1 Timothy 1:12-17

Paul’s Testimony and Thankfulness

B1 Now, Paul rehearses his conversion. Paul considered himself to be blameless according to the Law’s standards (at least outwardly). See Philippians 3:6 NRSV as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

B2 Paul mentions some of his sins

C1 Blasphemer

C2 Persecutor

C3 Insolent

B3 Despite his sins, Paul thanks God for His great mercy in giving him understanding of the Gospel and the Gospel itself, which is of Jesus Christ.

C1 The Gospel is first the life and ministry of Jesus Christ including His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.

C2 Secondly, it is the message that Jesus taught while on earth, which is primarily recorded by our 4 Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

B4 Notice that the Gospel starts with mercy. Mercy is receiving what we do not deserve. It is the initiation of God to free our sin addicted nature. Once our will has been freed, then we can resist or not resist.

B5 After mercy, God shows grace, then faith and love. Not only does the faith and love of God affect us, but we also show faith and love towards God. Repentance leads to faith, faith leads to love, and love leads to obey the rules of the Lord Jesus.

B6 He feels that he is one of the worst of sinners and God’s love showed its greatness towards him.

B7 We notice the greatness of God’s patience. God deals with each person individually.

B8 Paul, then, praises God for

C1 Being King (King of the universe for sure)

C2 Being eternal, immortal, invisible, God who alone is wise

B8 This is the opposite of Romans 1:21 WEB Because, knowing God, they didn’t glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.

C1 The sinner does not give God credit for all that God has done and is doing.

C2 The believers does, which Paul is our example.

B9 Because of all these things, God is worthy of the highest honors and praise.