Through the Bible - Song of Solomon 1-6, 2 Corinthians 13, Galations 1
Good morning,
For this weekend's verse we'll go to 1 Timothy chapter one.
In a passage where Paul is telling Timothy of the praiseworthiness of God for His grace we have a benediction of sorts at the end of the passage. This will be today's verse:
1 Tim 1:16 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.
NKJV
In a passage where Paul was telling Timothy how he considered himself to be the "chief of sinners" he speaks of a "faithful saying" (v.15). He used these words in other Pastoral Epistles and they refer to key doctrines, basic principles to take hold of and be grounded in. He considered himself to be first in rank in one thing, as a sinner.
With this attitude he would not look down on others or feel superiority in himself. This is a faithful saying, one that would keep him, keep Timothy and hopefully in reading it, keep us humble.
This attitude is modelled in reaching out to sinners, to prisoners (of sin,in jail or not) , and anyone in need of a saviour. It is rejected by the self righteous who do not see themselves as sinners at all. When they (the self righteous) think of the word "sinner" they think only of others.
Paul's personal testimony, shared several times in the New Testament has been influential in bringing many to Christ through the ages. Having his attitude, and living it out could have the same effect on those around us to this day. May we use this as a "pattern" for our lives.
Many of Paul's benedictions have been made into songs and hymns. We'll close with one from today's verse. Read it, sing it to yourself our out loud as an offering of praise and thanksgiving this weekend.
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great Name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish, but naught changeth Thee.
Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
But of all Thy rich graces this grace, Lord, impart
Take the veil from our faces, the vile from our heart.
All laud we would render; O help us to see
'Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee,
And so let Thy glory, almighty, impart,
Through Christ in His story, Thy Christ to the heart.
(from Biblesoft Hymnal, PC Study Bible electronic database Copyright © 2003-2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
1 Tim 1:12-18
Glory to God for His Grace
(cf. Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-19)
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.
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