1 Timothy 1 -- Paul On Paul

God really speaks in what Paul writes to Timothy about people being “wrong-headed” and what causes it.  Sin in our life can cause us to think we are sincerely right when in reality we can be sincerely wrong.

 

People in the church at Ephesus were relying on long lists of genealogies as if that might save the.  Paul said, “Those things only bring arguments; they do not help God’s work.”  In the same way, we must be careful today not to bring anything into the church that only produces arguments – things that aren’t meant to help God’s work.  Paul says that we can avoid such strife if all members have a love that comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a true faith.

 

Like Paul, I’m thankful for God’s mercy.  He gave me strength and trusted me and gave me the work of serving Him.  I, too, was doing all kinds of things to hurt Him.

 

Perhaps one of my favorite verses follows:  “But God showed me mercy, because I did not KNOW what I was doing.  Like Paul, I was given mercy so that in me, the worst of all sinners, Christ Jesus could show that He has patience without limit.

 

My commentary said, “Even though Saul of Tarsus was a brilliant mind and well educated, his mind was blinded from the truth.  He was a religious man, yet he was not headed for heaven!  It was not until he put faith in Jesus Christ that he was saved.”

 

Father, I full well knew what I was doing, but I was ignorant of just how much I was hurting You.  Thank You for Your patience and Your desire to see me change.  If You’d given up on me, I don’t know where I’d be now.  Thank You for Your love.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford