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4. Amazing Grace

1 Timothy 1:12-17

Day One Study

1. For background information, read about Paul’s conversion in Acts 7:54–8:3; 9:1-31; 22:3-5; 22:19-20; 26:9-11 and Galatians 1:13-14. What information is given about Paul’s life before he met the risen Christ? How was his life changed?

2. Read 1 Timothy 1:12-17. Discuss what Paul says about himself in verses 13 and 15?

3. For what did Paul thank God? Why?

4. Define mercy. See also Psalm 103:13-14, Ephesians 2:4-7 and Romans 5:8.

5. What does this reveal about God’s character? How does this encourage you?

6. How did God show Paul grace?

Focus on the Meaning: What is grace? Grace is that which God does for mankind through His Son, which mankind cannot earn, does not deserve, and will never merit. It is God’s unmerited favor in spite of the response of humanity. It is summed up in the name, person, and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Chuck Swindoll)

7. Adorning Yourself: How does He show it to us today? How can we show it to others?

8. What “trustworthy saying” does Paul cite in 1 Timothy 1:15? Why does it deserve “full acceptance”?

Focus on the Meaning: “Trustworthy saying” in Greek is Pistos ho logos, literally, “faithful the word.” The phrase is found only in the Pastoral Epistles. See also 1 Timothy 3:1, 2 Timothy 2:11,and Titus 3:8. It is used to describe statements that ought to be regarded as fully reliable – a nonnegotiable truth.

9. How was Paul an example of Christ’s unlimited patience?

10. Adorning Yourself: How have you experienced Christ’s patience? Where would we be if God were not patient, merciful and gracious to us? Read 2 Peter 3:9. Thank God for His unlimited patience this week! Ask God for His strength to be more patient with others.

Day Two Study

11. What can we learn about the character of God from the “doxology” Paul writes in verse 17?

Focus on the Meaning: Amen—The word comes from a Hebrew root meaning, “to be firm, steady, trustworthy.” It is used in the Old Testament by a congregation or an individual to accept both the validity of an oath and its consequences (see Numbers 5:22, Deuteronomy 27:15-16, Jeremiah 11:5) as well as a response to a benediction. By the time of the New Testament, the word was regularly used at the close of prayers and doxologies to agree with the ideas and sentiments that had just been expressed.

12. What does the doxology tell you about Paul’s relationship with God?

13. Read 1 Timothy 1:18-20. What is the “good fight” Paul urged Timothy to fight (see also 1 Timothy 6:12)?

14. What part do faith and a good conscience play in engaging in this battle?

15. Paul noted that some believers had shipwrecked their faith. Why would Christians do this?

16. Paul had handed Hymenaeus and Alexander over to Satan, removing them from the church fellowship. Hymenaeus’ error is described in 2 Timothy 2:17-18. Why would Paul do something like this? (See also 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15.)

17. Adorning Yourself: For the sake of the rest of the members, a local church body cannot support error-filled teaching. How do you determine whether you are drawn to teaching that is true to the gospel or could be filled with errors? What are some of the “red flags” that you look for or listen for in someone’s teaching?

Related Topics: Curriculum

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