(1Ti 1:16)  “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.”  Soul headed for hell, if the Lord would show mercy and save one who caused the murder of His children, then He will also show mercy unto you! Don’t tell me your sin is too great to be forgiven. My God loved you enough to send His Son to this earth to die on a cross for your sin. After raising Him from the dead He now offers you – mercy! Will you turn from your sinful life and embrace Him as your Savior?

 (1Ti 1:15) “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.”   Did you notice the phrase, “came into the world”? I did not come into this world; my life began at my conception. But Jesus did! He would later say, (Joh 17:5) “And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” God came into the world to save sinners – you and me. He died for our sin. He rose again from the dead. He offers eternal life to those who believe this truth and have a heart to turn from their sin to embrace Him? Do you have such a heart? Do so and ask Him to save you now!

(1Ti 1:14)  “And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.”   I know you find this to be the truth in every way! The grace of the Lord is abundant in every way, assuring us of His love, giving us love for others; increasing our faith, our trust in Him daily! I praise God for His daily provision of love and faith. 

 (1Ti 1:14)  “And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.”  Paul’s sincerity of heart spoke of his own wicked acts and then of God’s mercy (only the guilty need mercy). Now he is led to speak of God’s grace (favor bestowed that is not deserved). Truth: your sin brought the death of Jesus Christ. You need mercy to be saved. Truth: if the Lord does give you the gift of salvation, you receive something you do not deserve. That receiving is called “grace”.

(1Ti 1:13)  “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” He didn’t believe the Lord Jesus to have been the Christ and thus have risen from the grave. But many, if not most, do believe those things. Still they do not come to Christ. There is a big difference. Why should the Lord continue to offer one mercy who knows the great price so lovingly given so they might be saved?   

(1Ti 1:12)  “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;”  Ministers are people. They can be lifted up with pride. It is a great danger as people praise you for your leadership, or preaching and teaching ability, or personality. What we forget, is that the Lord has “enabled” us, giving us the means both physically and spiritually, to carry out His ministry. Instead of glorying, we should be humbled. Give the Lord the praise!  

(1 Tim 1:11)  “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.”   Here are two things it seems that even the Holy Spirit finds language limited in describing: the extent of how much the gospel means to the saved soul (glorious gospel) and the ability to form thanks and praise to the God Who gifts it (the blessed God)! May the saved soul find the need to express it in varying ways every day of their eternal life!

 (1 Tim 1:11)  “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.”  This same gospel has been entrusted to each of the saved, (Jud_1:3) “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”  To share the gospel with some soul that faces an eternity of suffering is not only a duty but a privilege.