1 Timothy 3: 14 – 16

I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth.  Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great: He was revealed in flesh, vindicated in spirit,        seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.

Reflection

If we were to write to a Christian community, new in the faith, yet eager to put down deep roots, and tentatively finding its way forward, I wonder what message we would send. Of all the things that might be said, what would be the core things we would choose to bolster such a fledgling congregation?  How would we capture and communicate the essence of what Christianity is all about?

What is so impressive about today’s reading is that it manages to convey in just a few brief verses the heart of “the mystery of our religion.” Godliness is at the centre and foundation of our faith, a godliness that is pre-eminently exemplified in Jesus Christ. The nature of our belief grounded in Jesus is then marvellously captured in a series of succinct affirmations:

·        “He was revealed in flesh” refers to the incarnation, confirming Christ’s humanity;

·        “vindicated in spirit” speaks to the resurrection where the Holy Spirit confirmed his divine nature;

·        “seen by angels” highlights the heavenly witness to his life and mission and signals that it was to have universal and cosmic consequences;

·        “proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world” heralds the worldwide spreading of the gospel and the global acceptance of Christ; and finally

·        “taken up in glory” points to his ascension, the culmination of his earthly ministry.

So, this letter to Timothy, and the budding church community he leads, sets out with a voice of caring authority, the need to establish themselves as a family of faith built on the fundamental nature of Jesus Christ. In this way they will mature into a “pillar and bulwark of the truth.”

Prayer

Dear God,
when I lose my way;
when my faith is distracted by
competing noises and messages;
when I am confused by
false worldly attractions;
ground and renew my faith again
in the person of Jesus Christ, my Lord.
Amen

 

I Timothy 3: 8 – 13

Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.  And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons.  Women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things.  Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage their children and their households well;  for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Reflection

Expected standards for Church Leadership!  Paul gives clear instructions about the character required for those who serve as deacons in the Church. Yet these verses speak to something deeper than just church leadership. They reveal God’s heart for integrity in everything we do as Christians.
 
Paul begins with a fundamental requirement: deacons must carry themselves with dignity, must not be deceitful, not be too free with the bottle, not be greedy for what they can get out of their position of leadership. In other words, they must be totally trustworthy. A person of dignity speaks truthfully, lives with self-control, and handles resources with integrity.
 
Paul then adds another decisive dimension: authentic Christian service springs from a heart that has fully received the gospel and walks in an honest, open, relationship with God, free from the weight of unconfessed sin. Without genuine faith, service becomes nothing more than outward performance. Such character isn’t proven in a moment but demonstrated over time. 
 
Whether we are ‘deacons’ or not, as part of the Church, we have both the privilege and responsibility to affirm those who consistently display Christ-like character, qualities which transcend gender.  All who serve God’s people must embody dignity, truthfulness, sobriety, and faithfulness for their conduct reflects on the entire congregation. The emphasis on testing before appointment ensures that those serving are truly qualified and trustworthy. 
 
Paul concludes with a beautiful promise: those who serve well gain a good standing for themselves and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. Faithful service doesn’t earn salvation, but it does result in spiritual maturity and boldness in the gospel.
 
Whether we serve as formal Church leaders or simply as followers of Christ, these verses call us to examine our character. Are we people of integrity? Do we hold our faith with clear consciences? God delights to use ordinary people of extraordinary character to accomplish His purposes in this world.

Prayer

Loving God,
shape our hearts to reflect Christ’s character
filled with compassion, humility, and love. 
Grant us the courage to stand firm with integrity, 
even when faced with temptation or adversity. 
Transform us daily to become more like Jesus, 
walking in honesty, kindness, and faithfulness. 
Amen.

 

1 Timothy 3: 1 – 7

The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task.  Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher,  not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money.  He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way – for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.  Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.

Reflection

We might be tempted to ignore this passage because the United Reformed Church doesn’t have the office of bishop (although we do have a few people who served in roles with that title in global ecumenical partner churches).  It could, just as easily, have been translated as “anyone with oversight”, but more pertinently, Paul’s words were really aimed at anyone with leadership responsibilities in a church, whether we call them Elders, Ministers of Word and Sacraments, Church-Related Community Workers, or simply servants of the Church.  The point is not the title but the character of the person called to lead.

