1 Timóteo 1

1 Timóteo 1

Meyer - 1 Timothy 1:15 Sinners, of whom I am chief. If the elephant can go safely over the swaying bridge, the horse and mule can; and the apostle seems to glory that in the very beginning of the progress of the Gospel through the world it had laid hold of and converted himself, because if he had been saved, any one might be. As men have been brought under conviction, in successive ages, it has been a profound consolation to learn that the chief of sinners has been in heaven for eighteen hundred years. In him first Jesus Christ showed forth “all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe.” Without doubt Paul never forgot the excess of his hatred and persecutions towards the infant Church. But probably he alludes here also to the deepening consciousness of unworthiness and sinfulness which accompanies all progress towards the knowledge and love of God. This phase of experience may be accounted for thus. The true saint of God, though certain of forgiveness, reviews his past sins in the light of that purity of which he is ever obtaining truer perceptions, and thus recognizes shades of evil in them which a slighter knowledge of God had failed to reveal. He also feels himself a greater sinner than others, because he supposes that God cannot have treated another with the same forbearance and mercy as have been extended to himself; and the greater the love the more heinous the transgression. And in addition, as subtler forms of temptation are suggested to him, and to every one, he knows that there are kindred susceptibilities within him, even though they are abhorred and resisted. It is beneath the pressure of such thoughts that he recognizes his uttermost indebtedness to the grace of God. James Smith - THE FAITHFUL SAYING 1 TIMOTHY 1:15 This is the Apostle’s own testimony, a declaration of his own experience (vv. 12–15). The “saying” is not his own, he got it from others. It is of world-wide significance. I. It Reveals the Love of God. Nature may seem “red, tooth and claw.” God is love. II. It Reveals the Grace of Christ. “Christ Jesus came into the world.” Where from? What to do? (1 Cor. 8:9). III. It Reveals the Need of Man. “Came into the world to save sinners.” He came not as a capitalist to assist in case of failure, but as a Saviour to save. IV. It is a Faithful Saying. It is in perfect accord with the character of God and the condition of men. It has come from the lips of Him who is the Truth (John 7:17). V. It is Worthy of all Acceptation. Worthy of being accepted by all, and worthy of being altogether accepted by all classes and conditions of men. ILLUSTRATION - A few years ago a T.V. commercial showed a car in which a jeweler in the back seat made a precise cut in a diamond as the car was being driven along a rough road. What was to be our reaction to the commercial? We were supposed to think, “Since I will never need to cut a diamond in my car, this car will be more than sufficient.” In the same way, Paul in this passage is an advertisement for the grace of God. When Paul says he is the worst of sinners, we are supposed to think, “I am not as sinful as he is, so the grace of God will be more than sufficient for me.”1567 Spurgeon's Sermon Notes - 1 Tim. 1:15—“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” Paul had described his ordination in verse 12. He then went on to speak of the grace manifested in the call of such a person to the ministry (verse 13), and of the further grace by which he was sustained in that ministry. Incidentally he was led to mention the message of his ministry. We may profitably use the text on this occasion.* I. HOW WE PREACH THE GOSPEL. 1. As a certainty. It is a “faithful saying.” We do not doubt the truth of our message, or how could we expect you to believe it? We believe, and are sure, because It is a revelation of God. It is attested by miracles. It bears its witness within itself. It has proved its power upon our hearts. 2. As an everyday truth. It is to us a “saying” or proverb. The gospel affects us at home, in business, in sickness, in health, in life, in youth and age, in death, &c. 3. As having a common bearing. Therefore a “saying” to be heard by all kinds of people, especially the most sinful. All have sinned, and need a Saviour. All who believe in Jesus have a Saviour. All believers show by their lives that Jesus has saved them. 4. As claiming your attention. “Worthy of all acceptation.” You must believe it to be true. You must appropriate it to yourself. You ought to do so, for it is worthy of your acceptance. II. WHAT GOSPEL DO WE PREACH? 