提前 1:12-17
12 我感謝那給我力量的我們主基督耶穌，因他以我有忠心，派我服侍他。 13 我從前是褻瀆神的、逼迫人的、侮慢人的，然而我還蒙了憐憫，因我是不信、不明白的時候而做的。 14 並且我主的恩是格外豐盛，使我在基督耶穌裡有信心和愛心。 15 「基督耶穌降世，為要拯救罪人。」這話是可信的，是十分可佩服的。在罪人中我是個罪魁！ 16 然而我蒙了憐憫，是因耶穌基督要在我這罪魁身上顯明他一切的忍耐，給後來信他得永生的人做榜樣。 17 但願尊貴、榮耀歸於那不能朽壞、不能看見、永世的君王——獨一的神，直到永永遠遠！阿們。
1 Timothy 1:12-17
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me,
because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was
formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy
because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was
exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is
a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the
world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I
obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as
a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now
to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor
and glory forever and ever. Amen.
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1 Timothy 1:15 is a great summary statement of gospel:
"This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus
came into the world to save sinners." Please notice the context of this
great saying. Paul was not simply saved from God’s wrath, but entrusted a
ministry from God! The chief of sinners - a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an
insolent man – became the chief missionary of God’s kingdom! This is amazing
grace!
Why did Christ choose the chief persecutor of the church to
become the chief missionary of the church? The answer to that question is given
very clearly in verse 16: “as a pattern to those who are going to believe on
Him for everlasting life”. He did it to Paul to demonstrate to you and me today
what His mercy and power can do the same things in your life and in my life. no
one who trusts Christ is beyond the reach of change!
On this Lord’s Day, let’s gather together at God’s house to give
thanks to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise!
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