1 Timothy 1:12-14 Service

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. [1 Timothy 1:12-14 NASB]

The apostle Paul was unparalleled in his service for Christ. He preached and planted churches throughout the Roman Empire. He was persecuted, stoned and left for dead, shipwrecked, beaten multiple times. He was hungry, thirsty, afraid, and discouraged. Yet, through it all, he remained faithful. Not because he was naturally tenacious, or stronger that other men, but because relied on Jesus, the source of his strength.

It was because of Jesus' strength that Paul was able to be counted as faithful. In fact, faithfulness is included in the fruit of the Spirit;

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. [Galatians 5:22-23 NASB]

Faithfulness does not grow out of tenacity, or stubbornness. It comes from a humble willingness to serve, and a sincere desire to know Christ.

I have heard some say that Paul's background as a Pharisee, and his zeal as persecutor of the church were "whitewashed" into faithful service. Paul doesn't seem to agree with that assessment. He references his past sins as a contrast to who he became. He is not a faithful servant because of his past, but in spite of it. He said;

More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, [Philippians 3:8 NASB]

At the same time, he never let the past hinder his present. He said that he was shown mercy because he acted ignorantly in unbelief. It's the same for all who don't know Jesus. In their unbelief, they act ignorantly, not capable of following Him. But, His mercy is freely available to all who will come to Him, and surrender their past to Him. Those of us who surrender our past know the joy of His Spirit in the present, and the glorious hope of a future with Him.

None of us has the capacity within ourselves to be a faithful servant of Christ. It is only by His grace and His strength. Whatever strengths you thought you had before being saved need to be counted as loss, so that you can rely on His strength alone.

Don't let guilt from your past hinder you from serving Him now. That is not from God, but is selfish and arrogant. It is saying that your sin is greater than God's grace. Yet Paul said;

The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, [Romans 5:20 NASB]

Paul said that the grace of God is "more than abundant." The literal translation of that phrase is "superabundant". The grace of God is superabundant.

All the tools you need for service are found in Christ. It is His grace and strength. He is the source of our faithfulness. Faith and love are found in Him.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for the calling with which You have called me to serve. I don't serve in my name, but in Yours alone. I pray for Your strength. I turn to You for the wisdom, love and faith that I need to complete my service.