1 Timothy 1:16 However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering… I. LET US CONSIDER THIS MERCY IN REFERENCE TO HIMSELF. 1. In the first place, the mercy which he obtained pardoned all his sins. His sins, numerous and aggravated as they were, instead of being visited with deserved punishment, were all forgiven. The hand of mercy blotted out his iniquities as a cloud, and his transgressions as a thick cloud, so that in his own condition the promise of God to the penitent was fulfilled, "I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." How complete and efficacious is the pardon which the penitent transgressor never fails to receive when he confesses his iniquities and cries, "Lord, save me, or I perish"! 2. The mercy which he obtained renewed and sanctified his heart and character. By this Divine and sanctifying illumination an entire change was effected in his sentiments, and feelings, and character; and though no new faculties were imparted to his mind, yet the original faculties of his mind received a new impulse and direction. His mind acquired new associations of ideas; new trains of thought and feeling; new views of himself, and of Christ, and of religion in general; so that he began to love what he once hated, and to hate what he once loved, and to declare, as the result of his own experience, "If any man be in Christ he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new." How warm and constant was his love to Christ, whose mercy he had obtained! "Many waters could not quench it, neither could the floods drown it." With what tender and earnest compassion did his spirit yearn over those who wilfully rejected the mercy which he had obtained, and which, in his estimation, was infinitely valuable! "Of whom," says he, "I have told you often, and I now tell you, even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction." How entirely was he devoted to the work in which he was engaged! What steady and unflinching fortitude and magnanimity he manifested, in the midst of all the afflictions and persecutions he endured! "None of these things move me," said he. And yet what deep humility was associated with all his holy excellencies, and his abundant usefulness! He was "not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles." II. CONSIDER THIS SAME MERCY IN REFERENCE TO JESUS CHRIST. For He was its source and giver, and by Him was this apostle constituted a "vessel of mercy, and a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for the Master's use." And if such a character as Paul's was formed by Christ, what, think you, must be His own character? If Paul was the workmanship of Christ, what, think you, must be the skill, and purity, and power of the heavenly Architect? There was much in the character of Paul that was great, and much in it that was glorious; but every attribute of his greatness and every beam of his glory was derived from Christ. 1. In the first place, the mercy which Jesus Christ exercised towards him was long-suffering mercy. "In me," says he, "Jesus Christ hath showed forth all long-suffering." And in him it was indeed shown most evidently and extensively. Why did not flames from heaven descend, and consume him to ashes? Why? — for the same reason that they have not yet fallen upon you. "Because He is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2. The mercy which Jesus Christ exercised towards him was sovereign mercy. And so far was he from even expecting it, that his thoughts and affections were fully occupied in anticipating the havoc which he intended to make in the church at Damascus. Such was his character up to the very moment when the persecuted Saviour met him in the way. And yet, though he neither deserved this mercy nor desired it, nor expected it, he most abundantly obtained it, with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. No reason, I apprehend, can be assigned, by us at least, why he should be converted at all, or why his conversion should take place at that time, and under those circumstances, except "the good pleasure" of the Saviour's will. "Even so, Father, for so it seemeth good in Thy sight." 3. The mercy which Jesus Christ exercised towards him was efficacious mercy; for it came to him, "not in word only, but in power." If ever any case of depravity and crime appeared to be invincible and desperate, this was the case. III. CONSIDER THIS MERCY IN REFERENCE TO OURSELVES AND TO SINNERS IN GENERAL. The apostle further says in our text, that the mercy which he obtained at his conversion was intended to render him "a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Christ to life everlasting." 1. In the first place, this pattern shows us that the conversion and salvation of a sinner's soul is effected by Divine mercy. Yes, throughout the whole work of man's redemption by the incarnation and sufferings of Christ, and throughout the pardon, and sanctification and spiritual progress of every saved sinner, mercy, sweet mercy reigns. Mercy determined on our salvation in the ages of eternity, and provided a Saviour for us in the fulness of time. Mercy arrests the sinner in his course, and enlightens his mind, and softens his heart and teaches him to pray, and enables him to be faithful even unto death. And mercy opens for him the gates of the celestial city, and conducts him to the throne, and places on his head the crown of everlasting life. 2. In the second. place, this pattern shows us the ability and willingness of Christ to show mercy to the greatest sinners, who repent and believe His gospel. 3. This pattern shews what a believer may become through the Saviour's mercy.(J. Alexander.) Parallel Verses KJV: Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. |
    |