Clinging To The Faith

In verses 12-13:

Is it not wonderful to know that Christ has reached down and forgiven us from our sins, and then to call us into a ministry, no matter what that ministry is? Look at Paul and what he was before he came to know Christ as his Savior. He denounced the teachings of Christ, and he hunted down Christians then killed them.

Were any of us just as guilty? Some of us undoubtedly have felt that we were beyond the reach of forgiveness. If God can forgive Paul for all he did and can forgive all the others before and after him, should we not see that God can forgive us as well? (2 Corinthians 3:5-6; Philippians 4:13; Colossians 1:25; Luke 23:34; Acts 8:3 & 26:9; 1 Corinthians 15:9)

In verses 14-15:

How many times have we felt that our faith was still lacking in substance? Maybe we have felt that we still are not where we should be in our walk with God. That is when we should continually and fervently look to Jesus to strengthen our faith. He is always there for us and will supply all our needs.

Notice how Paul talks of God’s abundant grace? God’s “flooding” grace is the only thing that could ever cover the offenses of Paul’s life. And that came from the shed blood of Christ on the Cross of Calvary. Paul continues in stating that the divine grace of God was what it took to save the chief of sinners, which is what he called himself. (Luke 7:47 & 19:10; Romans 5:8 & 5:20; 2 Timothy 1:13)

In verses 16-17:

Here Paul is offering praise to God for how God demonstrated His perfect patience. Paul understood that the sole purpose of Christ coming was for the redemption of all men. With Christ redeeming Paul, he viewed it as a validation to everyone who doubted his conversion, that this invitation was to all of mankind.

Christ indicated His “longsuffering” with Paul; therefore, Paul would be a guide to all men that believed in Christ of how they should live. Next Paul proclaims God’s supremacy who is the King eternal, immortal, invisible and the only wise God.

God is neither upgraded or enhanced, nor discolored or tarnished, nor restricted or limited by time and He rises above time. God is worthy of all honor, glory, and praise forever more. (Ephesians 2:7; 1 Timothy 6:15-16)

In verses 18-20:

Paul valued the gift of prophecy which gave messages of encouragement and warning to the church. Timothy was to be set apart as a pastor is today. He must have felt encouraged by those that prophesied his abilities and gifts. We all have gifts and abilities to use in the service of the Lord. If we begin to feel discouraged in our walk and work, seek guidance from other believers and never forget to pray to God for reassurance.

We must hold fast to our faith in Christ and do what is right by Him. If we intentionally ignore our conscience, it hardens our hearts. God will speak to us as we walk with Him, just as others have done in the Bible. We must walk closely with God; it will give us the capacity to understand right from wrong and keep our conscience clear. (2 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Timothy 6:12; 1 Corinthians 5:5)

The Apostle Paul realized that he would have fairly died if the Lord's grace and mercy had not been abundant to him who was dead in transgression, by working love and faith into his heart by Christ’s death on the cross. No more genuine words have been verbally expressed that the Son of God came eagerly and intentionally to spare non-believers. The ministry is a war against sin, under the direction and guidance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is the Captain of our salvation. We should always be upright and true in our actions and behaviors regarding all aspects of our lives.