1 TIMOTHY 1:12-20

Using the Past!

Sunday, February 3, 2008

 

1 Timothy 1:12-20 (NIV)
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.
16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
18 Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.
20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.

*    God strengthened Paul…IT means "empowered."

Philippians 4:13 when he wrote, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (niv).

 

*    God judged Paul faithful.

*          God appointed Paul for service.


13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

*    God supplied what Paul lacked, and not only supplied it but gave it to him in exceeding abundance.


15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.

*    Jesus didn't come merely to show us how to live a better life or to challenge us to be better people. He came to offer us salvation that leads to eternal life.


16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

*    Paul’s authenticity won him the right to be heard.

*    Christ Jesus counted him trustworthy anyone can start a new life.


17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
18 Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.
20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

 

*    v.18 & v.19 The weapons of war: the faith and a good conscience.

 

*    v.19-20 The warning: conscience can be put away and faith shipwrecked.


20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

Reference for further study 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 (NIV), 1 John 2:3-6 (NIV) 1 John 3:4-6 (NIV)