Paul continues his instructions to Timothy, the leading authority of the Ephesian church which was seeded by the apostle and Timothy during Paul’s second missionary journey throughout the region, starting from Jerusalem, north through Antioch then onward to Lystra where Timothy joined in. The mission trip then carried on to Troas, which led to the crossing of the Aegean Sea onto Neapolis and Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth and Ephesus.
“12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.’ (1 Timothy 1:12-14)
Paul calls his ministry an act of God, based on faith in His only begotten son “Yeshua,” known as Jesus Christ by modern day believers. It was He who chose Saul while he was a persecutor of Christians to be refined and delivered from sin, to become Paul the apostle to the Gentiles.
It was by God’s mercy and grace that Paul was forgiven of his sins, which were washed away by the Holy Spirit so he could lead a ministry which continues to bear a harvest this day.
“15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.” (1 Timothy 1:15-16)
Paul describes himself as a chief sinner, having led the persecution against Christians as Saul, now Paul, an apostle reborn of faith in Jesus Christ and saved by God’s mercy. Paul uses his own transformation as a testimony that Jesus came to deliver sinners from bondage, to free us from the lake of fire where all men should dwell. However all can be saved though faith in Jesus Christ, a promise by which the patience of God is revealed.
“17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17)
Paul shows his gratitude to God almighty through praise and acknowledgement of the magnitude of our Creator’s presence and His existence, truly beyond measure.
“18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.” (1 Timothy 1:18:20)
Paul calls on Timothy, the appointed leader of the Ephesian church to continue his battle against evil and false teaching thereby fulfilling prophecy and honoring God by holding true to the gospel, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
The apostle completes this section of his letter to Timothy by mentioning two heretic teachers, Hymenaeus and Alexander who were banned from the church because they abandoned the truth, instead chose to preach a gospel other than Christ’s. Such blasphemous teaching would not only lead seekers astray, it would be at the root of pain and suffering for all eternity in a real place called hell. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