1. The gospel of a person: “Christ Jesus.” He is the Anointed of God: “Christ.” He is the Saviour of men: “Jesus.” He is God and man in one person. He died, and yet he lives for ever. 2. The gospel of divine visitation. Jesus came into the world— By his birth as a man. By his mingling with men. By his bearing our sorrows and our sins for us. 3. The gospel for sinners. For such Jesus lived and laboured. For such he died and made atonement. For such he has sent the gospel of pardon. For such he pleads in heaven. 4. The gospel of a finished work. He finished the work of salvation before he left the world. That work continues complete to this day. He is ready to apply it to all who come to him. 5. The gospel of effectual deliverance. “To save sinners.” Not to half save them. Nor to make them salvable. Nor help them to save themselves. Nor to save them as righteous. But to save them wholly and effectually from their sins. III. WHY DO WE PREACH IT? 1. Because we have been saved by it. 2. Because we are now in sympathy with Jesus, and wish to save sinners, even the chief of them. 3. Because we believe it will be a blessing to all of you who hear it. If you are saved by it, you will be happy, and so shall we. 4. Because we cannot help it, for an inward impulse compels us to tell of the miracle of mercy wrought upon us. Will you not believe a saying so sure? Will you not accept a truth so gladsome? Will you not come to a Saviour so suitable? SAYINGS A visitor to Rome says, “I was struck with the frequency with which the priests, and other exhibitors of church curiosities, use the phrase, “It is said”—on dit—when describing relics and rarities. They do not vouch for their being what they are reputed to be. “It is said.” Are they ashamed of their curiosities? Do they thus try to satisfy their consciences? They do not express their personal belief; but—it is said. Not thus do gospel preachers speak. “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.” There’s a nice word in the text—it is the word “acceptation.” It’s all provided for you. It’s very much like a supper. You’ll find the table laid, and everything all ready. You’re not expected to bring anything at all. I was once invited out to tea by a poor widow, and I took something in my pocket. But I’ll never do it again. It was two cakes; and, when I brought them out, and laid them on the table, she picked them up and flung them out into the street, and said, “I asked you to tea; I didn’t ask you to provide tea for me.” And so with Christ; he asks, he provides, and he wants nothing but ourselves; and if we take aught else, he’ll reject it. We can only sup with him when we come as we are. Who will accept salvation? Who’ll say, “I take the blessing from above, And wonder at thy boundless love”? John Wold Ackrill, in “The Sword and the Trowel.” Mr. Moody said, “I remember preaching on this subject—Christ as a Deliverer—and walking away, I said to a Scotchman, ‘I didn’t finish the subject.’ ‘Ah, man! you didn’t expect to finish, did ye? It’ll take all eternity to finish telling what Christ has done for man.’ ” Luther says, “Once upon a time the devil said to me, ‘Martin Luther, you are a great sinner, and you will be damned!’ ‘Stop! Stop!’ said I; ‘one thing at a time; I am a great sinner, it is true, though you have no right to tell me of it. I confess it. What next?’ ‘Therefore you will be damned.’ ‘That is not good reasoning. It is true I am a great sinner, but it is written, “Jesus Christ came to save sinners;” therefore I shall be saved! Now go your way.’ So I cut the devil off with his own sword, and he went away mourning because he could not cast me down by calling me a sinner.” The Jews have a saying that the manna tasted to each one precisely like that which he liked best. The gospel is suited to every man, whatever his needs or desires may be. One of William Carey’s last visitors was the Rev. Alexander Duff, who talked with him of his past life, and then knelt down and prayed by his bedside. Leaving the room Mr. Duff thought he heard himself recalled. He turned back, and the dying man addressed him in a whisper, “Mr. Duff, you have been talking about Doctor Carey, Doctor Carey; when I am gone, say nothing about Doctor Carey—speak about Doctor Carey’s Saviour.” Statement (3056) logos from légō = to speak with words; English = logic, logical) means something said and describes a communication whereby the mind finds expression in words. Although Lógos is most often translated word which Webster defines as "something that is said, a statement, an utterance", the Greek understanding of lógos is somewhat more complex. In the Greek mind and