Leadership in the Church is not about status or control.  It is, as Paul says, a “noble task”, because it requires humility, integrity, and spiritual maturity.  Paul’s list isn’t a checklist for perfection, but a portrait of spiritual health.  Leaders should be trustworthy, calm under pressure, generous with their hospitality, wise with their words and actions, and grounded in faith.  These are not extraordinary virtues for a spiritual “elite,” but qualities all Christians are called to grow into, leaders simply model them more visibly.

It’s telling that Paul begins and ends with a concern for how leaders are perceived, both inside and outside the Church.  Christian leadership is about witness.  It’s not just about managing a church’s internal life, but reflecting Christ to the world.

This passage speaks clearly to all churches.  We are all part of the body, and those who take on responsibility, whether formally or informally, are called to do so with integrity.  Leadership begins at home, extends into the church family, and reaches into the wider community.

Whether or not you serve in a leadership role, how are you cultivating the kind of life described here?  How can you support and encourage those who serve your church with faithfulness and care?

Prayer

Living God, thank you for calling leaders not by title, but by character.  Raise up faithful leaders in our churches, and give them even more wisdom, kindness, and integrity.  Teach us all to live lives worthy of trust, shaped by your Spirit.  Help us support all who guide us, and become leaders in grace wherever we are.  In Christ, our true Shepherd, we pray.  Amen.
 

 
Today’s service is led by the Revd Lisa Moore Wilson

 
Introduction

Hello, and greetings to you to wherever you are joining us from today. My name is Lisa Moore-Wilson and I’m one of the URC ministers in the Cumbria Missional Partnership.  Today we’re going to be looking at how we navigate living in a real world whilst still adhering to God’s teaching for us.  But first, let’s come before God to worship, gather our thoughts put aside the busyness of the day and take a moment of silence before our Call to Worship.

Call to Worship 

God, we come this morning with our petitions and prayers giving thanks for all people; grant us all peaceful and quiet lives lived in holiness and godliness.  Give us the courage and strength to share your message because you are a God who wants to save and bring all people into relationship with you and each other.  In the name of Jesus, the one who meditates between you and your people, Amen

Hymn     The Kingdom of God is Justice and Joy
Bryn Rees (1911-1983) © Alexander Scott OneLicence A-178345. Performed by Paul Robinson and used with his kind permission.
 
The kingdom of God is justice and joy,
for Jesus restores what sin would destroy;
God’s power and glory in Jesus we know,
and here and hereafter the kingdom shall grow.

The kingdom of God is mercy and grace,
the prisoners are freed, the sinners find place,
the outcast are welcomed God’s banquet to share,
and hope is awakened in place of despair.

The kingdom of God is challenge and choice,
believe the good news, repent and rejoice!
His love for us sinners brought Christ to his cross,
our crisis of judgement for gain or for loss.

God’s kingdom is come, the gift and the goal,
in Jesus begun, in heaven made whole;
the heirs of the kingdom shall answer his call,
and all things cry glory to God all in all!
 
Prayers of Approach, Confession and Assurance

God our source, guide and goal:
you have made us in your image and set us in a world full of beauty;
even though you dwell in light unapproachable,
you have come to be among us, full of grace and truth;
and coming in wind and flame to work your wonders in our midst.
Gracious God, awaken us from sleep
that we may worship you in spirit and in truth:
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

And yet, we also seek your forgiveness when we have forgotten to bring 
petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgivings for all people;
when we have only complained about our leaders 
and not prayed for them;
when we’ve neglected to take the steps in our own lives 
needed to the live of godliness and holiness that pleases you.  Amen
     
Despite our misgivings, take hope in these words of assurance:

God wants all people to be saved 
and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
For which Christ Jesus came as Mediator between earth and heaven 
and gave himself as a ransom for all people.
Hear the truth, we are forgiven and can live as redeemed people. Amen

Reading     Amos 8:4-7  

Hear this, you who trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land, saying, “When will the new moon be over so that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath, so that we may offer wheat for sale? We will make the ephah smaller and the shekel heavier and practice deceit with false balances, buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals and selling the sweepings of the wheat.” The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Surely I will never forget any of their deeds.

