Thursday, July 3, 2014

1 Timothy 1 ~ Praying Scripture

Please read 1 Timothy 1.
Meditate on verse 12.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord,
who has strengthened me
because He considered me faithful,
putting me into service.

Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to teach the believers how to function as the church of the living God (1 Timothy 1:3; 3:15).  Paul wrote this letter to Timothy to give him instructions concerning church organization and responsibilities of believers.  It is a timely message for the church today because the administration of God is still by faith (1 Timothy 1:4). 

Before Paul gave Timothy guidelines for church administration, Paul thanked Jesus for giving him strength, mercy, grace, faith, love, and patience.  Paul acknowledged his past life as a blasphemer, persecutor, violent aggressor, and the foremost of sinners.  If Jesus Christ saved Paul and put him into service, then no one in Ephesus was hopeless for eternal life and serving the Lord.  Timothy and the other Christians needed to be reminded, so they would continue to fight the good fight (1 Timothy 1:12-18).

This letter is for you and those for whom you are praying.   Are you in a seemingly hopeless situation?  Are you standing guard over someone who appears will never follow Christ?  Be encouraged by blasphemous, violently aggressive, persecuting, sinful Paul, who because of the Lord Jesus Christ, became a faithful servant to eternal, immortal, invisible King Jesus.  If God can save Paul, He can save anyone!

Pray 1 Timothy 1:12-19 over yourself and those for whom you are standing guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

“Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen __________ and me.
Please consider us faithful and put us into service.
Show us Your mercy, grace, faith, and love.
Thank you for coming into the world to save sinners.
Please let _________ believe in You for eternal life.
Help us fight the good fight, keep the faith, and a good conscience.
Now to You, King eternal, immortal, invisible,
the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.  Amen.”


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