Q2. Grace

[BettyJo]

I am pretty much in agreement of what the others are saying. It seems like we have some pretty good students in this class. Amen... Thanks for such good opinions.

[Craig]

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?

In the preceding paragraph, Paul described the false teachers who were seeking to impose the law on the believers in Ephesus. In verses 8-11, he share with the Ephesians that his salvation was not through keeping the law, but by the grace of God. Paul wants to make sure that Timothy and the church understand that they are saved by grace not by the law.

Paul said he was not a righteous man but the chief of sinners. Verses 12-17 seem to illustrate the lawful use of the law from Paul's own experience. The law was not to him a way of salvation, but rather a means of conviction of sin.

This discussion about law and grace might help the chuch to refocus back on the gospel message.

[Katina Angelle]

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 used this format to, first, establish and inform the people of the purpose and importance of the law. Next, he would elucidate his own life to set an example that out of ignorance he sinned; he was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man y ye yeeeeee yet he obtained grace. He even called himself the "chief" sinner. His motive was to encourage and inspire the church that there is hope because God is merciful and had been even to him.

Paul was calling the church back to the righful doctrine...a sound doctrine. He was making an attempt to bring them back to the central core of Christian hope, which is salvation through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sharing this with Timothy was to encourage Timothy as well, that he should not faint...for the task set before him was great.

[Cooklyn]

Paul wanted to show them that if god could save him he could save anyone. Sometimes people need to hear a testimony to see that they are not the only one who have been in that lw place. This was a way of showing hope for all.

[wifee]

2a)Paul wants to direct the church of Ephesus back to the glorious gospel,by evidence of the grace &mercy shown to him personally,when he received forgiveness,faith and love in Christ even though he had persecuted christians&had them killed because he acted in ignorance &unbelief before his conversion.
b)He wants to demonstrate to Timothy&the church that Christ Jesus had appointed him as living testimony of Christ’s unlimited patience and saving power,available to all those who believe on him,can start afresh,receiving hope of eternal life, &know Chrisr’s love,mercy,and forgiveness.The hope is that if God can turn the fiercest opponent of the Lord into his most willing servant, he has the ability to save anyone through his amazing grace.
c)He wanted to direct them away from false teachings they were distracted by to be reminded of the basic living truth of the gospel, so they hold onto faith,keep clear conscience and not be confused by the so called the "deeper truths" of end-time prophecy, of temple types and shadows,causing controversy in their  thinking or quarrels in leadership &be unsettled in their mission &direction, as opposed to solid fruit of grace, mercy &peace.

[dm1965]

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?

 

What a powerful testimony he gives! He acknowledges his former self - wicked but also lost - and then glorifies God for who he became. He clearly states that he was the worst of the worst- and when reading about the Paul before his encounter with Christ, he pretty much told the truth. He enjoyed hunting, persecuting and killing Christians. He revelled in his religious position and he just wasn't a nice person. But after the road to Damascus...and Jesus....he had a major conversion, with such a wonderful revelation of the grace of God, the mercy of God and the love of God which is found in Christ Jesus...that he held no condemnation of his former self. His former self became the testimony to God that lead to the salvation of many souls. God is a forgiving God of love grace and mercy. No respector of persons. He forgave and used Paul in a mighty way. He will forgive and use any of us who are willing to submit our lives wholly and completely to Him and follow His leading. Live in peace and walk in love.

 

"To much whom is given is much required." (Luke 12:48)  Praise God Paul had such a real understanding of the meaning and purpose of this scripture. And he lived it. Amen. Nothing is impossible WITH God.

[Reuben]

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 is making it clear that he himself was once one of those lawless people that did wrong, and sinned. He uses this example of himself to once again state that the patience , love and grace of God is abundant. Paul also states in verse 13 that he did what he did " ignorantly in unbelief".

That last statement is what Paul wants the church to realise. If you do not believe something you believe another thing, and this is the danger of false doctrine. Being ignorant can create a whole "new", that is "wrong", gospel and the flock is lead astray. 

