God's Great Mercy

Intro: The books of Timothy discuss how to be great Men and Women of God. In just one verse of 1 Timothy 1, we can see the heart of a true Man of God.

12 I thank him who has given me strength. Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service..

Biblical Dissection (read carefully):

• "I thank him..." = If I've done anything good, it is because of his grace (see third point)
• "...given me strength." = REAL POWER, not lip-service! Timothy moves and fulfills the will of God through the strength given him by God.
• Strength like dynamite, the power to impact people with the love of God.
• DO, and do not just pray. Heal. Feed. Help.
• "...he considered me faithful..." -- To be faithful v. To be considered faithful
• Jesus considers us faithful and beautiful, even when we don't think so (and even when we aren't...)
• What is Jesus saying when he considers us faithful, even when we are unfaithful?
• Imagine this with a new employee being given huge responsibilities, and he messes up. What does it mean for his boss to still consider him faithful?
• Jesus says: "I am willing to take your loss," "I love you," and "I trust you with another chance."
• When we understand truly who we are and understand truly our sins, that is when we understand God's grace. Because we know we don't deserve it. We want to take consequences like the younger brother did, but God won't give punishment.
• Therefore, I'm ok because the KING considers me faithful
• We have security in this!
• "...appointing me to His service." -- The things He calls us to do fits us perfectly, they have been custom-made. You may not think it, but God knows better than you do. We must think to ourselves, I WAS MADE FOR THIS. 

Additional Notes:

• Religious people v. Gospel-driven people
• Religious people: bring self-righteousness and constantly ask "Is this enough?"
• Gospel-driven people: come humbly to the Lord knowing our sins but in confidence with the blood of Jesus to life holy hands in worship to Him
• Want a broken heart?
• Discipline your flesh. Withhold things from your flesh, do not make this body so comfortable. This is not our home!
• Ask to be filled by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit detracts focus from yourself and places it on the Kingdom.