12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him,13 even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. 14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.
15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.
18 Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. 19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. 20 Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God.
Terrie's Comments:
I know that God doesn't scale sin. Every sin is sin and deserving of death. But I would think that actively destroying the church the God himself is building would be up near the top of the worst of the worst. Paul had been saved by grace radically even though he was blaspheming God. He didn't know any better. Paul actually thought that he was defending God by trying to shut down Christianity.
I believe that this is why he is encouraging Timothy to "Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear". Paul goes on to mention two men who had allowed themselves to side step their faith and blaspheme God. Paul had been operating in "ignorance and unbelief" but these two men knew the truth and had abandoned it.
Something to think about... what does it mean to blaspheme God? Have I ever done it? Have I ever been tempted to violate my conscience?
I know that God doesn't scale sin. Every sin is sin and deserving of death. But I would think that actively destroying the church the God himself is building would be up near the top of the worst of the worst. Paul had been saved by grace radically even though he was blaspheming God. He didn't know any better. Paul actually thought that he was defending God by trying to shut down Christianity.
I believe that this is why he is encouraging Timothy to "Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear". Paul goes on to mention two men who had allowed themselves to side step their faith and blaspheme God. Paul had been operating in "ignorance and unbelief" but these two men knew the truth and had abandoned it.
Something to think about... what does it mean to blaspheme God? Have I ever done it? Have I ever been tempted to violate my conscience?
Tori's Comments:
How the mercy God has shown us should affect our daily life. We should be constantly rejoicing at the things we've been given that we don't deserve: salvation, redemption, love, joy, the list goes on and on.
How the mercy God has shown us should affect our daily life. We should be constantly rejoicing at the things we've been given that we don't deserve: salvation, redemption, love, joy, the list goes on and on.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
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Please keep all comments respectful. We want to remember that each of us is at a different place in our walk with God. This is a place for us to share openly about what has been revealed to us as we open up Gods word and to learn from others. Please take every opportunity possible to build each other up in love :-)