(1) Repeated words:
I am grateful v.12a, I was treated with mercy v.13 and 16, our Lord's grace was abundant v.14.Why was Paul grateful?
because He (Jesus Christ) considered me faithful v.12b, I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man...unbelief v.13, sinners-and I am the worst of them v.15, me as the worst v.16
Since God saved the worst then this action demonstrated something about Him:
utmost patient v.16, be honor and glory forever and ever v.17
(2) 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. 1:17 Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.
The purpose of this section can be found in the word, "going to believe" or literally, "one being about to believe." Paul''s example is to encourage those who have not believed in Jesus yet. Perhaps they were those who think they were not deserved because of their sins. Paul was saying to them, "if I, the worst sinner, would be given mercy and grace, and so would you."
Another incentive Paul gave to them was the result of the believing, namely, the eternal life. In v.17, Paul expanded the idea of eternity.
(NAC) First, Paul designated God as “the King eternal,” a phrase that picks up on the theme of eternal life in v. 16. The term denotes God as the ruler of all ages from creation and pictures him as literally the King of the ages. Second, he described God as “immortal” or immune from decay and corruption. Third, he described God as “invisible,” but believers can view the splendid glory of God residing in the person of Jesus (2 Cor 4:6; John 1:14). Finally, he presented God as the “only” God, an adjective which insists that God has no competitors. God is unique, incomparable, and glorious.
(3) Reflection: (1) Our reflection of who we are helps us to have a grateful heart to God. Can you imagine you will appoint the worst, most rebellious, most violent kid in your Sunday school class to be the leader of the class? Or you will train him to be the future Sunday school teacher? God gave this opportunity to Paul. According to Acts, Paul was saved and was called to ministry at the same time. (2) Our reflection also helps us to praise God for Who He is. Do you find ourselves having difficulty to spend time to praise God in prayer? Perhaps we need to first spend time to reflect. (3) Our reflection helps to encourage others to believe in Jesus. When was the last time you shared the Gospel with someone?
Audrey
Comments