Couples in Christ

Strong Anchor of Faith – Part 2, ACTION (Reprise)
Lesson 1.2 – Reprise

1 Timothy 1:12-20, January 30, 2011

Warm-up

Last week’s interaction on this passage prompted me to continue this topic for a second week. This is a powerful section of God’s word! Today we’ll review some of the notes we discussed, and then delve deeper into the rest of the passage.

The Word – 1 Timothy 1:12-20 (NASB) (Emphasis and parentheses by Kinnoin)

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me (He always does), because He considered me faithful (never say, “I don’t have enough faith”), putting me into service,

13 even though I was formerly (no longer) a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor (arrogant). Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief (James 4:17);

14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant (always sufficient), with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.

15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance (never doubt God’s word), that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.

16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever (in every circumstance) and ever. Amen.

18 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son , in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight,

19 keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.

20 Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan (quit contesting with them), so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.

Digging In

Engaged (v. 12)

How do you decide on what activities to engage in? Have you ever volunteered to do something that you knew would not be easy, that would cost you something? Why did you say “yes”? When you serve are you trustworthy?

Verse 12 says that God “considered me faithful” and “put me into service”.

It is amazing that God considers me faithful! How can He do so? Because He is the One who gave me a “measure of faith” (Rom. 12:3) and causes it to grow (Mark 4:27). He rewards me when I exercise faith in Him (Heb. 11:6).

► God puts faithful men and women into service. Expect Him to do this in your life. Be engaged in serving God (See Eph. 2:10).

Mercy (for) Me! (vs. 13-14) – Also see notes on vs. 20, “Hopelessly Lost”

Would you be merciful to someone who held you in contempt and rejected you? God gives MERCY to those who act ignorantly and yet are open to His call. A non-believer who rejects God over and over is in danger of His rejection forever (see Rev. 20:15, “lake of fire”). “God will convict believers of sin, even if we are strong-willed and stubborn, but he will never reject us as His children.” (R. Folse)

God’s GRACE is “more than abundant”. It prompts me to walk in faith and act in love toward others. When I’m in Christ nothing is impossible! (See Eph. 3:20) “God’s grace is lavished upon us as believers, even when we are strong-willed and stubborn to His leading, and at times may even reject His leadership.” (R. Folse)

► God sees my heart and knows my motives. He gladly shows me mercy when I’m open to His call. Receiving God’s mercy is an anchor for my faith! Without it I’m vulnerable and unstable. (Also see 1 Jn. 3: 3, 6, 9; 5:18)

Never Give Up (vs. 15-16)

Never give up on someone who is currently rejecting God. This is hardest for me with siblings and relatives who offend me and criticize my faith, and sometimes blaspheme my Lord! I must remember that without God’s grace in my life I am no better.

God is extremely patient toward me (and all men). (Story of a tree growing in a rock – R. Folse)

“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

► God is giving everything He can to convince people of His love for them so that they will turn to Him. When I join Him in this purpose my faith will be strengthened and Safe Passage is secured.

The Ultimate #1 (v. 17)

When my son Eric was about 4 years old he thought that I was the greatest! To him I had all the answers and could take care of every need he had. But at age 8, then 12, then 16 he realized I was not as smart as he thought. There were days when I’m sure he thought I knew nothing that could help him! But God, well, He is the King! We can never go wrong in exalting Him! We never outgrow Him. He is eternal, immortal, invisible (mysterious), unique, due all honor and glory. There is none like Him. (See Psalms 34 and 103 for the correct posture.)

► When we approach this awesome, personal God we are obligated to magnify Him and praise Him. If our faith is to be stable and secure our view of God must be the “King of kings and Lord of lords”. We must believe that nothing is impossible for Him. He is the ultimate #1. Keeping this focus guarantees Safe Passage.

A Good Charge (v. 18)

Do you believe that some things are worth fighting for? God said that He planned ahead of time the things He wants us to do (Eph. 2:10). He told us to be steadfast and immovable in this purpose (2 Cor. 15:58). He said that even when we see no way out we must not waiver from His purpose for us (Eph. 6:13). Perseverance for Christ produces hope. “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4 - NASB)

► Paul essentially told Timothy, “Fight the good fight, finish the course, keep the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7 sim.). There is never a good reason to quit on God.

Conscientiously (v. 19)

When you allow your conscience to become polluted your faith falters. Clear thinking, based on God’s truth, keeps your conscience clear and anchors your faith. 2 Tim. 1:7 refers to a “sound mind” and “good judgment”. Abraham “did not waiver in unbelief but grew strong in faith” (Rom. 4:20). He was thinking clearly. A clear conscience guards against shipwreck and encourages Safe Passage. “Distractions pollute our mind and derail our faith.” (R. Folse)

► ⁹ Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course. ¹⁰ For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; ¹¹ Discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you, ¹² To deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things” (Prov. 2:9-12).

Hopelessly Lost (v. 20)

During last fall’s teaching from the book of Job Steve Heller talked about how to respond to bad counsel. We should reject false teaching and teachers when they claim to be followers of Christ. Paul wrote, “…you (are) not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one” (1 Cor. 5:11).

► Some people are so determined to reject Christ that there is no hope for them. (See Prov. 29:1, 2 Chron. 36:16, etc.) Only God can make this call to end their hope. They essentially “crucify themselves”.

“Some of those who give false teaching really believe they are following God; others do not. It takes discernment from the Holy Spirit to know which is which, and to exercise Grace in the midst of it. And it also takes a Christ-follower conscience that is not polluted to see the difference. Only God can make the call about who will ultimately reject Him; our calling is Grace, although admittedly I want to make that call so that I can feel better about who I show love and grace to, and who I don’t, so that I can avoid getting sucked into some messed up lives.” (R. Folse)

Roundtable Discussion

1. When do we reject someone; when does someone qualify to be the swine as in ‘”don’t cast your pearls before swine” (Mat. 7:6)? When does someone quality for “swineship”? (S. Heller)

2. Paul says in 1 Cor. 5:5 regarding a believer who was opening sinning in the church that he has decided to “deliver such a one to Satan”. How should we respond to a non-repentant believer who continues to promote ungodly behavior among other believers?

3. Can there ever be a limit to God’s grace?

NEXT WEEK: Safeguard of Prayer – Part 1, DILIGENCE – 1 Timothy 2:1-8

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