Paul’s Prayer of Thanks

Introduction:

Paul begins this letter to Timothy by urging him to command those in Ephesus to teach only the doctrine of Christ. It was the only thing that could save mankind. Read verse 11 aloud. Paul states that the gospel had been committed to his trust. Proclaiming that gospel was a grave responsibility and a wonderful privilege. The eternal destiny of many precious souls depended upon him preaching that glorious gospel, the doctrine of Christ. In the next few verses, 12-17, he shows his gratitude to God.

Lesson text: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Body:

1.      Paul's gratitude for being put into the ministry (verse 12 )

Paul expresses his deep gratitude to God for being chosen as an apostle and for the work of preaching the gospel. There is no doubt that Paul remembers vividly the words of Christ spoken to him on that road to Damascus (Acts 26:16-18). Paul was thankful that God trusted him with this work, and that God esteemed Paul to that extent. Also, God enabled Paul, giving him strength for his ministry. Paul had earlier written, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4: 13 ). Even though Paul suffered greatly because of his Christian life, he never gave up. Listen to these uplifting words: ( 2 Corinthians 4: 7-11 ).

2.      Paul was grateful for God's mercy and grace (verses 13-14).

Before Paul became a Christian, he was a blasphemer. He spoke evil against God by speaking evil against the church. He was a persecutor and an insolent man- did violence again hmmst the lord's church. These were truly horrific sins! Listen to the following description in Acts 19: 1, 2, and Acts 26: 9- 11.  Paul did not know that Jesus was the Christ and that the law of Moses had given way to the law of Christ. Paul did these things ignorantly and unbelief. Paul was not offering this as an excuse. If he would have continued in ignorance and unbelief, he would have died lost. He is expressing his thanks to God for the mercy shown him- something he desperately needed.

(Verse 15 ) what Paul is about to say can be dependent on as absolutely true that Christ came into the world to save sinners! Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19: 10 ). Paul declared that he was the chief or the worst of sinners. This shows Paul's humility. He thought of himself as foremost a Sinner because he persecuted the Lord's church. Thinking of his past, he said, “Who am less than the least of all the Saints” (Ephesians 3: 8). Jesus was able to save the worst of sinners- therefore, he is able to save anyone and make them Saints.

(Verse 16 ) the Lord was going to use Paul as an example. His experiences formed patterns for people of his time and later how to become a Christian and to suffer for Christ. He was an example of how men who were such terrible sinners could be saved by the blood of Christ and changed into Saints. No Sinner was beyond the scope of God's mercy. God is long-suffering to man and wants everyone to come to repentance: (2 Peter 3:9). 

Conclusion/invitation: 

Read verse 17 aloud. This is a doxology- a word of glory (1 Chronicles 29:11). Paul shows gratitude for God's great blessings and praise for the only true God. This is a natural outcome for Paul who remembers the depth of God's grace and mercy for saving such a vile Sinner as he used to be. We can enjoy those same blessings and experience the degree of gratitude that Paul had, and we must follow his example. We must come to believe as Paul did in Christ, believe, repent, confess, and be baptized, (Acts 22:16).  

Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford

December 9, 2024

The church of Christ at Granby, MO

Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109

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