Lesson 4923

 (Lesson 4923) (07-24-25) 1st 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 quote, Paul gave thanks to Christ Jesus for enabling him and counting him faithful, even though he had once been a curse to Christianity, persecuting all believers. He received mercy because he had acted ignorantly while in unbelief. Paul declared that Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom he considered himself the chief. He explained that he obtained mercy for all he had done, demonstrating that Jesus Christ will tolerate almost anything concerning the weaknesses of the lost who eventually turn to Him. Paul then charged Timothy to hold fast to the faith and a good conscience, warning him of those like Hymenaeus and Alexander, who had rejected blasphemed and had therefore been turned over to Satan. ~