1 Timothy 1:18a

(18) This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child…

Paul is here starting a new section of the letter. He’s commanded Timothy to protect sound doctrine for the sake of love, he’s told him how he became a minister of Christ, and he’s celebrated God’s grace in making him one.

So what charge, or command, is he handing over to Timothy? The word ‘charge’ occurs twice previously, in verses 3 (as a verb) and 5 (as a noun). In each case, it’s referring to the correcting of false teaching.

The verb also occurs multiple times throughout the book – either referring to specific applications of the Gospel to Church life – or to Timothy as a Christian, as one who must ‘keep the commandment.’

But what does he mean here? There’s a common thread through the charges in the book that are linked to verses 3 and 5. Paul is protecting doctrine. He is protecting the Gospel and ensuring its acceptance in the Church – and this Gospel produces changed, holy lives.

There are specific applications of that charge – appointing elders, taking care of widows, making sure rich people know that they shouldn’t store up treasure on earth – but the charge itself might be summed up as this: protect the Gospel. Proclaim the Gospel. Apply the Gospel to your people.

You, pastor, have this command entrusted to you. You’ve been given responsibility – safeguard the gospel-centeredness in all of life among all God’s people.

Perhaps that’s why Paul has just celebrated the Gospel’s effect in his own life: the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus… Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…

And it’s of special note that Paul reiterates his relationship to Timothy, my child. Timothy is to imitate his spiritual dad, being lovingly encouraged by him.

In sum, then, for pastors (who are to be examples to God’s flock),

1) be aware that you have commands that have community significance
2) that the Gospel is of utmost importance – both in what we believe and how we behave
3) be aware that you have a responsibility – and own it.

Prayer:
God, thank you for salvation. Thank you for having mercy on sinners! And thank you for giving us responsibilities in your community. Help us to see the end-game in these charges and to desire it with you, for your glory. Help us to take charge of the responsibilities you’ve given us – to safeguard the gospel and its application in all of life to all your people. Give us courage, willingness, skill, love, and zeal to do so for your glory’s sake. In Christ I pray, amen.