Thank God for Mercy

1 Timothy 1: 12-20

I. Paul Traced His Call to Mercy

A. God put Paul into the ministry and Paul was appreciative. “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;” (1 Timothy 1:12)

B. As the developer of the European church, there was much to commend in Paul’s life, but he himself traced all that which was good to God’s grace. “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)

C. The great evangelist was first the great persecutor and abuser of God’s people. “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” (1 Timothy 1:13) “As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.” (Acts 8:3)

D. Saul was actually on his way to destroy the church at Damascus when he was converted and became Paul, the evangelist to the Gentiles. “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,” (Acts 9:1) “And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” (Acts 9:5)

II. Sinners Can Be Saved

A. A person who has experienced grace and genuinely understands the price paid for new life will be deeply appreciative. “And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:14-15)

B. Grace is not cheap or easy. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)

C. Paul’s transformation from Saul the killer to Paul the saint is possible for others. “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7)

D. The alternative to grace is too horrible to contemplate. “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;” (Hebrews 2:3)

E. Paul was saved to be the pattern for those who would come to grace later. “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” (1 Timothy 1:16)

F. Salvation brings glory to God, not to the saved sinner. “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17)

III. Each Generation Builds on the Past

A. A faithful believer such as Paul will entrust the story of grace to the next generation of believers as a precious treasure. “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;” (1 Timothy 1:18)

B. No solid foundation can stand when guilty consciences undermine it. “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:” (1 Timothy 1:19)

C. Testimonies of disaster in consequence of turning from Christ serve their own educational purpose as well. “Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.” (1 Timothy 1:20)

D. Knowing the implications, concentrate on maintaining and displaying a good conscience. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” (1 Peter 3:15-16)