Timothy 2022 Session 5 | Paul’s Experience of God’s Grace Big Ideas: · Faithfulness · God’s Grace · It’s all about Jesus 1 Timothy 1:12-17 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. Faithfulness 1 Timothy 1:12-14 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. God’s Grace 1 Timothy 1:14-15 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Paul the Chief of sinners · “The word chief used here is the Greek word prōtos. The most common way this word was used was to mean “first in time, place, in any succession of things or of persons.” It is found over 150 times in the New Testament with Paul using the term and this definition nearly thirty times. (other common ways it was used is chief cornerstone, high priest, chief priest) So, the context of how he used this word was that he was saying he was in sequential order and not in a highest-to-lowest ranking. Make sense? · Justice is getting what I deserve. · Mercy is not getting what I deserve. · Grace is getting something I don’t deserve, something better than I deserve. Rocky Fleming-The Journey Assume Statements 1. Among us there is an automatic and understood consensus about what sin is (what is right and what is wrong). We cannot afford to assume that this is true. 2. Among us there is an automatic and understood consensus about what grace looks like in our practical, day-to-day lives. 3. Among us there is an automatic and understood consensus about what holiness is and whether we would even embrace holiness if we fully knew what it was.” -Sweeney, Nate. Abiding in Identity: Who I Am Because of Whose I Am 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. Romans 6:14-23 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Longsuffering as a pattern? 1 Timothy 1:16 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. It’s all about Jesus All honor and glory belong to Christ. 1 Timothy 1:17 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Take Aways: 1. In what practical ways is God calling me to be faithful in the areas of influence He has given me? 2. Take some time to process through the attributes of God that we discussed: Justice, Mercy, Grace. 3. Which of the three assume statements do you relate most to? What are some practical ways that you can overcome these assumptions in your life? 4. Take some time this week and read through some bible passages that focus on God’s grace toward you. Allow the grace of God to saturate and encourage you.