Slices
Prepare
How did you become a Christian? Was it a sudden turnaround, or has it been a more gradual process? Thank God for his abundant grace and mercy which have enabled you to know him and grow in him.
Bible passage
The Lord’s grace to Paul
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.
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 honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
The charge to Timothy renewed
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.
Explore
Paul is able to be loving in his dealings with the church in Ephesus because he remembers where he has come from and what God has done for him. He describes himself as the least of the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:9), less than the least of all the Lord’s people (Ephesians 3:8), and now as the worst of sinners (vs 15,16). How do you compare yourself to others?
As he gives his testimony in verses 12–17, Paul lists things he has received from the Lord – he’s been given strength, considered trustworthy, appointed to God’s service, shown mercy and treated with patience. Besides all that, grace, faith and love have been poured out on him abundantly!
As he considers the work God has done in his life, Paul praises God for six attributes – he is the King (of kings), eternal (who was and is and is to come), immortal (never going to die or decay, far greater than mortal humans), invisible (beyond the limits of our senses), the only God (unique), deserving of honour and glory!
Respond
What has God done in your life? Spend some time praising him for all he is and all he has given you. Read Psalm 150, which praises God for just being God!
Deeper Bible study
As we recall your goodness, Father, may praise flow in response. Amen.
I recall being on my knees at the Mercy Seat during a Salvation Army meeting as the officer recited five scriptures over me. The trustworthy saying recorded in verse 15 was the third of them. Of this verse, Spurgeon writes, ‘This is one of the “little Bibles”, as Luther used to call them, the gospel in a verse, the essence of the whole Bible is here.’1 Paul is dwelling on the glorious gospel – words of gratitude and praise flow. We will encounter a further two ‘trustworthy sayings’ over the course of these next few days in 1 Timothy.
Having reflected on the grace and mercy of Christ that stretched deep enough to reach even the worst of sinners, is it any wonder that Paul broke out into spontaneous praise (v 17) as he magnifies the eternal, immortal, invisible and unique characteristics of God. This is an appropriate pattern for us to follow as we recall the grace and mercy extended to us. Maybe take a moment to pause and reflect on the goodness of God towards you. I wonder if there is a song of praise bursting from your lips.
The chapter ends with Paul encouraging his protégé in the battle that lies ahead. The challenge is not small for Timothy, but Paul has spelled out to him the resources he has in the God he serves. As good spiritual mentors do, Paul reminds Timothy of the promises of God previously spoken into his life (v 18). Paul is not specific about the nature of the fight ahead, but he exudes confidence in Timothy’s ability to stand firm. There may be a casualty or two along the way (Hymenaeus and Alexander), but this confidence in Timothy for the fight ahead is found in the armoury of faith and a good conscience (v 19).
Lord, many of us face battles. May we, with the psalmist,2 know ourselves equipped by you with strength.
1 Charles H Spurgeon, Evangelistic Sermons, Marshall Morgan & Scott, 1965, p80 2 Ps 18:39
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Song of Songs 3,4; 1 Timothy 4
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray that the children in these Grow Communities will continue to grow in their understanding of the Christian faith and that God will protect them from anything taking that faith away. (This week's prayers relate to this article)
