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 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:12-14
These next verses in 1 Timothy show us one of the much needed elements of a servant of God - humility. Humility is not a self-defeating attitude but rather an understanding of who God is and who we are in light of that. As Paul continues to write to Timothy he gets personal and makes it clear that it is God who has enabled him to do the ministry he is doing.
How do we know it is God who is at work in Paul? Well, before he was born-again on the road to Damascus he was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man. He was a hard core Pharisee who did not believe the words of Jesus Christ but set his face against them and persecuted all those who would follow Him. Paul even stood in acceptance as Stephen was stoned for the sake of Christ. But even while Paul was on the rampage against Christians - God was merciful. The Lord had ever right to destroy Paul, to end his life and to be done with his insolence. But rather God was merciful and changed Paul and used him for the spreading of the gospel.
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. 1 Timothy 1:15-17
Paul uses the phrase, "this is a trustworthy saying", which is unique to the Pastoral Epistles. It is also a phrase that should make us pay attention because this is obviously something of importance. So what is this saying that is so important?
"Christ Jesus came into the the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief."
Once again Paul makes sure the gospel is clear. No muddy post-modern thinking to bog things down. No "God'll make ya rich" shenanigans. Just the truth of the gospel. Indeed this is a saying worthy of repeating.
Now many of you may disagree with me but the fact is that I would have to take the chief of sinners slot. After all I have broken ever single one of the commandments (if not in deed then in word or thought), I have rebelled against God and shaken my fist at him in defiance. But like Paul I have been saved because of God's incredible mercy& grace.
Paul continues to point out that Christ showed him mercy as an example of the long-suffering of God. This long-suffering (or patience) is one of the many attributes of God. Because of His patience sinners are allowed to breath air and stay alive. Because of His long-suffering rebels are allowed to eat drink and be merry. 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
God is patient with all of us because He is kind and desires for us to repent and trust in Christ for forgiveness. One day, this long-suffering will end and justice will prevail, but until then we all experience the undeserved grace and mercy of God.
Paul wraps up this passage with one of many doxologies in scripture. As we read all these things about how God and his mercy, patience, and salvation we must understand that it is all for the glory of GOD. All of this world was set into motion to bring glory to Himself. The redemption of man is the same. We benefit from the Son's (Jesus') action of glorifying the Father thorough His death and resurrection. Because of this we comprehend the love and grace of God and respond with glorifying Him in our words and lives.
He alone is worthy of all glory and honor forever and ever. Amen.
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