Daily Devotions
1 Timothy
"Grace, mercy and peace..."
Text: 1 Timothy 1:2
SIGNIFICANT WORDS
Writers choose their words carefully. Paul had become a very significant writer over the years. The words he chose must have been significant to him long before he wrote them.
“Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and
Jesus Christ our Lord.”
1 Timothy 1:2
NORMAL WORDS OF GREETING
On the surface, these words represented normal or standard greeting.
1. To wish a person “peace” was a standard “Jewish” way of greeting each other.
2. The additional words, “grace and mercy” are more significantly “Christian”.
3. The trio (Grace, mercy and peace) became standard words used in greeting.
DEEP MEANING BEHIND THESE COMMON WORDS
To the apostle Paul these words symbolised many things. These words were highly theological and personal in their significance! These words were very real and concrete things in the life of the apostle Paul. They were key concepts in his very full and fruitful life.
1. “Grace”
a) It is through grace that salvation is obtained.
b) Faith helps the heart to understand and appreciate the significance of God’s grace extended to sinners.
c) It is through grace that life and service may be sustained.
d) Grace is also needed in the most difficult moments of life.
2. “Mercy”
a) It is closely associated with grace.
b) Mercy is one of the most significant attributes of the Being of God.
c) His mercy is extolled in the Book of Psalms particularly.
3. “Peace”
a) This is often seen as the fruit of the Spirit of God.
b) It is the happy result of praying in faith to God.
c) It is very important to keep the stress of life at bay.
WISHING GRACE, MERCY AND PEACE
Only when a person has experienced the reality of these blessings personally can he write these words meaningfully. Paul certainly experienced these blessings throughout his life and ministry. He thus wished that Timothy, his beloved son would also have similar happy experiences with these profound and significant blessings in his life and ministry.