern-day Turkey. Timothy was of mixed descent, having a Jewish mother and a Greek or gentile father. On Paul’s second journey through the region with Silas, Timothy joined them on their travels, maturing into a leader in his own right. Having his mixed background helped him in ministry as a bridge between the worlds Paul was evangelizing.

The book of Acts records three of Paul’s missionary journeys, but it is believed that Paul continued to travel, visiting his established churches until his last trip to Rome. Traveling through Ephesus again, Paul instructed Timothy to remain and pastor the church there while he went on to Macedonia to visit those churches once again. When it seemed to Paul that he might not return to Ephesus and to Timothy in the near future, he wrote two letters to him. During this time, he also wrote a letter to Titus, whom he had left to build the church on Crete.

This first letter to a young man, newly made a pastor, was a practical letter with instruction on church organization and discipline, including such matters as the qualifications of elders and deacons, the opposition of false teachers, and the maintenance of doctrinal purity. Beautiful statements of salvation and grace can be found in 1:13-2:6; 3:16. At the end of this letter, 6:15, is a marvelous doxology which exalts God with the same language found in Revelations 19:16 about Jesus.

* Introduction contributed by Jinet Troost

Reflection Question:
How can you invite God’s kingly presence to guide your purpose today, especially in areas where you need clarity and order?

Prayer of Illumination:
Lord, as You reign over all, I invite Your presence to guide my heart and mind. Help me to listen well and grasp Your purpose for my life and community. Open my eyes to Your Word, and give me wisdom to live faithfully in Your kingdom. Amen.