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Thoughts on 1 Timothy 1:12-16
In 1 Timothy 1:12-16 we are reminded of some things about Paul’s conversion. 1 Timothy 1:12-16 says, “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. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life” (NKJV). Paul’s conversion has some important lessons for us and thus is recounted several times in the book of Acts (Acts 9, 22, 26) and is referred to in other places in the New Testament. What are some lessons we can learn from what is said about Paul’s conversion in 1 Timothy 1:12-16?
Contextually, 1 Timothy 1:12-16 may serve a few different purposes. 1 Timothy 1:12-16 explains why it is so important to “teach no other doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3, NKJV) because it is the result of sound doctrine being taught that people like Paul were ending up being saved. 1 Timothy 1:12-16 may also provide a note of hope for those individuals who have been involved in the sins just mentioned in the preceding verses (1 Timothy 1:9-11). Some of the sins mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:9-11 are sins which many people would find very appalling and yet 1 Timothy 1:12-16 would remind us God is willing to save people who have done these horrible things.
Salvation in Paul’s life resulted in him being filled with thankfulness and gratitude to Christ (1 Timothy 1:12). When we contemplate the salvation we have received from Christ, we too should be filled with thanksgiving. If we are finding ourselves lacking in thanksgiving, one thing which might be helpful is for us to go back and remember what we have been saved from instead of forgetting our past cleansing (2 Peter 1:9).
Salvation in Paul’s life did not just involve being forgiven of past sins but resulted in him being given a work to do. The last part of 1 Timothy 1:12 speaks of Christ putting Paul into the ministry. Christ gave Paul an important service/ministry/work to do following his salvation. We need to remember we have been saved in order to serve. Titus 2:11-14 points out God’s grace has brought salvation which should ultimately lead us to be people “zealous for good works” (NKJV). God’s grace should motivate us to greater service to God (1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Galatians 2:20). Paul was placed into a specific realm of service as an apostle but all Christians are expected to serve after being saved. What is even more impressive about the ministry Jesus put Paul into is to think of what Paul had been before. Paul previously was, “a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man” (1 Timothy 1:13, NKJV). It was a man who came from this background that Jesus put into this area of service. People need to remember no matter how bad their past is God still has work for them to do after becoming a Christian.
Paul’s conversion points out how “exceedingly abundant” the Lord’s grace is (1 Timothy 1:14). God’s grace is capable of saving and forgiving the worst sinner which exists (1 Timothy 1:15). People sometimes think they have done so much wrong that God would never save them and yet Paul’s conversion proves that argument wrong. God’s grace is sufficient to cover whatever sins we commit if we are willing to comply with the terms of pardon God lays out for our sins to be forgiven.
What Paul did to be saved is still the same thing sinners today must do to be saved! Paul heard the truth and believed it (Romans 10:17; 1 Timothy 1:16). Paul was penitent over his sins (Acts 9:9). Paul was baptized in order to have his sins washed away (Acts 9:18; 22:16). Have you done what it takes in order to avail yourself of the salvation which God offers like Paul did?