as used by secular and philosophical Greek writers, lógos did not mean merely the name of an object but was an expression of the thought behind that object's name. Let me illustrate this somewhat subtle nuance in the meaning of lógos with an example from the Septuagint (LXX) (Greek of the Hebrew OT) in which lógos is used in the well known phrase the Ten Commandments. Deserving (514) áxios from ágō = to weigh) strictly speaking means bringing up the other beam of the scales. Having the weight of another thing of like value, worth as much. Counterbalancing - weighing as much (of like value, worth as much).Bringing into balance and hence equivalent or equal value/similar worth (Ro 8:18, see use in Lxx of Pr 3:15, 8:11). Acceptance (594) (apodoche from apodechomai = take fully, welcome, from dechomai) defines that which receives a favorable reception and includes a sense of approval and appreciation. The idea is "to come to believe something to be true and to respond accordingly, with some emphasis upon the source." (Louw & Nida) World (2889) kosmos related to the verb kosmeo = to order or adorn, to put in order [Mt 25:7 = "trimmed"], to adorn literally [1Ti 2:9], to adorn figuratively [Titus 2:9+]) means essentially something that is well-arranged, that which has order or something arranged harmoniously. Kosmos refers to an ordered system or a system where order prevails. As explained below however, kosmos as used here in James 4:4 and many places in the NT, takes on a considerably more negative shade of meaning. In this sense kosmos is much like the Greek word for flesh (sarx), which can be a neutral word, but which many times in the NT takes on an evil connotation. The world, which has in turn a variety of nuances which must be determined by examining the context in which it is used. Save (4982) sozo, has the basic meaning of rescuing one from great peril. Additional nuances include to protect, keep alive, preserve life, deliver, heal, be made whole. Sozo is sometimes used of physical deliverance from danger of perishing (see Mt 8:25; Mt 14:30; Lk 23:35; Acts 27:20, 27:31), physical healing from sickness (Mt 9:21, 22; Mk 5:23, Acts 4:9), and deliverance from demonic possession (Lk 8:36). More often sozo refers to salvation in a spiritual sense to rescue or preserve from eternal death, from judgment, sin, bring salvation, bring to salvation (active sense = Mt 18:11; Lk 7:50; Jn 12:47; Ro 11:14; 1 Cor 1:21; 7:16; Titus 3:5; Hb 7:25; Jas 4:12; 5:20; 1 Pet 3:21 or passive sense = be rescued or saved, attain salvation = Mt 24:13; Mk 10:26; Lk 13:23; 18:26; Jn 3:17; Jn 5:34; Acts 11:14; 15:1, 11; Ro 8:24; 11:26; 1 Cor. 3:15; 5:5; Eph 2:5, 8; 1 Ti 2:4). Jesus' very Name speaks of His primary purpose to save men from their sin - "She (Mary) will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save (sozo) His people from their sins." (Mt 1:21+) In Mt 1:21 sozo is equated with deliverance from sins (guilt and power of) with Jesus' Name being a transliteration of Joshua meaning "Jehovah is salvation". A Real Savior Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. —1 Timothy 1:15 Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Some Christians become deeply troubled when they think about their sinfulness. They long for purity, yet they see only evil within their heart. Guilt torments their minds and they may even doubt their salvation. Martin Luther struggled with this problem. When he entered the monastery at Erfurt, Germany, he devoted himself to prayer, fasting, and service in an effort to gain relief from the weight of his sins. But the burden remained. It was the simple testimony of John Staupitz, the dean of the theological faculty, that brought light to his troubled soul. He urged Luther to look away from his dark thoughts and cast himself completely in the Redeemer’s arms. “Trust the righteousness of His life and the atonement of His death,” he said. Luther did that and found peace. But a short time later he began doubting. “Oh, my sin, my sin, my sin!” he lamented. With utmost kindness, the dean told him that his great sorrow for his sin was his greatest hope. He said, “Know that Jesus Christ is Savior even of those who are great, real sinners, and deserving of utter condemnation.” Alas and did my Savior bleed? And did my Sovereign die? Would He devote that sacred head For such a worm as I? —Watts Christ crossed out our sins at Calvary. Heaven's Surprises Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. —1 Timothy 1:15 Today's Scripture: Revelation 22:1-5 Scripture gives us only a glimpse of the glory we will share in heaven with our crucified