Intro: Do you ever feel timid about sharing the gospel message—God’s love given through the Christ—with others? Remember, we share the gospel through our witness in word and action. If you feel timid at times, you can relate to Timothy a young believer who was like a son to Paul. Even though Paul had a rather intense personality, young Timothy was actually reserved, as well as hesitant to take on the important responsibilities of caring for God’s people.
Timothy may have felt inadequate to lead others, but Paul understood what Christ had done in his own life, so he was able to see the potential in Timothy. Being around Paul may have been incredibly uncomfortable at times, but God connects us with one another to help us grow in faith and develop in the Truth of God’s merciful love. So, in teaching Timothy, Paul instructs all of us about the mercy of God to bring us a “new life” in Christ.
In our passage today, Paul humbly lays out his past in order to witness to Timothy and the Church—Body of Christ—about the merciful love of God he received but did not deserve due to his actions. Paul describes himself as the worst of “sinners” who essentially made God practice patience! Quite frankly, we all fit into that category of sinners with whom God has been patient.
So, never diminish yourself because of your sinful past. Instead, give your past to Jesus and choose to live in the “new life” of grace God has provided. We have not been saved by grace through faith, so we can continue to test the patience of God. We have been given a new way to live in Christ that lifts us out of dead living and into eternal life. Let’s keep our focus on living with our faith fixed on Jesus and where He wants to lead us now. Blessings for your weekend!
1 Timothy 1:12-20 NLT Paul’s Gratitude for God’s Mercy
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, 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. 14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.
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. 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. 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.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the humble candor of the Apostle Paul. He does not try to take any credit for being an effective minister of the gospel. He does not try to diminish those who are different in personality. Instead, Paul gives You all the credit and reveals the mercy we have all been given because of Christ. This has been such a great reminder today for our souls, Lord, and the unfathomable patience You extend to all of us who reach for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.