READ: 1 Timothy 1:8-20 - “Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.”
Grace and mercy are given to the people of God. We all have acted in unbelief, living in opposition to Christ, and we are chosen by Him. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” - Ephesians 2:8-9
- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 - “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged (to deem) me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy (specifically of God granting to the unworthy: favor, benefits, opportunities, and particularly salvation by Christ) because I had acted ignorantly (to not know) in unbelief, (by opposition of the Gospel) 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed (hoo-per-pleh-a-nod-zo: to be exceedingly abundant) for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, (Gospel) of whom I am the foremost. (first in rank, chief) 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. (READ: 2 Peter 3:9) 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Men of God are given a trust, the doctrines of the faith which we all have received through the Gospel, in Christ Jesus. “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” - 1 Timothy 6:11-12
- 1 Timothy 1:18-20 - “This charge (the doctrines of Christian living) I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies (teachings or doctrines of the Gospel) previously made about (preceding or coming from the Gospel) you, that by them you may wage (stra-to-o: to lead soldiers to war or battle) the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. (free from guilt and living right) By rejecting (ap-o-thao: thrust away, drive away, repudiate reject, refuse) this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, (suffer shipwreck regarding faith) 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan (deliver to the power of the adversary to be harassed and tormented with evils) that they may learn not to blaspheme.” (to speak reproachfully, rail at, revile, calumniate)