Hymn     Beauty for Brokenness
Graham Kendrick © 1993 Make Way Music OneLicence A-178345 BBC Songs of Praise
 
Beauty for brokenness, hope for despair,
Lord, in your suffering world this is our prayer.
Bread for the children, justice, joy, peace,
sunrise to sunset, your kingdom increase!

God of the poor, friend of the weak,
give us compassion we pray; 
melt our cold hearts, let tears fall like rain; 
come, change our love from a spark to a flame.

Lighten our darkness, breathe on this flame
until your justice burns brightly again;
until the nations learn of your ways,
seek your salvation and bring you their praise.

God of the poor, friend of the weak,
give us compassion we pray; 
melt our cold hearts, let tears fall like rain; 
come, change our love from a spark to a flame.

Reading     St Luke 16:1-13

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management because you cannot be my manager any longer. Then the manager said to himself, ‘What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.’ So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He answered, ‘A hundred jugs of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty. Then he asked another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘A hundred containers of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill and make it eighty.’ And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly, for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light.  And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone they may welcome you into the eternal homes. Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much, and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If, then, you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? No slave can serve two masters, for a slave will either hate the one and love the other or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”

Sermon 

Initially, the parable we heard seems to be a rather puzzling story. It becomes slightly easier to make sense of once we realise it’s part of a series of teachings. Our passage comes after the story of the Prodigal Son and before the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man who find their fortunes are reversed after death. So firstly, it asks us to think about the consequences of our decisions on our circumstances and secondly to reflect on what constitutes real wealth.

Some of you may have come across the “Let Them Theory” associated with the author and podcaster Mel Robbins. Basically the theory is, how people act is largely out of our control but our reaction to their behaviour is what causes us stress and frustration. Obviously this does not extend to letting people behave in a harmful way, it’s about being responsible for our behaviour. So for instance, if we get missed off a party guest list, we don’t fret, drop hints, tear ourselves apart thinking about why we haven’t been invited, we just say Let Them – let them not invite us and move on. Possibly easier said than done, but you get the idea! Perhaps Jesus, as YouTuber Maryl de Milo says, had this theory off pat way before Mel Robbins.

Jesus, we see time and time again accepting people are they are and also accepting that we live in real world – give to Caesar what is Caesar’s. The manager can’t really do much once the debts have been altered. But if the Let Them theory frees us to think about our responses maybe the manager is thinking let my employee do this and then let’s see what he learns! Jesus, in this story reprises his teaching about the value of eternal wealth versus temporary worldly gains but also about how we live in this world will affect that eternal wealth. So what we need to do is take the lessons we learn and apply them.

Money is one of those issues that can really divide us, no wonder we have the phrase money is the root of all evil! In fact this is a common misinterpretation of a phrase from Paul’s letter to Timothy. The actual text says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil”. The key difference is the focus on the love of money, not money itself, as being the source of harm.  We can often think that having money is desirable and will solve everything. Obviously for those in abject poverty, money can be life changing but for those of us who do have some degree of financial security, money brings other challenges.

The perceived or real threat of what happens if you lose money.

The stress we out on ourselves to live a certain lifestyle .

Inheritance squabbles – just ask any previously close family torn apart by the contents of a will.

If we look to scripture, it is filled with advice on many of these things perhaps best known is the commandment not to covet – not to be driven by having to have things. But scripture also accepts that people have to make a living, the important thing is how we make that living. This is not new teaching – God tells us the same thing through the words of his prophet Amos in our OT reading. Amos himself was a farmer, preaching around 800 BCE, a time of relative peace and prosperity for the people of Israel. However that prosperity was built on fleecing the poor – with dishonest business practices and ignoring God, paying lip service to religious festivals, chomping at the bit to make even more money once they are over.

However it’s important to note, Amos does not condemn business and the right to make a living, what he is criticising is the way it is done: immorally and without regard for others. It’s a theme that continues throughout scripture, a quick dip into the Book of Proverbs reveals all sorts of advice on how to conduct yourself in work and business. It outlines the ‘hokmah’ or skills including discipline, discretion and prudence necessary for wealth generation and encourages the cultivation of character traits such as fairness (Prov 1:3). This wise behaviour which follows God’s path is contrasted with the folly of using nefarious schemes to generate riches (Prov 1:10-16) and a reliance on dishonesty, laziness and badly discerned decisions.

