Paul’s Personal Witness I Timothy 1:12-20 3 Paul’s Personal Witness I Timothy 1:12-20

Codex Washington – 4th Century Matthew 3:4 Smithsonian Institute Washington D.C.

Review – I Timothy 1:1-11 Paul supports Timothy and his teaching Paul condemns the Gnostics and their teachings

Paul’s Prayer of Thanksgiving I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, - I Timothy 1:12

13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. - I Timothy 1:13-14

What Paul used to be Blasphemer – Denounced Christ Persecutor – Attacked the Church Violent Aggressor – Angry, insolent with Christians and Christ

Sincerity and zeal don’t wash away sins Sincerity and zeal don’t wash away sins. Only the blood of Christ does this at the moment of baptism.

Christ’s Mercy Show to Paul: Christ died for his sins God kept him alive God gave him a ministry

It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. - I Timothy 1:15

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. - I Timothy 1:16

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. - I Timothy 1:17

Doxology: Spontaneous Praise Eternal – without beginning or end I Timothy 6:16 Immortal – without corruption Invisible – Spiritual John 4:24; Romans 1:20

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, - I Timothy 1:18

keeping faith and a good conscience, - I Timothy 1:19a

Strategy to “Fight the Good Fight” Keep Faith maintain the doctrine Keep Good Conscience maintain high morals

Falling away from Christ or false doctrine is usually preceded by a lowering of our morals.

19b 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, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme. - I Timothy 1:19b-20

Types of “Discipline” in the Church Public Immorality – I Corinthians 5:1-5 withdrawal / punishment Heresy / Division – Romans 16:17 withdraw Idleness / Gossip – II Thessalonians 3:6 warn / withdraw

Types of “Discipline” in the Church Disobedient – II Thessalonians 3:6 warn / withdraw Party Spirit – Titus 3:10 2 warnings / withdraw Personal sin / Conflict – Matthew 18:5 3 warnings / withdraw

Summary Fight the Good Fight Sometimes discipline is necessary