Incarnation of Jesus

1 Timothy 1:12–17 NASB95

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

How Should the Birth of Jesus Change Your Life and Mine?

1. Because of the Incarnation I Can be Strengthened For Ministry.

1 Timothy 1:12–13 NASB95

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;

Philippians 4:13 NASB95

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 NASB95

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

2. Because of the Incarnation I Can Be Shown Mercy.

1 Timothy 1:13 NASB95

even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;

1 Timothy 1:16 NASB95

Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

A. Paul was shown mercy because of Ignorance.

B. Paul was shown mercy so Christ could demonstrate perfect patience.

1 Corinthians 15:9 NASB95

For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

3. Because of the Incarnation I Can be Shown Grace.

1 Timothy 1:14 NASB95

and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.

Romans 5:20 NASB95

The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,

4. Because of the Incarnation I can Be Saved.

1 Timothy 1:15 NASB95

It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.

Matthew 1:21 NASB95

“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Luke 5:32 NASB95

“I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Luke 19:10 NASB95

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Acts 4:12 NASB95

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

5. Because of the Incarnation I Can Praise God.

1 Timothy 1:17 NASB95

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Incarnation should be life-changing.

Has it changed your life?