In our story today, the dishonest manager is not dishonest in that he doesn’t steal but more guilty of not using what he has been given in the best way When he realises, he might lose his job, he makes bargains with his master’s debtors, reducing their debt and gaining their goodwill in case he finds himself in need of asking them a favour in the future.  We could note, he clearly has the skills to handle resources, he’s for some reason chosen not to exercise them employing this ‘hokmah’ or Godly wisdom so far! For this, he actually gets praise from the master for thinking about his long term future!

Jesus is using this as an illustration of how we choose to live in this world, while at the same time knowing we are heading for an eternal one. If we looked at our own faith, have we used the talents and blessings that God has given us as wisely as we could? Jesus acknowledges, “.. the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.” Have we thought about how we can further God’s plans for the world or our own? Perhaps, we’re less active in cultivating schemes and putting them into practice!

The parable’s core message is that believers should use their worldly wealth wisely and strategically, not just for personal gain but also to build relationships and secure their eternal future. It is long term v short term thinking which in today’s world is very countercultural.
The parable of Lazarus and the Rich mans which follows, reminds us we can’t pretend to be ignorant of what God wants us to do. This means using resources to help others, showing compassion, and seeking to establish connections that will endure beyond this life. Jesus is certainly showing here some shrewdness – offering a motivation to help others – but one from which ultimately everyone will benefit. We can incorporate this into our personal lives perhaps volunteering, thinking about our investments and supporting charities. And imagine if we could cascade that to a community even global level! Primula squeezy cheese owned by the Kavli Trust has donated profits to good causes for 60 years, Bill Gates donates a large amount of the wealth he creates to charitable causes. There are great examples of social enterprise, sometimes we just have to look a bit harder for them. Jesus tells us money should not be a distraction that stops you getting into heaven but a tool that helps you on the journey. Money is not power in itself, its relationships with people that is the most important and the shrewd manager knows this.

A lot of people around Jesus weren’t poor, they included tax collectors and the women who invested in early church. He asks, “you haven’t done that in this life, how can you be trusted with more? If you cant behave with integrity here, why should you be rewarded later?”  And do it now don’t wait for one of those crises that tends to concentrate the mind like the manager in this story. “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done” (Revelation 22:12). 

Jesus emphasises, our world as we know it, will disappear so what we do now counts? Which will you choose? Short term or long term? Earthly riches or heavenly treasures? Which of the two masters will you choose money, or using money to serve God through helping others? If those in the world, give us confusing signals, Let Them – and Let Us be free to live up to our responsibilities in this world and the next.  Amen

Hymn     We’ve a Story to Tell the Nations
H Ernest Nichol, Public Domain. Sung by the choir and congregation of First Methodist Church, Houston, Texas
 
We’ve a story to tell to the nations 
that shall turn their hearts to the right,
a story of truth and mercy,
a story of peace and light,
a story of peace and light.

For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
and the dawning to noonday bright,
and Christ’s great Kingdom shall come on earth –
the kingdom of love and light.

We’ve a song to be sung to the nations,
that shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
a song that shall conquer evil
and shatter the spear and sword,
and shatter the spear and sword. 

For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
and the dawning to noonday bright,
and Christ’s great Kingdom shall come on earth –
the kingdom of love and light.

We’ve a message to give to the nations –
that the Lord who reigneth above
hath sent us His Son to save us
and show us that God is love,
and show us that God is love. 

For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
and the dawning to noonday bright,
and Christ’s great Kingdom shall come on earth –
the kingdom of love and light.

We’ve a Saviour to show to the nations
who the path of sorrow hath trod,
that all of the world’s great peoples
might come to the truth of God,
might come to the truth of God. 

For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
and the dawning to noonday bright,
and Christ’s great Kingdom shall come on earth –
the kingdom of love and light.