and risen Savior. Just think—no more sorrow, no more death, no more crying, no more pain, for the former things will have passed away! (Rev. 21:4). These brief glimpses make us eager to know more of what will flood us with awe when we get there. No doubt the dwelling place of the Lord will be infinitely more beautiful and breathtaking than we are capable of imagining. Someday the silver cord will break, And I no more as now shall sing; But oh, the joy when I shall wake Within the palace of the King. —Crosby Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. The Answers Can Wait 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. — 1 Timothy 1:15 Today's Scripture: Luke 4:14-22 David Herwaldt, a thoughtful, reflective pastor friend of mine, was slowly dying after 50 years of faithful ministry. He often talked with me about the nature of God and the eternity he would soon enter. We realized that we had only a superficial grasp of these mysteries, but we were not distressed. We knew that God had rescued us from our sin and guilt, and we rejoiced in our salvation. We had all we needed to obey the Lord gladly, live confidently, and serve Him gratefully. When we are distressed by our inability to answer life’s most vexing questions, we must remember that Christ did not come to satisfy our curiosity. Rather, He saw us as fallen and hurt, and He came to lift and heal. When Jesus read Isaiah 61:1-2 to the people in the synagogue (Luke 4:16-21), He presented Himself as the promised Messiah, whose primary purpose for coming was spiritual. He came to deliver us from the helplessness of our spiritual poverty, to release us from the shackles of our guilt, to heal our sin-caused blindness, and to set us free from sin’s enslaving power. When trouble seeks to rob your very breath, When tragedy hits hard and steals your days, Recall that Christ endured the sting of death; He gives us hope, and merits all our praise. —Gustafson Christ came not to satisfy our curiosity but to save our souls. “I Did That Too” Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. —1 Timothy 1:15 Today's Scripture: Matthew 18:23-33 Our friend Barbara Leavitt loved flowers. Her home was a garden of rare beauty and sweet fragrance, and so was her life. Her presence was like a delightful bouquet. Barbara went to be with the Lord in 2005, but something happened a few days before she died that I will never forget. My wife and I were sitting at her bedside with other friends telling stories about our childhood when I mentioned that I had once stolen some flowers. There was a park between the elementary school I attended and our home. One day, while walking through the park, I saw a row of irises in bloom and cut several to take to my mother. Some older boys saw me and threatened to call the police. I lived in terror for weeks thinking they would come and take me away. Barbara placed her hand over mine and murmured softly, “I did that too.” I thought, That should be my response when I see the sins of others or hear about them—“I did that too.” Perhaps I’ve not committed their particular sin, but all sin is blameworthy and requires God’s forgiveness. Teach me to feel another’s woe, To hide the fault I see; The mercy I to others show, That mercy show to me. —Pope We can show mercy to others because God has shown mercy to us. What’s Wrong with the World? Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 1 Timothy 1:15 Today's Scripture & Insight: 1 Timothy 1:12–17 There is an oft-heard story that The London Times posed a question to readers at the turn of the twentieth century. What’s wrong with the world? That’s quite the question, isn’t it? Someone might quickly respond, “Well, how much time do you have for me to tell you?” And that would be fair, as there seems to be so much that’s wrong with our world. As the story goes, The Times received a number of responses, but one in particular has endured in its brief brilliance. The English writer, poet, and philosopher G. K. Chesterton penned this four-word response, a refreshing surprise to the usual passing-of-the-buck: “Dear Sirs, I am.” What is wrong with the world? Can you own the answer Paul and Chesterton gave? What is one way you can accept that without sliding into self-hatred? God, thank You for Your immense patience with me, a sinner. To You be honor and glory forever and ever. To learn about answering questions related to the Christian faith, visit ChristianUniversity.org/CA101. Mercy And Reward This is a faithful saying . . . , that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. — 1 Timothy 1:15 Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 