Recipient of Mercy 1 Timothy 1:12-14.
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 had acted ignorantly in unbelief, And the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Dear Servants of the Most High,
Paul now turns his attention from the false teachers to himself and testifies of the grace of God upon him, himself a former opponent of the gospel.
Favoured (v. 12). Paul discloses to Timothy just how privileged he is to have been chosen to God’s service. For this he is thankful. Being judged faithful does not mean that Paul had proved his mettle and was chosen as a result, but more likely that God knew that Paul would be faithful and appointed him to serve, even before he had proven himself.
Forgotten (v. 13). God brushed aside Paul’s former rebellion, in which he had distinguished himself as a blasphemer – one who spoke ill of sacred things, a persecutor (Acts 8:3) insolent opponent – one who resisted change and would not listen to reason. But God was merciful to Paul because in his ignorance and unbelief he had opposed God’s purpose and plan. Only God can turn a raving persecutor into a passionate evangelist.
Flooded (v. 14). Good showered so much grace on Paul that it overflowed. Grace is the favor of God to undeserving sinners. Paul had more than earned that label with his persecution of the church. But when God poured his grace and Paul, he spared no expense. He was enabled to have faith and love in Christ Jesus and to become the foremost preacher of the gospel, of his time. Maybe you have been rebellious. Yield to Jesus and let the grace of God flood your life, as it did Paul’s.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.