The Abundant Grace of our Lord 1 Timothy 1:14

Paul the apostle knew it was the “Christ Jesus our Lord” who “enabled” him and “found him faithful” to be put “into the ministry”. Though he was previously a “blasphemer, persecutor and injurious”, he “obtained mercy” from the Lord “because he did it in ignorance in unbelief”. As Paul continued his thought, he wrote in chapter one and verse fourteen of his letter to Timothy concerning “the grace of our Lord” and its abundance where we read:

And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

The verse begins, “And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant...” Paul began, “And the grace” which literally means “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, goodwill, lovingkindness and favor” and otherwise the “unmerited favor” “of our Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding and our master” “was exceeding abundant” or “overflowing or possessing in excess”. Paul knew he was underserving of the Lord's “overflowing and excessive” grace, and yet he received it from the Lord Jesus anyway.

The verse continues, “...with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” As though the “exceeding abundant grace of our Lord” was not enough, Paul added, “with faith” which is “conviction of the truth of anything and belief;” “and love” which is the Greek word “agape” and means “affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love, and unconditional love” “which is in” or “that which is by, with or within” “Christ Jesus” who is “Christos lesous” or “the anointed messiah” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation”. Paul received the overflowing, excessive grace of the Lord Jesus with the benefits of belief and unconditional love even though he previously was in opposition to the very one who gave them.

Although Paul the apostle grew up knowing the scriptures, he did not know the originator of them. As we read in the book of Acts in chapter nine, He strove in opposition to Jesus until the Lord met him on the road to Damascus. Paul serves as an example to anyone who seems to be diametrically opposed to Christianity and a relationship with Jesus Christ, and although he did everything to stop the work of Christ and the church, still the “exceeding abundant grace of our Lord” was extended to him. As we think through these words, let us realize that this “overflowing and excessive” grace has been extended to us as well. We who through our lives of sin were in opposition to Jesus have been given His “abundant grace with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus”, and we should sing and give praises to Him every day for His truly “Amazing Grace”. “O Lord Jesus, we praise you for your faith, love and overflowing and excessive grace” which has been wonderfully given to us!” In Jesus' name we exalt you, thank you and pray, amen.

Next time Paul shares why Jesus came into the world, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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