1 Timothy 1:12-17

PAUL’S GRATITUDE FOR GOD’S MERCY

1 Timothy 1:12-17

1 Timothy 1:12  I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, 1 Timothy 1:13  even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief.

Paul was an interesting person. He was an avid Jew. He was so sold on the Jewish Law that he felt that Christianity was an attack on Judaism and he was going to obliterate all Christians even if he had to do it himself. He was at the stoning of Steven and all Christians feared him. Before he was Paul he was called Saul. Below is the progression of Paul form Judaism to faith in Christ.

Act_8:1  Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria.

Act_8:3  But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.

Act_9:1  Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord's followers. So he went to the high priest.

Act_9:4  He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting Me?"

Act_9:5  "Who are You, lord?" Saul asked. And the voice replied, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!

Act_9:7  The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone's voice but saw no one!

Act_9:8  Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus.

Act_9:11  The Lord said, "Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to Me right now.

Act_9:15  But the Lord said, "Go, for Saul is My chosen instrument to take My message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.

Act_9:17  So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."

Act_9:18  Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.

Act_9:19  Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days.

Act_9:22  Saul's preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn't refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.

If your real Acts 9 you will see that Ananias was afraid to go and help Paul. I wonder what was being said to Paul when he was blind. He came out all fired up for Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:14  Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:15  This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"—and I am the worst of them all.

Act's 9 gives you an idea of how bad of an actor Paul was.

1Ti 1:16  But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:17  All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen One who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.

Earlier in these writings there were words said about being sinners and they were highlighted and then spelled out. Paul committed murder or at least participated in it. He sought out Christians and decimated them yet he was saved. You to can be forgiven of you sins as was Paul.

1 Timothy 1:18  Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord's battles. 1 Timothy 1:19  Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.

1 Timothy 1:20  Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God.

Paul says to keep the faith and that is good advice for all of us. Hymenaeus and Alexander were given over to Satan. I am not sure what the outcome there was but I prefer to avoid that style of learning experience.