Articles
God's Grace
“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:12-15).
We find five trustworthy sayings in the letters Paul wrote to younger preachers (1 Timothy 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:8). Faithful people and faithful sayings can be relied on. Great, obvious axioms of trust, faith, and reliability give confidence in God and in His salvation for all. These words stirred Paul’s heart, a heart at one time that gushed with hatred and violence toward those of the Way. Paul’s sincerity is not questioned; he didn’t violate his conscience. But when the great light of Jesus Christ blinded him, he fell prostrate on the Damascus Road; he fell before his Savior and the good news of the gospel became a reality for the chief of sinners.
It was that same gospel that Timothy preached during his time in Ephesus. We have more information in this letter from Paul to his “true son in the faith” than we have in the book of Acts. Troubles, false teaching, and betrayals of the Lord are highlighted in Paul’s instructions to Timothy; “something is going on” in that ancient city. But, if someone such as Paul could be saved, why not others; even idolaters could come to the Lord. Paul knew about God’s longsuffering. And his conversion became a pattern for all sinners. Whatever we make about the “unusual” events of Acts nine, it remains true that all who come to the Lord now, must come, can only come to Him in obedience to His will.
Paul’s recounting his conversion could embolden Timothy to press on. Was this the first time Timothy had heard about Paul’s journey to Damascus? In fighting the good warfare, in resisting those who rejected God’s word, in opposing those who made shipwreck of the faith, Timothy could be encouraged. Timothy was committed to the Lord; still, wouldn’t he sometimes need a reminder that his cause was the Lord’s righteous cause? Timothy, be faithful, be alert, don’t take your eyes off the commander. Keep your good conscience; keep your strong faith.
These words from Paul to Timothy are needed today. Preachers, elders, yea, all who endeavor to stand, whether in Ephesus, or in the USA, or in any other part of the world, need to find and keep faithful resolve in the work of the kingdom. The faith, the objective body of truth given by God still remains. Can we fight alone and succeed? No! Neither could Paul or Timothy. They needed and we need God’s grace. We do, too. Thankfully, that is what God gives.
