READ: 1
Timothy 1: 12-20
1 Timothy 1:12 " I thank Jesus Christ our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service."
Take
a minute to let the words of this verse sink in. The fact that God trusts us in
amazing, isn't it? God knows all and sees all, which means that He sees all our
weaknesses and faults. Despite this He chooses to use us, and in doing so, He
is declaring that He trusts us!
In
the verse prior (1 Timothy 1:11) Paul states that the gospel concerning the
glory of the blessed God had been entrusted to him. The word entrusted means,
to put something into someone’s care or protection." So what is Paul
saying? Immediately Paul goes on to tell us about all of his failures and
mistakes He had made in his life (1 Timothy1:14-15). Why would God entrust anything
to a man who once killed Christians?
Do
you ever wonder how God could trust you? Maybe you have a long list of failures
that you have already brought to the front of your mind. You read the words,
but in your heart you don't believe them; “God can’t trust me." you say. Well
then, the next verse is for you. "Here is a trustworthy saying that
deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners- of
whom I am worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the
worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example
for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:
15-16
Did
Paul have to change to become trustworthy to God? Oh yes he did. Paul repented
and walked out a life of repentance to be used by God. But the point is that
even the worst of sinners can be entrusted with something from God because of
the abundance of God mercy and grace! Our ability to be used by God is much
more dependent on the greatest of the gospel, not on our worthiness!
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1.
Ask the Holy Spirit to show
you areas of your life where you have been already entrusted with something
precious. It could be things like your kids, marriage, job, areas of influence,
evangelism opportunities, etc. Thank Him that He would trust you with these
things.
2.
Listen in prayer and see if
there are old faults or failures of your past that are stopping you from acting
on what God has entrusted you with. Ask Jesus to show you how to move past
these things. If there are sins or struggles that you are still dealing with,
confess them to God and bring them to the cross.
3.
Paul finishes off this
portion of scripture praising Jesus for what he has done (1 Timothy 1:17) spend
some time praising the King Eternal for all he has done in your life! REALLY
PRAISE HIM!