It is important for churches and church leaders to stick to Biblical truths and not adhere to man made doctrine where some "mature" believers and theologians put their own spin on things and bring it in to the church. If is says so in the Bible do it, if not , don't. I have been to various churches and have observed and experienced strange habits , rituals etc. Kind of makes me wonder where did Jesus command us to celebrate his birthday by bringing a pagan tradition in to hid church? Now this will stir things up and controversy already started! 

[Jonathan Edwards]

Apostle Paul is praising God for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ who had called him to the ministry.  He thoroughly any notion of merit on his part.  Paul strictly attributes his ministry and perseverance to the HOLY Spirit.   It was God's grace that enabled him to bear witness to Christ and to suffer.

Paul wanted to convey his deep gratitude to God for the graces that he was  bestowed at his conversion.  He was full of faith and love toward Jesus Christ, whom he previously disbelieved in and reviled.

This is an important lesson for us.   Apostle Paul kept his focus on the Lord Jesus Christ, unlike the spurious heretics of his era: Simon Magus, Cerinthus, Marcion, Arius, eta.   Apostle Paul stayed clear of gnosticism and also the Judaizers that wanted new Christians to observe the Law of Moses.   It is so imperative to be diligent Bible students and not be caught up by heterodox teachers.

[Diane D.]

Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law?  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?

A popular internet hose was talking with a few key evangelical leaders and Bible historians recently on an issue that this speaks to.  they all recognized that our roots come from the scriptures which themselves are rooted in Judaism.  in this we rejoice in the common culture.  The key question between the Jewish and Christian cultures is what to do with Jesus.  I believe Paul was up against this same question.  

To us, the law is not the saving grace as we cannot meet the standards of the law. Paul brings his own life into the discussion as he was well known as a persecutor of the early Christians.  The church needed to be reminded that if Christ could forgive and accept him, then the church should not only be grateful for their own redemption but also view others inside and outside of the church with more mercy and kindness.  We are all sinners and one is not more important than another.  We are all a work in progress.  Jesus was radical partly because he invited all to accept His teachings and the belief that he was the Messiah.

With this in mind, the church (hopefully) would get refocused on its purpose and mission underpinned by sound doctrine.

 

 

[Eldress Rowe]

Paul comment on his own life after the paragraph on let to encourage the people.  If he, Paul, a blasphemer, a persecutor of Christians, a violent man, the chief of all sinners could be shown mercy what about other who act out of ignorance and unbelief.  As Saul he breathed out threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord and made havoc of the Church. He persecuted the Christians willfully, knowing them to be people of God but he did it out of ignorance and unbelief.  When we know better we are to do better.

He shares this with Timothy and the Church to let them know that Jesus has unlimited patience for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life.  The conversion and salvation of sinners are owing to the exceeding abundant grace of Christ; He came into the world to see, find, and save the lost.

Sharing this may help get the Church back center because it should give hope to other sinners.  It is truth, a faithful saying, truth and faithful words on which we can depend not some false teaching.  It should be believed and received by us all for our comfort and encouragement.  If Paul could obtain mercy from Jesus Christ, surely we can to,

[Dr. Gracie L. Adderly]

I believe Paul comments on his life as a testament to God's Grace. 

Paul share's this with Timothy and the church to encourage them. Paul's credentials were not good (to say the least). The Saul before this experience was “a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence” who had even assisted in, and approved of, the execution of Stephen. 

The post-conversion Paul, by contrast, is depicted as somebody who rejected not only violence but also impressive rhetoric, trusting instead to be empowered and strengthened by Christ for his ministry. 

By sharing this with the church, Paul's personal encounter inspires the church to trust in salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ...alone. The very thing that seemed to make Paul the most unlikely, and distrustful candidate for God's service, makes him, by God's grace, the most likely candidate.  

 

 

[bambi]

He had to point out his own life because it directs them to God's love.  Through Christ mercy and grace he was saved from his sins.

The church needed to be reminded of the glorious gospel. The false teaching was leading them away from what Jesus did for all those who believed. And for the church to recognize Timothy to have authority to remind them on the true teachings. 

Sharing his experience will help open up their mind, reflect and go back to the truth, the basic Glory of the Gospel, God's saving grace.