Offertory

God we bring before you today our gifts,  not just of money, but our time and talents too.  Guide us to make the right choices and to be shrewd managers of these resources, not so that they have a hold on us but so they can be used to grow your Kingdom. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

We pray for our world today…
for those who live in continual fear, hunger and torment due to conflict;
for those who are dealing with the ramifications 
of a changing trading environment;
for those whose livelihoods are being eroded by climate change;
for those who these issues force them to move home or country 
only to be met with a hostile environment.

God, our Comforter in sorrow, listen to the cry of your people

We pray too for our local communities…
for those who are challenged by changing neighbourhoods;
for those who are finding it difficult to find work 
and for those who work but still find it impossible to make ends meet;
for those who have no meaningful connection with you 
and feel adrift in a secular world.

God, our Comforter in sorrow, listen to the cry of your people

We pray for those in our church community…
for those who are ill, waiting for treatments, test results, 
appointments or an operation date;
for those who are sitting with the dying 
or those grieving those who have departed;
for those who are facing difficulties and challenges of any kind, 
no matter how small their problems might seem to us.

God, our Comforter in sorrow, listen to the cry of your people

We pray for ourselves…
for what we need your help with today;
for the wisdom to know how 
we can make a difference to the world today;
for the courage to act so our prayers are not just empty words;

God, our Comforter in sorrow, listen to the cry of your people

As we join all our prayers together
in the words given to us by your son Jesus, Our Father…

Hymn     Lord for the Years
Timothy Dudley-Smith (1926-2024)  © administered by Oxford University Press in Europe and by Hope Publishing Company OneLicence A-178345. Performed by Ruth and Joy Everingham and used with their kind permission.

Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,
urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way,
sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided,
Lord of the years, we bring our thanks today.

Lord, for that word, the word of life which fires us,
speaks to our hearts and sets our souls ablaze,
teaches and trains, rebukes us and inspires us,
Lord of the word, receive your people’s praise.

Lord, for our land, in this our generation,
spirits oppressed by pleasure, wealth and care;
for young and old, for commonwealth and nation,
Lord of our land, be pleased to hear our prayer.

Lord, for our world; when we disown and doubt him,
loveless in strength, and comfortless in pain;
hungry and helpless, lost indeed without him,
Lord of the world, we pray that Christ may reign.

Lord, for ourselves; in living power remake us, 
self on the cross and Christ upon the throne;
past put behind us, for the future take us,
Lord of our lives, to live for Christ alone.
 
Blessing

Generous God, send us into the world to share your love,
to share your wisdom, and to share the resources you have given us.  
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen. 

1 Timothy 2: 8 – 15

I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument;  also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided, or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes,  but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God. Let a woman learn in silence with full submission.  I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent.  For Adam was formed first, then Eve;  and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.  Yet she will be saved through childbearing, provided they continue in faith and love and holiness, with modesty.

Reflection

There is SO MUCH here that feels presumptuous.

‘I desire…’ – but who says your desire is what God requires?

‘As is proper...’ – in whose eyes?

‘I permit no woman…’ – whose permission counts – yours, or God’s?
 
Someone will chastise – “But it’s Paul talking…!” 

Yes… but is it necessarily God talking?  How often do people presume to dictate the lives of others – ‘in God’s name’?
 
Apparently, women – though made in God’s image – are inherently lost. 

‘Yet she will be saved through childbearing…’.  WHAT???  And I’m guessing Paul expects the childbearing woman to be married – so, are all unmarried women lost?  What about women who can’t have children?  Those who choose not to have children?  And supposing it’s the husband who is infertile?!?  (Don’t let me get onto unmarried mothers…!)

Even where women are blessed to bear children (!), their salvation is ‘provided they continue in faith and love and holiness, with modesty.’… further dictating of women’s lives!
 
But there’s more:  This text presumes a literal understanding of the Creation narrative(s) – already problematic! – but why do we bypass the first account where man and woman are created, and blessed, equally and concurrently (Gen 1:26-28), defaulting to the second version where man is created first, with woman following as his ‘helper’ (Gen 2:4-24)?  How useful for the argument that man’s ‘headship’ is ordained! 

But even in Genesis 2, when God decrees which fruit is forbidden, only Adam has been created.  Surely, then, it is Adam who is subsequently deceived – or is wilful in his wrongdoing – because only he received God’s commandment.  So who is the real transgressor?  And why should ‘the woman’ be required to take instruction from the party who was really at fault?
 
