All that and a Bag of Chips!
I Timothy Chapter 1
Scripture=I Timothy 1:12 -16 (N.I.V.)
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.
Observation and Application=
Sometimes it is easy to get so caught up in our walk with Christ that we begin to think that somehow we ‘are all that and a bag of chips!’ What I am saying is that we get so good at doing all ‘the right things’ that we forget what God has done for us and that everything we possess and have become has been given to us through the grace of God. We almost think that we have always been worthy some how of all that God has done for us. I am not saying that we are not new creations in Christ. What I am saying is that it can be easy to forget our need and the grace, love and even our faith was given to us by God.
Paul tells this young pastor Timothy, that even though he is Timothy’s mentor, Paul remembers what Jesus did for him (Paul). Jesus died for sinners and Paul calls himself ‘the worst of sinners.’ Paul tells Timothy that Jesus showed him (Paul) mercy so others could see God’s great patience. Wow, what an outlook on ones life? What an understanding of grace. Paul understands who he is in Christ and he is not groveling or expressing false pride or false piety. Paul knows what Jesus did for him and that fact keeps Paul both humble and grateful.
What great insight and wisdom for a young pastor to learn from his spiritual father. How many times did I feel coming out of seminary that ‘I was all that and a bag of chips.’ I couldn’t wait to teach all the people in my church all that I knew. They were so lucky to have me! I know that this is a sad confession but unfortunately too true. How wise for Paul to help young Timothy gain a valuable perspective on who we really are and what God has done for us and continues to do. Paul knew that this valuable insight would help Timothy remember what Paul called himself ‘a bond servant of Jesus.’ A man bound to the saving mercy, forgiveness, grace, love of his Savior and Lord. A man whose past reminded him that he was called to serve!
Do you remember what Jesus has done for you? As we reflect on God’s marvelous salvation given to those who needed it so desperately (me and you) may we stay grateful and humble enough to remember that we are called to serve.
Prayer= Thank You Lord Jesus for saving a sinner like me and for your grace that I need today as much as ever! I want to remember what you have done for me so that I will never forget that I have been given the privilege to serve your children.
Scripture=I Timothy 1:12 -16 (N.I.V.)
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.
Observation and Application=
Sometimes it is easy to get so caught up in our walk with Christ that we begin to think that somehow we ‘are all that and a bag of chips!’ What I am saying is that we get so good at doing all ‘the right things’ that we forget what God has done for us and that everything we possess and have become has been given to us through the grace of God. We almost think that we have always been worthy some how of all that God has done for us. I am not saying that we are not new creations in Christ. What I am saying is that it can be easy to forget our need and the grace, love and even our faith was given to us by God.
Paul tells this young pastor Timothy, that even though he is Timothy’s mentor, Paul remembers what Jesus did for him (Paul). Jesus died for sinners and Paul calls himself ‘the worst of sinners.’ Paul tells Timothy that Jesus showed him (Paul) mercy so others could see God’s great patience. Wow, what an outlook on ones life? What an understanding of grace. Paul understands who he is in Christ and he is not groveling or expressing false pride or false piety. Paul knows what Jesus did for him and that fact keeps Paul both humble and grateful.
What great insight and wisdom for a young pastor to learn from his spiritual father. How many times did I feel coming out of seminary that ‘I was all that and a bag of chips.’ I couldn’t wait to teach all the people in my church all that I knew. They were so lucky to have me! I know that this is a sad confession but unfortunately too true. How wise for Paul to help young Timothy gain a valuable perspective on who we really are and what God has done for us and continues to do. Paul knew that this valuable insight would help Timothy remember what Paul called himself ‘a bond servant of Jesus.’ A man bound to the saving mercy, forgiveness, grace, love of his Savior and Lord. A man whose past reminded him that he was called to serve!
Do you remember what Jesus has done for you? As we reflect on God’s marvelous salvation given to those who needed it so desperately (me and you) may we stay grateful and humble enough to remember that we are called to serve.
Prayer= Thank You Lord Jesus for saving a sinner like me and for your grace that I need today as much as ever! I want to remember what you have done for me so that I will never forget that I have been given the privilege to serve your children.