When the great Puritan preacher Thomas Hooker (1586-1647) was on his deathbed, a friend tried to console him by saying, “Brother Hooker, you are going to receive your reward.” “No, no!” he breathed. “I go to receive mercy!” In sharp contrast, A. W. Tozer recalled the prayer of a man who had the idea that he could earn heaven as a reward for trying to keep the Ten Commandments. It went something like this: “Now, God, I admit I have not kept number 1 and number 3 and number 7 and number 9. But remember, Father, that I have kept all the others.” How foolish! This man failed to see that if he had broken one commandment, he was guilty of breaking them all (Jas. 2:10). His works were earning him condemnation, not salvation. As the apostle Paul reviewed his 30-plus years of sacrificial service, he saw himself as the “chief” of sinners and totally dependent on God’s mercy. Although he undoubtedly anticipated the rewards he would receive, he gloried only in the cross (Gal. 6:14). There Jesus paid the price for sin so that everyone who trusts in Him will receive mercy. 'Tis mercy all, immense and free, For, O my God, it found out me; Amazing love! How can it be That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me. —Wesley Grace is getting what we do not deserve. Mercy is not receiving what we do deserve. God's Delight When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them. — Matthew 9:36 Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 A Scottish preacher spoke of evangelism as a fellowship of reconciled, forgiven sinners who don’t simply preach but live out their faith. They also offer to others the same reconciliation and forgiveness they have received from God. The apostle Paul expressed the same conviction: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15). Once a blasphemer and persecutor of Christians, Paul believed that God’s mercy was shown to him, the worst of sinners, as an example to other sinners who would later believe on Christ (v.16). Whenever we testify that God has forgiven us and provided eternal life through faith in Christ, we’re declaring that God is a saving God. Yet, when we observe destructive lifestyles among people, it’s easy to write them off. Instead, we should look at them as Christ does. “When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them” (Matthew 9:36). Love is giving for the world's needs, Love is sharing as the Lord leads, Love is caring when the world cries, Love is compassion with Christlike eyes. —Brandt To love sinners is to be like Jesus. Good News Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. — 1 Timothy 1:15 Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 A Christian counselor was troubled by this line in her church’s statement of faith: “We deserve God’s condemnation.” She said she often talks with clients who are so beaten down with self-condemnation that they need to hear, “You deserve God’s love.” I commend that therapist for her empathy, but I’m afraid her thinking is subtly flawed. The good news of the gospel is not that we deserve God’s love. The good news is that God sees us in all our sin and unworthiness, yet He loves us so much that He has provided for our complete forgiveness and acceptance. The apostle Paul said that he had persecuted believers “ignorantly in unbelief” (1 Timothy 1:13). Yet this was not an excuse. He accepted responsibility for his unbelief, referring to himself as “formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man.” Although he saw himself as the “chief” of sinners (v.15), he wasn’t shackled by the guilt of past sins. His primary emphasis was on the Lord’s marvelous grace that freed him from a debilitating sense of unworthiness. No condemnation now I dread, I am my Lord's and He is mine; Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine. —Wesley The one who receives Christ will never receive God's condemnation. 1 Timothy 1:16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. BGT 1 Timothy 1:16 ἀλλὰ διὰ τοῦτο ἠλεήθην, ἵνα ἐν ἐμοὶ πρώτῳ ἐνδείξηται Χριστὸς Ἰησοῦς τὴν ἅπασαν μακροθυμίαν πρὸς ὑποτύπωσιν τῶν μελλόντων πιστεύειν ἐπ᾽ αὐτῷ εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Amplified But I obtained mercy for the reason that in me, as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might show forth and display all His perfect long-suffering and patience for an example to [encourage] those who would thereafter believe on Him for [the gaining of] eternal life. Barclay This was why I received mercy—so that in me Jesus Christ might display all that patience of his, so that I might be the first outline