Message from Scripture: 10/06/2020

 

Our message from Scripture today is 1 Tim. 1:14. The grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”

In writing to Timothy, Paul reminded him of what he used to be, but what he now was able to be in Christ. In his words we find encouragement for ourselves, from what sin does to us, but what Christ does for us.

First, Paul freely acknowledged his guilt, as he was previously a blasphemer, arrogant, a violent persecutor. He understood the need this created in Him, as Ananias, who came to preach the gospel to him, found him praying (Acts 9:11). He would go on to say he was the foremost of sinners, or the worst. He had been guilty of persecuting Christ by his persecuting Christians (Acts 9:5), and he knew the deep need he had, or as he later said, “Wretched man that I am!” (Rom. 7:24).

Paul also reminds Timothy in Christ there is grace. With the guilt of sin, God offers His grace, His unmerited favor He offers through the death of Christ. By the blood of Christ there is a new beginning, as along with this grace there is the faith and love Jesus brings to our lives. By the grace of God he was able to be the great man of faith we know him as (1 Cor. 15:9).

Lastly, with such guilt, and great grace, there is gratitude, to a God who so loves us, and to the life we have in Him. He goes on to tell Timothy, “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever” (1 Tim. 1:17). He would say to the Christians in Corinth, “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls” (2 Cor. 12:15). That commitment only comes from one who know how much he means to God.

We too should know the guilt of sin, so we might also know of God’s grace and the forgiveness it provides, and the gratitude we can have for the hope of eternal life. What a great trio of qualities that can lead us to an abundant life in Christ. Make the most of it today. God bless.

Robert