A note from our Pastor:

”That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:”

1 Timothy 6:14

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

The Apostle Paul, in our study verse, continues his charge to Timothy. These words conclude a letter that in the mind of the Apostle might have been his final instructions to Timothy. Because of that, they take a very solemn tone. The charge to Timothy was filled with earnest desire and love for a fellow minister.

What is the commandment the Apostle tells Timothy to keep? The reference is vague and for the modern-day reader cannot be interpreted with certainty. However, the most immediate reference is verses 11 and 12 where the Apostle tells Timothy to follow after righteousness, to fight the good faith, and to lay hold to eternal life.

The elements in these verses are essential to the ministry and the preaching of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. The Apostle cared for Timothy’s well-being as a person. He also cared about Timothy’s reputation among the people. However, adherence to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ was most important to him. While this charge was directly given to Timothy it remains applicable to any minister in any era of the church.

The second portion of the charge is to keep the commandment without spot, unrebukable. Many have debated whether this applied to Timothy and his behavior or something else. While the Apostle had high standards for Timothy it seems unlikely he set before him a charge that no person could keep. Only Christ was without spot (sin) and had behavior that could not and did not need to be rebuked. Rather, the Apostle was telling Timothy to keep the gospel of Jesus Christ without blemish. Even more so, he told Timothy to preach the gospel in a manner where others could not rebuke it. Do not use it for power, judgment, or oppression. Preach the gospel to bring hope, joy, peace, and encouragement to God’s people.

Finally, the Apostle tells Timothy to keep the gospel without spot until the coming of Jesus Christ. This reference is to the second coming of Jesus Christ. In every age, the church has held a belief that Jesus will be returning soon to gather his people home. The early church was not different. It does not matter if it was 60 years or 2,000 years the church anticipates this event. Likewise, time does not change the gospel command. Until Jesus returns, ministers have the same charge as Timothy. They must keep the doctrine and teachings of Jesus Christ without spot, unrebukable.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah