Tag: appointed to service
Transformed by grace and love!
Scripture reading for September 24: 1 Timothy 1
“Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the Gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. I thank Him Who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He judged me faithful, appointing me to His service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Jesus Christ.” 1 Timothy 1:8-14
Timothy pastored the church at Ephesus founded by Paul years earlier but now faced attacks from false teachers who were introducing Jewish law along with faith. Paul began by encouraging Timothy to stay true to the Gospel of God’s grace in Jesus Christ. He must continue to teach sound doctrine and warn those who were deviating from the truth of God’s Word. Paul, a former Pharisee, told Timothy about the purpose of God’s law. It was given to reveal sin in those caught in sin, those who were lawless and disobedient. For increased clarity, Paul went over some of the disobedience that the law revealed. He pointed out those specifically mentioned in God’s law: disrespecting parents, murderers, sexually immoral, homosexuals, enslavers, liars, and perjurers.
Paul told Timothy that he, himself, had been a law-breaker and blasphemer of God as a religious Jew. Jesus confronted him and he repented. God then appointed him to service in spite of his law-breaking. In Christ Jesus and through the Gospel there is hope for all sinners to find grace. Paul received mercy and through Christ’s love and grace he came to faith and now served the God he had blasphemed! That is the message of overflowing love and grace through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus on the cross of Calvary entrusted to all ministers and disciples of Jesus.
Are you grounded in the sound doctrine of the Gospel of God’s grace and love in Jesus Christ? Have you ever tried to add your own human effort or works to help God save you? Have you been involved in any of the sins listed by Paul and felt that God could never use you?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the revelation of Your love and mercy in Jesus Christ and His death for us on the cross. Thank you for sending faithful ministers of Your Word to instruct me in sound doctrine and faith and grace. Use me as You desire to teach others sound doctrine by my ministry and life. Amen.