1 Timothy 1:12-20

1 Timothy 1:12-20
¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, 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.

As I read Paul's testimony I think of my past.  I think of the grace the God pour out on me.  God will give me the strength to accomplish the task he has for me when I rely on him.  Thank you go for calling me to you service.  I ask you to make me a better servant.

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 immense patience as an example for those who would believe in 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.

Some may ask the question: "How could God save an evil person?".  What we fail to realize is that before salvation all of us are evil and capable of anything.  However God will save anyone and his calling and saving someone horrible by our human standards, is just one more proof of his mercy and grace.  They are God's example to us of his patience.

¹⁸ Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, ¹⁹ holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. ²⁰ Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

Some of us doubt our calling at times.  Timothy had been prophesied about.  Based on this encouragement from Paul we can see that there were days he doubted they were true.  He was encouraged to hold onto his faith. Faith is not based on feelings, but on what we know to be true.  When our emotions run us they toss and turn like the sea and no wonder Paul used the imagery of a shipwreck.  Lives get ruined.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.