[Clelie]

Paul was a Pharisee and knew all the laws of OT but he realized that following the law did not make him a better person on the contrary made him a blasphemer.

He taught Timothy to teach the church in Ephesus the real doctrine which is by faith not works.

The church today must teach salvation is obtained by faith in the finished work of Christ and by not by works of the law.

[Niyonka16]

Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14) Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1 Timothy 1:8-11)?

ANSWER: Paul kept his past depravity and ongoing corruption at the forefront of his mind because he saw it as an essential companion to the full apprehension of grace. As an example of the core of sound Christian teaching, Paul shares his own testimony: … Paul recognizes his own need for forgiveness and salvation, and encourages Timothy with a reminder that they share a common savior. In 1 Timothy 1:18, Paul reminds Timothy of his obligation to the gospel because of his call to serve Christ by stating, “Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight.” In addition to these instructions, Paul is careful to safeguard Timothy’s faith, recognizing that the hardships involved in confronting false doctrine can challenge and even destroy one’s faith. Paul reminds Timothy that his instructions are to be carried out while “holding on to faith and a good conscience. Paul encourages Timothy to continue following the good teachings of the gospel, as they would provide the nourishment he needed to sustain his strength in confronting the false teachers. Paul also urged Timothy to focus on training in godliness in order to serve as an example to the false teachers.There is healthy teaching and the law on one side, and everything else stands opposite. The law reveals God and exposes sin. Teaching that is not different (in content or approach) also reveals God and exposes sin. The more we comprehend the weight and extent of our sinfulness, the better we can grasp the magnitude and scope of God’s forgiveness and grace at work in our lives.

Why does he (Paul) share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter?

ANSWER: Paul never got over the fact that at one time he had been determined to destroy God's church. He called himself “chief of sinners” because he was acutely aware of his sinfulness and understood how much that sinfulness had cost his Savior. Timothy is commanded to instruct these would-be instructors who do not know the law from a hole in the ground. The church was misusing the law to the detriment of all. But that is no negative comment on the law. The law is good and holy and perfect as is the God who spoke it. The problem is not in the law, but its application. Paul encouraged Timothy to focus on three spiritual priorities of the ministry, including nourishment from God's Word, training in godliness, and a mission-minded approach to ministry.

When we recognize and remember the truth about ourselves, our old way of life with our weaknesses and failures, our lack of hope and purpose, and our utter helplessness apart from God, we remain exceedingly humble and grateful for what Christ has done for us. Like Paul, we rejoice and thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given us strength to do His work. He considered us trustworthy and appointed us to serve Him, even though we used to blaspheme the name of Christ … But God had mercy on us because we did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled us with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus (see 1 Timothy 1:12-14).

How might sharing this help get the church back on center?

ANSWER: This self-identification is the discovery of every person whose eyes have been opened, whose conscience has been awakened, and whose heart has been pricked by the Holy Spirit. It is the humble posture of every believer who acknowledges he is utterly helpless and dependent on God for salvation. It is the admission we all must make: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners—of whom He is the Chief.

When there are problems within the church, between individuals, families, or different assemblies of believers, there is one inerrant and sufficient Word that reproves, rebukes, and exhorts us. Any failure of redemption and reconciliation is never an indication that the Word has failed. It’s either an indication that the Word has been approached in a flippant and irresponsible manner or it has just been ignored.

The law is good if used lawfully. The Word is sufficient when approached properly. The message that we must deliver to the lost that think they find peace with God by being good citizens. We’re all sinners and Jesus Christ came to save us. You must trust Christ. You cannot trust in your own works. Your works are worthless to save you. But Jesus saves in spite of our worthlessness. Our own testimonies can be a powerful example to those we come into contact with so that they too will believe on Christ and receive eternal life. Our changed life is one we should all share – that of exalting God (our lives are to bring glory to God). all of us who are believers should make it our practice to exalt god just as paul does here.

[Eldress Rowe]

Paul commented on his own life after a passage on the law to let them know that he was once one of the vilest of sinners but Jesus can save even them.  He was once a blasphemer and a persecutor, a vile man, but was shown mercy because he had acted in ignorance and unbelief.  Not only did Jesus call him but qualified him also.  As Saul he breathed out threatening s and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord and made havoc of the Church,  He willfully persecuted Christians knowing them to be people of God.  Now Paul, who was Saul, is telling people that Jesus saves and sing his praises.

