1 Timothy 1:12-17

My grandmother passed away in 2014. Recently, my parents found a recording of her telling her testimony. We were all in tears as she testified: “I’m still not over what the Lord did for me!” That wasn’t the first time we had heard those words. She often “got blessed” and shouted her gratitude from the depths of her spirit. When I read I Timothy 1:12-17, I see an aging man with that same sense of gratitude. He was still not over what the Lord had done for him! I also can’t help but wonder how many times young Timothy had heard the story in the approximate ten years they had known each other.

In I Timothy 3-11, Paul warned against false teachers who were pushing the law on the believers in Ephesus. Perhaps writing about the law triggered his gratefulness for grace. In verse 12, Paul starts his reflection. Paul notes that Christ had strengthened within, enabling him for ministry. And may we never forget, ministry is nothing more than service! The reason Christ strengthened him, Paul writes, is because Christ judged him trustworthy, faithful.

I can almost hear an inflection or emphasis in His voice when he writes” He strengthened ME; He judged ME! Paul continues, “Even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor and a man of violence” (vs. 13). Paul hadn’t forgotten his past. He had used words to hurt Christians and curse the name of Jesus. His words weren’t empty threats. He inflicted suffering. His involvement in persecution escalated to where he found joy in cruelty and abuse. Barclay explains: “Not content with words of insult, he went to the limit of legal persecution. Not content with legal persecution, he went to the limit of sadistic brutality in his attempt to stamp out the Christian faith.”[1] Paul remembered too well, he used to be a violent man. Remembering sin is a good thing—it’s necessary, it keeps us from being too proud!

Paul also recalls the motivation for his former lifestyle. He loved God and in his mind, he believed he was protecting Judaism. He was sincere, but sincerely wrong. Now comes the good part—“But I received mercy.” Because Paul had acted in ignorance, God showed him mercy. Paul continues (vs 14) by mentioning “grace.” Perhaps the average church goer may not know the difference between mercy and grace, but Paul adds that it was also God’s grace— His unmerited favor overflowing with faith and love that was at work in his life as well.

After Paul reflects, he now shares the heart of the Gospel. “The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost. But for that very reason I received mercy so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life.” Jesus came into the world to save sinners and we are the trophies of God’s amazing grace!

By the time Paul remembers his past and the transforming work of mercy and grace, he is overwhelmed and responds as he should—in worship! “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (vs. 17).

There are many wonderful commentaries on this passage. I’ve been reading for weeks. It’s definitely worth the effort to dig into the details, but I personally think this passage is one that could be presented at a face-value, simplistic kind of way. I believe heart preparation for this passage is key. Sometimes we over complicate the Gospel when a testimony of the basics and evidence of a changed life will do.

I think this passage is a great reminder to look honestly in the mirror and let the ghosts of our past come back to haunt us until we’re overwhelmed with gratitude. As ministers, we need to remember how far the grace of God has brought us. We need a good reminding that it is only by His mercy and grace we have been called into His service. Psalm 40:1-3 is my testimony. “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock; making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.” I remember the pit and I am grateful for Him drawing me out of it! I’m still not over the fact He chose to give me new songs of praise and that He would use me to lead people to Him. What’s your story?

After we prepare our hearts I believe we will be ready to share truths from this passage such as: No one is beyond God’s reach. No one is too far gone no matter what they’ve done. We can be sincere, but sincerely wrong. We can’t save ourselves, it is by God’s grace we are saved through faith. Sometimes the most notorious sinners turn out to be the most wonderful saints—don’t underestimate transformation! It is God who strengthens us for service. The proper response to God’s work in our lives is worship. And… I believe, the most effective way to illustrate these truths is to use the power of personal testimony from someone who has never gotten over what Christ has done for them.

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[1] Barclay, William. The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, Revised Edition. (The Daily Study Bible Series. Revised Edition), 46.