JESUS’ GRACE TO PAUL

Passage: 1 Timothy 1:12-20

Key verse: 15

NIV

The Lord’s Grace to Paul

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,(A) that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.(B) 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor(C) and a violent man, I was shown mercy(D) because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.(E) 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,(F) along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.(G)

15 Here is a trustworthy saying(H) that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners(I)—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy(J) so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience(K) as an example for those who would believe(L) in him and receive eternal life.(M) 17 Now to the King(N) eternal, immortal,(O) invisible,(P) the only God,(Q) be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.(R)

The Charge to Timothy Renewed

18 Timothy, my son,(S) I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you,(T) so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well,(U) 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience,(V) which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.(W) 20 Among them are Hymenaeus(X) and Alexander,(Y) whom I have handed over to Satan(Z) to be taught not to blaspheme.

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners

12 I thank him (A)who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, (B)appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, (C)persecutor, and insolent opponent. But (D)I received mercy (E)because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and (F)the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the (G)faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is (H)trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus (I)came into the world to save sinners, (J)of whom I am the foremost. 16 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. 17 To (K)the King of the ages, (L)immortal, (M)invisible, (N)the only God, (O)be honor and glory forever and ever.[a] Amen.

18 This charge (P)I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with (Q)the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may (R)wage the good warfare, 19 (S)holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have (T)made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are (U)Hymenaeus and (V)Alexander, whom I (W)have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to (X)blaspheme.

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Footnotes
  1. 1 Timothy 1:17 Greek to the ages of ages
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

Paul reflects on the immeasurable grace of Jesus that is poured out on him – a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a murderer. And he praises God for calling a sinner like him into God’s service. Paul trains himself to meditate on the grace he received to rescue him from his abomination, which he recognizes were the result of his ignorance and unbelief. Paul has the right view of God’s love and grace poured out on him, shielding him from self-condemnation and self-righteousness.

Then Paul testifies that he is the worst of sinners, and that Jesus came into this world to save him in order to reveal God’s immeasurable patience to save anyone who believes. God delights in revealing his glory through saving the worst. We need to believe this for ourselves and those we pray for. There are many more Pauls to be saved and called for his mission. Let’s rely on Jesus’ extra grace and love to save others who are utterly lost.

Lastly, Paul encourages Timothy to fight the spiritual battle to correct the false teachers. Timothy needs to remember God’s vision for him to be the next generation’s leader and have spirit to fight.

Prayer: Father, thank you for your grace; help me to see others with your hope and be patient.

One Word: Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst