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"As a pattern..."

Text: 1 Timothy 1:16

REASONS FOR OUR SALVATION

Why would God save a person at all? We could come up with many possible reasons. The apostle Paul highlighted one reason in the following text.

“However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that
in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering,
as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him
for everlasting life.”

1 Timothy 1:16

1. “However”

a) This word in the Greek text is a contrastive conjunction (“alla”).

b) It serves to highlight a special nuance.

c) It does not limit it to just one reason.

2. “For this reason I obtained mercy”

a) A special reason is now highlighted.

b) “Mercy” was singled out.

c) This word does not exclude the other prominent words mentioned earlier (grace, faith and mercy).

3. “That in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering”

a) Paul saw himself as an example.

b) He was of course not the only example.

c) He was an example of a recipient of “all longsuffering”.

i) The Lord had not judged him.

ii) He had not condemned the sinful.

iii) He had just shown tremendous longsuffering (“great patience”).

4. “As a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life”

a) The word “pattern” was specifically used.

b) Paul would be a clear example for all who are going to believe.

c) Common questions may include the following:-

i) Can a truly sinful person believe and be fully forgiven?

ii) Can he be granted eternal life?

Paul’s salvation would be sufficient proof of God’s longsuffering and mercy. With full salvation given the believer may make his life count for the glory of the Lord.