The Power Of The Pedigree

Sermon Title: The Power of the Pedigree

Text: I Timothy 1:12-20

Date: July 27, 2003 AM

Context of Scripture:

This morning, we will be continuing in our study of Paul’s first letter to his student Timothy. I have entitled this morning’s message, “The Power of the Pedigree”, because we will be looking beyond Paul’s title. In our last message in regards to this writing, we looked at length at Paul’s title and his claim to it. We looked at the authority through which Paul could lay the claim to his Apostleship. Paul took his responsibilities very seriously and now with that in mind let us look even deeper and further into this writing. Let us stand in reverence to the reading of God’s Holy Word.

Scripture Reading: I Timothy1:12-20

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, 13 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; 14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. 15 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. 16 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. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

18 ¶ This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, 19 keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. 20 Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.

Sermon Introduction:

I want to approach this morning’s text on the basis and the mindset of our relationship with the Lord. Now perhaps that is something that someone is still working on here this morning. Let me make this suggestion to anyone who is stopping just short of making a commitment to Jesus. Do not allow ridiculously minor details to hold you back. If the conviction of the Holy Spirit is telling you to begin a relationship, then by all means come forward. Heed the Spirit’s guidance.

In our spiritual life, regardless of where we may be, how would we answer the question, What are we thankful for? This may vary depending on where we are spiritually. I personally, am thankful for my time in prayer. There is nothing more soothing then being in the presence of the Lord and feeling His loving arms around us. If we have been delivered from our sins, then we are probably grateful for that deliverance. I am thankful for the fact that I do not have to be ashamed of the things that I do. Each and every one of us probably have our own list of things, and they probably vary considerably depending on from whence you came and how far along you are in your walk with the Lord.

What were we like, before Jesus entered our lives? Even if you are not to a point of total surrender, your life changes or begins to change the moment you begin thinking about Jesus. You cannot help thinking about His sacrifice, you cannot help thinking about God’s extreme love for us because He allowed His Son to experience such an excruciating ordeal.

Without a doubt, we are completely different in many aspects after we begin approaching Jesus. We go from a soul that is dead in sin and become a reason for heavenly celebration as we look forward to an eternity in the presence of our Lord.

We almost have to ask the question, “What caused the change?” It is the acceptance by Jesus of us, regardless of the state that He found us in. He takes us as we are and at that point where we mutually find each other, He sees in us what we can become through Him. It has nothing to do with what the church board sees in us. It has nothing to do with what the police might see in us. It has nothing to do with what a sanctified, cranktified and petrified frowning prune of an individual who has warmed a church pew for years but has little else to show for their relationship with Jesus, it has nothing to do with what they see as the possibility for a sinner. Jesus sees through the dirt and filth. Jesus sees through the moral decay. Jesus sees through the bad choices. Jesus sees through the addictions, the crimes, and the lack of past relationship with Him, and instead sees a soul that can be with Him in heaven for eternity. How many of our closest friends would ever see us with that optimism?