Daily Devo | Encouragements to the "Unqualified" (New Testament in a Year, 1 Timothy 1:3-7,12-17)

Paul writes to Timothy, the young pastor that Paul has left to shepherd the church in the great city of Ephesus. In this opening, he emphasizes that the importance of knowing the Bible is not just to know facts about Jesus but to know Jesus intimately and to love others deeply. Furthermore, perhaps to shore up Timothy's apparent lack of confidence, Paul emphasizes that he himself started as a persecutor of the church and one who blasphemed the name of Jesus. We are loved and we serve not because of our goodness, but because of God's grace. Do you feel unqualified for what God calls you to do? Then Paul's encouragement to Timothy is also for you!

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For Reflection:

- Paul says that the goal of spiritual knowledge is to be "filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith". When have you seen yourself or others stray from this purpose? What helps to keep you on track?

- “'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners'—and I am the worst of them all." Do you feel undeserving of God's favor, or unqualified to serve? What might help you to focus on God's grace rather than questions about yourself?

- Prayer: Lord, let your truth produce genuine love in me.