Devotional: 1 Timothy 1:12-20

Today’s passage: 1 Timothy 1:12-20

Helpful thoughts:

• Jesus didn’t do a victory dance because he was so lucky to have convinced Paul to join his team…
  • Paul was a sinner, saved by grace.  He was then enabled by God.  Given the gift of faithfulness.  Inserted into the work and servitude of the ministry.
    • Paul was previously an enemy of the kingdom, then God graciously saved him and gave him a new and beneficial purpose.
• Verse 15 is a trustworthy saying.  Paul is not the only one who should say it.
  • Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I (Insert your name) am the foremost.
• Hymenaeus and Alexander were men who heard the gospel, desired to be among the church but did not believe and taught or communicated false doctrine.
  • It is possible for those who do not truly believe and who speak false doctrine to mix in among the church and continue undetected, enjoying the benefits of the grace-filled fellowship of the body of Christ.
  • These men (And the church!) were better served by being removed from the safety of the church.  The church must be doctrinally pure.  These men needed to know and submit to the truth.

Questions to consider:

1. Is living for Jesus simply a slightly better option/life than that of an unbeliever?  Is there a life-style that is neutral? (Matthew 12:30)  What should this truth stir up in us?  What was my life accomplishing before I became a follower of Christ?  What must I strive to do now that I am in Christ?
2. Why did Paul receive mercy (Verse 16)?  Why did the “King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God,” who deserves all “honor and glory forever and ever” show you mercy?  Knowing God’s forgiveness ought to give us peace of mind, but is that really the end of the purpose of God’s mercy on our lives?
3. Why is it more loving to tell a person the truth than to affirm that all is well when it isn’t?  What will the fear of man do to a church?  What does the fear of God do for a church?