1 Timothy 1:12-17

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. 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 trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.  But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.  To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

Paul is constantly sharing his testimony of God’s grace demonstrated in his life.  He is constantly amazed that the Lord would save him and then give him the honor of being a minister of the Gospel.  Too often, it seems people lose sight of God’s grace and begin to focus on their own sufferings and hardship.  This can lead to people thinking they are doing some sort of favor to God.  In reality, we are the objects of God’s favor, not the other way around.

 

GOD’S GRACE FOR SERVICE: Paul gives thanks to the Lord for the strength to do the work of the ministry.  All ability to do the work of the ministry comes from God.  Any ministry that is accomplished through the power of the flesh is not true ministry.  The main job description of a minister of the Gospel is simply faithfulness.  Paul remembers his days as an arrogant persecutor of the church who worked in opposition to the Gospel and the work of God amongst the nations.  But God was gracious and merciful an brought about an amazing transformation in Paul’s life that allowed him to turn from a life of persecuting the church to being a minister of the Gospel.

 

GOD’S GRACE FOR SALVATION: In place of the hatred and persecution that Paul inflicted upon the church, God blessed him with faith and love.  Faith is the means by which we enter the family of God and love is the result of the transforming work of God in the hearts of those who believe.  Salvation is strictly the work of God’s grace and mercy being demonstrated in our lives.  We can never earn it or be worthy of it.  Paul is living proof that Jesus came into the world to save sinners.  Paul saw himself, not as a chief of the apostles, but as chief of sinners.  We must never forget that we are saved by the grace of our Lord Jesus.

 

GOD’S GRACE FOR SANCTIFICATION: When God saves us, He begins a work of transformation in our lives.  He loves us too much to leave us the way we were in our sin.  He demonstrates patience with us and works to mold us into His image so that we can, by His grace, become examples to others.  We are to become illustrations of His power, goodness, and grace.  Our lives are to be lived out of a desire for His honor and glory to be seen before all people everywhere so they might have the honor of worshiping Him.  God is at work to sanctify and use us as instruments to proclaim His glory and grace.  

 

APPLICATION: Never take the grace of God for granted.  Don’t focus on our difficulties or sufferings.  Be grateful for His love mercy and grace demonstrated in salvation and His sanctifying work in our lives.  Live and help others to live for God’s glory.

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