I am certain a more learned person could do the theological backflips to justify today’s text!  But me?  I’m just a woman… with a mind of her own – who cannot believe that any group is God-ordained to be permanently submissive and silent, nor any other to be in charge.
 
Prayer

I wonder, God,
why did you give me intellect
if you didn’t want me to use it?
 
Help me to think,
to reason,
to wrestle –
and to make sense of your word.
 
Give me courage to question,
and humility to listen,
as I journey through life –
and faith –
with you. Amen

Friday, 19 September 2025

1 Timothy 1: 18 – 20

I am giving you these instructions, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies made earlier about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight,  having faith and a good conscience. By rejecting conscience, certain persons have suffered shipwreck in the faith;  among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have turned over to Satan, so that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Reflection

I was drawn to this passage by the shipwreck metaphor.  Maybe this is because last year we sought some winter sun in Malta – and they are so not over Paul having been shipwrecked there!  More recently, we toured around the rugged northern islands and inlets of Scotland, where many small-town museums have entire rooms filled with items retrieved from shipwrecks – cups, boots, bits of rigging, sometimes names and faces. We love a good wreck!  It’s astonishing how much of the story can survive the sea.

Paul’s language here sounds harsh – turning people over to Satan isn’t exactly gentle. At heart, I think this is about consequences. He’s warning Timothy: keep hold of faith and a good conscience, because when we lose our bearings – when conscience is cast aside – we’re at risk of running onto the rocks.  Maybe Paul isn’t writing people off but hoping that even shipwrecked faith can be salvaged.

What I find comforting is that the Bible knows about shipwrecks. It doesn’t pretend that faith is always smooth sailing. There are storms, rocks hidden under the surface, poor navigation, and bad choices. We can find ourselves off-course.  Yet—Paul didn’t drown in Malta instead he was welcomed, warmed, and healed. The wreck wasn’t the end of his story.

So perhaps the real challenge in this passage isn’t about casting judgment on others but about cultivating our own steady course – steered by faith, yes, but also by conscience, compassion, and truth. That’s what keeps us afloat.  For those who’ve run aground, may we be the shoreline – not shouting blame from the lighthouse, but walking the beach with kindness, ready to help recover what’s still worth saving.

Prayer

God of wreckage and rescue,
when we drift or founder, hold us fast.
When conscience is quieted or truth feels far,
tug us gently back to the deep current of your grace.
Help us steer by love,
and be a shoreline for others—
not judging from the rocks,
but walking alongside with warmth, welcome, and hope.
Thank you that even in the shipwreck,
you are not done with us yet.
Amen.
 

1 Timothy 1: 12 – 17
 
I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.  The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the foremost.  But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life.  To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
 
Reflection

Six years ago, my partner brought home some special chocolates and hid them away for a special occasion. When I remembered them, he had to admit he had eaten them all!  We are all too inclined towards grudges and holding people’s sins against them. For some people, their sins follow them throughout their lives in society. I know of someone recently released from prison after a long sentence for a serious crime. Though this person is deemed to have been rehabilitated and is determined to give back to society and live lawfully, they still have to declare their crime. This has a lasting impact on their ability to find accommodation or employment. No chance of putting it behind them and having a fresh start.

How different it is with God. The witness of Paul, formerly Saul, testifies to this so clearly. “A blasphemer, a persecutor and a man of violence”, he had been responsible for hounding out and killing followers of Christ, most notably Stephen whom he had stoned to death. Yet God not only forgave him, but called him to spread the good news and bring people to Christ.

‘Amazing Grace…that saved a wretch like me,’ wrote John Newton, a former slave trader. ‘The vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives’ are the words of Fanny Crosby.

This reading epitomises the hope we have in Christ. We cannot help but sin; maybe not committing serious crime but acknowledging that every time I break the speed limit, I am gambling willingly with the harm I could cause someone with my car just for the sake of getting there that bit quicker.  Every time I judge someone on appearances, I am not loving my neighbour as I should. But God sees us, loves us, forgives us, and uses us, giving us countless fresh starts through Christ. Amazing Grace indeed! Now to work on forgiving my partner for the chocolate theft!

