We continue our series in 1 Timothy, and in this opening chapter, Paul writes to Timothy about the grace of God. It is important for Christians to understand and be clear about grace.
(A) Grace exemplified (1 Tim 1:12-17)
Having warned Timothy about the dangers at hand, Paul thanks God and turns Timothy’s attention to this God to whom he is directing his thanks (1 Tim 1:12,17). God has given him strength and appointed him to serve. Yes, though there is war to be waged, the Christian recognises that war and service is done with a smile. Why is he thankful? What are the grounds for gratefulness? Let’s read on to find out.
Paul describes himself as a persecutor, blasphemer and insolent opponent previously (1 Tim 1:13). He was a persecutor as he approved and encouraged the imprisonment of Christians (Acts 7:43-8:3). Why did he call himself a blasphemer? He didn’t only just speak falsehoods, but he also spoke in a way that diminished the value and truth of God. He did not believe that Jesus was who He said He was and in opposing God’s claim, is claiming that God is a liar.
Paul goes on to state that he received mercy because of the acts that he did in ignorant unbelief (1 Tim 1:13b). Paul acknowledged his ignorance and also then, the mercy that was not merited. He did not think that he was entitled to it, and knew that he deserved judgment, which he did not receive.
Paul also spoke of this grace shown to him as one overflowing with the faith and love that are in Christ (1 Tim 1:14). He knows of the use of God’s law (c.f. 1 Tim 1:8) and therefore understands the grace that is shown. Notice the order. Faith and love flows from grace, and it is not the prerequisite for his relationship with God. Paul looks at his life and reflects on God’s actions and plans for this world and folds himself into it (c.f. 1 Tim 1:15 too).
Notice how Paul speaks of his conversion. He didn’t go into the details of his conversion on the Damascus Road. Instead, he speaks about God’s grace with such God-glorifying terms and continues to point Timothy to God. He believes that when God calls him to Himself, He showed overflowing love. Paul shows us a God-centred view and description of his conversion!
Paul goes on to declare that Christ came into the world to save sinners and he admits that he is the foremost of all sinners (1 Tim 1:15). He is not just being tongue-in-cheek and exaggerating. Paul really saw the weight of his own sins, and was one that was an unexpected convert. And he is telling those around that if he can come to Jesus, you can too. He is an example of God’s mercy and perfect patience (1 Tim 1:16).
Some points of application for us. What was the last time you thought about God’s patience? His patience is for us to turn to Him in repentance. What are you hiding from God? There is no sin that Christ has not borne on the cross. If you’ve never come before God humbly, with faith, like Paul did, see what he is doing here and do the same today. There is nothing more important than you might live and know Christ eternal.
Next, what kind of a mindset do you bring into your conversations? Are you afraid to speak about the gospel or think that you’re not qualified? See Paul’s example. All we need to do is to speak of our sin, and the great Saviour we have!
Finally, what is your discipleship strategy? Remember that Paul is writing this letter to help Timothy. See Paul’s pastoral heart and priority here. It is important for people to know the gospel, so make sure we pass it to them.
Paul concludes his reflection with praise to the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God worthy of honour and glory forever and ever (1 Tim 1:17). What do each of these descriptions tell us?
As King of ages, he is drawing attention to His timelessness. He does not change. This may be something we can’t really wrap our heads around! As immortal, there is no beginning nor end to this king. As one who is invisible and dwells in unapproachable light, no mortal eye can see or approach Him.
This probably isn’t what we spend our days thinking about. But notice how Paul is bursting out in spontaneous praise! This shows us how he thinks about God. How content are you with your understanding and view of God? Are you content with a God who is manageable and serviceable, there to encourage you when you have a difficult day? See Paul’s example here, as he acknowledges how this Creator stands distinct from creation. God is worthy of all worship because He is unlike us! Paul calls to mind who He truly is, and shows us why He is worthy of worship.
This should also cause us to love Jesus more. Jesus, is the image of this invisible God. Jesus, is the immortal God who took on mortal flesh. Jesus, is the eternal God who stepped into our time and space. Is is a light thing for you that Christ came into this world to save sinner? This is the God who is beyond all praising who has entered into our world, to save His enemies. If you find yourself bored or tired of singing praises to this God, it is worth pausing and reflecting on this God as He has revealed Himself.
(B) Grace entrusted (1 tim 1:18-20)
Having exemplified grace, Paul sets out a pattern for Timothy that he desires him to remember. Earlier, in 1 Timothy 1:11, Paul has already spoken of the charge and how Timothy is to act in accordance to the glory that has been entrusted to him. Here, in 1 Timothy 1:18, Paul is entrusting this charge to Timothy. Grace experienced is now grace entrusted. In 2 Timothy 2:1-2, we also see that this is not just kept between Paul and Timothy, but is for all Christians.
Paul charges Timothy to wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience (1 Tim 1:18b). He is to keep both hands firmly on this Christ, not just one hand on Christ and the other hand on whatever the world tells you to. He has to be clear about what faith in Christ means, and not to strive for other righteousness. Timothy is also to hold fast to the doctrine that has been entrusted.
A good conscience is a precious thing. Christians speak of peace with God. Yes, it comes from holding fast to Christ, but there is also a great joy in having a clean conscience before God. With a clean conscience, the harshest criticisms of this world does nothing for you, compared to the joy of knowing that you are clean before God. Are you experiencing God’s love for you?
Joel Beeke has 3 helpful questions that can be used to think about the conscience:
Are there sins in your life you are not waging war against?
Are there duties in your life that you are wilfully neglecting
Are there truths of God you are diminishing, rejecting or ignoring to appease yourself and others?
Paul also warns Timothy and it is important for us to pay attention too. If we act against our conscience (the “this” in 1 Timothy 1:19), Paul warns Timothy that it could have dire examples. A good conscience is a wellspring of life. A seared conscience shows that we are not waging the good warfare and is a pathway to disaster.
We also read of those that are “handed over to Satan” (1 Tim 1:20). This is also the case in 1 Corinthians 5:1-15. We read of the situation in the Corinthian church where people are acting in unchristian ways. The church comes to discipline one who claims to be a sheep but is acting like a wolf, as the church is meant to be the steward of this faith.
Thus, it is the responsibility of the church to guard the gospel and to watch over the faith of its members.
Friends, a group like ours is not the church. All Christians are to be a part of the local church, a regular, gathered assembly meant to guard doctrine and guide us into it. Are you a part of a local church? If you are, commit to it and pray for your church.
In conclusion, in these verses, Paul exemplifies grace by sharing of God’s work in his conversion. He also entrusts this to Timothy, and charges him to hold fast to it. Is your Christian service marked by thanksgiving and praise? How does Paul’s “life statement” help you to think about discipleship and evangelism? Finally, what would it look like for you to hold on to faith and a good conscience?