PAUL: Chief of Sinners?

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1.12-17)

 

The passage above has been greatly misunderstood. Most teach the point of the passage is Paul’s admission that he was the “chief of sinners,” that is, the greatest sinner who ever lived. In the translation above (NASB), the translators have added “of all” to ensure this point (verse 15). Even more egregious is the NET Bible translation, which adds, “and I am the worst of them!” Such “helps” add to the confusion. 

CONSIDER THE DOG

Consider MY dog, Molly.

I was contemplating (deep thought) whether my dog has the capacity of what we call love; the ability to be affectionate. More than any other definition, we put more emphasis on "feeling(s)" to explain what love is. But feeling may be of least importance. I believe "utmost devotion" to be a better definition of love…a commitment, if you will, of the responsibility we assume to care for someone else more than ourselves. 1 Corinthians 13:8 says, "Love never fails." NEVER failing!
THAT standard is exceedingly high.
I have, on occasion, failed my dog. She has NOT failed me.

FERVENT PRAYER

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16

Prayer, sometimes with some people, can be a formality, a habit, even a ritual, which, at the least, makes it a disappointment to God, in my opinion. Think of "lukewarm." God does not like lukewarm, Rev. 3:16.

TRUTH ABOUT THE KINGDOM

My intent is to identify the consequences of not distinguishing between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom of God is the universal and eternal rule of God. The Kingdom of Heaven is the earthly sphere of the Kingdom of God, the coming Messianic reign of Jesus Christ, the Son of David. Found only in Matthew's Gospel, the book of the King and His coming Kingdom, it looks to His heavenly rule over the earth in the soon-coming millennium.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Spiritual warfare is a battle against the forces of darkness (evil).

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to STAND against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to WITHSTAND in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND.

STAND therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." Ephesians 6:10-18 (emphasis added)

The Christian and His Disposition in the World - by CGB

Our Verses - Jude Ch. 1:3 and 2nd Tim. Ch. 2:24

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude Ch.1:3

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.” 2nd Tim. Ch.2:24

I want to speak about what may appear to be a contradiction in terms, as they say, but it is not in any way. I want to sound the alarm in what I see to be a misunderstanding regarding our duty as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Notice in our first verse the admonition to “contend for the faith.” The faith we find in the Holy Scriptures that was delivered once to the saints. The faith delivered by men that we can trust completely as they were directed by the Holy Spirit. What does contend mean? 

The Bible and Politics

The more I read my Bible and listen to the “news” the more I “see” the Bible “IN” the news. The Bible… the Word of God, written by men chosen and inspired by God, is full of prophecy – some fulfilled… some not yet fulfilled. The Bible is a self-revealing book. And what it is revealing is what is “happening” in the news. The “news” is ALL political, and the world is being consumed by the politics of a collective degeneration and collapse of the mind, body, soul, and spirit.