1. A sinner is shown mercy (12-17)

Paul thanked God for his abundant grace. The book of Acts describes Paul as an enemy of the early church and the gospel. Jesus met and showed his mercy to Paul. That mercy transformed Paul from the worst of sinners to an apostle. The mercy of Jesus reveals the power of God. Paul became the display case of the lifegiving power of the gospel. He gave all praise to King Jesus whose mercy is honor, glory, and eternal life to the worst of sinners.

2. That you might fight the battle well (18-20)

Holding on to faith is not an easy task. Paul had given Timothy the gospel, recognizing God's call in his life. Timothy was a young man, but Paul had given him stewardship of a place where the gospel had been rejected by prominent men. Paul encouraged him to fight the battle of holding on to this faith in the midst of men who chose a different path. The life of faith is a daily struggle to depend only on the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. It is the way God's servant reveals his glorious mercy in a world that rejects God.


Application: Lord, thank you for your lifegiving mercy. Help me to hold on to faith and reveal your glory.
One Word: Fight the battle well