Christ came to save sinners

Discipleship in the church
Christ came to save sinners
1 Timothy 1:12-20
Christ came to save sinners so we must fight for the gospel

1) I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 1:12.
Christ gave strength to Paul by calling him to himself and appointing and empowering him to be an apostle. What did Paul mean by saying he did this because “he judged me faithful” when at that time Paul was persecuting the church (v.13)?

2) though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 1:13.
Why did Christ show mercy to Paul?

3) and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus, 1:14.
How was Paul transformed from the blaspheming, persecuting Saul to the Christ-serving apostle Paul? Can you think of examples of this kind of impact of grace in your life?

4) The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost, 1:15.Y
How could Paul say he is the foremost of sinners?

5) But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life, 1:16.
Paul adds to his reason God showed him mercy. Explain this.

6) To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen, 1:17.
Why does Paul launch into praising God here? Talk about how Paul describes God. How can we keep our hearts as amazed at God’s grace and mercy as Paul was?

7) This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 1:18-19.
Why does Paul’s charge to Timothy involve fighting the good warfare? What does this mean? How does rejecting this lead to a shipwreck of their faith?

8) among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme, 1:20.
What does it mean to hand someone over to Satan? How can this teach someone not to continue sinning?