05/09/2022
This Sunday River Kids were given an overview to the book of 1 Timothy. We learned that Paul traveled from town to town telling people about the good news of Jesus. In some of the towns, the people believed and churches were started. On one of his journeys, Paul traveled to the town of Ephesus. When he left, he had one of his friends, Timothy, stay to help the church. Later, Paul wrote a letter to the church and Timothy. Paul encouraged Timothy to stay longer in Ephesus and help the people understand the truth about Jesus.Paul reminded Timothy of the past, when Paul was not a believer. Paul wrote, “I thank Jesus who has given me strength. I was a prideful man who did not believe in Jesus. But Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the worst sinner. I was given mercy so that Jesus could show how patient He is.” Paul also wanted the church to understand that if they believed in the gospel then their actions would be different. “First,” Paul wrote, “Prayer should be important. Pray for everyone. Pray for those in charge. This pleases God, who wants everyone to be saved.”Paul shared some very important truths about God and Jesus, “There is one God. There is one mediator between God and people. Jesus, who was human, gave Himself. He was a ransom (the price paid) for all people to have forgiveness.” Paul also gave Timothy instructions to help encourage Timothy to keep serving Jesus. He told Timothy to teach the people the truth. He encouraged Timothy not to let other people look down on Timothy because of his age. Timothy should be an example to others in his words, actions, love, faith, and purity. Finally, Paul explained that the Christian life is like a battle. Timothy must run away from sin. He must seek righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. “Fight the good fight of the faith,” Paul wrote to Timothy.