1 Timothy 1:12-17
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, 13 even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. 14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.
15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.
Running over, running over, my cup is full and running over. Since the Lord saved me, I’m as happy as can be. My cup is full and running over.
These lyrics are from an old Sunday school song I used to sing as a child. Though this melody has been hidden in my mind for a long time, when I read 1 Timothy 1:12-17, I started singing like I was five again.
It is important to look at where this scripture passage fits within the chapter. Paul greets Timothy, warns against false teachings and then suddenly praises God for His mercy. It seems that Paul was “running over” when he interrupted himself to thank God. I hope as you read this passage you identified with Paul’s testimony. “Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.” (v.14). Paul has a lot to be happy for and as Believers, we should also be extremely grateful.
Read verse sixteen again: “But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” Paul reminds me how exciting and undeserved God’s forgiveness is and how I was changed from my former sins. I need to be an example so that others will believe in the miracle of love God revealed through Christ.
Are you happy to be free? The kind of freedom that is undeserved and unexpected has been given to you. Your cup is running over and you are free!
Youth Department