And I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service; although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
This instruction I commit to you, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to you, that by them you may wage the good warfare; holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust away made a shipwreck concerning the faith; of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
Questions
- How has Jesus Christ appointed you to his service? If you don’t think he has, do you continually ask for your assignment?
- Do you find yourself continuing in sin, even though you consider yourself a Christ follower? Do you understand it is a symptom of unbelief? Do you ask Christ on a regular basis to remove your unbelief?
- How does Christ display his patience within your life?
- When was the last time you whispered this prayer: “To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”? Try it out today!
- Are you waging the “good warfare”? How? What does this warfare look like in your day-to-day following of Christ?
- Do you hold to your faith and a good conscience?
- Do you know those who have “shipwrecked” their faith? Do you pray for them?
