1 Timothy 1:12-16 – Overflowing Grace

In yesterday’s reading, Paul spoke of “the Gospel of the glory of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.” Today, he states clearly what that Gospel is. Paul had formerly blasphemed the Name of Christ Jesus, having opposed His followers as believers in a false Messiah. Ignorant of the truth and blinded to it by his sinful nature, he zealously persecuted Christians, thinking he was faithfully serving God by doing so. There is no way such a person will, of his own accord, believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, when Paul, in his opposition to the Gospel, was the foremost of sinners – a blasphemer, persecutor and insolent opponent – God poured His grace upon him to such a degree that Paul says it “overflowed,” creating in his heart a faith in and love for Jesus. Through this faith, Paul was judged righteous and appointed to Christ’s service as an Apostle. Thus, Paul’s salvation is an example to others that salvation is by God’s grace alone and that Christ is perfect in His patience with sinners. Indeed, Paul is clear evidence that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.

Paul was saved in exactly the same way anyone else is saved. No one goes to heaven by his or her own merits, and no one can will himself into loving God or believing in Christ. It takes a sovereign act of God, by His overflowing grace, to change a sinner’s heart, that he or she would love Christ and have faith in Him. The result of saving faith is “eternal life.”

Questions
1. Why did Paul consider himself the “foremost of sinners”?
2. How is a sinner saved?
3. What is the result of saving faith?

Prayer Points
1. Pray for the advancement of the Gospel in the world.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.