Off the Shelf Sunday School--1 Timothy 1: 12-20

A False Teacher Saved by Grace (1:12-20)

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. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 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, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

1.     Paul admits that he was a false teacher, but he acted out of ignorance. God called him and gave him the grace to believe in Jesus. Jesus also taught him the gospel which was confirmed by the Christian leaders in Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-17; Gal 1:11-24) Paul calls himself a blasphemer, persecutor and a violent man. What was he doing before his conversion that made him these things?

2.     Paul says that he was very committed and zealous in persecuting Christians because he considered them to be heretics. He believed that he was serving God, through acts of violence, to purge Christians from society. He considers himself to be an example of how God can save even very evil men. Who are some evil people that you know? Do you pray for their salvation? God can make great saints out of great sinners.

3.     Paul reminds Timothy of the revelations of God that were given to him by prophecies. God may choose to reveal his will through other Christians, through reading the Bible, prayer and words of knowledge. I call words of knowledge, revelations that change our thinking and show us what God wants us to do. Sometimes this comes spontaneously and other times it comes through the other methods I mentioned. What revelations has God given you since you were born-again?

4.     Paul mentions two false teachers, who ruined themselves and others. They did not keep the faith delivered to them in the gospel. They gave in to the lies of Satan, who corrupted their thinking and actions. Paul taught that such people must be removed from the church, with the hope that they would repent. (1 Cor 5:9-13; 2 Tim 2:17-18, 4:14-15)