1 Timothy 1:12-18 Change in perspective

1 Timothy 1:12-18 Change in perspective

  In what perspective do we see the world? Let’s look at three ways that change perspective from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness. May this lead to the blessing of transformation.

1. A sinner’s perspective, God’s perspective with Grace (13-17).

  In verse 13, Paul confesses that he was once a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man. Paul was a sinner, yet God saw him from His perspective with grace. Why? Verses 14-15 write, “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.” Paul knew that he was saved by God’s grace and he lived for Him by His grace. It is a problem when we think that we are good and righteous on our own. But when we realize that we are sinners, we will experience God’s abundance grace. God will show us mercy (13-16). I pray that we will acknowledge that we are sinful, receive God’s forgiveness, mercy, and grace.

2. God’s sovereign kingdom perspective (17). 

  God is our King. He is the LORD, and there is no other, apart from Him there is no God. Verse 17 says, “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” When we submit to God’s sovereignty, we do our best and trust Him with the rest and pray. Jesus taught us the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven...” This is how we should pray. Pray that His kingdom come, His will be done, and His reign will be fulfilled. May we experience God’s Kingdom on earth as we submit to his sovereignty.

3. Eternal perspective (16-18).
  There are two ways to see the world, a momentary perspective and an eternal perspective. If we live with a momentary perspective, we will live with worldly values, compare and feel anxious and hopeless. However, if we see the world through an eternal perspective, we will see everything differently. Verse 16 says that he was shown mercy that Christ Jesus displays his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Verse 17 says, “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Eternal life, eternal king, forever and ever indicate eternal perspective. John the Apostle, who was over 90 years old, lived victoriously in Christ, recorded the Book of Revelation despite loneliness and suffering. What was his key to victory? He had an eternal perspective. He believed and saw the LORD, eternal God, Jesus Christ who will return soon, and eternal future. He was able to overcome suffering and endure hardship because he saw the LORD Jesus Christ, looked forward to drinking from the river of the water of life and reigning with Christ in the future.

  Dear saints, what kind of perspective of life would grant us happiness? We must acknowledge that we are sinners. Believe Jesus as LORD and Savior. Receive salvation and eternal life by God’s Grace. Submit to God and let Him reign in your life. Live with perspectives of a sinner, God’s grace, God’s Kingdom, and eternity. Tell others about Jesus and live a blessed life as His bride in the name of the LORD. Amen.