Having identified teachers of the Law of Moses in the church at Ephesus as contrary to sound doctrine, Paul now reminds Timothy of the contrast between these false teachers and the qualifications of Paul himself:
“I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (1 Tim 1:12-14).
Dark disunity from God can suddenly blossom into perfect unity upon the overflow of Jesus’ grace and forgiveness. The faith and love that are in Christ and are Christ are like a reservoir behind a dam, just waiting for the opportunity to be released into the parched valley below! Imagine the height of Jesus’ desire to unleash this saving grace on every person!
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the word to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Tim 1 :15-17).
A behavior of perfect unity that does not get much attention in the Cycle in the New Testament is the never-ending love of Jesus as co-equal with God. Take this to heart and burst with joy: despite our frequent repentance needed after pursuing acts of disunity, it is Jesus’ perfect patience to overwhelm the hesitant with true belief and its gift that keeps on giving: eternal life!
To the King of the ages, indeed!
“This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme” (1 Tim 1:18-20).
Behaviors of perfect unity:
- Wage good warfare against Satan;
- Hold on to faith; and
- Maintain a good conscience.
Behaviors of disunity:
- Failing to do the above!
Let us aspire to behave as Paul charged Timothy!