Lesson 2136

(Lesson 2136)(10-12-17)  1 Timothy 1:12-20
    “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.”

    In today’s lesson, Paul encouraged Timothy, (and therefore those of us who would be teachers of the gospel today), to be longsuffering in his ministry.
    Paul, by using himself as an example, explained that although he had been the most horrible of perscutors of Christians, when Jesus approached and convicted him, recognized the error of his ways repented and went on to become the chief advocate for the Lord’s purpose.
    This lesson should convince us all that we are to be forever fervent in our ministry of the Lord’s work, never conceding a lost soul to Satan without first having given all that we are in an effort to persuade the lost toward to the saving grace of God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. ~