1 Timothy 1 - 3.14.24
S - 1 Timothy 1:12-16: 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
O - This is a letter from Paul to Timothy, who is the first “second-generation” Chrisitan mentioned in the Bible. He was Paul’s protégé and Paul thought of him like a son. This letter is full of fatherly advice to Timothy; warnings about false teachers, how to guard his motives and stand firm in his faith, while ministering to others and living beyond reproach. Timothy was originally influenced by his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice, who were believers, then he became an imitator of Paul’s life and pastored the church at Ephesus.
A – People can feel so guilt-ridden by their past that they think God could never forgive and accept them. But consider Paul’s past…He had not only scoffed at the teachings of Jesus, but he had hunted down and murdered God’s people before coming to faith in Christ. God forgave Paul and used him mightily for his kingdom. Wow! That is some amazing grace! And that grace extends to us as well. And for that I am sooooo thankful.
This book is also a great reminder of the profound effect a Christian home can have on family members as well as the effect we have as Christian leaders. Do I live a life worthy of emulating? Do I live up to the standards of a good leader? Sometimes I feel like no one should follow me because of what I’ve done or who I used to be, but I must continually remind myself that yes, I will always have work to do, but I am no longer a slave to my past sins and that God has given me a purpose.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
That’s one of my favorite scriptures. No matter how shameful our past is, God can, and will forgive us. He will use each one of us if we make ourselves available. And then we have the chance to bring others along side of us and watch God use them for His glory.
I also took note that these two men, both worthy of following… started from two complete opposite places. Some of us were a complete mess all on our own, with no Christian background before we encountered Jesus and some were raised by Christian families….BOTH have equally important rolls to play in bringing people to Christ. Don’t let your past dictate how YOU pursue your walk with Jesus!
P – Lord, I thank you so much for finding me in my pit of death, destruction and despair that I was in all those years ago. For loving me so much that you gave your son for me so that I could live a life worthy of being your daughter. Thank you that I didn’t have to do a thing to earn your love; that it was there my entire life just waiting for me to receive it. I pray today that each one of our own circles of friends and family will come a little bit closer to feeling that love just like each one of us in the DSC family has. Use us to bring them to you Lord. Thank you that you consider us worthy of the task. May we act in obedience and love to bring them to you! Amen.
- Crystal Penrod Flory
