July 13, 2025 "To Live Like Paul" (1 Timothy 1:12-20)

 

1 Timothy 1:12-20 

 

In this passage,1 Timothy 1:11-20, we read how Paul was changed from the worst person to something great with purpose through the power of Christ. We see that God changes many people in the Bible and takes the undesirables to make them into heroes of the Bible. 

 

Paul knows where he comes from. He remembers where Jesus came to him and what he was like before that encounter.  

 

1 Timothy 1:13 ESV 

[13] though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,  

 

Many times, we forget how much God has rescued us. We often forget how much mercy God has shown us. We forget our struggles as we move closer to God. We become familiar with our life in Christ and forget how lost and empty we were. 

 

But when we truly experience the grace of God, we cannot help but respond to God's calling.  

 

We shouldn’t feel guilty because of our past sins, but we should remember and be thankful to God’s mercy. 

 

1 Timothy 1:12 ESV 

[12] I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,  

 

Paul is humbled and empowered by what God has done. Paul is able to live out his calling from God. 

 

How do we respond to that calling? Everyone's calling is unique. 

 

1 Timothy 1:18-19 ESV 

[18] This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, [19] holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,  

 

We’re called to fight the good fight, keep our hearts clean and keep our faith. Paul tells Timonthy to keep going. To keep fighting. 

 

This fight is not about getting what you want, but about standing on the side of good. We need faith and a good conscience. We need a faith that is rooted in something real. We need to have faith in God.  

We can choose what is right because God has won. 

 

Do you still remember what God has done for you and what Jesus rescued from? Do you know this in your heart? Are you living out your calling?  

 

Jesus is with you and will help you. If you are weary, return to your faith. If worship has become routine, then ask God to help you remember what you were rescued from. 

• Days of Elijah
• Blessed Be Your Name
• How He Loves