CHRIST'S POWER TO SAVE

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

1 Timothy 1:15 NKJV

REFLECTION

Think of someone whose life has dramatically changed since he or she became a believer in Jesus. What has been different since he or she encountered Christ? What's the same? What evidence of Christ's power do you see in that person's life?

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SITUATION

Paul had founded the church in Ephesus and spent years teaching the congregation. Later, while under imprisonment and restrictions in Rome, he had learned that Ephesus was undergoing upheaval because of false teachers. In response, Paul had sent Timothy to serve as a living reminder to the truth of the gospel that he had shared with the community. In this first portion of Paul's letter to Timothy, the apostle holds up his own example as a testimony to the power of that gospel. He recalls how he had once been a blasphemer, persecutor of the church, and violent man, but because of God's grace was now a faithful (and grateful) servant of Christ.

OBSERVATION

Read 1 Timothy 1:12–20 from the New International Version or the New King James Version.

New International Version

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 honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

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.

New King James Version

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

EXPLORATION

1. How does Paul describe his situation before encountering Jesus?

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2. What had changed in Paul's life as a result of God's mercy?

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3. What reason does Paul give as to whyGod had chosen to show this mercy to him?

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4. In what ways does God's plan of salvation demonstrate his grace?

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5. How does Paul encourage Timothy to "fight the battle well" (verse 18)?

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6. What is the result when people (like Hymenaeus and Alexander) refuse to continue in faith?

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INSPIRATION

The apostle Paul entered the pages of Scripture as Saul, the self-professed Pharisee of all Pharisees and the most religious man in town. But all his scruples and law keeping hadn't made him a better person. He was bloodthirsty and angry, determined to extinguish anything and everyone Christian.

His attitude began to change on the road to Damascus. That's when Jesus appeared to him in the desert, knocked him off his high horse, and left him sightless for three days. Paul could see only one direction: inward. And what he saw he did not like. He saw a narrow-minded tyrant. During the time of blindness, God gave him a...