1 Timothy Bible Study 1.12-17

Jesus Christ Came to Save Sinners

Earlier in the first chapter of Timothy we discussed how Paul shared with Timothy to look out for false teachers and to focus on love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. We also looked how the Law was to be used. Today we will be looking at 1 Timothy 1.12-17 and how Paul shared the mercy and grace he received.

Please read along with me. (Read 1 Timothy 1.12-17)

Starting in verse 12, Paul makes special note of where his strength comes from, it comes from Christ. But look at why. Christ judged Paul to be faithful and appointed him to serve. It is Christ who judges the heart, not mankind. It is Christ who appoints men and women to service, not mankind.

As I ponder this I want you to think about the countless people whom are serving in the church today. The truth is, some have been called by God to serve and many have not. Leading back to Paul’s earlier point about false teachers.

I think about my own calling to serve as Pastor at Cornerstone Bible Church. There was much prayer on the part of my family and the part of the church to whom God was calling here. This is my first pastorate. Previously I had often said in countless conversations that I had no desire to be a pastor, especially not a senior pastor. I had worked with many pastors while serving with The Navigators and I did not envy the work they were doing. For some of them, they did have a special calling to serve. I had also met pastors and wondered why they were pastoring, that is for them it did not appear to be a calling, but more of a pedestal for them to have position, title, or a platform to share their opinions and distort God’s Word or not handle it correctly.

Serving as a pastor now is a struggle. I love being a pastor, but my only goal is to share God’s Word through love. It is not the easiest calling to have and at times I, transparently, wish I could just serve in the church but without the position or title of pastor, elder, overseer, or whatever else you want to call it. This is not a position to take lightly. Later in the his first letter to Timothy, in 3.1, Paul says, “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.” Those last five words, “He desires a noble task,” get to the heart of the calling. Without the calling or desire placed their by Christ, there is no noble task. When looking at the Greek, it would say something like, “He longs for a good work.” It is good work to serve Christ in the pastorate. This is why I want to serve to do a good work, nothing more. Sometimes, and many of my fellow pastoral friends can attest to this, all the nuances of the job can get in the way from doing a good work. The organized church today has really allowed for, in some cases, a great Sunday matinee. Allowing anyone to speak and direct the church. But, again, the reason I have come to serve is to do a good work, this is what I long for, this is what I desire.

In verse 12, Paul recognizes that it is Christ who judged him faithful. Not man. And it is Christ who appointed him to service, not man. Christ knows Paul’s heart and knows how Paul will serve Him. This is nothing new to God’s plan, for He knows the hearts of all. He called Noah, Abraham, David, Jacob, the 12, and many more to serve Him. It matters not one bit how you see yourself, it is how Christ sees you and what you can become.

Look at Paul’s following notes about himself. He was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. Regardless of these things, Christ had mercy on him, for his ignorance in unbelief. Christ has mercy and grace for all who would listen to His call. Verse 14 is beautiful. Read with me how Paul recognized the grace bestowed upon him. (Read 14). The Lord’s grace overflowed, abounded exceedingly for Paul, even in his sins and ignorance. Because of the faith and love of Jesus Christ. If you recall, Paul was on his way to Damascus to persecute more Christians. He was not searching for Christ or forgiveness. But Christ, reached into the depths of his heart and called upon him. This is a beautiful story.

Maybe Christ is reaching out into your life, into your heart, showing you that He is real and His forgiveness is everlasting. If you turn to Him, your sins will be forgiven. His grace overflows for you because He loves you that much. Will you receive His love?

In verse 15. Paul tells us why Christ came into this world. (Read 15). To save sinners. A selfless and loving act of sacrifice for all. Paul , in his letters has pointed out, on more than one occasion, he is the foremost (or chief) of all sinners. He was so far away from Christ, that Christ’s mercy was an extreme life changing moment for him. There are many in this world who are so caught up in hate and sin, that when Jesus enters their lives, they then dedicate their entire life to Him. Out of the complete understanding of His love, grace, and mercy. This was Paul.

In verse 16, Paul lays out why he received mercy. It should also be a reminder to us, of Christ’s mercy in our lives. (Read verse 16). Christ displayed “His perfect patience as an example.” So that others would believe in Him. In the book of Acts people questioned the motives of Paul. Even the apostles struggled with Paul being a follower of Christ.

In the context of the letter, why is Paul sharing all this with Timothy? One, to encourage and remind him of what Christ can do for anyone. Two, to share with Timothy why he has been called, to also share what Christ has done for him. And, three, perhaps to show the truth and love of Christ to those false teachers and sinners previously mentioned. Which, will also lead into chapter 2 verse 1 of this letter where Paul says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.”

Have you considered how Christ has worked in your life? His mercy in your life was not just for you. It was demonstrated in you, so you too can share the love of Christ to others. Would you not want others to see what God has done in your life. If you knew me 20 years ago, you wold have never thought in a million years I would be a pastor sharing the truth and love of Christ. I sure didn’t. But, I had a road to damascus moment where God called out to me to follow Him. Is He calling you? Will you listen?

In verse 17, Paul ends His brief, but beautiful, story of Christ in his life. By saying, (Read verse 17). You don’t say these words of honor to just anyone. You say them out of respect, reverence, and thankfulness to the one whom saved you, who pulled you out of the mire and formed you into something beautiful.

Questions for Discussion:

Where or how has Christ appointed you to serve?

Have you considered your life as a testimony for others? That maybe Christ’s mercy in your life was also for the benefit for others to have eternal life? How might this change your ministry to serve?

How do you give honor and thankfulness to Christ?

May the King of kings bless you always.