Week 1 | House Rules | The Grace of Jesus is Everything
Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, a young pastor in Ephesus, a city filled with idols, occult practices, and religious speculation. From the very beginning, Paul cuts to the heart of the matter: the church must be built on truth, not myths or pride. False teachers were blending cultural beliefs with Christianity, adding extra rules, and promoting speculation that distracted from the gospel. Paul warns Timothy that this path doesn’t lead to life—it leads to confusion, division, and even shipwrecked faith.
In contrast, Paul reminds the church of God’s true “house rule”: grace. He shares his own story as Exhibit A—how he went from being a violent persecutor of the church to a trophy of God’s mercy. Paul declares the heart of the gospel in one sentence: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” That truth humbles our pride, unites us in love, and keeps our focus on what really matters: Jesus and his grace.
The first house rule of God’s family is clear: “In this house, the grace of Jesus is everything. The cross kills our pride and fuels our love.” That truth not only sets the culture of the church, but it also transforms the way we see ourselves, others, and the world around us.