1. I was shown mercy (12-17)

Paul never forgot God's grace in his life. He had been a violent man, a blasphemer of God and a persecutor of God's people. But Jesus poured out his grace and changed him into a man of faith and love. Jesus displayed his patience with sinners by appointing this 'worst of sinners' to his service. When Paul thought about God's grace in his life, a doxology of praise welled up from his heart.

2. Fight the good fight (18-20)

Timothy was a promising young man. Paul wanted him to know that to be a servant of God was not an easy or 'natural' way of life. The life of faith is a battle. The servant of God must hold on to faith when everyone else is full of doubt; he must not compromise his conscience no matter what temptations arise. Those who shipwreck their faith by seeking an easy way must suffer under Satan's yoke.

Application: Lord, help me to remember your basic grace and fight the good fight of faith.
One Word: Jesus came to save sinners