1 Timothy 1:12-17
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. 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. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
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. 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. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
God enabled a blasphemous, insolent, murderous man to be the messenger and vessel of grace. Paul went from a persecutor and killer of God’s people to a founder of the church and conveyor of much of the New Testament. He thought he was doing God’s will as he attacked Christians, but that ignorance and sin was given great and overwhelming grace to transform this sinful enemy of God to the reborn sinner under the sustaining grace of Jesus Christ. He admits in verse 15 that he is the worst of sinners. Not ‘was,’ but still ‘is.’ This is where we all stand, forgiven and regenerated, yet still sinners under grace. Forget the lie some tell that we no longer are sinners or cannot sin anymore; God says otherwise, and we do well to not further sin by denying this. But God was patient and suffered long with Paul to demonstrate that He will do the same with us who likewise believe in our regeneration. We have absolute certainty of eternal life, regardless of our remaining sin, yet are still held accountable for each one - just no longer to condemnation, since Christ intercedes eternally for us. This is why Paul ends this paragraph of thought with glory, honor, and praise to the God above all wisdom and who reigns sovereignty and eternally. Amen and amen!
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