Jesus’ Grace to Paul

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Jesus’ Grace to Paul

Date: Aug. 18, 2023

Passage

1 Timothy 1:12-20 (ESV)

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 1:15

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

Paul reflects on the immeasurable grace of Jesus that is poured out on him – a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a murderer. And he praises God for calling a sinner like him into God’s service. Paul trains himself to meditate on the grace he received to rescue him from his abomination, which he recognizes were the result of his ignorance and unbelief. Paul has the right view of God’s love and grace poured out on him, shielding him from self-condemnation and self-righteousness.

Then Paul testifies that he is the worst of sinners, and that Jesus came into this world to save him in order to reveal God’s immeasurable patience to save anyone who believes. God delights in revealing his glory through saving the worst. We need to believe this for ourselves and those we pray for. There are many more Pauls to be saved and called for his mission. Let’s rely on Jesus’ extra grace and love to save others who are utterly lost.

Lastly, Paul encourages Timothy to fight the spiritual battle to correct the false teachers. Timothy needs to remember God’s vision for him to be the next generation’s leader and have spirit to fight.

Prayer: Prayer: Father, thank you for your grace; help me to see others with your hope and be patient.

One Word: One Word: Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst

God Judges Those Who Break His Covenant

Ezekiel 17:1-24

Key Verse: 17:24

And all the trees of the field shall know that I am the LORD; I bring low the high tree, and make high the low tree, dry up the green tree, and make the dry tree flourish. I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it.”

Today's Question

For what do we pray in the fourth request?

See answer and references