Train to be Godly

Nashville Christian Church

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Train to be Godly

March 24, 2024 • Andrew Cullen • 1 Timothy 4:1–10

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Paul’s first letter to Timothy was written while Timothy was a young man. He was living in a godless place, the city of Ephesus. One of the seven wonders of the world was built in Ephesus to honor the goddess Artemis/Diana, who was known as a mighty hunter and a fierce warrior. Music and art celebrated violence. Paganism was superstitious and plagued by myths and meaningless debates. Virtues like forgiveness, grace, and kindness were taken as signs of weakness. Christians were even facing increased persecution, which the apostle Paul knew from personal experience. Timothy’s responsibility was to train himself to be godly in a godless place. Godliness matters because God’s mission matters. The challenge is to train ourselves to be like Jesus, to be godly. The encouragement is that godlessness is an opportunity for the gospel to take root and grow.

Grace Be With You

May 26, 2024 • Andrew Cullen • 1 Timothy 6:17–21

In a city like Ephesus, the third largest city in the Roman Empire, and the primary port of the rich province of Asia, there was much wealth. The magnificent Temple of Artemis/Diana, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was a symbol of the city’s prosperity. The reason that Paul talked about being content and not letting the desire to be rich become the end in life is because this was especially relevant in Ephesus. But Timothy had an even more valuable deposit entrusted to him. Timothy was entrusted with the gospel. The gospel that Timothy was entrusted with is all about grace and all by grace.

Until His Appearing

May 19, 2024 • Andrew Cullen • 1 Timothy 6:11–16

When Paul talks about the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, he is pointing to the glorious moment when Jesus returns to take us to be with Him. This moment is what Timothy, as well as we, move forward toward. This is what we pursue. This appearing is what we fight for. This hope is what we take hold of. This promise is what have confidence in. Our confidence is not in our ability to flee from what is evil and pursue what is good. Nor is our confidence in our ability to fight the good fight. Our confidence is in the good confession: that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, the King, the Son of the Living God who is seated at the right hand of God the Father. We rest in this confession until His appearing.

Grace Be With You

May 26, 2024 • Andrew Cullen • 1 Timothy 6:17–21

Until His Appearing

May 19, 2024 • Andrew Cullen • 1 Timothy 6:11–16

Godliness is Gain

May 12, 2024 • Jason Hilgeman • 1 Timothy 6:3–10