Pastor Jack Peters
July 9, 2023
1 Tim 1:12-17
“Understatement is a figure of speech in which something is expressed less strongly than would be expected, or in which something is presented as being smaller, worse, or lesser than it really is.” – Bing – Some classic understatements:
During the Apollo 13 mission, when an oxygen tank exploded while the crew was about 200,000 miles from Earth, astronaut Jack Swigert calmly radioed back to mission control in Houston with the understated words, “Houston, we’ve had a problem here.”1
When Japan surrendered to end World War II after two atomic bombs were dropped. Emperor Hirohito said this to the Japanese people: the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan’s advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest.”
A Boeing 747 was being flown by Captain Eric Moddy when it flew into a cloud of dust spewed out by an eruption of Mount Galunggung, 110 miles south east of Jakarta. The oxygen masks dropped when the plane steepened its decent and the captain had to tell the passengers they were having a problem: “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. This is your captain speaking. We have a small problem. All four engines have stopped. We are all doing our (hardest – not original word) to get them going again. I trust you are not in too much distress.” The plane did land safely in Jakarta.
The 10 Greatest Understatements In History - Unbelievable Facts (unbelievable-facts.com)
These were great understatements.
However, I made a greater understatement when I gave this message a title. Grace is not just important it wonderful, it is marvelous, it is the reason for our existence as Christians. It is essential.
We are talking about Church Life Essentials in the local church:
Last week we said, Accuracy is important.
THE ASSIGNMENT – 1 Timothy 1:3-4
THE AIM – 1 Timothy 1:5
THE ANTAGONISTS – 1 Timothy 1:6-7
THE ASSESSMENT – 1 Timothy 1:8-10
THE ANSWER – 1 Timothy 1:11- The glorious Gospel.
Paul now goes on and shows how important, yes, essential grace is, by using himself as an example.
READ SCRIPTURE
THE RECEPTION OF GRACE – 1 Timothy 1:12-14
1 Timothy 1:12
- Paul was enabled by grace. 1 Corinthians 15:10
- Paul was counted faithful by God.
- Paul was given ministry. He has given ministry to all believers. Ephesians 2:10, Romans 12:6-8
1 Timothy 1:13 – Paul sums it up well. Insolent means arrogantly rude, “audacious”. He acted in unbelief and was, therefore, forgivable. That is a great message. Rebellion in unbelief is forgivable, through faith in Christ.
THE RESOURCE OF GRACE – 1 Timothy 1:15
- Christ came to save sinners. Unless you are willing to own up to your sin and admit you need a Savior, you are in denial. Romans 3:10, 23
- Christ’s sacrifice paid for your sin. Romans 5:6-8
- Paul may have been the chief of sinners, but each of us can testify to our own unworthiness.
THE REASON FOR GRACE – 1 Timothy 1:16
- Paul was, what is called in a courtroom, “Exhibit A”. He was the first piece of evidence, but not the last.
- Jesus showed his patience towards Paul, so others, would have his example to follow. Basically, the thought is, if Jesus can save Paul, he can save anyone.
- He was saved by faith in the grace of God; you can be too!
- If you have been saved, you are also exhibit of the grace of God and need to be sharing!
THE REJOICING OF GRACE – 1 Timothy 1:17
- The Triune God is worthy of all praise and adoration!
- He’s the King Eternal – “King of the ages”.
- He’s immortal – No beginning, no ending
- Invisible – Even when you don’t see him, He’s there.
- The only God! – There are no alternatives, if you want to worship the true God!
- He is worthy of continuous honor and glory and will receive it forever!