He shared this with Timothy and the Church to let them know Jesus has unlimited patience for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life.  The conversion and salvation of sinners are owing to the exceeding abundant grace of Christ.  He came into the world to seek, find, and save those who are lost and desire a new life.

This may help get the Church back on center because it is truth.  It is a faithful saying, true and faithful Words on which we can hope and depend.  It should be believed and received by all for our comfort and encouragement.  If Paul could obtain  mercy from Jesus Christ, surely we can to when we truly repent and believe.

[t-c]

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 his statements are make to show the difference between him and other false teacher at Ephesus and in Asia Minor. That being, Paul was called into service by God. Being strengthened and considered worthy for service. The false teacher wanted to be teachers but didn’t understand what they were saying. Ill equipped and  hadn’t received God’s calling.

False teachers were a big problem in Ephesus and other churches in Asia Minor. And that Paul’s authority came from God and Timothy’s authority comes from God through Paul commissioning him. Important for Timothy and the church to hear those facts.

The threat of false teachers is exposed before they can do anymore damage misleading the congregation. And Timothy can come in and major on preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ instead of pointless things that lead to arguments and dissension.

[Funmilayo]

Paul commented on his own life, I believe, to show that the gospel of Christ is that of grace & mercy.
* I believe he shared his own life experience with them,in order to make them know that the unlimited patience that Christ showed to him,who was formerly a persecutor of the faith, is also available to anyone who will believe.
* Sharing his own life experiences with them will expose the church to sound doctrine & the spiritual blessings that come with it & help them to make a u-turn from the destructive path the false teachers had led them on.

[Krissi]

Deep inside, Paul was still a trained Pharisee. His spiritual orientation had changed toward Christ, but he still thought "like a lawyer" which is why, perhaps, he stressed the law. The law had deep, personal importance to Paul and was his remaining connection to the Jews to whom he wanted to evangelize. This could be why he commented on his own life after mentioning the law.

Paul was setting up his evangelistic message. In the Message bible it reads: "It’s obvious, isn’t it, that the law code isn’t primarily for people who live responsibly, but for the irresponsible, who defy all authority, riding roughshod over God, life, sex, truth, whatever! They are cynical toward this great Message ..."

The law condemned Paul, as it does all of us, a fact which Paul used to further the gospel message. Paul writes so those who read his text understand that he, who had brutally and murderously persecuted Christians, had been transformed by the grace of God into a man who willingly put himself in danger to spread the gospel message. The internal change in Paul was obvious. The cause, less so. 

Paul had to explain to people what was the cause of his personal transformation. He had to explain the change that had happened within him: the transformation from a law-obsessed, murderous Pharisee to a grace-filled, eventually-murdered Christian.

His own life story helped him explain this. Paul wanted new Christians to pull away from "fanciful family trees" and "fantasy stories" which had derailed the gospel message. He wanted the young church to re-find the centre of the gospel message which created in it's hearers, in Paul's words, a "deepening faith and obedience."

[Katy]

Q2. Paul was showing that it was not the law that changed his sinful way of life. Although the law was well know by him through ignorance he sinned grievously by killing and persecuting Christians. He realised his sinfulness by the grace and mercy of a forgiving God. 
Paul was open and honest to show that he had a sinful life before he was chosen by Christ and shown just how forgiving He is. If Christ did it for Paul , He will do it for any of the listeners who turns from their sinful ways and ask God’s forgiveness. 
This shows churches that no matter how sinful anyone is that we have a forgiving God. If anyone asks His forgiveness and turns from their sinful lives , Christ is waiting and longing to forgive and welcome the repentant sinner back. 

[Jonathan Edwards]

Apostle Paul knew the Ephesians were being exposed to a form of Judaism that was Gnostic.   A type of kabbalistic form of Judaism.    Paul didn't want Christians to get involved with high sounding metaphysical discussions on genealogies and various emanations of the Kabala angelic brings.     Paul knew how holy the Law was, it was sent from heaven.   However, the Jewish Gnostic teachers were not teaching authentic Judaism; they were getting into all sorts word discussions based on esoteric philosophies that were common in the ancient world.

