Pastor Ralph Posted January 6, 2009 Report Share Posted January 6, 2009 Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? How might sharing this help get the church back on center? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iam4-1god Posted January 9, 2009 Report Share Posted January 9, 2009 Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? How might sharing this help get the church back on center? Paul wanted his listeners to know that the law is good for showing us our sins, and his life according to the law before he was saved. He wanted them to see that he was in error in trying to keep the law. After he met Jesus, he no longer needed the law. The church was leaning toward Jewish and pagan customs. The false teachers were leading them astray, because they were listening, but they weren't reading for themselves. They needed to hear the sound doctrine preached. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmadeb Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? How might sharing this help get the church back on center? [/quot To get their attention. People seem to pay more attention to someone who has "been there, done that". When they heard of the change that the Lord has made in Paul, that the Lord was with him, people are more likely to listen to what he is saying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moses 4 Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? How might sharing this help get the church back on center? 1: 12-14 Since Timothy was well versed in Paul's theology, the apostle had no need to give him extensive doctrinal instruction. This epistle does, however, express many important theological truths, such as the proper function of the law (1:5-11), salvation (1:14-16; 2:4-6); the attributes of God (1:17); the Fall (2:13,14); the person of Christ (3:16; 6:15,16); divine election (6:12); and the second coming of Christ (6:14,15). With this in mind, Paul knew he had shared this with Timothy, to get the Church and his People away from Jewish and pagan customs. Pax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moses 4 Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? How might sharing this help get the church back on center? 1: 12-14 Since Timothy was well versed in Paul's theology, the apostle had no need to give him extensive doctrinal instruction. This epistle does, however, express many important theological truths, such as the proper function of the law (1:5-11), salvation (1:14-16; 2:4-6); the attributes of God (1:17); the Fall (2:13,14); the person of Christ (3:16; 6:15,16); divine election (6:12); and the second coming of Christ (6:14,15). With this in mind, Paul knew he had shared this with Timothy, to get the Church and his People away from Jewish and pagan customs. Pax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clement Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 old habits die hard. even today, many christians still rely on their law keeping to "deserve" God's blessings given freely on the Cross. having said that, many of us still do not understand what it means to be "the Righteousness of God in Christ." God did not save us from the penalty of sin merely by His Grace or His Mercy (although that was what moved Him to send His Only Son to us - john 3:16). going by either Grace OR Mercy would mean EVERYONE making it to heaven. that would imply :- 1) God going soft on His moral standards, and God 2) doing great injustice to all that sin has hurted! could God still be God? if He allowed mankind to be saved apart from Faith in Christ's Righteouness? therefore, the Lamb of God was born to die. He had to; the Only Way - He took My Fall, and gave me His Righteousness. so that ALL who believed in Him will be saved to the uttermost! amen! to conclude, our faith (And blessings we WILL receive) MUST be based upon Christ's Righteous Act on the Cross. NEVER our good/bad behaviour; NEVER AGAIN to allude to sins of commissions and omissions because that would be SLAPPING CHRIST on His Face; denying His Precious Blood... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nurselaino Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? How might sharing this help get the church back on center? I believe that Paul comments on his own life because with the law he has no forgiveness but with the Grace of Christ Paul is now alive and forgiven...only by Grace not by the law. This shows the Love of Christ and the Mercy that though not deserving we recieve anyways. Free ... The church has seemed to forgotten that teaching rather dealing with the law which all of us will fall short of. Christ came so that we do not have to depend on the laws...follow them yes to keep our lives in line but not be dependant on them. This will help remind the church of who Paul started out as...a sinner just like them and with the Grace and Mercy of Christ and Christ alone whom he became Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squirt1 Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? How might sharing this help get the church back on center? He is showing the church that the way he had been doing things didn't work and were not of God. He wanted them to see that he had gone through struggles like them. He basically told them he saw the light! He wanted them to be the church that they might have been in the beginning. We all need a check in our own lives and when the Lord tells us or a brother of sister it is for a own good. We are to be accountable to each other. This is how the church stays the course. We are often feeling like we are the only one when we are not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? How might sharing this help get the church back on center? I think that it is because as you said Paul acknowledges the value of the law as a deterrent to sinners and because it makes them aware of their guilt but he also knows that the gospel or good news given him by Jesus Christ is much better because this good news is Gods infinite mercy and love. It is the fact that he came and died for us so that we may be free from sin and from guilt, so that even the worst sinner could start clean and feel loved by God. So when we know and really believe this truth deep in our hearts we can't bear to sin because we know that with it we hurt him who loved us so much that he gave it all for us so that we could be free of guilt. This deep love works much better than the law. Also by sharing his experience he shows how it doesn't matter how you sinned or how big a sinner you were if you believe truly in the gospel we can change by the grace of God. It also puts emphasis on mercy. The mercy of God and how if God forgives we should also forgive and not hold a grudge. This understanding can be more than valuable in a community that has had problems with controversy and division. If there can be forgiveness then there can be reunion. It also tells us that if God makes no differences and loves all of us then who are we to think ourselves better than anyone else. It refocuses everything on charity and mercy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raider Posted January 10, 2009 Report Share Posted January 10, 2009 Paul was showing Timothy and the church the way he use to be a blasphermer a violent man. He is sharing this with them telling telling them even though he was like that the Lord showed mercy and gave him grace, faith, and love. By sharing this he was showing the church that the same would happen to them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pastornpw Posted January 11, 2009 Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 I am a former addict and now work with in addictions counseling, the men show greater respect because I can relate to what they are dealing with having "been there and done that" myself. I was also a prisoner and then did prison ministry and the same applies. Paul is using that principle here, he admits that he was in need of a great deal of grace and mercy because of his former way of thinking but God was able to change him and to also use his past as a strength. I think of the movie Batman Begins, he used his past with all its fears and painful memories as a tool for good and the Apostle Paul is laying that on us here. Paul is also showing his humility in admitting that he is the worst of sinners,he doesn't put himself on a pedestal but he gives the glory to God. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heart for God Posted January 11, 2009 Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? How might sharing this help get the church back on center? We are to follow the examples of our Leaders. Paul was telling the people that the only gospel is the gospel of Jesus. His life, death and resurection. We are to do the same. What has Jesus done for me that I must tell others. The early church grew when they shared about the gospel.... JESUS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jesus Posted January 11, 2009 Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? According to verse 9, "the law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinful" (and Paul refers to himself in verse 16 as the "foremost [of sinners]"), yet God entrusted him with the "glorious gospel of the blessed God" (verse 11). Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? If he qualifies for God's grace, "accompanied by faith and love that are in Christ Jesus" (verse 14), how much more do they/we. How might sharing this help get the church back on center? Paul says he acted out of ignorance in unbelief (verse 13), those who "wandered away into vain arguments and discussions and purposeless talk" can also through the grace of God be forgiven and follow after "the glorious gospel of the blessed God" (verse 11). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hausmouse Posted January 11, 2009 Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 Q2 Paul addresses the issue of the Law extensively in Romans and in Galatians. I think it's important to remind ourselves, as Paul reminds us, that the Law is good, and holy and righteous. (Rom. 7:12) It is these things because it reveals the character of God. It reveals our own depravity and is a 'schoolteacher' to bring us to Christ. we were slaves to the Law, now we are set free as sons of the Living God. (Gal. 4) by the same token, those who try to keep the law, put themselves under its judgement. Paul knew this was his own story -- He was a Pharisee of the Pharisees; he knew the Law. He also knew the freedom of the grace received in Christ Jesus. In Gal. 4:12, Paul tells his readers to "become as I am" -- to move from under the Law into the freedom he found in Christ. So now, in 1 Timothy, he is reminding Timothy and the readers that those false teachers want to be known as Teachers of the Law. Thus they are guilty of all the law, and are enlsaved to it. It's as if Paul is saying, remember my story -- remember the place of the Law -- but most of all remember that the Law's purpose is to bring us all to saving faith in Christ. the "glorious gospel of the blessed God (v. 11). He and Timothy were very close -- they were spiritual son and father. So Timothy probably was well acquainted with Paul's testimony. He would understand quickly the need to emphasise the true gospel and to dispel the false teaching of these men that emphasised the Law. Personal stories can be powerfully used to bring believers back to where they should be in the faith walk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted January 11, 2009 Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 Paul tells of his own life to show us just how sinful he was; a murderer, blasphemer, persecutor and a violent man. He shares his testemony with the church so that they will see that if Paul (who he says was the worst of all) could be forgiven, saved and changed from glory to glory, then so could the rest of the church. He said all this to take us back to basics and show us why Jesus Christ came to earth and died for us. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst." 1 Timothy 1:15 God bless. Love Greta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JanMary Posted January 11, 2009 Report Share Posted January 11, 2009 Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Paul's preconversion life was a perfect example of being a legalistic zealot, to the point of killing Christians in the name of God. His conversion was an example of God's mercy and grace and the freedom that Christ brings, from living under the bondage to the law. Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? Paul told the Corinthians that he came to them in weakness, fear and trembling to preach nothing among them except Jesus Christ the Messiah and Him crucified...so that their "faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. His testimony was that "God has set me free" from what the false teachers were advocating to the church, to bring them back to the Gospel. How might sharing this help get the church back on center? Paul was their Elder and Apostle with authority given him by Christ and by the Father. In sharing his example of God's grace in his own life, he was addressing their need for that grace and freedom and reiterating how far afield from the gospel of Jesus Christ, adhering to the law had taken him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stan Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? How might sharing this help get the church back on center? He wants to show that God id merciful, patient, kind, loving and faithful reaching out to all who have sinned. They His forgiveness is for all sinners all they have to do is accept it and recieve it by faith. He shares it with them so that they might share it with others and remind each other everyday that God is there with them as they struggle to live a christian life in a world of lawlessness. It will draw them togeather and allow them to show the love of God to other and bring more unbelievers to know God and the love He has for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masika Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? How might sharing this help get the church back on center? It is because the law was not given to give believes a list of commands for every occasion but to show unbelievers their sins and bring them to God. Jesus seeks the lowly ones When others do not care; His lovingkindness and His help He longs with them to share. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fisherman Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? How might sharing this help get the church back on center? Paul gave testimony of his life because he wanted the people to know that he was "all of the above". A blasphemer and a persecutor causing injury to many because of his unbelief. Paul wants Timothy to use his tetimony in the church to show even the "Chief of Sinners" (such as he) could gain grace and forgiveness from the terrible sins he committed in his past. The church can`t help but be blessed if it takes the teachings of Paul to heart and realize how great the love and forgiveness of our awesome God is. Paul knows he was a terrible person before God opened his eyes. On a personal note, the story of Saul`s conversion, on the road to Damascus, is my favorite story from the Bible. What a glorious sight and experience that must have been. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elwood C O'Dell Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11) Paul had been a staunch promoter of the law and fell pray to it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanks Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Q2. (1Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? How might sharing this help get the church back on centre? In the preceding passage, Paul has been describing the false teachers who were seeking to impose the law on the believers in Ephesus. He now reminds them of his own conversion and states that it was not through his law-keeping but by the grace of God. The law was not to him a way of salvation, but rather a means of conviction of sin. He gives thanks to Christ Jesus for His enabling grace, emphasising that it was not what Saul of Tarsus did for the Lord but what the Lord did for him. The apostle could never get over the wonder that the Lord Jesus not only saved him but counted him faithful, appointing him to His service. The law could never have shown such grace. Rather, its inflexible terms would have condemned the sinner Saul to death. Not only did Paul escape the punishment he deserved, but he also received abundant kindness which he did not deserve. Where his sin had abounded, God Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHARLENE G. Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? How might sharing this help get the church back on center? I think that Paul was telling them that None of us are perfect. We all came out of sin into redemption. he's about to chastise them but before he does he's reminding them of where he came from before God's grace saved him. Also he's saying that what he did before was done out of his unbelief. He didn't know any better. In essence he's saying "OK, you were behaving this way because you didn't know any better. But I'm about to enlighten you, so pay attention and change your behaviour." Charlene1956 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustJeff Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Paul was a zealous Pharisee whose fleshly interpretation of the law lead to self righteousness and gross misunderstanding. The result being that he severely persecuted Christians prior to his conversion. His and our testimonies are the backbone of witnessing. Not only was Paul telling of the great love and saving grace of Jesus Christ, he was also illustrating the necessary change that the Holy Spirit brings about when one is born again. Now he was able to clearly understand the law, man's inability to keep it, without the Holy Spirit, and the need to show the church that even the worst of sinners can be transformed, with the testimonies of believers as a vehicle to lead people to the alter. This also showed Timothy that the legalistic Jews were way off with their understanding of the law and the Messiah giving the young man ammunition to battle the divisive elements within the church at Ephesus. Only by teaching and demonstrating the effect of the Gospel can the church agree as one and upon the One. That is what keeps us united and, centered. It is truth and truth is what must be told. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia A Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? I believe Paul is commenting on his own life to let them know that he also was a sinful man and only through God's grace and the help of the Holy Spirit was he able to change. Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? Letting them know about his life is a way of sharing that we are all sinful and we are saved not by what we do but because of the love and grace of God. How might sharing this help get the church back on center? This may help others to see their wrong and the chance they have to be forgiven and to turn their lives around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia A Posted January 12, 2009 Report Share Posted January 12, 2009 Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)? I believe Paul is commenting on his own life to let them know that he also was a sinful man and only through God's grace and the help of the Holy Spirit was he able to change. Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter? Letting them know about his life is a way of sharing that we are all sinful and we are saved not by what we do but because of the love and grace of God. How might sharing this help get the church back on center? This may help others to see their wrong and the chance they have to be forgiven and to turn their lives around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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