Prayer

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound.
It is beyond our understanding, And yet it is true.
You bear no grudges, you sent your son into the world to save us.
You judge, but are not judgemental, and on that we depend.
Why, even vilest offender is pardoned as they accept that forgiveness and turn to you.
Even as we thank you, help us make the most of the fresh start you give us.
Amen. 

1 Timothy 1: 8 – 11
 
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately. This means understanding that the law is laid down not for the innocent but for the lawless and disobedient, for the godless and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their father or mother, for murderers, fornicators, sodomites, slave-traders, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
 
Reflection
 
In his letter to Timothy, Paul reminds us that the Jewish Law is not a weapon for judgment, but rather a tool for guidance.  The Law, when used properly, helps us recognise what damages fellowship with God and others.  It was never intended to condemn indiscriminately, but rather to shine some light on the brokenness of the human heart.
 
This list Paul gives, ranging from violence to dishonesty to exploitation, illustrates extreme examples of how people end up far away from love, justice, and holiness.  It’s important to remember that Paul was writing in a time and culture far removed from our own, and we would be wise to avoid reading our own cultural understandings back into an ancient text from a different context.  What is clear is that Paul is addressing abusive, exploitative behaviours, not love and faithfulness.
 
At its heart, this passage is not about singling out individuals, but rather about warning against all practices that harm others and ourselves.  The Gospel is about grace, not gatekeeping.  Any behaviour – sexual, economic, or otherwise – that degrades another human being runs contrary to the sound teaching Paul upholds.
 
Paul does not end this list with condemnation, but with an important reminder: these things are “contrary to the sound teaching that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God.”  The Gospel is our guide: not fear, not shame.  It invites us into healing, not into judgment.
 
If you take one thing from this passage today, perhaps it might be that Paul challenges us to use the law to see our need for grace, not to point fingers; that the Gospel calls us into a life of integrity, justice, and love.  Where can you align more closely with the heart of Christ today?
 
Prayer
 
Gracious God, thank you for your law that leads us towards love and truth.  Help me to use your Word to examine my own heart.  Where I have strayed, guide me back with gentleness.  Teach me to live in ways that reflect the goodness of your Gospel, loving, just, and true.  May I extend grace as freely as you have given it to me.  In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.

I Timothy 1: 1 – 1 – 7
 
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Saviour and of Christ Jesus our hope,
 
To Timothy, my loyal child in the faith:
 
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
 
I urge you, as I did when I was on my way to Macedonia, to remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach any different doctrine, and not to occupy themselves with myths and endless genealogies that promote speculations rather than the divine training that is known by faith. But the aim of such instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith.  Some people have deviated from these and turned to meaningless talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make assertions.
 
Reflection

John 1:14 asserts that Jesus is “full of grace and truth” – and we see this displayed throughout the New Testament. For example, when Jesus is confronted with a woman caught in adultery and a baying crowd, Jesus shows her grace (“Neither do I condemn you”) and truth (“Do not sin again”) (John 8:1-11). Most beautifully, on the Cross, Jesus reveals the truth about sin and its seriousness, and fulfils the demands of God’s justice, whilst also flooding the world with mercy and grace.

Here in 1 Timothy, Paul is also concerned about grace and truth. Truth, because in the early Church there were many false teachers: teachers who were promoting myths or speculation, rather than faith. But he’s not just concerned about right theology. The aim of theology is transforming grace, or, as Paul expresses it here, “love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith.”

Later, in 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul writes, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” I wonder: where do you and I need God’s truth to teach, rebuke, correct and train us – as uncomfortable as that may be? And, simultaneously, how might we grow in grace and love? Truth without grace is mean. Grace without truth is meaningless. May we, like Jesus and Paul, attempt to walk the way of grace and truth.

Prayer

Jesus, 
we marvel that You are full of grace and truth.
 
In grace you entered our world, lived, died, 
rose again, offer forgiveness and new life,
sending the Holy Spirit to fill, empower, and transform us.
 
In truth you beckon us to let God be God.
You call us to sin no more and obey your commands;
You invite us to take our crosses and follow you.
 
Help us to be faithful, Amen