The Beautiful Diamond

1 Timothy 1:18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 1 Timothy 1:19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 1 Timothy 1:20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. 18) Paul tells Timothy to keep in line with the doctrine discussed in the previous verses (3-11).  Paul had previously told the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 4:17) that Timothy was going to remind them of what Paul taught, so here he is telling Timothy to act accordingly.  Reputations are important.  Many people claim to be athiest because of some "hypocrite" in the church that claims to be Christian and doesn't act like it.  The witness those people could have gave by keeping a pure reputation is lost.  (Yes we need to get in the world to witness and lead others ...

1 Tiomthy 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God alone who is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever, Amen.  After Paul described how he was saved even though he was a sinner.  He talked about the mercy and grace of God.  He now goes into talking about some of the characteristics of God. He is the King.  Not only is He the King, but He is the eternal King.  He is called this in a few places, including: Luck 19:38, Isaiah 33:22, Revelation 19:16, 1 Timothy 6:15, John 19:19.  A king is one who rules and has the authority to pass judgement.  In some ancient cultures, the word of the king could not be undone by anyone (sometimes including himself as seen in Daniel and Esther).  God in his authority as the King has declared that unless we are born again, we cannot enter heaven (John 3:3).  He made a way that we could come unto Him, but it is by His way not our own (John 14:6, John 17:3, Romans 3:22-23, Acts 4:12).  ...