Vain babblings and heretical teachings were all detrimental to simple in Christ Jesus. Apostle Paul had a serious apostolic mission to keep the churches on the road of orthodoxy, they could not afford to accept spurious doctrines which would lead to division in the local church.  Apostle Paul was adamant that the Cross of Calvary would be lifted up high,; faith in the finished work of Calvary is essential, not vain imaginations and discussions on gnostic philosophical subjects.

We must contend for the Faith once delivered to the Church of God.   New Age and accepting heterodox agendas will divide the local assembly.   The kergyma will be forgotten, and souls will be lost.   People will end up like Alexander the coppersmith and others mentioned in 1 & 2 Timothy;. backsliders lost their first love for the Lord. 

[crissy464]

The law is good if it i used lawfully. The law is for everyone to abide by. One who has experienced the law knows more than one who doesn't know the law. Paul wanted Timothy to teach the people of in the church. 
 

[Zanele Tlhakanelo]

Paul comments after the paragraph on law because he wanted to teach not only Timothy and Titus that there is nothing that the law has done for him as a blasphemer, persecutor and violent man but the Gospel of Grace set him free from all that he used to do and he was able to receive the wonderful gift of salvation.

He is letting Timothy and the church that it is only the Gospel of Grace that can set a person free. Having been the worst of sinners, mercy rewrote his life after acknowledging Christ Jesus as his Lord and Savior. The true gospel teaches us that we cannot save ourselves and that having receive it, we need not boast about it thinking that it is our doing but preach it so that people can know the true Light.

The Gospel is truly not about the works we do or have done, it is all about the Grace we receive from Christ Jesus. We need to understand that the grace of God is sufficient for all of us and no matter how the world views us, we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. God loves the sinner and not sin hence He patiently waits for us to say "Yes to His Will that all men should be saved".

[Nicolaas A.P. Mostert]

Q2. (1 Timothy 1:12-14)

Why does Paul comment on his own life after a paragraph on the law (1:8-11)?

Paul came through the law when he was Saul, he knows exactly how it operates, but thanks be to GOD Grace he can now comments on the law as well as on Grace.   

Why does he share this with Timothy and the church that will read the letter?

He shared his personal experience, they knew Paul and to go through such experience is an eye opener to those still under the law and that is still ignorant about GOD's Grace.

How might sharing this help get the church back on center?

Paul has made it very clear to the church, who he is now, who has called him and took him out of his mass that he was in (once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man), and now put him Grace and receive eternal life.

[haar]

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?

A.

Paul was a persecutor of the church and blasphemer but was shown grace and mercy by God. He would like Timothy and the Church to learn that and put their faith in Christ for salvation.
 

[hanks]

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 centre?

Paul uses his own life as an extreme example of the grace and mercy of Christ made available to all sinners, of which he was the worst (1:15). Telling them that his own conversion was not through him keeping the law, but that it was by the grace of God (1:14), and that the law is not the way of salvation, but rather a means of conviction of sin. Paul mentioned the false teachers who were seeking to impose the law on the believers in Ephesus. Stating that the law is good to expose the sins of unbelievers, and bring them to God, but it is not a means to salvation. The law could never have shown such grace. Rather, its inflexibility would have condemned sinners and Saul himself 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’s grace abounded much more (Rom 5:20). He gives thanks to 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. Also, he was most grateful that the Lord Jesus not only saved him but counted him faithful enough to appoint him to be of service to the Lord (1:12). Here is a lesson for the church; many insist that enthusiasm, earnestness, and the search for greater understanding are the important things with God. But warns that sound doctrine is more important; it will thoroughly equip us for all good works, and it is the good news of God’s victory over sin and death. We read in 2 Tin 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” We may overthink a Scripture passage and become convinced that we have found a new meaning. Be careful about that is how cults and false religions have come into being. Today we find nearly every sound doctrine is under attack, and the enemies are often able to gain a foothold in our churches.