Because We Trust In The Living God, Who Is The Saviour Of All Men, Specially Of Those That Believe - Part 2509

"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." (I Timothy 1:12-14)

Apostle Paul is writing here. For those who may not know, Paul was originally the very same Saul who persecuted those who believed in the Lord Jesus as their God and Saviour. As background, Saul was highly educated. Saul is also described as a Pharisee of Pharisees. On the specific day he met Jesus, he was on his way to round up anyone and everyone who believed so he could imprison them. But on that same day, as he travelled on the road to Damascus, he was blinded by a bright light. Without any hesitation, Saul asks, "Who art Thou Lord?" The answer -- "I AM JESUS, whom thou persecute."

Saul is instructed to go meet with a righteous man of faith -- Ananias who in turn feeds him with the meat of the Word, and ensures that Saul is baptized in the precious, holy name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:36-41) From this point, Saul's understandings come from the Lord directly -- by revelation -- wherein, he understands his calling. That is, Saul (soon to be Paul) was appointed to preach to the Gentiles.

Herein, Paul is writing to his son in the faith -- Timothy-- that our hope is in God our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. Paul has already instructed Timothy to teach no other doctrine; neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions. Instead, Paul writes, "godly edifying which is in faith: so do." (I Timothy 1:4; I Timothy 4:7; Titus 1:14)

"But refuse profane and old wives fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness." (I Timothy 4:7)

"Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth ..." (Titus 1:14)

Paul goes on to offer further clarity -- "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned." (I Timothy 1:5; II Timothy 2:22)

"Unto the pure all things are pure; but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient and unto every good work reprobate." (Titus 1:15-16)

Remember, Paul could speak specifically to this because (as Saul), one could consider that he too was reprobate to every good work, as we understand from his own persecution of the believing faith community. As well, Paul points Timothy to those who have swerved away from the truth, having "turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm." (I Timothy 1:6-10)

But Paul then clarifies -- we know that the law is good, if man use it lawfully -- but also that the law is NOT made for a righteous man. (I Timothy 1:9; Galatians 3:19; Galatians 5:23) Why? Because when we repent and are water baptized in the name of Jesus, He puts on us His cloak of righteousness.

In another place, Paul writes -- "wherefore then serve the law? It was added because of the transgressions, till the Seed [Jesus] should come to whom the promise was made; and [it was] ordained by angels in the hands of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed." (Galatians 3:19-23)

This is why the law was (and still is) our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. And that after faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster -- for then we are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:23-29; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21; Acts 10:44-48)

In other words, when we repent and believe on this same Jesus whom we crucified -- as both Lord and Christ -- and are water baptized into His precious, holy name -- the name of the Lord Jesus, we will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost -- the Comforter -- the Spirit of the risen Jesus within, who will never leave us nor forsake us. The King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, whom we, like apostle Paul should give honour and glory for ever and ever, amen. (I Timothy 1:17)

And this is Paul's testimony to the world.

"And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly 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 long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting." (I Timothy 1:15-16)

This is the charge Paul committed to Timothy -- that he too might war a good warfare -- holding faith, and a good conscience -- and not allowing the some which have put away concerning the faith turn it into a shipwreck.

"Holding the mystery of the faith in good conscience." (I Timothy 3:9)

So much more to share herein, but let this suffice for this day. Stand in the offering plate!