sketch of those who would one day come to believe in him, that they might find eternal life. BBE 1 Timothy 1:16 But for this reason I was given mercy, so that in me, the chief of sinners, Jesus Christ might make clear all his mercy, as an example to those who in the future would have faith in him to eternal life. CSB 1 Timothy 1:16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate His extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life. ERV 1 Timothy 1:16 howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might Jesus Christ shew forth all his longsuffering, for an ensample of them which should hereafter believe on him unto eternal life. ESV 1 Timothy 1:16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. GWN 1 Timothy 1:16 However, I was treated with mercy so that Christ Jesus could use me, the foremost sinner, to demonstrate his patience. This patience serves as an example for those who would believe in him and live forever. KJV 1 Timothy 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. NKJ 1 Timothy 1:16 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. MIT 1 Timothy 1:16 But for this reason I received mercy that Christ Jesus might demonstrate his comprehensive patience first in me, making me a prototype of those who in the future would believe in him to obtain eternal life. NAB 1 Timothy 1:16 But for that reason I was mercifully treated, so that in me, as the foremost, Christ Jesus might display all his patience as an example for those who would come to believe in him for everlasting life. NET 1 Timothy 1:16 But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. NIV 1 Timothy 1:16 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. NJB 1 Timothy 1:16 and if mercy has been shown to me, it is because Jesus Christ meant to make me the leading example of his inexhaustible patience for all the other people who were later to trust in him for eternal life. NLT 1 Timothy 1:16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. NLT (non-revised) But that is why God had mercy on me, so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. NRS 1 Timothy 1:16 But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. Phillips and that because of this very fact God was particularly merciful to me. It was a kind of demonstration of the extent of Christ's patience towards the worst of men, to serve as an example to all who in the future should trust him for eternal life. REB But I was mercifully dealt with for this very purpose, that Jesus Christ might find in me the first occasion for displaying his inexhaustible patience, and that I might be typical of all who were in future to have faith in him and gain eternal life. Wuest Moreover, on this account I was shown mercy, in order that in me first Jesus Christ might demonstrate all the long-suffering [which He has] as an example to those who were to be believing on Him for life eternal. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) YLT 1 Timothy 1:16 but because of this I found kindness, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering, for a pattern of those about to believe on him to life age-during: Yet for this reason: Nu 23:3 Ps 25:11 Isa 1:18 43:25 Eph 1:6,12 2:7 2Th 1:10 I found mercy: 1Ti 1:13 2Co 4:1 Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience: Ex 34:8 Ro 2:4,5 1Pe 3:20 2Pe 3:9,15 as an example: 2Chr 33:9-13,19 Isa 55:7 Lu 7:47 15:10 18:13,14 19:7-9 23:43 Joh 6:37 Ac 13:39 Ro 5:20 15:4 Heb 7:25 for those who would believe in Him for eternal life: John 3:15,16,Jn 3:36 Jn 5:24 Jn 6:40,54 Jn 20:31 Ro 5:21 6:23 1Jn 5:11,12 1 Timothy 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Romans 2:4-5+ Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God John 3:36 “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 5:24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. John 6:40; 54 “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” 54 “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. John 20:31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. Mark 5:19 (ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF GOD'S SAVING POWER - THE GADARENE DEMONIAC) And He did not let him, but He said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” Psalms 107:2 (WE SHOULD FOLLOW PAUL'S PATTERN OF TESTIMONY) Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary CHRIST'S PATTERN OF PERFECT PATIENCE Lenski prefaces this next section writing "In 1Ti 1:12–14 Paul states what God did for him; in 1Ti 1:15, 16 what God thereby did for others." (See Interpretation of St Paul's Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon) S Lewis